Using Pirfenidone to Slow Down Kidney Disease Progression

Trial of Pirfenidone to Prevent Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (TOP-CKD)

['FUNDING_U01'] · VETERANS MEDICAL RESEARCH FDN/SAN DIEGO · NIH-10900218

This study is looking at whether the medication Pirfenidone can help slow down kidney problems in adults with chronic kidney disease by comparing it to a placebo, and it aims to find a safer way to check kidney health without needing a biopsy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVETERANS MEDICAL RESEARCH FDN/SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10900218 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of Pirfenidone, a medication known for its anti-fibrotic properties, to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults. The study will involve a two-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 160 participants, where half will receive Pirfenidone and the other half a placebo. Researchers will assess the impact of Pirfenidone on kidney fibrosis using advanced imaging techniques, aiming to provide a non-invasive alternative to kidney biopsies. The goal is to determine if this treatment can effectively slow down the worsening of kidney function in patients with CKD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

Not a fit: Patients with acute kidney injury or those who are not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, potentially improving quality of life and outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that Pirfenidone is effective in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting potential for success in treating kidney fibrosis as well.

Where this research is happening

SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.