Can a new drug combo save failing kidney transplants?

NCT ID NCT04561986

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Vastra Gotaland Region Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial is testing whether adding tocilizumab to standard care can slow the decline in kidney function for people who have chronic antibody-mediated rejection after a kidney transplant. Half of the 50 participants will receive tocilizumab plus standard care, while the other half receives standard care alone, for 24 months. The main goal is to compare the change in kidney function (measured by eGFR) between the two groups over that period. Participants will also have kidney biopsies at 12 and 24 months to monitor the rejection process.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Tocilizumab (also known as RoActemra), a drug that blocks the IL-6 receptor to dampen the immune attack on the transplanted kidney.
What this could lead to: If effective, adding tocilizumab to standard care could slow the loss of kidney function in transplant recipients with chronic rejection, potentially delaying or avoiding the need for dialysis or a new transplant.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial (50 participants), and results may not apply to all patients. Tocilizumab can increase the risk of infections and other side effects, and the benefit over standard care alone is not yet proven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute transplant rejection

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANTIBODY MEDIATED REJECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña

A Coruña, Spain
Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset

Valencia, Spain
Hospital del Mar

Barcelona, Spain
Karolinksa University Hospital

Stockholm, Stockholm County, SE-141 86, Sweden
Transplant Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital

Gothenburg, Vastra Gotaland Regioin, Sweden
Uppsala University Hospital

Uppsala, Uppsala County, 751 85, Sweden

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