NCT06055608 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Advancing Transplantation Outcomes in Children
(ADVANTage)
What this study is about
This is a pediatric kidney transplant study comparing the safety and effectiveness of an immunosuppressive regimen of belatacept and sirolimus to tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). Two hundred participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to one of two groups within 24 hours following the transplant procedure.
View original scientific description
This is a pediatric kidney transplant study comparing the safety and efficacy of an immunosuppressive regimen of belatacept and sirolimus to tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). Two hundred participants will be randomized (1:1) to one of two groups within 24 hours following the transplant procedure. The duration of the study from time of transplant to the primary endpoint is 12-24 months.
Interventions
DRUG
Sirolimus
Participants in Group 1 will transition to sirolimus therapy on day 14 (+/- 5 days) - weight \<40 kg will receive 3mg/m\^ 2, with maintenance dose of 1 mg/m\^2 divided BID - weight \>= 40kg will receive 6mg/m\^ 2, with maintenance dose of 2 mg daily
BIOLOGICAL
Belatacept
Belatacept will be administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. The belatacept dose for the study is 10 mg/kg on post-operative day (POD) 1, 5, 14, 28, 56, 84 for the first 3 months, followed by 5 mg/kg every 4 weeks (+/-4 days), starting on month 4 until month 24
DRUG
Mycophenolate Mofetil
Mycophenolate Mofetil-MMF will be initiated at 600 mg/m\^2 BID until tacrolimus is at therapeutic levels, then 450 mg/m\^2 BID
DRUG
Tacrolimus (Group1)
Participants will receive Prograf® (tacrolimus), or generic, initiated at 0.1 mg/kg BID within 48 hours of transplantation to attain target trough levels. Participants in Group 1 will be transitioned to sirolimus 2-4 weeks post-transplant
DRUG
Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG)
Participants will receive induction therapy with anti-thymocyte globulin (1.5 mg/kg/dose, maximum 125 mg) starting intraoperatively on day 0 and continuing on days 2 and 3 (total dose 4.5 mg/kg). Total dose may be extended to 6 mg/kg over 1-2 days for delayed graft function
DRUG
Tacrolimus (Group 2)
Participants will receive Prograf® (tacrolimus), or generic, initiated at 0.1 mg/kg BID within 48 hours of transplantation to attain target trough levels
Primary outcome measures
Incidence of de novo Donor Specific Antibody (dnDSA) (central lab) OR decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >7.5 mL/min/1.73m^2 (central lab)
Time frame: At 96 weeks post-transplant
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant and/or parent/guardian must be able to understand and provide informed consent 2. Male or female, 13-20 years of age at time of enrollment 3. Candidate for primary renal allograft from a deceased donor 4. EBV IgG seropositive, defined as evidence of acquired immunity shown by the presence of IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) 5. EBV VCA IgM seronegative 6. If a female participant of childbearing potential, a negative pregnancy test within 48 hours of enrollment 7. If participant has reproductive potential, agrees to use Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved methods of birth control for the duration of the study 8. Negative test result for latent tuberculosis infection by tuberculosis skin test (purified protein derivative \[PPD\]) or Tuberculosis (TB) blood test (interferon gamma release assay \[IGRA\] i.e., QuantiFERON, T- SPOT.TB) within 12 months 9. In the absence of contraindication, vaccinations mus
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Los Angeles, California
- San Diego, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- Wilmington, Delaware
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- St Louis, Missouri
- Westchester, New York
And 6 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations