Kidney TransplantationPhase 2NCT01436305
Optimization of NULOJIX® Usage As A Means of Avoiding CNI and Steroids in Renal Transplantation
A Phase 2 study testing Alemtuzumab, MMF and Basiliximab in people with Kidney Transplantation and Renal Transplantation, run by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at 3 sites in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study was to assess whether a new drug, Nulojix® (belatacept), would minimize serious long term side effects associated with anti-rejection medications while still protecting the new kidney from damage. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Kidney Transplantation, Renal Transplantation
- What is being tested?
- Alemtuzumab, MMF and Basiliximab
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 19 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- Sep 2011to Apr 2015
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Male or Female, 18-65 years of age at the time of enrollment;
- Ability to understand and provide written informed consent;
- Candidate for primary renal allograft from either a living or deceased-donor;
- No known contraindications to study therapy using NULOJIX® (belatacept);
- Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test upon study entry;
- Female and male participants with reproductive potential must agree to use FDA approved methods of birth control during participation in the study and for 4 months following completion of the study;
Show all 9Show fewer
- Flow-based PRA within last 12 months (in absence of a sensitizing event) of < 30% as determined by each participating study center. If the subject experienced a sensitizing event after the PRA test date, then the PRA must be repeated and confirmed <30%;
- Negative crossmatch or a PRA of 0% on historic and admission sera as determined by each participating study center.
- A documented negative TB test within the 12 months prior to transplant. If documentation is not present at the time of transplantation, and the subject does not have any risk factors for TB, a TB-specific interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) may be performed.
Who cannot join
- Need for multi-organ transplant;
- Recipient of previous organ transplant;
- EBV sero-negative (or unknown) recipients;
- Active infection including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV;
- Individuals who have required treatment with prednisone or other immunosuppressive drugs within 1 year prior to transplant;
- Individuals undergoing transplant using organs from extended criteria donor (ECD) or donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors;
Show all 13Show fewer
- HLA identical living donors;
- Individuals at significant risk of early recurrence of the primary renal disease including FSGS and MPGN type 2 or any other disease that in the opinion of the investigator is at increased likelihood of recurrence and which may result in rapid decline in renal function;
- Individuals previously treated with NULOJIX® (belatacept);
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study requirements;
- Use of investigational drugs within 4 weeks of enrollment;
- Known hypersensitivity to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or any of the drug's components;
- Administration of live attenuated vaccine(s) within 8 weeks of enrollment.
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country.
United States3 sites
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322
University of Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama, 35294
University of California San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94143
About this study
Official title: Optimization of NULOJIX® (Belatacept) Usage as a Means of Avoiding CNI and Steroids in Renal Transplantation (CTOT-10)
The purpose of this study was to assess whether a new drug, Nulojix® (belatacept), would minimize serious long term side effects associated with anti-rejection medications while still protecting the new kidney from damage. The researchers also wanted to learn more about the safety of this treatment and long term health of the transplanted kidney.
Read the detailed description
Dialysis or kidney transplant are the two ways to treat kidney failure. Transplant recipients have to take anti-rejection medications to prevent their immune system (the body's natural defense system against illness) from rejecting their new kidney. Most patients who undergo a kidney transplant must take these anti-rejection medications for the rest of their lives. Taking standard anti-rejection medications for a long time can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage. There would be a benefit to finding new anti-rejection medications that work just as well, but don't damage the kidney.
- Conditions
- Kidney Transplantation, Renal Transplantation
- Being tested
- Alemtuzumab, MMF, Basiliximab, Short-term Tac, tacrolimus
- Keywords
- immunosuppressive (IS) regimens, long-term graft function, CNI (calcineurin Inhibitor )-free IS regimen, CNI (calcineurin Inhibitor ) IS regimen, corticosteroids
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
AlemtuzumabDrug
Also called Campath®
Induction therapy. Group 1 and 2 study therapy regimens include induction with alemtuzumab, administered as a single intravenous dose intra-operatively over a period of 2 hours.
MMFDrug
Also called mycophenolate mofetil, CellCept®
All treatment groups (e.g., Group 1, 2 and 3): Administered at a target dose of 1000 mg by mouth twice daily beginning on the day of surgery or post operative day 1 and adjusted as clinically warranted.
Note: Myfortic® (mycophenolate sodium) may be used as a replacement for MMF, at a dose of 720 mg taken by mouth twice daily.
BasiliximabBiological
Also called Simulect®
Induction therapy. Group 3 study therapy regimen includes induction with basiliximab, administered in two doses: 1 dose administered within 2 hours prior to transplantation surgery and the 2nd dose 4 days after transplantation (unless held due to contraindication[s])
Short-term TacDrug
Also called tacrolimus, Prograf®
Short-term (3 months)
tacrolimusDrug
Also called Prograf®
maintenance
BelataceptBiological
Also called Nulojix®
maintenance
Also called MEDROL®
All study treatment groups: administration started on the day of transplant and tapered over a 4 day course.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Tac maintenance | Active comparator | Group 1 Study Therapy Regimen:Induction with alemtuzumab and maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
Campath® (alemtuzumab); long-term Prograf® (tacrolimus), or equivalent ; CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil- MMF), or equivalent , and 4 day course of MEDROL® (methylprednisolone) Receives: Drug: Alemtuzumab; Drug: MMF; Drug: tacrolimus; Drug: methylprednisolone |
| Belatacept maintenance | Experimental | Group 2 Study Therapy Regimen: Induction with alemtuzumab and maintenance with Nulojix® (belatacept) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
Campath® (alemtuzumab); Nulojix® (belatacept); CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil- MMF), or equivalent, and 4 day course of MEDROL®(Methylprednisolone) Receives: Drug: Alemtuzumab; Drug: MMF; Biological: Belatacept; Drug: methylprednisolone |
| Basiliximab induction/Short-term Tac | Experimental | Short term = 3 months
Group 3 Study Therapy Regimen: Induction with 2 doses of basiliximab and tacrolimus for 84 days and maintenance with Nulojix® (belatacept) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
Simulect® (basiliximab); Nulojix® (belatacept); short-term course of Prograf® (tacrolimus), or equivalent; CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil- MMF), or equivalent, and 4 day course of MEDROL® (methylprednisolone) Receives: Drug: MMF; Biological: Basiliximab; Drug: Short-term Tac; Biological: Belatacept; Drug: methylprednisolone |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mean Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Calculated for Each Treatment Group Using the CKD-EPI Equation at Wk 52
GFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI). A score of ≥ 90 means kidney function is normal. A score between 60 and 89 indicates mildly reduced kidney function, pointing to kidney disease. Scores between 30 and 59 indicates moderately reduced kidney function. Scores between 15 and 29 indicate severely reduced kidney function. Scores below 15 indicate very severe or endstage kidney failure.
Measured: Week 52
Secondary outcomes (29)
Count of Participants With Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection at Any Time Post-Transplant
Biopsy proven acute rejection was defined as histologic evidence of borderline or higher cellular rejection per local pathologist.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) < 60 mL/Min/1.73 m^2 by CKD EPI
GFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI). A score of ≥90 means kidney function is normal. A score between 60 and 89 indicates mildly reduced kidney function, pointing to kidney disease. Scores between 30 and 59 indicates moderately reduced kidney function. Scores between 15 and 29 indicate severely reduced kidney function. Scores below 15 indicate very severe or endstage kidney failure. This measure specifically looked at participants with scores less than 60.
Measured: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage Post-Transplant
The stages of Chronic Kidney Disease are defined using the participant's GFR value as indicated below:
Stage 1 if GFR value is ≥90; Stage 2 if GFR value is ≥60 and < 90; Stage 3A if 45 ≤GFR < 60; Stage 3B if 30 ≤ GFR < 45; Stage 4 if 15 ≤GFR < 30;l Stage 5 if GFR < 15.
Stage 1 means kidney function is normal. Stage 2 indicates mildly reduced kidney function, pointing to kidney disease. Stages 3A and 3B indicate moderately reduced kidney function. Stage 4 indicates severely reduced kidney function. Stage 5 indicates very severe or end stage kidney failure.
Measured: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants With CKD Stage 4 or 5
The stages of Chronic Kidney Disease are defined using the participant's GFR value as indicated below.
Stage 1 if GFR value is ≥90; Stage 2 if 60 ≤ GFR < 90; Stage 3A if 45 ≤ GFR < 60; Stage 3B if 30 ≤ GFR < 45; Stage 4 if 15 ≤ GFR < 30; Stage 5 if GFR < 15.
Stage 1 means kidney function is normal. Stage 2 indicates mildly reduced kidney function, pointing to kidney disease. Stages 3A abd 3B indicate moderately reduced kidney function. Stage 4 indicates severely reduced kidney function. Stage 5 indicates very severe or end stage kidney failure.
Measured: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Mean Calculated eGFR Using MDRD 4 Variable Model
The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation (MDRD). A score of ≥90 means kidney function is normal. A score between 60 and 89 indicates mildly reduced kidney function, pointing to kidney disease. Scores between 30 and 59 indicates moderately reduced kidney function. Scores between 15 and 29 indicate severely reduced kidney function. Scores below 15 indicate very severe or endstage kidney failure.
Measured: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
The Slope of eGFR by CKD-EPI Over Time Based on Serum Creatinine
The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI). A score of ≥90 means kidney function is normal. A score between 60 and 89 indicates mildly reduced kidney function, pointing to kidney disease. Scores between 30 and 59 indicates moderately reduced kidney function. Scores between 15 and 29 indicate severely reduced kidney function. Scores below 15 indicate very severe or endstage kidney failure. An estimate of the slope, or change over time, in eGFR was produced using standard statistical linear modeling procedures. The estimate was then re-scaled so that it can be interpreted as a change in eGFR per month. Positive numbers indicate increasing kidney function. Larger numbers indicate greater change in kidney function.
Measured: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants With Delayed Graft Function Post-Transplant
Delayed graft function is defined as dialysis in the first week on one or more occasions for any indication other than the treatment of acute hyperkalemia in the setting of otherwise acceptable renal function
Measured: Any time within the first week post-transplant
An Increase of One or More Grades of CAN/IFTA When Comparing the Implantation and Subsequent Protocol Biopsies
CAN/IFTA grades reflect the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy present in the tissue obtained during a kidney biopsy. Higher grades indicate greater severity in interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy present the kidney biopsy tissue. The aim of this measure was to compare central lab reviewed pre-implantation biopsies to post-transplant biopsies, as pre-specified per protocol; however, the central lab had an inadequate set of biopsies to proceed with evaluation.
Measured: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants With CAN/IFTA Grade I, II or III at Any Time Post-transplant
CAN/IFTA grades were determined per local pathology interpretations of biopsy tissue. These grades reflect the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy present in the tissue obtained during a kidney biopsy. Higher grades indicate greater severity in interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy present the kidney biopsy tissue.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Acute Cellular Rejection Grade Equal to or Greater Than IA, by the Banff 2007 Criteria
Acute cellular rejection is when lesions at the site of the graft characteristically are infiltrated with large numbers of lymphocytes and macrophages that cause tissue damage. Acute cellular rejection for this endpoint is defined as a grade ≥ IA by Banff 2007 criteria.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants by Severity of First Acute Cellular Rejection by Wk 52
Acute cellular rejection is when lesions at the site of the graft characteristically are infiltrated with large numbers of lymphocytes and macrophages that cause tissue damage. Acute cellular rejection for this endpoint is defined as a grade ≥ IA by Banff 2007 criteria. Severity is graded as IA, IB, IIA, IIB, or III, with IA being the mildest form of cellular rejection and III being the most severe form of cellular rejection. Originally, this endpoint was worded as "The severity of first and highest acute cellular rejection within the first 52 weeks." But since the highest grade for each subject coincided with the first ACR episode for each subject, only a summary of severity of the first episode is presented here.
Measured: Transplantation through Week 52
Count of Participants With Antibody Mediated Rejection
Antibody mediated rejection (AMR) is defined as diffusely positive staining for C4d, presence of circulating anti-donor antibodies and morphologic evidence of acute tissue injury.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Type of Treatment of Rejection
Upon having a biopsy performed, persons often receive treatment for rejection based on the results of the biopsy, which may or may not have shown signs of rejection. Details of biopsy findings and corresponding treatment are presented here for each instance of treatment for rejection. Acronyms and abbreviations are defined below.
ACR=Acute Cellular Rejection ATG=Anti-thymocyte globulin therapy Chr. AMR=Chronic Antibody Mediated Rejection Gd.=Grade IFTA=Interstitial Fibrosis and Tubular Atrophy IVIG=Intravenous Immunoglobulin therapy.
Only 'for cause' biopsies were performed post-transplant; thus, it is possible for a participant to be included in the analysis population and not have a biopsy for this outcome measure.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With de Novo Anti-donor HLA Antibodies at Wk 52
The presence of antibodies reactive to Histocompatibility Antigen (HLA) molecules expressed on the renal allograft have been associated with both acute and chronic injury to the transplanted kidney. The development of de novo anti- donor HLA antibodies may mean a person is more likely to reject the graft.
Measured: Week 52
Count of Participants With Either New Onset Diabetes After Transplant (NODAT) or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) at Wk 52 Based on Criteria Specified by the ADA and WHO
New onset diabetes is the development of diabetes post-kidney transplant. It was identified by the clinical sites caring for each participant and reported directly in the clinical database. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is a determination made by referencing glucose measurements obtained from a standard chemistry panel. Any fasting glucose measure that is between 110 and 125 mg/dL is classified as IFG.
Acronyms: American Diabetes Association (ADA); World Health Organization (WHO).
Measured: Week 52
Count of Participants With Treated Diabetes Between Day 14 and Wk 52
Treated diabetes is defined as the receipt of oral medication or insulin for >14 days between 14 days and 52 weeks post-transplant
Measured: Day 14 to Week 52
HbA1c Measured at Days 28 & 84, and Weeks 24, 36, 52, 72, 104 and 156
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures the average blood glucose levels over 8-12 weeks, thus acting as a useful long-term gauge of blood glucose control. A value below 6.0% reflects normal levels, 6.0% to 6.4% reflects prediabetes, and a value of ≥ 6.5% reflects diabetes.
Measured: Day 28, Day 84, Week 24, Week 36, Week 52, Week 72, Week 104, Week 156
Standardized Blood Pressure Measurement at Wk 52
A blood pressure measurement consists of two numbers: the systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure measures the pressure in blood vessels when the heart beats. Diastolic pressure measures the pressure in blood vessels between beats of the heart. Systolic measures of <120 and diastolic measures of <80 are considered normal. Systolic measures of 120-139 and diastolic measures of 80-89 are considered at risk (or pre-hypertension). Systolic measures of ≥140 and diastolic measures of ≥90 are considered high.
Measured: Week 52
Count of Participants With Use of Anti-hypertensive Medications at Wk 52
Anti-hypertensive medications are a class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension. The medications seek to prevent the complications of high blood pressure, such as stoke and myocardial infarction.
Measured: Week 52
Fasting Lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, Non-HDL Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglyceride) at Baseline and Wks 24, 52, 104 and 156
A fasting lipid profiles measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. These measurements are used in assessing one's risk of cardiovascular disease. Target ranges for each of these measures are detailed below.
Total cholesterol: 75-169 mg/dL if age ≤ 20; 100-199 mg/dL if age ≥ 21; high values indicate risk of cardiovascular disease
LDL cholesterol: <70 mg/dL for people with documented cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome; <100 mg/dL for people considered high risk for cardiovascular disease; <130 mg/dL for people considered low risk for cardiovascular disease; high values indicate risk of cardiovascular disease
HDL cholesterol: 40mg/dL and higher; high values indicate reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Non-HDL cholesterol: 30 mg/dL above the target value for LDL cholesterol; high values indicate risk of cardiovascular disease
Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL; high values indicate risk of cardiovascular disease
Measured: Baseline, Week 24, Week 52, Week 104, Week 156
Count of Participants With Use of Lipid Lowering Medications at Baseline and Wks 24, 52, 104 and 156
Lipid lowering medications are used in the treatment of high levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol in blood
Measured: Baseline, Week 24, Week 52, Week 104, Week 156
Total Daily Prescribed Pill Number at Days 28 and 84, and Wks 24, 36, 52, 72, 104 and 156
This is a measure of the total number of pills a participant was prescribed on a given day
Measured: Day 28, Day 84, Week 24, Week 36, Week 52, Week 72, Week 104, Week 156
Number of Events of Death or Graft Loss
This measure counts deaths and graft loss occurring at any point post transplantation. Graft loss is defined as need for dialysis for greater than 30 days duration, allograft nephrectomy, or retransplantation.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Rejection
The number of participants who were treated by their local physician for any type of rejection including, but not limited to cellular rejection and antibody- mediated rejection of the transplanted kidney regardless of the presence of a biopsy.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Number of All Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
Adverse events were collected systematically from enrollment through last study visit. Displayed below are counts of all adverse events per treatment group (including both serious and non-serious adverse events). Separately counts of all adverse events determined to be serious are displayed per treatment group. More detail about adverse events for this trial is displayed in the 'Adverse Event' section.
Measured: Enrollment through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Infections Requiring Hospitalization or Systemic Therapy Reported as Serious Adverse Events
Infections of certain types (i.e., excluding those identified in the protocol as occurring commonly in this study population) were required to be reported as a serious adverse event if they required either inpatient hospitalization of prolongation of a current hospitalization.
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With BKV and CMV Viremia (Local Center Monitoring) Reported as Adverse Events
Viral infections following renal transplantation is significant source of recipient morbidity and mortality, and a significant cause of allograft dysfunction and loss. Specific viruses were monitored during this study using participant blood samples.
Acronyms: BK Polyoma Virus (BKV); Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With EBV Infection as Reported on the Case Report Form as Adverse Events
Viral infections following renal transplantation is a significant source of recipient morbidity and mortality, and a significant cause of allograft dysfunction and loss. Specific viruses were monitored during this study using participant blood samples.
Acronym: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Measured: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Fever > 39 Degrees Celsius and Blood Pressure < 90mm Hg Within 24 Hours of Onset of Transplant Procedure
Temperature of >39 degrees Celsius would be an indication of fever most often in response to an infection or illness. Systolic blood pressure <90mm Hg would be an indication of low blood pressure.
Measured: 24 hours after transplantation
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Sep 2011 (estimated)
- Study startSep 2011
- Primary completionApr 2015
- Study completionApr 2015
Why it stopped: Secondary to safety concerns plus change in Campath® (alemtuzumab) availability.
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Kidney TransplantationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)The sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- US National Institutes of Health
- Collaborators
- Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Kenneth Newell, MD, PhD, Study chair, Emory UniversityChristian P. Larsen, MD, DPhil, Principal investigator, Emory University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01436305
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- DAIT CTOT-10
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Sep 2011
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
Publications
Newell KA, Mehta AK, Larsen CP, Stock PG, Farris AB, Mehta SG, Ikle D, Armstrong B, Morrison Y, Bridges N, Robien M, Mannon RB. Lessons Learned: Early Termination of a Randomized Trial of Calcineurin Inhibitor and Corticosteroid Avoidance Using Belatacept. Am J Transplant. 2017 Oct;17(10):2712-2719. doi: 10.1111/ajt.14377. Epub 2017 Jul 3.
PubMed 28556519
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Optimization of NULOJIX® (Belatacept) Usage as a Means of Avoiding CNI and Steroids in Renal Transplantation (CTOT-10)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01436305
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DAIT CTOT-10
- Conditions
- Kidney Transplantation, Renal Transplantation
- Keywords
- immunosuppressive (IS) regimens, long-term graft function, CNI (calcineurin Inhibitor )-free IS regimen, CNI (calcineurin Inhibitor ) IS regimen, corticosteroids
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- TerminatedReason stopped: Secondary to safety concerns plus change in Campath® (alemtuzumab) availability.
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)US National Institutes of Health
- Collaborators
- Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation
- Study start
- Sep 2011
- Primary completion
- Apr 2015 (actual)
- Study completion
- Apr 2015 (actual)
- First posted
- 19 Sep 2011 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 30 Aug 2017
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study was to assess whether a new drug, Nulojix® (belatacept), would minimize serious long term side effects associated with anti-rejection medications while still protecting the new kidney from damage. The researchers also wanted to learn more about the safety of this treatment and long term health of the transplanted kidney.
Detailed description
Dialysis or kidney transplant are the two ways to treat kidney failure. Transplant recipients have to take anti-rejection medications to prevent their immune system (the body's natural defense system against illness) from rejecting their new kidney. Most patients who undergo a kidney transplant must take these anti-rejection medications for the rest of their lives. Taking standard anti-rejection medications for a long time can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage. There would be a benefit to finding new anti-rejection medications that work just as well, but don't damage the kidney.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Tac maintenance | Active comparator | Drug: Alemtuzumab, Drug: MMF, Drug: tacrolimus, Drug: methylprednisoloneGroup 1 Study Therapy Regimen:Induction with alemtuzumab and maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Campath® (alemtuzumab); long-term Prograf® (tacrolimus), or equivalent ; CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil- MMF), or equivalent , and 4 day course of MEDROL® (methylprednisolone) |
| Belatacept maintenance | Experimental | Drug: Alemtuzumab, Drug: MMF, Biological: Belatacept, Drug: methylprednisoloneGroup 2 Study Therapy Regimen: Induction with alemtuzumab and maintenance with Nulojix® (belatacept) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Campath® (alemtuzumab); Nulojix® (belatacept); CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil- MMF), or equivalent, and 4 day course of MEDROL®(Methylprednisolone) |
| Basiliximab induction/Short-term Tac | Experimental | Drug: MMF, Biological: Basiliximab, Drug: Short-term Tac, Biological: Belatacept, Drug: methylprednisoloneShort term = 3 months Group 3 Study Therapy Regimen: Induction with 2 doses of basiliximab and tacrolimus for 84 days and maintenance with Nulojix® (belatacept) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Simulect® (basiliximab); Nulojix® (belatacept); short-term course of Prograf® (tacrolimus), or equivalent; CellCept® (mycophenolate mofetil- MMF), or equivalent, and 4 day course of MEDROL® (methylprednisolone) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Male or Female, 18-65 years of age at the time of enrollment;
- Ability to understand and provide written informed consent;
- Candidate for primary renal allograft from either a living or deceased-donor;
- No known contraindications to study therapy using NULOJIX® (belatacept);
- Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test upon study entry;
Key exclusion criteria (13 listed)
- Need for multi-organ transplant;
- Recipient of previous organ transplant;
- EBV sero-negative (or unknown) recipients;
- Active infection including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV;
- Individuals who have required treatment with prednisone or other immunosuppressive drugs within 1 year prior to transplant;
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| AlemtuzumabAlso: Campath®Induction therapy. Group 1 and 2 study therapy regimens include induction with alemtuzumab, administered as a single intravenous dose intra-operatively over a period of 2 hours. | Drug | Belatacept maintenance, Tac maintenance |
| MMFAlso: mycophenolate mofetil, CellCept®All treatment groups (e.g., Group 1, 2 and 3): Administered at a target dose of 1000 mg by mouth twice daily beginning on the day of surgery or post operative day 1 and adjusted as clinically warranted. Note: Myfortic® (mycophenolate sodium) may be used as a replacement for MMF, at a dose of 720 mg taken by mouth twice daily. | Drug | Basiliximab induction/Short-term Tac, Belatacept maintenance, Tac maintenance |
| BasiliximabAlso: Simulect®Induction therapy. Group 3 study therapy regimen includes induction with basiliximab, administered in two doses: 1 dose administered within 2 hours prior to transplantation surgery and the 2nd dose 4 days after transplantation (unless held due to contraindication[s]) | Biological | Basiliximab induction/Short-term Tac |
| Short-term TacAlso: tacrolimus, Prograf®Short-term (3 months) | Drug | Basiliximab induction/Short-term Tac |
| tacrolimusAlso: Prograf®maintenance | Drug | Tac maintenance |
| BelataceptAlso: Nulojix®maintenance | Biological | Basiliximab induction/Short-term Tac, Belatacept maintenance |
| methylprednisoloneAlso: MEDROL®All study treatment groups: administration started on the day of transplant and tapered over a 4 day course. | Drug | Basiliximab induction/Short-term Tac, Belatacept maintenance, Tac maintenance |
Primary outcome
Mean Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Calculated for Each Treatment Group Using the CKD-EPI Equation at Wk 52
Time frame: Week 52
GFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI). A score of ≥ 90 means kidney function is normal. A score between 60 and 89 indicates mildly reduced kidney function, pointing to kidney disease. Scores between 30 and 59 indicates moderately reduced kidney function. Scores between 15 and 29 indicate severely reduced kidney function. Scores below 15 indicate very severe or endstage kidney failure.
29 secondary outcomes
Count of Participants With Biopsy Proven Acute Rejection at Any Time Post-Transplant
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) < 60 mL/Min/1.73 m^2 by CKD EPI
Time frame: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage Post-Transplant
Time frame: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants With CKD Stage 4 or 5
Time frame: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Mean Calculated eGFR Using MDRD 4 Variable Model
Time frame: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
The Slope of eGFR by CKD-EPI Over Time Based on Serum Creatinine
Time frame: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants With Delayed Graft Function Post-Transplant
Time frame: Any time within the first week post-transplant
An Increase of One or More Grades of CAN/IFTA When Comparing the Implantation and Subsequent Protocol Biopsies
Time frame: Week 52, Week 104, and Week 156
Count of Participants With CAN/IFTA Grade I, II or III at Any Time Post-transplant
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Acute Cellular Rejection Grade Equal to or Greater Than IA, by the Banff 2007 Criteria
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants by Severity of First Acute Cellular Rejection by Wk 52
Time frame: Transplantation through Week 52
Count of Participants With Antibody Mediated Rejection
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Type of Treatment of Rejection
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With de Novo Anti-donor HLA Antibodies at Wk 52
Time frame: Week 52
Count of Participants With Either New Onset Diabetes After Transplant (NODAT) or Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) at Wk 52 Based on Criteria Specified by the ADA and WHO
Time frame: Week 52
Count of Participants With Treated Diabetes Between Day 14 and Wk 52
Time frame: Day 14 to Week 52
HbA1c Measured at Days 28 & 84, and Weeks 24, 36, 52, 72, 104 and 156
Time frame: Day 28, Day 84, Week 24, Week 36, Week 52, Week 72, Week 104, Week 156
Standardized Blood Pressure Measurement at Wk 52
Time frame: Week 52
Count of Participants With Use of Anti-hypertensive Medications at Wk 52
Time frame: Week 52
Fasting Lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, Non-HDL Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglyceride) at Baseline and Wks 24, 52, 104 and 156
Time frame: Baseline, Week 24, Week 52, Week 104, Week 156
Count of Participants With Use of Lipid Lowering Medications at Baseline and Wks 24, 52, 104 and 156
Time frame: Baseline, Week 24, Week 52, Week 104, Week 156
Total Daily Prescribed Pill Number at Days 28 and 84, and Wks 24, 36, 52, 72, 104 and 156
Time frame: Day 28, Day 84, Week 24, Week 36, Week 52, Week 72, Week 104, Week 156
Number of Events of Death or Graft Loss
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Rejection
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Number of All Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
Time frame: Enrollment through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Infections Requiring Hospitalization or Systemic Therapy Reported as Serious Adverse Events
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With BKV and CMV Viremia (Local Center Monitoring) Reported as Adverse Events
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With EBV Infection as Reported on the Case Report Form as Adverse Events
Time frame: Transplantation through last study visit (up to week 156)
Count of Participants With Fever > 39 Degrees Celsius and Blood Pressure < 90mm Hg Within 24 Hours of Onset of Transplant Procedure
Time frame: 24 hours after transplantation
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2026.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Results publication: PubMed 28556519Newell KA, Mehta AK, Larsen CP, Stock PG, Farris AB, Mehta SG, Ikle D, Armstrong B, Morrison Y, Bridges N, Robien M, Mannon RB. Lessons Learned: Early Termination of a Randomized Trial of Calcineurin Inhibitor and Corticosteroid Avoidance Using Belatacept. Am J Transplant. 2017 Oct;17(10):2712-2719. doi: 10.1111/ajt.14377. Epub 2017 Jul 3.
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) websiteLink provided by the sponsor.
Related trials for Kidney Transplantation
Enrolling by invitation
Online Exercise Program for Transplant Patients: A Pilot Study
Kidney Transplantation, Physical Function
RecruitingPhase 2
A Study of Mezagitamab in Adults With Late Antibody-Mediated Rejection (AMR) After a Kidney Transplant
Antibody-Mediated Rejection (AMR)
Not yet recruiting
Hypothermic Kidney Machine Perfusion With Omnisol
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Kidney Transplant
Not yet recruitingEarly Phase 1
Biomarker-Guided Mycophenolate Mofetil Elimination in Low-Risk Older Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients
Kidney Transplant Recipient
Recruiting
Non-Invasive Monitoring of Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients and Immunosuppression Personalization: an Open-labeled Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study
Pediatric Kidney Disease, Transplant;Failure,Kidney
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Kenneth Newell, MD, PhD study chair
Emory University
Christian P. Larsen, MD, DPhil principal investigator
Emory University
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Alemtuzumab, MMF and Basiliximab in people with Kidney Transplantation and Renal Transplantation, run by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at 3 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 13 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 30 Aug 2017). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Mean Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Calculated for Each Treatment Group Using the CKD-EPI Equation at Wk 52 (time frame: Week 52). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01436305, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Sep 2026.