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Kidney Transplantation

Nephrology
93
Pipeline Programs
30
Companies
50
Clinical Trials
1 recruiting
4
Approved Products

Pipeline by Development Stage

Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 1/2
Phase 2
Phase 2/3
Phase 3
On Market
0
2
5
20
4
19
43
Early DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentMarket

Drug Modality Breakdown

Monoclonal Antibody
1393%
Small Molecule
17%
+ 108 programs with unclassified modality

Nephrology is a $36.6B mature market dominated by cardiometabolic crossover drugs with limited pure renal innovation.

$36.6B marketMature→ Stable30 products15 companies

Key Trends

  • GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors dominate (69% of spending) due to dual cardio-renal benefits
  • Patent cliffs approaching 2026-2030 create generic conversion risk for blockbuster franchises
  • Pipeline activity remains robust (2,785 trials) but concentrated in early-phase basic research

Career Verdict

Nephrology offers stable employment in commercial and medical affairs roles, but limited growth upside due to mature blockbuster dependency and declining pure renal research focus.

AI-generated market analysis based on FDA, CMS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and hiring data

Market Leaders

#1OZEMPICStable
$9.2B
Novo Nordisk·Peak12.4yr
#2JARDIANCEStable
$8.8B
#4FARXIGAStable
$4.3B
AstraZeneca·Peak15.4yr

Drug Class Breakdown

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists
$16.6B(45%)

cardiometabolic dominance

Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
$8.8B(24%)

cardioprotective expansion

SGLT2 Inhibitors (dapagliflozin class)
$4.3B(12%)

heart failure crossover

Adrenergic Beta3-Agonists
$3.0B(8%)

overactive bladder niche

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
$1.3B(4%)

declining relevance

Career Outlook

Stable

Nephrology careers are stable but not expanding; the field is supported by blockbuster drugs (GLP-1s, SGLT2i) that face patent cliffs between 2026–2041, creating near-term employment security but long-term uncertainty. Commercial and medical affairs roles dominate hiring, while R&D investment is limited to niche mechanisms (complement inhibition, gene therapy). Career progression depends on specialization in medtech, diagnostics, or orphan nephrology rather than traditional pharma blockbuster development.

Breaking In

Target medtech platforms (Outset, Fresenius) or biotech innovators (Vertex, Calyxo) over traditional pharma; nephrology offers job stability and clinical depth but limited growth trajectory in pure pharmaceutical roles.

For Experienced Professionals

Leverage cardiometabolic expertise to span diabetes, CKD, and HF franchises; position for transition to orphan nephrology (ADPKD, FSGS, IgA) where innovation and valuation multiples are highest.

In-Demand Skills

Renal endpoints and biomarkers (eGFR, albuminuria)Cardio-renal crossover knowledge (diabetes + CKD + HF)Medtech systems expertise (dialysis, transplantation platforms)Medical affairs and key opinion leader management

Best For

Medical Science Liaison (renal specialists)Commercial Manager (established nephro franchise)Clinical Development Manager (rare kidney disease)Real-world evidence analyst (CKD outcomes)

Hiring Landscape

$108K–$330K

Nephrology hiring is concentrated in commercial roles (58 positions, $108K avg) and medical affairs (12 positions, $330K avg), reflecting mature market dynamics. Top hiring companies are innovative platforms (Vertex: 41 jobs) and medtech (Outset: 21 jobs), not traditional pharma. Salary compression in commercial roles suggests commoditization.

124
Open Roles
5
Companies Hiring
4
Departments

Top Hiring Companies

20Growing
8Stable

By Department

Commercial(47%)
$108K
Medical Affairs(10%)
$330K
Clinical Excellence(6%)
$140K
Quality Assurance(4%)
$201K

Hiring favors medtech and biotech platforms over traditional pharma; medical affairs offers premium compensation but limited volume; commercial roles are abundant but underpaid relative to other therapeutic areas.

On Market (4)

Approved therapies currently available

Veloxis Pharmaceuticals
ENVARSUS XRApproved
tacrolimus
Veloxis Pharmaceuticals
oral2015
13M Part D
Roche
CELLCEPTApproved
mycophenolate mofetil
Roche
oral1997
5M Part D
Pfizer
RAPAMUNEApproved
sirolimus
Pfizer
mTOR Inhibitor Immunosuppressant [EPC]oral2000
760K Part D
Roche
MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL HYDROCHLORIDEApproved
mycophenolate mofetil
Roche
injection2022

Competitive Landscape

32 companies ranked by most advanced pipeline stage

Sandoz
SandozAustria - Kundl
39 programs
1
3
5
2
11
17
Dopamine infusion to brain dead organ donorsPhase 4
EC-MPS, TacrolimusPhase 4
Enteric coated mycophenolate sodiumPhase 4
Enteric-Coated Mycophenolate SodiumPhase 4
Enteric-Coated Mycophenolate SodiumPhase 4
+34 more programs
Genentech
18 programs
1
4
9
DTPhase 41 trial
MMFPhase 41 trial
Mycophenolate mofetilPhase 41 trial
daclizumabPhase 4Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
mycophenolate mofetilPhase 41 trial
+13 more programs
Active Trials
NCT01672957Completed128Est. Jul 2015
NCT00472082Terminated5Est. Apr 2009
NCT00697996Completed20Est. Aug 2007
+15 more trials
Astellas
AstellasChina - Shenyang
16 programs
1
3
2
3
4
AdvagrafPhase 41 trial
AdvagrafPhase 41 trial
Advagraf®Phase 41 trial
Prograf®Phase 41 trial
FK506MRPhase 31 trial
+11 more programs
Active Trials
NCT01433770Withdrawn0Est. Oct 2014
NCT00902980Completed264Est. Dec 2006
NCT01771705Completed40Est. Apr 2017
+11 more trials
Pfizer
PfizerNEW YORK, NY
6 programs
3
2
RAPAMUNE(sirolimus)Phase 45 trials
TACROLIMUS(tacrolimus)Phase 44 trials
CyclosporinePhase 21 trial
CyclosporinePhase 21 trial
CyclosporinePhase 21 trial
+1 more programs
Active Trials
NCT01375127Completed83Est. Jul 2012
NCT00556257Withdrawn0
NCT00483756Completed338Est. Apr 2010
+10 more trials
Veloxis Pharmaceuticals
3 programs
1
Envarsus XRPHASE_41 trial
Tacrolimus Extended Release Oral Tablet [Envarsus]PHASE_41 trial
Twice-daily TacrolimusPHASE_41 trial
Active Trials
NCT03266393Active Not Recruiting28Est. Mar 2023
NCT03828682Unknown60Est. Jun 2022
NCT04773392Terminated20Est. Feb 2024
Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical
3
Mycophenolate Mofetil 500mgPhase 41 trial
SirolimusPhase 41 trial
Sirolimus Tab.Phase 41 trial
Active Trials
NCT01842269Completed156Est. Apr 2015
NCT05193565Active Not Recruiting206Est. Nov 2026
NCT04700709Unknown158Est. Jan 2025
Chiesi
ChiesiBrazil - Santana de Parnaíba
2 programs
1
1
Tacrolimus and Tacrolimus Extended Release Oral Tablet [Envarsus]Phase 41 trial
TacrolimusPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT02970630Completed28Est. Feb 2018
NCT04496401Completed25Est. Nov 2023
Roche
RocheSTAVANGER NORWAY, Norway
1 program
1
mycophenolate mofetil [CellCept]PHASE_4
Angeles Therapeutics
1
Envarsus XRPhase 4
Colorado Therapeutics
Colorado TherapeuticsCO - Louisville
1 program
1
EverolimusPhase 41 trial
Active Trials
NCT02062892Withdrawn0Est. Jun 2014
Amgen
AmgenTHOUSAND OAKS, CA
1 program
1
darbopoeitinPhase 41 trial
Active Trials
NCT00204334Completed60Est. Jan 2010
CSL Seqirus
2 programs
1
1
PrivigenPhase 3
C1 Esterase InhibitorPhase 1/2
ITB Med
ITB MedNY - New York
4 programs
4
TCD601Phase 21 trial
TCD601Phase 21 trial
TCD601Phase 21 trial
TCD601Phase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT04311632Completed13Est. Oct 2023
NCT06365437Terminated33Est. Dec 2024
NCT04803006Terminated4Est. Oct 2025
+1 more trials
Biocorp
1 program
1
Arm 1: SOCPhase 2
ViiV Healthcare
ViiV HealthcareNC - Durham
1 program
1
BelimumabPhase 2Monoclonal Antibody
TolerogenixX
TolerogenixXGermany - Heidelberg
1 program
1
MICPhase 21 trial
Active Trials
NCT05365672Recruiting126Est. Dec 2028
OSE Immunotherapeutics
OSE ImmunotherapeuticsFrance - Nantes
1 program
1
FR104Phase 1/21 trial
Active Trials
NCT04837092Completed10Est. Apr 2025
Novartis
NovartisBASEL, Switzerland
3 programs
RituximabPHASE_2Monoclonal Antibody1 trial
CerticanPHASE_31 trial
Dopamine infusion to brain dead organ donorsPHASE_41 trial
Active Trials
NCT01136395Completed85Est. Jun 2019
NCT00098241Completed45Est. Mar 2007
NCT00115115Completed487Est. Mar 2009
Heidelberg Pharma
Heidelberg PharmaGermany - Ladenburg
2 programs
Belatacept in Renal Transplantation: Analyses Using Data From the Collaborative Transplant StudyN/A
RituximabPHASE_2Monoclonal Antibody
Allergy Therapeutics
Allergy TherapeuticsUK - West Sussex
2 programs
CyclosporineN/A2 trials
Live Kidney Donor StudyN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT00000880Completed30Est. May 2000
NCT00007787Completed350Est. Mar 2004
NCT00608283Completed8,951Est. Jun 2011
CSL Behring
CSL BehringIL - Bradley
2 programs
C1 Esterase InhibitorPHASE_1_21 trial
PrivigenPHASE_31 trial
Active Trials
NCT01134510Completed20Est. Nov 2013
NCT02374736Completed18Est. May 2019
Kyowa Hakko Kirin
Kyowa Hakko KirinCA - La Jolla
2 programs
ASKP1240PHASE_2
BleselumabPHASE_2Monoclonal Antibody
Temple Therapeutics
Action-focused problem-solvingN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT01356277Completed170Est. Jun 2016
Bristol Myers Squibb
1 program
Belatacept in Renal Transplantation: Analyses Using Data From the Collaborative Transplant StudyN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT01471223Completed89Est. Aug 2017
Coordination Pharmaceuticals
Feedback using ICT based monitoring systemN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT03136588Completed114Est. Dec 2018
Novo Nordisk
Novo NordiskBAGSVAERD DENMARK, Denmark
1 program
Remote ischemic conditioningN/A1 trial
Active Trials
NCT01395719Unknown220Est. Jun 2016
Lundbeck
LundbeckDenmark - Copenhagen
1 program
Remote ischemic conditioningN/A
Singulera
1 program
Arm 1: SOCPHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT06552169Recruiting34Est. Dec 2031
Biotest Pharmaceuticals
Biotest PharmaceuticalsGermany - Dreieich
1 program
CytotectPHASE_21 trial
Active Trials
NCT04934527Completed42Est. Dec 2024
Biogen
BiogenCAMBRIDGE, MA
1 program
Rituximab for transplant rejectionPHASE_2_3

+2 more companies

Trial Timeline

Clinical trial activity over time

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
Pfizersirolimus
Pfizersirolimus
GenomicsMycophenolate Mofetil
Veloxis PharmaceuticalsTwice-daily Tacrolimus
Chong Kun Dang PharmaceuticalSirolimus
Chong Kun Dang PharmaceuticalSirolimus Tab.
ChiesiTacrolimus and Tacrolimus Extended Release Oral Tablet [Envarsus]
Veloxis PharmaceuticalsTacrolimus Extended Release Oral Tablet [Envarsus]
Veloxis PharmaceuticalsEnvarsus XR
AstellasAdvagraf®
Colorado TherapeuticsEverolimus
Chugai PharmaHigh Hb target
Chong Kun Dang PharmaceuticalMycophenolate Mofetil 500mg
AstellasAdvagraf
Pfizersirolimus

Showing 15 of 50 trials with date data

Clinical Trials (50)

Total enrollment: 11,905 patients across 50 trials

Study Comparing Two Immunosuppressive Regimens in De Novo Renal Allograft Recipients

Est. completion: Jan 2005160 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating Sirolimus in End Stage Renal Disease in High Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients

Est. completion: Jul 2005484 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT06568549GenomicsMycophenolate Mofetil

Reduced Immunosuppression in Older Renal Transplant Recipients With Trugraf®/TRAC Monitoring (RIOT Trial): A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Trial.

Start: Jun 2025Est. completion: Mar 2031350 patients
Phase 4Recruiting

Simplified IMmunosuppressive Protocol Utilizing Low Dose EnvarsusXR

Start: Nov 2021Est. completion: Feb 202420 patients
Phase 4Terminated

Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety After Conversion to RaparoBell® or My-Rept® in Kidney Transplant Patients

Start: Nov 2021Est. completion: Nov 2026206 patients
Phase 4Active Not Recruiting

Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus Plus CNI Compared With MMF Plus CNI in ABO-i Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Start: Jan 2021Est. completion: Jan 2025158 patients
Phase 4Unknown
NCT04496401ChiesiTacrolimus and Tacrolimus Extended Release Oral Tablet [Envarsus]

PK Study in Diabetic Transplant récipients : From Twice-daily Tacrolimus to Once-daily Extended-release Tacrolimus

Start: Sep 2020Est. completion: Nov 202325 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT03828682Veloxis PharmaceuticalsTacrolimus Extended Release Oral Tablet [Envarsus]

Veloxis de Novo Kidney Transplant ECSWD

Start: Jun 2019Est. completion: Jun 202260 patients
Phase 4Unknown

Envarsus XR® in Adolescent Renal Transplant Recipients

Start: Jan 2019Est. completion: Mar 202328 patients
Phase 4Active Not Recruiting

Asian Study to Investigate Safety and Efficacy of Optimized Dosing of Advagraf in Kidney Transplantation

Start: Jun 2014Est. completion: Dec 201673 patients
Phase 4Completed

Differentiating Everolimus Versus Sirolimus in Combination With Calcineurin Inhibitors in Kidney Transplant Patients

Start: Dec 2013Est. completion: Jun 20140
Phase 4Withdrawn

Correcting Anemia and Native Vitamin D Supplementation in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Apr 2013Est. completion: Dec 2018161 patients
Phase 4Terminated
NCT01842269Chong Kun Dang PharmaceuticalMycophenolate Mofetil 500mg

Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of My-Rept® Tablet vs. My-Rept® Capsule in Combination With Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Patients

Start: Jan 2013Est. completion: Apr 2015156 patients
Phase 4Completed

A Study to Demonstrate Safety and Efficacy of Advagraf in Patients Undergoing Kidney or Liver Transplantation in India

Start: Mar 2012Est. completion: May 201392 patients
Phase 4Completed

Comparison Of 2 Doses Of Temsirolimus (Torisel) In Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Start: Mar 2011Est. completion: Jun 2018101 patients
Phase 4Completed

A Study Looking at Diabetes in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Immunosuppressive Regimen With or Without Steroids

Start: Jan 2011Est. completion: May 20131,166 patients
Phase 4Completed

Comparison of Tacrolimus and Myfortic Versus Tacrolimus and Sirolimus

Start: Jan 2010Est. completion: Jan 20130
Phase 4Withdrawn

A Pharmacokinetic Study of CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) Versus Mycophenolate Sodium in Kidney Transplant Patients

Start: Nov 2009Est. completion: Jun 201023 patients
Phase 4Completed

Impact of Conversion From Tacrolimus to Sirolimus in African American Renal Transplant Recipients

Start: Sep 2009Est. completion: Jun 201150 patients
Phase 4Unknown

Study Evaluating A Planned Transition From Tacrolimus To Sirolimus In Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Jun 2009Est. completion: Aug 2013254 patients
Phase 4Completed

Tacrolimus to Sirolimus Conversion for Delayed Graft Function

Start: Apr 2009Est. completion: Jul 201432 patients
Phase 4Terminated
NCT00817687Genentechmycophenolate mofetil [CellCept]

A Study of the Impact of an Early Biopsy in Patients Treated With CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) After Kidney Transplantation

Start: Jan 2009Est. completion: Jan 201266 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00758602Genentechmycophenolate mofetil

A Study of CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) Combined With Tacrolimus and Corticosteroids in Kidney Transplant Patients.

Start: Sep 2008Est. completion: Feb 2011210 patients
Phase 4Completed

A Study in Kidney Transplant Subjects to Investigate the Optimal Suppression of Immunity to Help Prevent Kidney Rejection

Start: May 2008Est. completion: Mar 20101,252 patients
Phase 4Completed

Planned Conversion From TAC to SRL-based Regimen in de Novo Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Feb 2008Est. completion: Oct 2012320 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating The Effect Of Ramipril On Urinary Protein Excretion In Renal Transplant Patients Converted To Sirolimus

Start: Dec 2007Est. completion: Sep 2013229 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating of Calcineurin Inhibitors Versus Sirolimus in Renal Allograft Recipient

Start: Apr 2007Est. completion: Aug 200831 patients
Phase 4Terminated
NCT00420472Genentechmycophenolate mofetil [CellCept]

A Study of CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) in Kidney Transplant Patients Switched From EC-MPS.

Start: Mar 2007
Phase 4Terminated

Study Of The Safety And Efficacy Of Conversion From A CNI To Sirolimus In Renally-Impaired Heart Transplant Recipients

Start: Sep 2006Est. completion: May 2010121 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating Sirolimus in the Treatment of Kidney Transplant

Start: Aug 2006100 patients
Phase 4Completed

The Comparison of Three Different Immunosuppressant Regimens in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Start: Dec 2005Est. completion: Dec 200716 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00337493Genentechmycophenolate mofetil [CellCept]

Pharmacogenetic Study of CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) in Kidney Transplant Patients.

Start: Dec 2005Est. completion: Jan 2008155 patients
Phase 4Completed

A Study Comparing the Withdrawal of Steroids or Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Aug 2005Est. completion: Oct 200747 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating the Effect of Sirolimus on Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Aug 2005Est. completion: Jan 200986 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00204334Amgendarbopoeitin

Effects of Anemia Correction on Vascular and Monocyte Function in Renal Transplant Recipients

Start: Jun 2005Est. completion: Jan 201060 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00087581GenentechMycophenolate mofetil

Study of Therapeutic Monitoring of Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF/CellCept) After Kidney Transplantation

Start: Jun 2004Est. completion: Sep 2007720 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating Sirolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients in India

Start: Apr 2004Est. completion: Dec 2005100 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Comparing Cyclosporine Dose Reduction vs. Cyclosporine Elimination in Kidney Transplant Recipients Taking Sirolimus

Start: Mar 2004Est. completion: Nov 2006280 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00115115NovartisDopamine infusion to brain dead organ donors

Donor Dopamine and Initial Graft Function

Start: Mar 2004Est. completion: Mar 2009487 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Comparing Two Sirolimus Regimens vs. Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil Regimen in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Mar 2004Est. completion: Jul 2007420 patients
Phase 4Completed

Pilot Study on the Use of Sirolimus to Treat Chronic Allograft Nephropathy in Children After Kidney Transplant

Start: Mar 2004Est. completion: Oct 200840 patients
Phase 4Completed
NCT00121810Genentechmycophenolate mofetil [CellCept]

Kidney Spare the Nephron (STN) Study - A Study of CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil) and Rapamune (Sirolimus) in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Aug 2003Est. completion: Nov 2009305 patients
Phase 4Completed

A Study to Assess Immune Response in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients Treated With Daclizumab (Zenapax)

Start: Apr 2003Est. completion: Jan 200611 patients
Phase 4Completed

MMF, Daclizumab and Corticosteroids as Mainstay Immunosuppression in Renal Transplant Patients

Start: Nov 2002Est. completion: Feb 20081,760 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating Two Different Sirolimus-based Immunosuppressive Regimens in Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients

Start: Oct 2002Est. completion: Sep 200566 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Comparing Graft Function in Renal Allograft Recepients Receiving Reduced or Standard Dose CsA With Sirolimus

Start: Apr 2000Est. completion: May 2001250 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Cyclosporine Reduction in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Sirolimus

Start: Apr 2000Est. completion: Jun 2002385 patients
Phase 4Completed

Study Evaluating Sirolimus (Rapamune™) in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Est. completion: Aug 2004769 patients
Phase 3Completed

Effect of Privigen Against Graft Loss

Start: Feb 2016Est. completion: May 201918 patients
Phase 3Completed
NCT01213394Genentechmycophenolate mofetil

Mycophenolate Mofetil for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Renal Transplant Recipients

Start: Oct 2010Est. completion: Dec 20112 patients
Phase 3Terminated

Related Jobs in Nephrology

Phase Legend

PreclinicalLab & animal studies
Phase 1Safety & dosing
Phase 2Efficacy testing
Phase 3Large-scale trials
On MarketApproved & available

Key Insights

19 late-stage (Phase 3) programs, potential near-term approvals
1 actively recruiting trials targeting 11,905 patients
30 companies competing in this space

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from FDA, DailyMed, and other government databases. Adverse event data from FAERS does not establish causation. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.