Phase 2 Study Evaluates Abatacept for Kidney Transplant Recipients
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is leading a Phase 2 study assessing the efficacy of biomarker-guided calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) substitution in kidney transplantation. This study, which began on December 7, 2023, aims to enroll 800 adult first-time kidney transplant recipients. The observational component of the study will evaluate the HLA-DR/DQ molecular mismatch (mMM) score as a prognostic biomarker for stratifying post-transplant alloimmune risk. Participants will be followed observationally to assess the occurrence of any alloimmune events.
Six months post-transplant, 300 eligible participants will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either abatacept or standard of care (SOC) in a nested randomized controlled trial (RCT). The primary endpoint of the RCT is the difference in renal function, specifically the change in eGFRCKD-EPI at 24 months between the two groups, adjusted for renal function at randomization. Secondary endpoints include neurocognitive function and a life participation patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). The study also aims to maintain efficacy by ensuring freedom from biopsy-proven acute rejection.
This multi-center, prospective study targets patients at clinically low risk for alloimmune memory, specifically those who are DSA negative pre-transplant. The study's primary completion is anticipated by July 2027. The results will provide insights into the potential of HLA-DR/DQ mMM scores as biomarkers and the effectiveness of abatacept in improving post-transplant outcomes.