Can a thymus gland protein shield dialysis patients from COVID-19?
NCT ID NCT04428008
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This Phase 2 trial tested whether thymalfasin, a synthetic version of a natural immune-boosting protein, could prevent COVID-19 infection in 189 kidney dialysis patients. These patients are at high risk due to weakened immune systems and frequent clinic visits. The study measured how many got infected, were hospitalized, or died.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Thymalfasin (Thymosin alpha 1, Ta1)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to protect vulnerable dialysis patients from COVID-19 infection.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early Phase 2 pilot trial, so results may not be definitive. The drug may not reduce infection rates or severity as hoped.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COVID-19 are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
Clinical Research Consultants
Kansas City, Kansas, 64111, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Five years on: how does long COVID evolve?
- Can a targeted pill tame severe COVID-19?
- Can an organic compound tame COVID-19 in High-Risk patients?
- Could exercise retrain the heart in long COVID?
- Can a new drug work safely in patients with kidney failure?
- Can a new drug shield lungs from COVID-19's worst damage?