CKDNCT04819217
Study of Oral Uremic Toxin Absorbent and Probiotics to Retard the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
A study testing Active bamboo charcoal and Probiotics in people with CKD, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), uremic toxins accumulate when kidney function declines. Those uremic toxins had a greater affinity to circulating proteins are called "protein bound uremic toxins, PBUT." Apart from traditional small or middle molecule uremic toxins, the PBUTs can be rarely eliminated… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- CKD
- What is being tested?
- Active bamboo charcoal and Probiotics
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 180 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 1 May 2020to 1 Dec 2030
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥ 20 years old on the day of screening.
- 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.
Who cannot join
- Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) < 15 ml/min/1.73m2 according to MDRD equation.
- Patients in severe malnutrition status, albumin less than 2.0 g/dL
- Patients in severe anemia or active gastrointestinal bleeding with hemoglobulin < 8 g/dL.
- Peptic ulcer, esophageal varices, ileus or under fasting status
- Previous gastrointestinal operation.
- 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.
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- Patients with major hemorrhage, as defined with acute hemorrhage and requirement of blood transfusion during index admission.
- Patients with a biopsy proved or clinically diagnosed advanced liver cirrhosis, Child classification B or C.
- Solid organ or hematological transplantation recipients.
- Patients with oliguric kidney injury, as defined with less than 500 cc/day.
- Evidence of obstructive kidney injury or polycystic kidney disease.
- Antibiotics or probiotics treatment within the last 2 weeks before enrollment and during follow-up period.
- Presence or history of malignant neoplasms within the past 5 years prior to the day of screening.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
NTUH
Taipei
Chau chung Wu, PhD, 02-23123456 ext. 88560, Chauchungwu@ntu.edu.tw
Mei-Chen Huang, master, 02-23123456 ext. 885589, r204.cc01@gmail.com
About this study
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), uremic toxins accumulate when kidney function declines. Those uremic toxins had a greater affinity to circulating proteins are called "protein bound uremic toxins, PBUT." Apart from traditional small or middle molecule uremic toxins, the PBUTs can be rarely eliminated using traditional renal replacement therapy, even using high flux dialysis modalities. Among these molecules identified, indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresol (PC) are mostly studied. Both in vitro and in vivo study, IS and PC are associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and increased risk for CV outcomes.
The uremic toxins (IS and PC) are originated in the endogenous environment, mainly from the protein metabolism, food intake, or produced by gut microbiota. Prevention of IS or PC precursors from being absorbed across the intestinal tract has been extensively studied in the renal literature by use of oral adsorbents. In animal models, activated charcoal reduces the serum concentration of creatinine (cre) and may delay CKD progression by alleviating IS overload. An oral form of non-absorbable surface-modified activated bamboo charcoal (ABC), has been demonstrated to effectively reduce circulating and renal IS levels in animal models.
Recently, probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics have been reported to reduce inflammation, improve kidney function and retard progression of CKD by restoring the symbiosis of gut microflora in patients with CKD. A randomized trial found synbiotics decreased serum PCS without reducing serum IS in non-dialysis CKD. Another study found that synbiotics delayed CKD progression. A systematic review found prebiotic and probiotic therapies reduced IS and PCS in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on haemodialysis. However, it is unclear whether the results hold true for other patients with CKD. Based on these previous findings, investigators will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. Also, a panel of clinical and biochemical profiles will be checked to investigate possible link between several biomarkers and clinical response.
Read the detailed description
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), uremic toxins accumulate when kidney function declines. Those uremic toxins had a greater affinity to circulating proteins are called "protein bound uremic toxins, PBUT." Apart from traditional small or middle molecule uremic toxins, the PBUTs can be rarely eliminated using traditional renal replacement therapy, even using high flux dialysis modalities. Among these molecules identified, indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresol (PC) are mostly studied. Both in vitro and in vivo study, IS and PC are associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and increased risk for CV outcomes.
The uremic toxins (IS and PC) are originated in the endogenous environment, mainly from the protein metabolism, food intake, or produced by gut microbiota. Prevention of IS or PC precursors from being absorbed across the intestinal tract has been extensively studied in the renal literature by use of oral adsorbents. In animal models, activated charcoal reduces the serum concentration of creatinine (cre) and may delay CKD progression by alleviating IS overload. An oral form of non-absorbable surface-modified activated bamboo charcoal (ABC), has been demonstrated to effectively reduce circulating and renal IS levels in animal models.
Recently, probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics have been reported to reduce inflammation, improve kidney function and retard progression of CKD by restoring the symbiosis of gut microflora in patients with CKD. A randomized trial found synbiotics decreased serum PCS without reducing serum IS in non-dialysis CKD. Another study found that synbiotics delayed CKD progression. A systematic review found prebiotic and probiotic therapies reduced IS and PCS in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on haemodialysis. However, it is unclear whether the results hold true for other patients with CKD. Based on these previous findings, investigators will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. Also, a panel of clinical and biochemical profiles will be checked to investigate possible link between several biomarkers and clinical response.
During this 6 months' trial, eligible 120 patients with eGFR 15 < eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73m2 and UACR > 100 mg/g will be enrolled and randomized into 4 groups. The patients in group 1 will receive CharXenPlus 4g (with ABC 2g) thrice daily + CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months. Group 2 will receive CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months. Group 3 will receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the last 3 months. Group 4 will only receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months. In addition to demographic data, the degrees of proteinuria (UACR), serum albumin, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, Mg, uric acid, IS, PC, TMAO, FGF-23, klotho, KIM-1, NGAL, metabolomics, lcnRNA, and fecal microbiota will be assessed at the baseline, 3rd and 6th month of the trial.
- Conditions
- CKD
- Being tested
- Active bamboo charcoal, Probiotics
- Keywords
- CKD oral absorbent probiotics LncRNA, gut microbiota
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Active bamboo charcoalDietary supplement
During this 6 months' trial, eligible 120 patients with eGFR 15 < eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73m2 and UACR > 100 mg/g will be enrolled and randomized into 4 groups. The patients in group 1 will receive CharXenPlus 4g (with ABC 2g) thrice daily + CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months. Group 2 will receive CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months. Group 3 will receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the last 3 months. Group 4 will only receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months.
ProbioticsDietary supplement
Probiotics
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active bamboo charcoal | Other | Based on these previous findings, we will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Active bamboo charcoal |
| Probiotics | Other | Based on these previous findings, we will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Probiotics |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The % change of UACR
Urine albumin divided by urine creatinine
Measured: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
The % change of Creatinine
Serum creatinine (mg/dL)
Measured: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
The % change of eGFR
Estimates glomerular filtration rate based on creatinine and patient characteristics.
Measured: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Secondary outcomes (3)
FGF-23
protein-binding uremic toxin
Measured: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
plasma lncRNA
Long non-coding RNAs (long ncRNAs, lncRNA) are a type of RNA, defined as being transcripts with lengths exceeding 200 nucleotides that are not translated into protein.
Measured: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Fecal microbiota
microorganism in fecese
Measured: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Mar 2021
- Study start1 May 2020
- Primary completion1 Dec 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Dec 2030 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for CKDStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Taiwan University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 180 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Chau chung Wu, Ph.D., Principal investigator, National Taiwan University Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04819217
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 202002030RINA
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 19 May 2020
- Last updated
- 18 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Study of Oral Uremic Toxin Absorbent and Probiotics to Retard the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04819217
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 202002030RINA
- Conditions
- CKD
- Keywords
- CKD oral absorbent probiotics LncRNA, gut microbiota
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 180 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2030 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Mar 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), uremic toxins accumulate when kidney function declines. Those uremic toxins had a greater affinity to circulating proteins are called "protein bound uremic toxins, PBUT." Apart from traditional small or middle molecule uremic toxins, the PBUTs can be rarely eliminated using traditional renal replacement therapy, even using high flux dialysis modalities. Among these molecules identified, indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresol (PC) are mostly studied. Both in vitro and in vivo study, IS and PC are associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and increased risk for CV outcomes.
The uremic toxins (IS and PC) are originated in the endogenous environment, mainly from the protein metabolism, food intake, or produced by gut microbiota. Prevention of IS or PC precursors from being absorbed across the intestinal tract has been extensively studied in the renal literature by use of oral adsorbents. In animal models, activated charcoal reduces the serum concentration of creatinine (cre) and may delay CKD progression by alleviating IS overload. An oral form of non-absorbable surface-modified activated bamboo charcoal (ABC), has been demonstrated to effectively reduce circulating and renal IS levels in animal models.
Recently, probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics have been reported to reduce inflammation, improve kidney function and retard progression of CKD by restoring the symbiosis of gut microflora in patients with CKD. A randomized trial found synbiotics decreased serum PCS without reducing serum IS in non-dialysis CKD. Another study found that synbiotics delayed CKD progression. A systematic review found prebiotic and probiotic therapies reduced IS and PCS in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on haemodialysis. However, it is unclear whether the results hold true for other patients with CKD. Based on these previous findings, investigators will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. Also, a panel of clinical and biochemical profiles will be checked to investigate possible link between several biomarkers and clinical response.
Detailed description
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), uremic toxins accumulate when kidney function declines. Those uremic toxins had a greater affinity to circulating proteins are called "protein bound uremic toxins, PBUT." Apart from traditional small or middle molecule uremic toxins, the PBUTs can be rarely eliminated using traditional renal replacement therapy, even using high flux dialysis modalities. Among these molecules identified, indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresol (PC) are mostly studied. Both in vitro and in vivo study, IS and PC are associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and increased risk for CV outcomes.
The uremic toxins (IS and PC) are originated in the endogenous environment, mainly from the protein metabolism, food intake, or produced by gut microbiota. Prevention of IS or PC precursors from being absorbed across the intestinal tract has been extensively studied in the renal literature by use of oral adsorbents. In animal models, activated charcoal reduces the serum concentration of creatinine (cre) and may delay CKD progression by alleviating IS overload. An oral form of non-absorbable surface-modified activated bamboo charcoal (ABC), has been demonstrated to effectively reduce circulating and renal IS levels in animal models.
Recently, probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics have been reported to reduce inflammation, improve kidney function and retard progression of CKD by restoring the symbiosis of gut microflora in patients with CKD. A randomized trial found synbiotics decreased serum PCS without reducing serum IS in non-dialysis CKD. Another study found that synbiotics delayed CKD progression. A systematic review found prebiotic and probiotic therapies reduced IS and PCS in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on haemodialysis. However, it is unclear whether the results hold true for other patients with CKD. Based on these previous findings, investigators will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. Also, a panel of clinical and biochemical profiles will be checked to investigate possible link between several biomarkers and clinical response.
During this 6 months' trial, eligible 120 patients with eGFR 15 < eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73m2 and UACR > 100 mg/g will be enrolled and randomized into 4 groups. The patients in group 1 will receive CharXenPlus 4g (with ABC 2g) thrice daily + CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months. Group 2 will receive CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months. Group 3 will receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the last 3 months. Group 4 will only receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months. In addition to demographic data, the degrees of proteinuria (UACR), serum albumin, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, Mg, uric acid, IS, PC, TMAO, FGF-23, klotho, KIM-1, NGAL, metabolomics, lcnRNA, and fecal microbiota will be assessed at the baseline, 3rd and 6th month of the trial.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active bamboo charcoal | Other | Dietary Supplement: Active bamboo charcoalBased on these previous findings, we will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. |
| Probiotics | Other | Dietary Supplement: ProbioticsBased on these previous findings, we will conduct a prospective randomized open blinded end-point (PROBE) study to see if oral uremic toxin absorbent + probiotics prevent CKD progression. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Age ≥ 20 years old on the day of screening.
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (13 listed)
- Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) < 15 ml/min/1.73m2 according to MDRD equation.
- Patients in severe malnutrition status, albumin less than 2.0 g/dL
- Patients in severe anemia or active gastrointestinal bleeding with hemoglobulin < 8 g/dL.
- Peptic ulcer, esophageal varices, ileus or under fasting status
- Previous gastrointestinal operation.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Active bamboo charcoalDuring this 6 months' trial, eligible 120 patients with eGFR 15 < eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73m2 and UACR > 100 mg/g will be enrolled and randomized into 4 groups. The patients in group 1 will receive CharXenPlus 4g (with ABC 2g) thrice daily + CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months. Group 2 will receive CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months. Group 3 will receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the initial 3 months, and CharXenPlus 4g thrice daily in the last 3 months. Group 4 will only receive CharXprob 0.8 g once daily in the last 3 months. | Dietary supplement | Active bamboo charcoal |
| ProbioticsProbiotics | Dietary supplement | Probiotics |
Primary outcome
The % change of UACR
Time frame: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Urine albumin divided by urine creatinine
The % change of Creatinine
Time frame: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Serum creatinine (mg/dL)
The % change of eGFR
Time frame: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Estimates glomerular filtration rate based on creatinine and patient characteristics.
3 secondary outcomes
FGF-23
Time frame: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
plasma lncRNA
Time frame: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Fecal microbiota
Time frame: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Jul 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Chau chung Wu, Ph.D. principal investigator
National Taiwan University Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Active bamboo charcoal and Probiotics in people with CKD, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 13 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Chau chung Wu, Ph.D. (02-23123456 ext. 88560, Chauchungwu@ntu.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The % change of UACR (time frame: baseline, 3rd month, 6th month). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Jul 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.