Activated charcoal to lower phosphate in adults on hemodialysis

Efficacy and Safety of Activated Charcoal on Mineral Bone Disorder in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Phase 2 Interventional Mansoura University · NCT06906874

This trial tests whether taking activated charcoal can lower blood phosphate in adults who receive regular hemodialysis.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMansoura University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Al Mansurah, Please Select)
Trial IDNCT06906874 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a Phase 2 interventional trial enrolling adults with end-stage renal disease who have been on stable thrice-weekly hemodialysis for at least six months. Participants are already receiving phosphate binders per KDIGO guidance and will receive activated charcoal as the experimental intervention alongside or in place of conventional binders to study its effects. The trial focuses on whether oral activated charcoal improves serum phosphate control and has a favorable tolerability and safety profile compared with standard phosphate binders. Key eligibility criteria exclude severely malnourished patients, those treated with overnight dialysis, and patients with primary hyperparathyroidism or very high intact parathyroid hormone levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with end-stage renal disease who have been on stable thrice-weekly hemodialysis for at least six months and are receiving phosphate binders per KDIGO are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who are severely malnourished, receive overnight dialysis, or have primary hyperparathyroidism or intact parathyroid hormone levels above 800 pg/mL are excluded and may not benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, activated charcoal could provide a better-tolerated, lower-cost option to control high blood phosphate in people on dialysis and might reduce phosphate-related vascular calcification risk.

How similar studies have performed: This specific use of activated charcoal for hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients has not been the primary focus of prior clinical trials and remains largely untested in rigorous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult aged ≥18 years with ESRD.
2. Patients who had been on stable maintenance hemodialysis (3 times weekly) for at least 6 months.
3. Patients receiving phosphate binders according to standard protocols established by kidney disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severely malnourished (as diagnosed by the department's dietitian).
2. Treated with overnight dialysis.
3. Primary hyperparathyroidism or persistent serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone greater than 800 pg/mL.

Where this trial is running

Al Mansurah, Please Select

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions End Stage Renal DiseaseCKD 5D, HemodialysisCKD-MBD - Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral and Bone Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.