Recruiting

Testing two medications together for kidney inflammation from lupus

Plain-English translation of NCT07225387 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated November 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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Phase 4 — The treatment has already been approved. Researchers are tracking how it works in a large number of people over time.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether combining two medications—belimumab and —can help more people with lupus nephritis (kidney inflammation caused by lupus) achieve complete remission. Both medications work in different ways to protect the kidneys and reduce lupus activity. The study will compare taking the medication while gradually reducing or continuing another drug called mycophenolate, to see which approach works best.

Currently, neither of these medications alone helps more than half of patients achieve complete remission from kidney damage. Because this treatment targets the disease in two different ways, researchers believe combining them may help more patients recover fully and protect their kidneys long-term, reducing the need for other stronger immunosuppressive drugs.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with lupus (SLE) confirmed by blood tests
you have lupus nephritis confirmed by kidney biopsy with active, proliferative disease
you have significant protein in your urine (over 750 mg per gram, measured in a 24-hour collection)
you have kidney function (eGFR) greater than 20–30 mL/min/1.73m², depending on timing of your kidney biopsy
you have been treated with mycophenolate and glucocorticoids and are on blood pressure medication (ACE inhibitor or ARB)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have active, uncontrolled lupus disease in other organs
you have severe kidney disease with less than 20 mL/min/1.73m² kidney function (with certain exceptions)
you have active infection or uncontrolled high blood pressure above 150/90 mm Hg
you cannot tolerate or have allergies to blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors or ARBs)
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to use reliable birth control during the study

What participation looks like

You would take the two study medications by mouth alongside your current lupus medications, with visits to the clinic for blood and urine tests, blood pressure checks, and kidney monitoring. The main question being tested is whether you can stop taking mycophenolate after 3 months (early group) or continue it for 12 months (extended group) while still improving on the new medications. The study lasts about a year, and you would be randomly assigned to one of these two schedules.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing two medications together for kidney inflammation from lupus

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(7 sites)