Using long-acting tacrolimus for lung transplant patients

A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study of Early-Use Long Acting Tacrolimus (Envarsus XR) in Lung Transplant Recipients

EARLY_PHASE1 · Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT04469842

This study is testing if a new long-acting version of tacrolimus can help lung transplant patients avoid complications and protect their kidneys better than traditional medications.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT04469842 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the early use of long-acting tacrolimus in patients who have undergone lung transplantation. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this medication in reducing complications associated with traditional immunosuppressive therapies, particularly focusing on preventing renal dysfunction. Participants will receive a regimen that includes tacrolimus extended release, along with other immunosuppressive agents, to evaluate its safety and efficacy. The trial is designed for patients who are adherent to their medical therapies and are receiving care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have recently undergone single or bilateral lung transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of prior organ transplantation or those who have had adverse reactions to tacrolimus may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of renal complications in lung transplant recipients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar immunosuppressive strategies, but this specific approach with long-acting tacrolimus is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Status-post single or bilateral lung transplantation
* Participant is able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Male or female age 18 years or above.
* Actively receives care at VUMC and is adherent with medical therapies.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of prior organ transplantation
* History of tacrolimus use prior to transplantation
* Intolerance of tacrolimus (that precludes use)
* Having DSA pre-transplant (Positive virtual crossmatch)
* Active infection with Hepatitis B or C
* Active infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
* Baseline AST / ALT \> three times upper limit normal
* Primary graft dysfunction grade 3 at 72 hours
* Acute kidney injury during index hospitalization that does not resolve to two times the pre-transplant baseline value.
* Contraindication to PO (per os) intake of medications
* Impaired GI absorption (defined as sublingual administration of IR-tacro)
* History of frequent headaches
* Seizure history
* Cannot provide consent (at least verbally)
* Pregnancy or breast-feeding
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lung Transplant, Complications, Lung Transplantation, Calcineurin inhibitor, LCP-tacrolimus, Calcineurin-inhibitor nephrotoxicity

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.