CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT04608474Updated Apr 16, 2026Results posted

Lipid Management in Renal Transplant Recipients Using Evolocumab.

A Phase 4 interventional study of Evolocumab in Hyperlipidemias, sponsored by Brigham and Women's Hospital. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 85 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-16.

Sponsored by Brigham and Women's Hospital · Phase 4, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
81
Allocation
Not applicable
Ages
18 Years to 85 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality after renal transplantation, accounting for more than 30% of deaths. Elevated lipid levels (hyperlipidemia) are a frequent finding following transplantation and the immunosuppressive medications play a central role in the development or worsening of hyperlipidemia. In the general population, the correlation between elevated serum cholesterol and increased risk of cardiovascular disease is well established and the reduction in serum LDL cholesterol has proved to significantly reduce both morbidity and mortality.

Statin based drugs are the standard of care in the management of hyperlipidemia. Commonly used statin-based drugs include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), and pitavastatin (Livalo). These drugs have been proven to lower lipid levels as well as cardiovascular risk. However, statin-based drugs also cause a variety of side effects. While the most commonly encountered side effects are toxicity to the liver and muscles, a few others have also been known to cause increased excretion of protein in the urine and kidney failure. These side effects are also more common in a renal transplant recipient due to the simultaneous administration of drugs that prevent rejection. Therefore, there is an emergent need for newer drugs which are both efficient and safe especially in this population PCSK-9 inhibitors (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kinase-9 inhibitors) are a new class of drugs that are highly efficient in lowering lipid levels in the general population. However, an exclusive trial involving kidney transplant recipients is yet to be done. Through this study, we would like to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Evolocumab (trade name: Repatha) which is a PCSK-9 inhibitor developed by Amgen, Inc in renal transplant recipients. The study would involve a total of 120 patients across 3 different hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts.

Read the detailed description

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in renal transplant recipients (RTR). 44% of RTR have LDL-C greater than 100mg/dL, six months after transplant. The correlation between the increase in serum LDL level and the increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is well established. A reduction in LDL level is associated with a decreased risk of mortality and morbidity in patients with ASCVD. Statins have been the long-standing drug of choice in treating dyslipidemia. A single prospective randomized trial known as the ALERT trial compared the benefits of statins to placebo in transplant recipients. The original study consisted of 2000 RTR and an extension of this study evaluated 1652 patients and demonstrated a 21% reduction in major cardiac events (p=0.036) and a 29% reduction in cardiac death or definite non-fatal myocardial infarction (p=0.014). Even though statins decrease the probability of cardiovascular events there was no difference in graft survival or mortality benefit in RTR. Another concerning factor for the use of statins is the tolerability of these drugs. Statins have been associated with hepatotoxicity and myotoxicity, the incidence of which is higher in RTR. This effect is dose-related and may be precipitated by the administration of agents that inhibit cytochrome p450 isoenzymes such as Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine which are the most commonly used immunosuppressants. Another statin based drug (Fluvastatin) has been associated with proteinuria and renal failure. Hence there is a need to explore novel treatment options in the management of dyslipidemia, particularly in RTR. PCSK-9 inhibitors (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kinase-9 inhibitors) have shown to decrease LDL levels by 60% in patients on statin therapy. However, these drugs have been studied sparingly in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and have not yet been analyzed in RTR.

The study will involve 120 patients across 3 different hospitals. Two different but equivalent drug dosing strategies are available. A 420mg monthly subcutaneous injection using an on-body infusor (Repatha Pushtronex system) or a 140mg subcutaneous injection once every two weeks using a prefilled auto-injector (Repatha SureClick). The choice of dosing strategy will be based on patient preference. This study will be conducted over one year.

02

Conditions studied

  • Hyperlipidemias

Keywords

  • renal transplant
  • high cholesterol
  • hyperlipidemia
  • cardiovascular disease
  • Evolocumab
  • PCSK-9 inhibitors
  • monoclonal antibody
03

In context

Hyperlipidemias

821 studies on the registry are indexed under Hyperlipidemias; 105 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 81 is close to the median of 87 across 691 interventional studies indexed under Hyperlipidemias.

Browse Hyperlipidemias studies →

Lead sponsor

Brigham and Women's Hospital is the lead sponsor of 1,236 studies on the registry; 224 are open to participants now.

Of its 116 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 64 (55%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 85 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Adult renal transplant recipients greater than 1-year post-transplantation, men and women between 18 and 85 years of age, inclusive.
  • Any patient with documented ASCVD or diabetes and 1 or more risk factors for ASCVD, including, but not limited to obesity, inactive lifestyle, hypertension, smoking, and family history. and an LDL >70 mg/dl (Highest-Risk Patients)
  • Any patient not classified as one of our highest-risk patients, that has an LDL >100 mg/dl

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients currently enrolled in another interventional clinical trial.
  • Patients being actively treated for cellular or antibody-mediated rejection.
  • Serious hypersensitivity to Evolocumab or any component of the formulation.
  • Patients who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy in the next one year.
05

Study design

Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
81 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Evolocumab Treatment

    Participants received evolocumab for lipid lowering.

    Drug: Evolocumab

Interventions

  • DrugEvolocumab

    Two different but equivalent drug dosing strategies are available. A 420mg monthly subcutaneous injection using an on-body infuser (Repatha Pushtronex system) or a 140mg subcutaneous injection once every two weeks using a prefilled auto-injector (Repatha SureClick). The choice of dosing strategy will be based on patient preference.

    Also known as: Repatha

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Percent Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months

    The primary efficacy measure is the percent change in LDL cholesterol from baseline to 12 months. The 12-month LDL value is defined as the measurement closest to 12 months within a prespecified window of Months 11 to 13 following treatment initiation. LDL cholesterol is measured in mg/dL.

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 months (Month 0 to Month 12; assessment window Months 11-13)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Absolute Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months

    Absolute change in LDL cholesterol from baseline to 12 months. The 12-month LDL value is defined as the measurement closest to 12 months within a prespecified window of Months 11 to 13 following treatment initiation. LDL cholesterol is measured in mg/dL.

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 months (Month 0 to Month 12; assessment window Months 11-13)

Other outcomes

  1. Number of Participants Achieving LDL Cholesterol < 70 mg/dL at Any Time During Follow-up

    Number of participants who achieved LDL cholesterol \< 70 mg/dL at any time during follow-up.

    Time frame: From baseline through Month 13

07

Results

Posted Apr 16, 2026

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneEvolocumab
Started81
Completed50
Not completed31
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up15
Withdrew: Withdrawal by subject9
Withdrew: Adverse event5
Withdrew: Physician decision2

Outcome measures

PrimaryPercent Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months

The primary efficacy measure is the percent change in LDL cholesterol from baseline to 12 months. The 12-month LDL value is defined as the measurement closest to 12 months within a prespecified window of Months 11 to 13 following treatment initiation. LDL cholesterol is measured in mg/dL.

Time frame:
Baseline to 12 months (Month 0 to Month 12; assessment window Months 11-13)
Reported as:
Mean · Percent (%)
Percent Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months
Percent (%)Evolocumab
Percent Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months-46.6 ± 25.9
SecondaryAbsolute Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months

Absolute change in LDL cholesterol from baseline to 12 months. The 12-month LDL value is defined as the measurement closest to 12 months within a prespecified window of Months 11 to 13 following treatment initiation. LDL cholesterol is measured in mg/dL.

Time frame:
Baseline to 12 months (Month 0 to Month 12; assessment window Months 11-13)
Reported as:
Mean · mg/dL
Absolute Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months
mg/dLEvolocumab
Absolute Change in LDL Cholesterol From Baseline to 12 Months-61.8 ± 38.5
Other pre-specifiedNumber of Participants Achieving LDL Cholesterol < 70 mg/dL at Any Time During Follow-up

Number of participants who achieved LDL cholesterol \< 70 mg/dL at any time during follow-up.

Time frame:
From baseline through Month 13
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants Achieving LDL Cholesterol < 70 mg/dL at Any Time During Follow-up
ParticipantsEvolocumab
Achieved LDL < 70 mg/dL46
Did not achieve LDL < 70 mg/dL20

Adverse events

Collected over 12 months. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Evolocumab0/66 (0%)0/66 (0%)4/66 (6.1%)
Most frequent other events
Most frequent other events
EventEvolocumab
Allergic Skin ReactionSkin and subcutaneous tissue disorders3/66
Elevated Creatine KinaseInvestigations1/66

Baseline characteristics

Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(years)Evolocumab
Mean52.85 ± 12.34
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Evolocumab
Female24
Male46
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Evolocumab
Hispanic or Latino3
Not Hispanic or Latino65
Unknown or Not Reported2
Race (NIH/OMB)
Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Evolocumab
American Indian or Alaska Native0
Asian3
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander0
Black or African American11
White53
More than one race0
Unknown or Not Reported3
LDL Cholesterol, Baseline
LDL Cholesterol, Baseline(mg/dL)Evolocumab
Mean131.5 ± 30.9
08

Study locations

1 site
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
09

References and documents

Publications

  • El-Zoghby ZM, Stegall MD, Lager DJ, Kremers WK, Amer H, Gloor JM, Cosio FG. Identifying specific causes of kidney allograft loss. Am J Transplant. 2009 Mar;9(3):527-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2008.02519.x. Epub 2008 Feb 3. PubMed 19191769 ↗
  • Israni AK, Snyder JJ, Skeans MA, Peng Y, Maclean JR, Weinhandl ED, Kasiske BL; PORT Investigators. Predicting coronary heart disease after kidney transplantation: Patient Outcomes in Renal Transplantation (PORT) Study. Am J Transplant. 2010 Feb;10(2):338-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02949.x. PubMed 20415903 ↗
  • Gonyea JE, Anderson CF. Weight change and serum lipoproteins in recipients of renal allografts. Mayo Clin Proc. 1992 Jul;67(7):653-7. doi: 10.1016/s0025-6196(12)60720-4. PubMed 1434899 ↗
  • Gaston RS, Kasiske BL, Fieberg AM, Leduc R, Cosio FC, Gourishankar S, Halloran P, Hunsicker L, Rush D, Matas AJ. Use of cardioprotective medications in kidney transplant recipients. Am J Transplant. 2009 Aug;9(8):1811-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2009.02696.x. Epub 2009 Jun 10. PubMed 19519808 ↗
  • Cholesterol Treatment Trialists' (CTT) Collaboration; Baigent C, Blackwell L, Emberson J, Holland LE, Reith C, Bhala N, Peto R, Barnes EH, Keech A, Simes J, Collins R. Efficacy and safety of more intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol: a meta-analysis of data from 170,000 participants in 26 randomised trials. Lancet. 2010 Nov 13;376(9753):1670-81. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61350-5. Epub 2010 Nov 8. PubMed 21067804 ↗
  • Holdaas H, Fellstrom B, Cole E, Nyberg G, Olsson AG, Pedersen TR, Madsen S, Gronhagen-Riska C, Neumayer HH, Maes B, Ambuhl P, Hartmann A, Staffler B, Jardine AG; Assessment of LEscol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) Study Investigators. Long-term cardiac outcomes in renal transplant recipients receiving fluvastatin: the ALERT extension study. Am J Transplant. 2005 Dec;5(12):2929-36. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2005.01105.x. PubMed 16303007 ↗
  • Olyaei A, Greer E, Delos Santos R, Rueda J. The efficacy and safety of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors in chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant patients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011 Mar;6(3):664-78. doi: 10.2215/CJN.09091010. Epub 2011 Mar 10. PubMed 21393488 ↗
  • McKenney JM, Davidson MH, Jacobson TA, Guyton JR; National Lipid Association Statin Safety Assessment Task Force. Final conclusions and recommendations of the National Lipid Association Statin Safety Assessment Task Force. Am J Cardiol. 2006 Apr 17;97(8A):89C-94C. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.02.030. Epub 2006 Feb 28. PubMed 16581336 ↗
  • Neuvonen PJ, Niemi M, Backman JT. Drug interactions with lipid-lowering drugs: mechanisms and clinical relevance. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Dec;80(6):565-81. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2006.09.003. PubMed 17178259 ↗
  • Lemahieu WP, Hermann M, Asberg A, Verbeke K, Holdaas H, Vanrenterghem Y, Maes BD. Combined therapy with atorvastatin and calcineurin inhibitors: no interactions with tacrolimus. Am J Transplant. 2005 Sep;5(9):2236-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2005.01005.x. PubMed 16095503 ↗
  • de Jonge H, de Loor H, Verbeke K, Vanrenterghem Y, Kuypers DR. In vivo CYP3A activity is significantly lower in cyclosporine-treated as compared with tacrolimus-treated renal allograft recipients. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2011 Sep;90(3):414-22. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2011.130. Epub 2011 Jul 13. PubMed 21753749 ↗
  • Kasiske B, Cosio FG, Beto J, Bolton K, Chavers BM, Grimm R Jr, Levin A, Masri B, Parekh R, Wanner C, Wheeler DC, Wilson PW; National Kidney Foundation. Clinical practice guidelines for managing dyslipidemias in kidney transplant patients: a report from the Managing Dyslipidemias in Chronic Kidney Disease Work Group of the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. Am J Transplant. 2004;4 Suppl 7:13-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6135.2004.0355.x. PubMed 15027968 ↗
  • Alsheikh-Ali AA, Ambrose MS, Kuvin JT, Karas RH. The safety of rosuvastatin as used in common clinical practice: a postmarketing analysis. Circulation. 2005 Jun 14;111(23):3051-7. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.555482. Epub 2005 May 23. PubMed 15911706 ↗
  • Wanner C, Tonelli M; Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Lipid Guideline Development Work Group Members. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Lipid Management in CKD: summary of recommendation statements and clinical approach to the patient. Kidney Int. 2014 Jun;85(6):1303-9. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.31. Epub 2014 Feb 19. PubMed 24552851 ↗

Study documents

  • Protocol and statistical analysis plan · Dec 4, 2023

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

10

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Apr 16, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT04608474
Lead sponsor
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Collaborators
Amgen
Responsible party
Anil K. Chandraker, MD (Medical Director, Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Brigham and Women's Hospital) — Principal investigator
First posted
Oct 29, 2020
Start date
Feb 17, 2021
Primary completion
Jan 11, 2024
Completion
May 14, 2025
Results posted
Apr 16, 2026
Last update
Apr 16, 2026

Study contacts

Anil K Chandraker, MD
principal investigator · Brigham and Women's Hospital

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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