The role of gut bacteria in kidney transplant medication levels
Official title: Gut Microbiota and Tacrolimus Trough Variability in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10896123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect the levels of tacrolimus, a medicine that helps prevent kidney transplant rejection, so we can find ways to better manage your medication and keep you healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,725 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173849-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are kidney transplant recipients who are currently taking tacrolimus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not kidney transplant recipients or those not taking tacrolimus will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gut microbiota affects the levels of tacrolimus, a medication used to prevent kidney transplant rejection. It aims to understand the relationship between specific gut bacteria and the variability of tacrolimus levels in kidney transplant recipients. By analyzing fecal samples and blood levels, the study seeks to identify which gut microbes may influence the metabolism of tacrolimus, potentially leading to better management of medication dosing for patients. This could help reduce the risks of both acute rejection and toxicity associated with improper tacrolimus levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized medication management for kidney transplant recipients, improving transplant outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown a potential link between gut microbiota and tacrolimus metabolism, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, John Richard — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Lee, John Richard
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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.