Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 6 Months to 18

Exploring prolonged-release tacrolimus for children after liver transplant

Official title: Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Study of Prolonged-release Tacrolimus in Stable Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients

Run by RenJi Hospital · NCT06183892 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a new long-lasting version of tacrolimus can help children who have had a liver transplant avoid rejection and stay healthy by making it easier for them to take their medicine.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages6 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorRenJi Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 4, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2025
Study endsJuly 1, 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 18, 2024
Trial IDNCT06183892 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 18 years or younger who have undergone liver transplantation and have been stable on immediate-release tacrolimus for at least three months.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have undergone multi-organ transplants or have a history of allergic reactions to tacrolimus may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of sustained-release tacrolimus capsules on preventing acute rejection and fibrosis in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Tacrolimus is a vital immunosuppressant, but adherence can decline over time, leading to serious complications. By switching to a sustained-release formulation, the study aims to improve medication compliance and overall graft survival. Participants will be monitored for biopsy-proven acute rejection and liver health over the course of the study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of acute rejection and improve long-term liver function in pediatric transplant recipients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in adult populations have shown that sustained-release tacrolimus can improve transplant outcomes, suggesting potential benefits in pediatric cases as well.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children (≤18 years old) who have undergone liver transplantation, with no gender limitations;
2. Able to completely swallow capsules;
3. Have been using immediate-release tacrolimus for at least three months prior to study enrollment;
4. Have normal blood count, liver and kidney function, coagulation function, and considered clinically stable by researchers;
5. Undergo a programmed liver biopsy;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Multi-organ combined transplantation or multiple liver transplantation;
2. Adjuvant liver transplantation or use of bioartificial liver therapy;
3. ABO incompatible children with liver transplantation;
4. Allergic to tacrolimus;
5. Participation in any other clinical study within 3 months prior to enrollment;
6. Use of tacrolimus sustained release capsules before enrollment;
7. Tacrolimus trough concentration lower than 3.5 ng/ml at the time of screening;

Where it's running

  • Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Hao Feng, MD., Ph.D — Dept. Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, SJTU
  • Study coordinator: Hao Feng, MD., Ph.D
  • Email: surgeonfeng@live.com
  • Phone: 008615000901110

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.