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Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine Booster in Kidney Transplant Recipients

A Phase III, Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Augmenting of Anti-SARS-CoV2 Immunity in Kidney Transplant Recipients Via a Heterologous Additional Dose With Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05220397
Enrollment
468
Registered
2022-02-02
Start date
2022-04-11
Completion date
2025-02-28
Last updated
2025-09-15

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Kidney Transplant Recipient

Keywords

kidney transplant, renal transplant, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine, adenovector vaccine

Brief summary

The purpose of this research is to see if a dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine effects the immune protection in individuals who have had a kidney transplant and two or three doses of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer and/or Moderna vaccines).

Detailed description

Early after receiving an messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination, most of the general population achieves an anti-COVID spike protein antibody \>250 U/ml. A large percentage of transplant patients form no anti-COVID spike protein antibody or have levels \<250U/ml even early after vaccination. While a direct correlation between any specific anti-COVID spike protein antibody has not been studied extensively, transplant patients do appear to have higher rates of COVID infections and possibly higher mortality rates. Thus, 250 U/ml (the saturation level of the assay below which does not require dilutions) is the target level of anti-COVID spike protein antibody, as that will be considered a normal response to the vaccine in this clinical trial. There is no data for intermediate levels of antibody (likely the higher the better the protection). In the absence of any intermediate level data, this study aims to achieve a normal response in transplant recipients receiving the Janssen Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. This study is a phase III, prospective, open label clinical trial with one randomized arm. Its goal is to meet the unmet clinical need to provide vaccine induced immunity for immunocompromised kidney transplant patients after receiving two or three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Interventions

BIOLOGICALJanssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine

Single dose vaccine of 0.5 mL administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle

OTHERReduction in Immunosuppression Medication

Reduction in immunosuppression medication dosage

OTHERMaintenance in Immunosuppression Medication

Maintain current immunosuppression medication dosage

Sponsors

Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
Mark Stegall
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Criteria for Entry into the Study: * Any kidney transplant recipient from Mayo Clinic who has received the mRNA vaccine (two or three dose mRNA vaccine-Moderna or Pfizer) and are \>28 days after most recent vaccination at the time of spike protein assessment. * Recipients of a kidney transplant, including those transplanted with other solid organ transplants in addition to the kidney. Subjects may have received more than 1 kidney transplant. * More than 90 days since any transplant including a kidney transplantation. •≥18 years of age on the day of consent. Criteria for Entry into Segment I * Must have a Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S level of \<250 U/mL to be eligible for Segment I. * Platelet count of \>75,000/µL on the day of vaccination with the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. * Contraceptive (birth control) use should be consistent with local regulations regarding the acceptable methods of contraception for those participating in clinical studies. * Before randomization, participants must be either: * Not be of childbearing potential * Of childbearing potential and practicing an acceptable effective method of contraception. Subject must agree to remain on contraception from date of consent until 3 months after the last dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. Use of hormonal contraception should start at least 28 days before the 1st administration of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. The sponsor-investigator should evaluate the potential for contraceptive method failure (for example, noncompliance, recently initiated) in relationship to the Janssen vaccination. Acceptable effective method for this study include: * Hormonal contraception: * Combined (estrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, intravaginal, or transdermal) * Progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, injectable, or implantable) * Intrauterine device * Intrauterine hormone-releasing system * Bilateral tubal occlusion/ligation procedure * Vasectomized partner (the vasectomized partner should be the sole partner for that participant) * Sexual abstinence (defined as refraining from heterosexual intercourse from the date of consent until 3 months after the last dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. The reliability of sexual abstinence needs to be evaluated in relation to the duration of the study and the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant.). Note: Use of condoms is not considered as an acceptable contraceptive barrier method due to the failure rate of female and male condoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reproductive Health: Contraception. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm. Accessed 23 November 2020) * If subject is female and of childbearing potential, she must: * Have a negative highly sensitive serum pregnancy test prior to vaccination. * Participant agrees to not donate bone marrow, blood, and blood products from the first Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine administration until 3 months after the last dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine.

Exclusion criteria

* Clinically significant acute illness (this does not include minor illnesses such as diarrhea or mild upper respiratory tract infection) or temperature ≥38.0ºCelsius (C) (100.4°Fahrenheit \[F\]) within 24 hours prior to the planned 1st dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine; randomization at a later date is permitted at the discretion of the sponsor-investigator. * Has a known or suspected allergy or history of anaphylaxis or other serious adverse reactions to vaccines or their excipients (including specifically the excipients of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine; refer to the Investigative Brochure). * Subject has received or plans to receive: * Licensed live attenuated vaccines -within 28 days before or after planned administration of the 1st or subsequent Janssen vaccinations. * Other licensed (not live) vaccines -within 14 days before or after planned administration of the 1st or subsequent Janssen vaccinations. * Received an investigational drug within 30 days (including investigational drugs for prophylaxis of COVID-19) or used an invasive investigational medical device within 30 days of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. Received investigational Ig or investigational monoclonal antibodies within 3 months, or received convalescent serum for COVID-19 treatment within 4 months or received an investigational vaccine (including investigational Adenoviral- vectored vaccines) within 6 months before the planned administration of the 1st dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine or is currently enrolled or plans to participate in another investigational study within 3 months after the last Jansen vaccination. Note: Participation in an observational clinical study is allowed at the sponsor-investigator's discretion; please notify the sponsor-investigator of this decision. Efforts will be made to ensure inclusion of participants who have not been previously enrolled in coronavirus studies. In order to participate subject must agree and understand that they cannot enroll in other coronavirus focused studies while participating in this one. * Is pregnant or planning to become pregnant at the time of consent and within 3 months of the last dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. * Has a history of an underlying clinically significant acute or chronic medical condition or physical examination findings which, in the opinion of the sponsor-investigator, would make study participation not be in the participant's best interest (e.g., compromise the well- being) or that could prevent, limit, or confound the protocol-specified assessments. * Has a contraindication to Intramuscular (IM) injections and blood draws. * Has had major psychiatric illness, which in the sponsor-investigator's opinion would compromise the participant's safety or compliance with the study procedures. * Cannot communicate reliably with the sponsor-investigator or comply with study procedures. * In the opinion of the sponsor-investigator, is unlikely to adhere to the requirements of the study or is unlikely to complete the full course of protocol required vaccination and observation. * History of cancer malignancy within 1 year before screening (exceptions are squamous and basal cell carcinomas of the skin and carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or other malignancies with minimal risk of recurrence). * History of acute polyneuropathy (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome) * Chronic history of platelet count \<75,000/µL. * History of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIS). * History of capillary leak syndrome (CLS). * Received pre-exposure prophylactic medications for COVID-19 that could interfere with assessments of any study-related endpoint * History of myocarditis or pericarditis

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Response to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Low Level Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment28 days following first dose of Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccineNumber of patients with initial anti-COVID spike protein antibody levels \>0 but \<250U/ml at enrollment who receive the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine who develop anti-COVID spike protein antibody levels greater than or equal to 250 U/mL at 28 days.
Response to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Undetectable Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment28 days following first dose of Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccineNumber of patients with undetectable anti-COVID spike protein antibody level at enrollment who receive the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine who develop anti-COVID spike protein antibody levels greater than or equal to 250 U/mL at 28 days.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Response to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects Who Had Low or Undetectable Levels of Anti-COVID Spike Protein After the First Dose of the Janssen Vaccine28 days after second dose of Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine, up to 2 monthsNumber of subjects to achieve an anti-COVID spike protein antibody level greater than or equal to 250 U/mL 28 days after a second dose with the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine.
Durability of Anti-COVID Spike Protein Antibody Levels in Patients Who Developed Any Level of Antibody Response After Receiving the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine.2 yearsAs measured by antibody levels from anti-COVID spike protein antibody tests.
Incidence of COVID-19 Infection2 yearsNumber of subject infected with COVID-19 after enrollment. Criteria for suspected COVID includes: positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result for SARS-CoV-2 OR New onset or worsening of any one of the following symptoms, which lasts for at least 24 hours, not otherwise explained: headache, malaise, myalgia, chest congestion, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (resting or on exertion), sore throat, wheezing, eye irritation or discharge, chills, fever (≥ 38.0°C or ≥ 100.4°F), pulse oximetry value ≤95% (which is a decrease from baseline), heart rate ≥90 bpm at rest (which is an increase from baseline), GI symptoms, neurologic symptoms, red or bruised looking toes, skin rash, taste loss or new/changing sense of smell, symptoms of blood clots, confusion, bluish lips or face, clinical suspicion or judgement by sponsor-investigator of symptoms suggestive for COVID-19.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

468 subjects enrolled in the study; 49 were excluded as they didn't provide a screening serum sample. 29 subjects were excluded as they withdrew consent.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Initial Responders
Individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and had high levels of spike antibodies in their blood, received standard of care immunosuppressive (IS) medications.
335
Low Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine Responders
Individuals who had a spike protein test result less than 250 U/mL at the screening visit. Subjects received one dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. After receiving the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine, their spike protein test results were greater than or equal to 250 U/mL. Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine: Single dose vaccine of 0.5 mL administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle
22
Low Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine Non-Responders
Individuals who had a spike protein test result less than 250 U/mL at the screening visit. Subjects received one dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. After receiving the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine, their spike protein test results were less than 250 U/mL. 28 days following the first dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine, subjects were given a second dose of Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine: Single dose vaccine of 0.5 mL administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle
13
Undetectable Levels (UL) Spike Antibodies: Maintain Immunosuppression Medication
Individuals who had a spike protein test result less than 250 U/mL at the screening visit. Subjects were randomized to maintain their current immunosuppression medication regimen and then receive a Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. 28 days after receiving the first dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine, if a subject's spike protein test results were less than 250 U/mL then a second dose of the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine was administered. Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine: Single dose vaccine of 0.5 mL administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle Maintenance in Immunosuppression Medication: Maintain current immunosuppression medication dosage
12
Undetectable Levels (UL) Spike Antibodies: Change Immunosuppression Medication
Individuals who had a spike protein test result less than 250 U/mL at the screening visit. Subjects were randomized to change their current immunosuppression medication regimen and then receive an additional Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine. Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine: Single dose vaccine of 0.5 mL administered via intramuscular injection, typically in the deltoid muscle Reduction in Immunosuppression Medication: Reduction in immunosuppression medication dosage
8
Total390

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003FG004
Second Janssen Vaccine AdministrationWithdrawal by Subject00800

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicLow Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine Non-RespondersUndetectable Levels (UL) Spike Antibodies: Maintain Immunosuppression MedicationUndetectable Levels (UL) Spike Antibodies: Change Immunosuppression MedicationTotalInitial RespondersLow Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine Responders
Age, Continuous61.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.6
67.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.9
63.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.8
60.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.2
60.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.6
62.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.2
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants34 Participants29 Participants3 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
11 Participants12 Participants6 Participants353 Participants306 Participants18 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants3 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants7 Participants6 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants10 Participants9 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants2 Participants1 Participants33 Participants29 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants2 Participants2 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants3 Participants3 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants9 Participants7 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
10 Participants10 Participants5 Participants326 Participants279 Participants22 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
13 participants12 participants8 participants390 participants335 participants22 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
4 Participants4 Participants4 Participants145 Participants128 Participants5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
9 Participants8 Participants4 Participants245 Participants207 Participants17 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
EG004
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 3350 / 220 / 130 / 120 / 8
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 3350 / 220 / 130 / 120 / 8
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 3350 / 220 / 130 / 120 / 8

Outcome results

Primary

Response to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Low Level Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment

Number of patients with initial anti-COVID spike protein antibody levels \>0 but \<250U/ml at enrollment who receive the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine who develop anti-COVID spike protein antibody levels greater than or equal to 250 U/mL at 28 days.

Time frame: 28 days following first dose of Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Low Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine RespondersResponse to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Low Level Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment22 Participants
Low Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine Non-RespondersResponse to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Low Level Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment0 Participants
Primary

Response to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Undetectable Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment

Number of patients with undetectable anti-COVID spike protein antibody level at enrollment who receive the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine who develop anti-COVID spike protein antibody levels greater than or equal to 250 U/mL at 28 days.

Time frame: 28 days following first dose of Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Low Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine RespondersResponse to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Undetectable Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment0 Participants
Low Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine Non-RespondersResponse to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects With Undetectable Anti-COVID Spike Protein at Enrollment0 Participants
Secondary

Durability of Anti-COVID Spike Protein Antibody Levels in Patients Who Developed Any Level of Antibody Response After Receiving the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine.

As measured by antibody levels from anti-COVID spike protein antibody tests.

Time frame: 2 years

Population: No data was collected or analyzed on any subject for durability of anti-COVID spike protein antibody levels at 2 years as the study was terminated early.

Secondary

Incidence of COVID-19 Infection

Number of subject infected with COVID-19 after enrollment. Criteria for suspected COVID includes: positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result for SARS-CoV-2 OR New onset or worsening of any one of the following symptoms, which lasts for at least 24 hours, not otherwise explained: headache, malaise, myalgia, chest congestion, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (resting or on exertion), sore throat, wheezing, eye irritation or discharge, chills, fever (≥ 38.0°C or ≥ 100.4°F), pulse oximetry value ≤95% (which is a decrease from baseline), heart rate ≥90 bpm at rest (which is an increase from baseline), GI symptoms, neurologic symptoms, red or bruised looking toes, skin rash, taste loss or new/changing sense of smell, symptoms of blood clots, confusion, bluish lips or face, clinical suspicion or judgement by sponsor-investigator of symptoms suggestive for COVID-19.

Time frame: 2 years

Population: No data was collected or analyzed on any subject for incidence of COVID-19 infection at 2 years as the study was terminated early.

Secondary

Response to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects Who Had Low or Undetectable Levels of Anti-COVID Spike Protein After the First Dose of the Janssen Vaccine

Number of subjects to achieve an anti-COVID spike protein antibody level greater than or equal to 250 U/mL 28 days after a second dose with the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine.

Time frame: 28 days after second dose of Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine, up to 2 months

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Low Levels (LL) Spike Antibodies: Janssen Vaccine RespondersResponse to the Janssen Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccine in Subjects Who Had Low or Undetectable Levels of Anti-COVID Spike Protein After the First Dose of the Janssen Vaccine3 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026