Ferric citrate therapy for kids with chronic kidney disease
Official title: Phosphate binder therapy and chronic kidney disease in children
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11505273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric CKD study tests ferric citrate vs placebo over a year to see how it affects a blood biomarker inChildren aged 6–18.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $52,575 |
| NIH project number | 3U01DK122013-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11505273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 6–18 with CKD stage 3–4 and normal age-appropriate serum phosphate who are eligible for ferric citrate.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the 6–18 age range or with different CKD stages or phosphate levels may not benefit from this specific trial.
What this research studies
This trial enrolls children with CKD stages 3–4 to receive ferric citrate or a placebo for 12 months across multiple sites in the US and Canada. It uses a double-blind design to measure changes in plasma intact FGF23, a biomarker linked to mineral balance and kidney health. The study aims to complete enrollment of 160 participants and to share data and samples with the broader scientific community. The research team has adapted recruitment strategies based on early experiences and pandemic-related delays to ensure robust participation. Results will inform future treatment options and care for pediatric CKD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ferric citrate could help manage mineral balance and potentially improve kidney-related outcomes in children with CKD.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies in adults and children have explored ferric citrate effects on mineral biomarkers, with mixed but informative results guiding pediatric CKD care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salusky, Isidro B. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Salusky, Isidro B.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.