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Chronic Kidney DiseasePhase 1/2BeeVenom-CKDNCT06901102

Effect of Bee Venom on Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorders in Hemodialysis Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

A Phase 1/2 study testing Bee Venom Injection in people with Chronic Kidney Disease and Bee Venom, run by Mansoura University at 1 site in Egypt.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bee venom injections as a treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral bone disorder (MBD) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. MBD is a common complication in CKD patients, leading to abnormal mineral metabolism, bone disease, and increased cardiovascular risks. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Chronic Kidney Disease, Bee Venom, Hemodialysis
What is being tested?
Bee Venom Injection
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteEgypt
Study dates
10 Apr 2025to 20 Oct 2025
Phase
Phase 1/2
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 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients of both sexes aged 18 years and older.
  • Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis three times weekly for at least six months.
  • Patients who are not scheduled for kidney transplantation within the next year.

Who cannot join

  • Current pregnancy or lactation.
  • Medical history of chronic conditions such as liver disease, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.
  • Refusal to participate in the study.
  • Active chronic infections, including HIV, HCV, HBV, and tuberculosis.
  • Current use of medications affecting bone metabolism (e.g., calcitonin, denosumab, estrogen) within the last six months.
  • History of renal allograft failure within the past year.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Islam M Aboalela, Nephrology Resident, M.B.B. Ch contact

+201023772520 ext. +20502364530

islammohameddd96@gmail.com

Egypt1 site
  • Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University

    Al Mansurah, Dakahliya, 35111

    Muhammed A Elhadedy, MD Nephrology, +201006545538, hadedy@mans.edu.eg

Other trials in Egypt

About this study

Official title: Bee Venom As Immunomodulator and Its Effect on Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorders in Hemodialysis Patients: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bee venom injections as a treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral bone disorder (MBD) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. MBD is a common complication in CKD patients, leading to abnormal mineral metabolism, bone disease, and increased cardiovascular risks. Current treatments are often inadequate and can have significant side effects.

In this study, we will compare the effects of bee venom injections with standard care treatments in hemodialysis patients. Bee venom is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which may help improve mineral metabolism and bone health regulation in these patients. By stimulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) through bee venom, we aim to reduce inflammation and restore bone health.

We hope to answer whether bee venom can effectively reduce mineral bone disorder markers (such as calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels) and improve bone density in hemodialysis patients. The results could lead to a new treatment option for CKD-MBD, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Read the detailed description

This prospective, randomized controlled trial investigates the potential therapeutic role of bee venom in improving mineral bone disorder (MBD) among hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MBD is a common complication in CKD, characterized by disruptions in calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D metabolism, leading to abnormal bone remodeling and an increased risk of fractures and cardiovascular events. Conventional treatments for MBD, including phosphate binders, vitamin D analogs, and calcimimetics, often fall short in achieving optimal biochemical control and carry significant side effects. Therefore, there is a need for innovative therapies.

Bee venom, derived from the sting of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), has shown immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which may play a role in modulating immune responses and regulating mineral metabolism. Previous studies suggest that bee venom can influence T cell activity, particularly enhancing the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are known to suppress inflammation and help maintain immune balance. Given that inflammation is a key driver in the pathogenesis of MBD, targeting the immune system through bee venom presents a novel approach to improving bone and mineral metabolism.

The study will involve 60 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving bee venom injections or the control group receiving standard care. Bee venom will be administered subcutaneously, with a dose escalation schedule starting at 0.05 mL three times weekly in the first week and increasing to 0.5 mL three times weekly by week 5. The treatment will last for six months.

Clinical and laboratory evaluations will assess the effects of bee venom on key MBD biomarkers, including serum calcium, phosphorus, PTH levels, and bone turnover markers. Radiological assessments using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) will evaluate bone mineral density changes at the lumbar vertebrae. The study will also assess the safety profile of bee venom by monitoring adverse events and allergic reactions.

The primary goal is determining whether bee venom can significantly improve MBD markers compared to standard care. Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in bone mineral density, assessing the safety and tolerability of bee venom, and exploring potential effects on inflammation markers and cardiovascular risk factors. The findings from this study may provide insights into the possible role of bee venom as a therapeutic agent in managing CKD-MBD. They could lead to a new treatment option for hemodialysis patients.

Being tested
Bee Venom Injection, Standard Care for CKD-MBD
Keywords
Bee venom, Mineral bone disorder, Hemodialysis, Immunomodulation, Regulatory T cells, Bone turnover markers
Medical subject headings
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Bee Venom InjectionDrug

    This intervention involves the administration of purified bee venom from Apis mellifera species (Abevac) via subcutaneous injections. The dosage starts at 0.05 mL three times a week and gradually escalates to 0.5 mL three times a week by week 5. The total duration of the treatment is 6 months. Bee venom is being evaluated for its potential immunomodulatory effects, including enhancing regulatory T cell function and improving mineral bone disorder (MBD) in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

  • Standard Care for CKD-MBDDrug

    This intervention represents the standard care for patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) undergoing hemodialysis. The treatment typically includes phosphate binders to control phosphorus levels, vitamin D receptor activators to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and calcimimetics to control parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The specific regimen may vary according to individual patient needs, but the control group will not receive bee venom injections as part of their therapy.

Study groups in NCT06901102
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Bee Venom Injection (Intervention Group)ExperimentalThis group will receive bee venom injections to evaluate its effect on chronic kidney disease-related mineral bone disorder in hemodialysis patients. The bee venom will be administered subcutaneously, starting with a dose of 0.05 mL three times a week and escalating to 0.5 mL by week 5. The treatment will last for six months.
Receives: Drug: Bee Venom Injection
Standard Care (Control Group)Active comparatorThis group will receive the usual clinical care for mineral bone disorders associated with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis patients. Standard care may include phosphate binders, vitamin D receptor activators, and other treatments commonly used to manage MBD in CKD patients.
Receives: Drug: Standard Care for CKD-MBD

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Improvement in Bone-Specific Biomarkers (BALP, P1NP, TRAP-5b)

    The primary outcome measure will evaluate the effect of bee venom injections on bone-specific biomarkers in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). This will be assessed by measuring changes in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), propeptides of type I procollagen (P1NP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP-5b) levels from baseline to the end of the study. The aim is to determine if bee venom therapy can improve bone turnover markers compared to standard care.

    Measured: 6 months The primary outcome will be assessed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment to evaluate the effect of bee venom on bone metabolism in CKD-MBD patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Change in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Measured by QCT of Lumbar Vertebrae

    The secondary outcome measure will evaluate the effect of bee venom injections on bone mineral density (BMD) in hemodialysis patients with CKD-MBD, measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) of the lumbar vertebrae. Changes in both cortical and trabecular bone density will be assessed from baseline to the end of the study. This will help determine if bee venom therapy has a beneficial effect on improving bone density compared to standard care.

    Measured: 6 months Bone mineral density measurements will be taken at baseline and at the end of the 6-month treatment period to assess the impact of bee venom on bone health in CKD-MBD patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Mar 2025
  2. Study start10 Apr 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion10 Oct 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completion20 Oct 2025 (estimated)

Resources

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 1/2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06901102
Sponsor's protocol ID
MS.24.12.3035
Acronym
BeeVenom-CKD
Status last verified
Mar 2025
First submitted
23 Mar 2025
Last updated
28 Mar 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: At this stage, we have not yet determined whether individual participant data (IPD) will be shared with other researchers. After the study is completed, we will assess the feasibility and ethical considerations regarding data sharing. If IPD sharing becomes an option, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure participant confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.

Publications

  • Waziri B, Duarte R, Naicker S. Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD): Current Perspectives. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis. 2019 Dec 24;12:263-276. doi: 10.2147/IJNRD.S191156. eCollection 2019.

    PubMed 31920363
  • An HJ, Kim JY, Kim WH, Han SM, Park KK. The Protective Effect of Melittin on Renal Fibrosis in an Animal Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. Molecules. 2016 Aug 27;21(9):1137. doi: 10.3390/molecules21091137.

    PubMed 27618890
  • Hwang DS, Kim SK, Bae H. Therapeutic Effects of Bee Venom on Immunological and Neurological Diseases. Toxins (Basel). 2015 Jun 29;7(7):2413-21. doi: 10.3390/toxins7072413.

    PubMed 26131770
  • Carpena M, Nunez-Estevez B, Soria-Lopez A, Simal-Gandara J. Bee Venom: An Updating Review of Its Bioactive Molecules and Its Health Applications. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 31;12(11):3360. doi: 10.3390/nu12113360.

    PubMed 33142794

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1/2 study testing Bee Venom Injection in people with Chronic Kidney Disease and Bee Venom, run by Mansoura University at 1 site in Egypt.

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 3 inclusion and 6 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Mar 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 Egypt. 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.

What does this combined phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

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 Islam M Aboalela, Nephrology Resident, M.B.B. Ch (+201023772520 ext. +20502364530, islammohameddd96@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Improvement in Bone-Specific Biomarkers (BALP, P1NP, TRAP-5b) (time frame: 6 months The primary outcome will be assessed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment to evaluate the effect of bee venom on bone metabolism in CKD-MBD patients undergoing hemodialysis.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06901102, which also lists 4 linked publications.

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 28 Mar 2025.

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