Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 20 and up

Using oral absorbents and probiotics to slow down chronic kidney disease progression

Official title: Study of Oral Uremic Toxin Absorbent and Probiotics to Retard the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT04819217 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a special charcoal and probiotics can help slow down kidney problems and improve health for people with chronic kidney disease.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment180 (estimated)
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2030
Study endsDecember 1, 2030
Registry record updatedJuly 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT04819217 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20 and older with chronic kidney disease and specific eGFR and UACR levels.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe kidney impairment (eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73m2) or those with significant gastrointestinal issues 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 use of an oral uremic toxin absorbent, specifically activated bamboo charcoal, alongside probiotics to reduce the levels of harmful uremic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The approach aims to prevent the absorption of these toxins, which are linked to kidney function decline and cardiovascular risks. By targeting protein-bound uremic toxins like indoxyl sulfate and p-cresol, the study seeks to improve kidney function and overall health outcomes for CKD patients. Participants will be monitored for changes in kidney function and toxin levels throughout the intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and improve patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using oral absorbents and probiotics to manage uremic toxins, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 20 years old on the day of screening.
2. CKD patients with eGFR 15 \< eGFR \<45 ml/min/1.73m2 and UACR \> 100 mg/g in a stable status, creatinine elevated less than 0.3 mg/dL in at least 30 days before enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) \< 15 ml/min/1.73m2 according to MDRD equation.
2. Patients in severe malnutrition status, albumin less than 2.0 g/dL
3. Patients in severe anemia or active gastrointestinal bleeding with hemoglobulin \< 8 g/dL.
4. Peptic ulcer, esophageal varices, ileus or under fasting status
5. Previous gastrointestinal operation.
6. Chronic constipation, as defined with less than 3 bowel movements per week, straining, hard stools, incomplete evacuation and inability to pass stool. If usage of oral laxatives can achieve bowel movement, this patient will not be excluded.
7. Patients with major hemorrhage, as defined with acute hemorrhage and requirement of blood transfusion during index admission.
8. Patients with a biopsy proved or clinically diagnosed advanced liver cirrhosis, Child classification B or C.
9. Solid organ or hematological transplantation recipients.
10. Patients with oliguric kidney injury, as defined with less than 500 cc/day.
11. Evidence of obstructive kidney injury or polycystic kidney disease.
12. Antibiotics or probiotics treatment within the last 2 weeks before enrollment and during follow-up period.
13. Presence or history of malignant neoplasms within the past 5 years prior to the day of screening.

Where it's running

  • Ntuh
    Taipei, Taiwan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Chau chung Wu, Ph.D. — National Taiwan University Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Chau chung Wu, Ph.D.
  • Email: Chauchungwu@ntu.edu.tw
  • Phone: 02-23123456

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  • HTD1801 vs placebo for kidney protection in type 2 diabetes and CKD

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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.