Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, often triggered by immune system attacks on the glomeruli. It can appear suddenly or develop slowly over years. Treatment depends on the type and cause — some forms resolve on their own, while others require immunosuppressive drugs to slow kidney damage and delay dialysis.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing complement inhibitors that block specific immune pathways, B-cell therapies borrowed from other autoimmune diseases, and targeted drugs for IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy. Researchers are also studying biomarkers to predict who will progress to kidney failure, and whether early aggressive treatment changes long-term outcomes.
Complement inhibitors
Drugs that block the complement system — part of the immune response — are showing promise in IgA nephropathy and C3 glomerulopathy. Several are now FDA-approved or in late-stage trials.
IgA nephropathy treatments
Multiple new drugs target this common form of glomerulonephritis, including sparsentan (approved 2023) and targeted-release budesonide. Trials are testing whether they can prevent the gradual loss of kidney function.
Membranous nephropathy drugs
Rituximab, originally for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, is now used for membranous nephropathy. Newer trials are testing other B-cell therapies and drugs targeting the autoantibodies that attack kidney filters.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on glomerulonephritis type (confirmed by biopsy), proteinuria level, kidney function, and whether you've tried standard immunosuppressive drugs.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing immunosuppressive drugs, complement inhibitors, or targeted therapies to reduce proteinuria and slow kidney function decline.
- Mechanism trials — Studies of drugs targeting specific immune pathways — B-cells, complement, or autoantibody production — to understand which patients respond.
- Biomarker studies — Testing blood and urine markers to predict disease progression and guide treatment decisions.
- Observational studies — Following people with glomerulonephritis to learn how different types progress and what factors predict kidney failure.
- Biopsy studies — Analyzing kidney biopsies to refine diagnosis and identify which forms of glomerulonephritis might respond to specific treatments.
Recently added Glomerulonephritis trials
Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Pegcetacoplan in Patients With C3G or IC-MPG: A Multi-Country Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Pegcetacoplan in patients with C3G and primary IC-MPGN in the real-world setting. This study will also assess biomarkers not routinely measured in clinical practice. Results will support the long-term evaluation of the benefit-risk profile of pegcetacoplan in a broad patient population, informing clinical decision-making.
Childhood-onset Lupus Nephritis Initial Glucocorticoid-dose Harmonization Trial (LIGHT Trial)
Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a severe chronic autoimmune disease with a high burden of major-organ involvement. Lupus nephritis (LN) affects more than half of children with SLE, and proliferative LN-including class III, IV, III+V, and IV+V disease-is associated with acute kidney injury, progression to end-stage kidney disease, and poor long-term outcomes. Glucocorticoids remain a cornerstone of induction therapy for proliferative LN. However, the optimal initial dose in children is uncertain. Although recent adult SLE and LN guidelines increasingly recommend lower-dose glucocorticoid regimens with rapid tapering, pediatric guidelines still commonly recommend high initial prednisone doses of 1.5-2.0 mg/kg/day. Adult trials and comparative observational studies suggest that lower-dose glucocorticoid regimens may preserve efficacy while reducing treatment-related toxicity. Because cumulative glucocorticoid exposure in children may impair growth, development, psychosocial well-being, and medication adherence, this trial will compare low-dose versus high-dose initial glucocorticoid regimens for induction treatment of pediatric proliferative LN. The objective is to determine whether a lower-dose regimen is non-inferior in efficacy while reducing glucocorticoid-related adverse effects and improving quality of life.
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