Effects of Ferric Citrate on Kidney Health in Children

Phosphate Binder Therapy and Chronic Kidney Disease in Children

Phase 2 Interventional University of California, Los Angeles · NCT04741646

This study is testing if ferric citrate can help improve kidney health in children aged 6-18 with chronic kidney disease.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations20 sites (Los Angeles, California and 19 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04741646 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of ferric citrate on intact FGF23 levels in pediatric patients aged 6-18 years with chronic kidney disease stages 3-4. It is a 12-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 160 participants who will be assigned to receive either ferric citrate or a placebo. Blood samples will be collected at various intervals to assess the primary and safety outcomes. The study aims to evaluate both the efficacy and tolerability of ferric citrate in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6-18 years with chronic kidney disease stages 3-4 and normal serum phosphate levels.

Not a fit: Patients currently treated with phosphate binders or those with certain gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve kidney health and metabolic outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using ferric citrate for similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ages 6 to 18 years (inclusive);
2. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of 15-59 ml/min per 1.73 m2 by modified Chronic Kidney disease in Children (CKiD) under 25 (U25) formula;56
3. Serum phosphate \<=5.9 mg/dl;
4. Serum ferritin \<500 ng/ml and TSAT \<50%;
5. For those patients treated with growth hormone, calcitriol, nutritional vitamin D, iron, and/or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) such treatments must have stable dosing for at least 2 weeks prior to screening;
6. Able to swallow tablets;
7. Able to eat at least two meals a day;
8. In the opinion of the investigator, willing and able to follow the study treatment regimen and comply with the site investigator's recommendations.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients currently treated with phosphate binders.
2. History of allergy to all ingredients (including non-medical ingredients) in both products (i.e. investigational product and placebo)
3. Current intestinal malabsorption, documented in the medical record; disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and/or Crohn's Disease.
4. Anticipated initiation of dialysis or kidney transplantation within 6 months
5. Current or planned future systemic immunosuppressive therapy
6. Prior solid organ transplantation
7. Receipt of bone marrow transplant within two years of screening
8. Current pregnancy, lactation or female subjects who have reached menarche, unless using highly-effective contraception as outlined in section 7.1.1 of Protocol
9. Patients participating in other interventional study (observational study participation permitted)
10. Poor adherence to medical treatments in the opinion of the investigator
11. Cystinosis
12. Fanconi syndrome
13. Hemochromatosis or laboratory tests indicating possible hemochromatosis or other iron overload (primary or secondary) syndrome

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 19 other locations

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 Chronic Kidney DiseasesPediatricCKDPhosphate Binder
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.