Can a new drug combo shield young hearts from transplant complications?

NCT ID NCT03386539

First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether a combination of everolimus and low-dose tacrolimus is better than the standard tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil at preventing serious long-term complications in children who have had a heart transplant. The study will follow 211 participants from 25 centers for 2.5 years, measuring the cumulative burden of major adverse events like coronary artery vasculopathy, chronic kidney disease, and acute rejection. The goal is to find a regimen that improves outcomes without increasing the risk of graft loss or other complications.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
everolimus combined with low-dose tacrolimus, compared to tacrolimus with mycophenolate mofetil
What this could lead to
If successful, this could identify a better immunosuppressive regimen that reduces the risk of heart transplant complications, such as coronary artery vasculopathy and kidney disease, potentially improving long-term survival and quality of life for pediatric heart transplant recipients.
What could go wrong
The trial is in Phase 3 but still involves a specific pediatric population, and results may not generalize to all patients. There are risks of side effects from immunosuppressants, including increased infection risk, and the study may not show a significant difference between the two treatment groups.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Boston Children's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Children's Health Dallas University of Texas Southwestern

    Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States

  • Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Emory

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

  • Children's Hospital Colorado

    Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

  • Children's Hospital Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, California, 90027, United States

  • Children's Hospital at Montefiore

    The Bronx, New York, 10803, United States

  • Children's Hospital of New York

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

  • Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States

  • Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States

  • Children's National Medical Center

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20010, United States

  • Children's of Alabama

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States

  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States

  • Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

    Hollywood, Florida, 33021, United States

  • Loma Linda University

    Loma Linda, California, 92354, United States

  • Lurie Children's Hospital

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

  • Phoenix Children's Hospital

    Phoenix, Arizona, 85016, United States

  • Primary Children's Hospital

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States

  • Seattle Children's Hospital

    Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States

  • Stanford University

    Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States

  • Texas Children's Hospital

    Houston, Texas, 77027, United States

  • The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

  • University of Florida Congenital Heart Center

    Gainesville, Florida, 32610-0297, United States

  • University of Michigan Medical Center

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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