Recruiting

Testing a new medication to prevent kidney damage after heart surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT07625553 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new medication called to see if it can prevent acute kidney injury—a serious complication that sometimes happens after heart surgery, especially in patients who already have risk factors for kidney problems. The medication works as a relaxin agonist, which means it mimics a natural hormone in your body that may help protect your kidneys during and after surgery. Researchers want to find the right dose of this treatment and confirm it is safe and effective.

Kidney damage after heart surgery is a common and serious problem that can lead to longer hospital stays, dialysis, or long-term kidney problems. Currently, there are no proven medications to prevent this complication, so this trial is testing whether the new treatment can fill that gap and protect patients' kidneys during one of the most stressful times for the body.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are scheduled for non-emergency heart surgery (such as bypass, valve repair, or aortic surgery) that uses a heart-lung machine
you have at least one or two risk factors for kidney damage, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or prior stroke
you have stable kidney function at the time of screening, as determined by your doctor
you are at least 18 years old and able to understand and sign the informed consent form
you are willing to avoid pregnancy for the entire study period plus 90 days after your last dose of medication (if you or your partner could become pregnant)

You likely don't qualify if…

you are already enrolled in another research study involving an intervention
your surgery is scheduled as an emergency or will be performed without a heart-lung machine
you already have acute kidney injury or are currently on dialysis
you have advanced kidney disease (stage 4 or higher) or have had a kidney transplant
you are pregnant, nursing, or have a known allergy to the study medication

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new medication (at one of two doses) or a placebo (inactive substance), and neither you nor your doctor will know which one you're getting. You will receive your assigned treatment before your scheduled heart surgery. The study will track your kidney function and overall health through blood tests and clinical visits before surgery, during your hospital stay after surgery, and at follow-up appointments over several weeks. Your participation helps researchers determine whether this medication can safely protect patients' kidneys during and after major heart surgery.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Italy

IRCSS San Raffaele, Milan

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov