Using Pirfenidone to Slow Down Kidney Disease Progression
Official title: Trial of Pirfenidone to Prevent Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (TOP-CKD)
Funded at Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego · NIH-10900218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $349,999 |
| NIH project number | 3U01DK111510-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute kidney injury or those who are not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ix, Joachim H — Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
- Study coordinator: Ix, Joachim H
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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.