About This Study

Key details about the primary membranous nephropathy research study

Study Purpose

Advancing Membranous Nephropathy Treatment

This clinical trial investigates new therapeutic approaches for adults diagnosed with primary membranous nephropathy, a kidney disease that can lead to significant protein loss and kidney function decline.

Location

Tarzana, California

All study visits take place at our state-of-the-art research facility in Tarzana, CA. Free parking is available on-site, and complimentary transportation to and from the facility is provided.

Study Status

Now Enrolling

We are actively enrolling qualified participants. Spots are limited — our team is reviewing applications and conducting screenings on an ongoing basis.

Who Can Join

Adults 18–75 with Primary Membranous Nephropathy

Adults between 18 and 75 years of age who have been diagnosed with primary membranous nephropathy may be eligible. Final eligibility is confirmed at the screening visit.

Understanding Primary Membranous Nephropathy

Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is a kidney disease in which the immune system attacks the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste from the blood. This immune attack causes thickening of the kidney's filtering membranes, leading to protein leaking into the urine — a condition called proteinuria.

PMN is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Symptoms can include significant protein in the urine, swelling in the legs and ankles, fatigue, and in more serious cases, a decline in kidney function.

While some patients go into remission on their own, others require treatment to prevent progressive kidney damage. Clinical research like this study is essential to finding better, safer, and more effective therapies for people living with PMN.

What Causes PMN?

In most cases, primary membranous nephropathy is caused by antibodies (typically anti-PLA2R) that mistakenly target proteins in the kidney's filtering units. This immune response leads to inflammation and kidney membrane damage over time.

What is Nephrotic Syndrome?

A condition caused by kidney damage that results in large amounts of protein being lost in the urine. Symptoms include swelling, low protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol, and increased risk of blood clots and infections.

Why Clinical Trials Matter

Current treatments for PMN have limitations including side effects and variable response rates. Clinical trials are exploring targeted therapies that may be more effective and better tolerated for long-term management.

Participant Benefits

Everything you receive as a study participant — at no cost to you

$

$50–$250 Per Visit

Receive compensation for your time and travel at each completed study visit, recognizing the value of your contribution to advancing kidney disease research.

🚗

Free Transportation

Complimentary transportation to and from our Tarzana, CA research site for all scheduled visits. Free parking is also available on-site if you prefer to drive.

💊

Study Medication at No Cost

All study medication and study-related medical care — including labs, exams, and monitoring — are provided completely free of charge throughout your participation.

🩺

Kidney Health Monitoring

Regular kidney function assessments, urine protein testing, blood work, and comprehensive medical oversight by our dedicated research team at every visit.

👨‍⚕️

Expert Medical Team

Access to experienced nephrology research physicians and study coordinators who are focused on your health, safety, and well-being throughout the entire study.

🔬

Advance Kidney Research

Help develop new treatments that could improve outcomes for others living with primary membranous nephropathy and kidney disease worldwide.

Do You Qualify?

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following general criteria. Final eligibility is confirmed at your in-person screening visit.

• ✓ Between 18 and 75 years of age
• ✓ Diagnosed with primary membranous nephropathy as confirmed by a healthcare provider or kidney biopsy
• ✓ Able to attend study visits at our Tarzana, CA facility

Not sure if you qualify? Our study team is happy to answer your questions. Give us a call or sign up below — the process takes just a few minutes.

Sign Up to Learn More 📞 Call 818-938-9167

What to Expect

A step-by-step look at the study journey from sign-up to completion

1

Sign Up & Phone Screening

Submit your information and our study coordinator will reach out within 1–2 business days.

• Brief phone call to review basic eligibility (5–10 minutes)
• Answer questions about your diagnosis and current health
• Ask any questions you have about the study

2

In-Person Screening Visit

If eligible by phone, you'll visit our Tarzana facility for a full medical evaluation.

• Meet the research team and tour the facility
• Review the informed consent document thoroughly
• Physical examination and medical history review
• Kidney function tests, urine protein assessment, and bloodwork
• Confirm final eligibility for enrollment

3

Enrollment & Consent

If you qualify and choose to enroll, you'll officially become a study participant.

• Sign informed consent after all your questions are answered
• Receive your full study schedule and participant materials
• Get 24/7 contact information for the study team

4

Study Participation & Visits

Attend regular scheduled visits for treatment and kidney health monitoring.

• Receive study medication as part of the treatment protocol
• Regular kidney function labs and urine protein monitoring
• Compensation issued at each completed visit
• Report any health changes or new symptoms to the study team
• Free transportation available for every visit

5

Study Completion

Complete your final visit and receive a summary of your health data and recommended next steps.

• Final kidney health assessment and evaluation
• Discussion of findings with the study physician
• Guidance on continued kidney care going forward
• Receive your final visit compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the study and primary membranous nephropathy

All Questions General About PMN About This Study Eligibility Compensation Safety & Rights

What is a clinical trial?+

A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments. All clinical trials follow strict scientific and ethical standards and are overseen by independent review boards to protect participants. They are essential for developing better therapies for serious conditions like primary membranous nephropathy.

Why should I consider participating?+

Participating gives you access to potentially promising new treatments at no cost, along with close monitoring from a dedicated medical team. You'll receive compensation for your time, free transportation, and have the opportunity to contribute to research that may benefit others living with PMN. Many participants report feeling well-supported and valued throughout the study.

Is participating in a clinical trial safe?+

Yes. Participant safety is the top priority. This study is conducted under strict protocols approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and follows FDA and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. You'll be closely monitored throughout, have access to the study team 24/7, and can withdraw at any time for any reason without penalty.

What exactly is primary membranous nephropathy?+

Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is an autoimmune kidney disease in which the body's immune system produces antibodies that attack specific proteins in the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli). This causes thickening and damage to the kidney membranes, leading to protein leaking into the urine — a hallmark sign called proteinuria. It is called "primary" because it occurs on its own, not as a result of another disease like lupus or cancer.

What are the symptoms of primary membranous nephropathy?+

Common symptoms include foamy urine (due to protein), swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes, weight gain from fluid retention, fatigue, and reduced kidney function in more advanced cases. Some people have minimal symptoms early on, which is why regular monitoring is important.

How is primary membranous nephropathy diagnosed?+

PMN is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood tests (including anti-PLA2R antibody levels), urine tests showing significant protein, and often a kidney biopsy, which provides a definitive diagnosis by examining kidney tissue under a microscope. If you have received any of these tests, having your results available will be helpful during the screening process.

What does participation in this study involve?+

Participation involves regular scheduled visits to our Tarzana facility for study treatment, kidney function monitoring, and health assessments. You'll receive study medication as part of the protocol. All study-related care is provided at no cost, and you'll receive compensation at each completed visit. The study team will walk you through the full schedule before you make any commitment.

Can I continue seeing my nephrologist during the study?+

Yes. We strongly encourage you to maintain your relationship with your nephrologist and primary care physician. With your permission, we will coordinate with your existing healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. It's important that all your doctors are informed of any changes in your health or medications throughout the study.

Where does the study take place?+

All study visits are conducted at our research facility in Tarzana, California. The site is equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by a dedicated research team specializing in kidney disease. Free parking is available on-site, and we provide complimentary transportation for participants who need it.

I was diagnosed with PMN a few years ago. Can I still participate?+

Possibly, yes. The timing of your diagnosis does not automatically disqualify you. Our screening team will review your current kidney function, medical history, and diagnosis details to determine if the study is appropriate for you at this time. We encourage you to apply so we can evaluate your specific situation.

What if I am currently on immunosuppressive medication?+

Being on current or prior immunosuppressive therapy does not automatically disqualify you. During the screening process, our medical team will review all your current medications to assess compatibility with the study protocol. It's important to provide a complete and accurate list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking.

Do I need a referral or prior biopsy results to apply?+

No referral is required to express interest or begin the initial screening. However, having your existing medical records, biopsy results, lab work (including anti-PLA2R antibody results), and urine protein tests available will greatly assist the screening process. Our team can guide you on what to gather when you reach out.

How much will I be compensated and how is it paid?+

Participants receive between $50 and $250 per completed study visit. The compensation amount varies based on the type and length of the visit. Visits involving more procedures or longer appointments are compensated at higher rates. You will receive a complete compensation schedule prior to enrollment so you know exactly what to expect.

How does the free transportation work?+

We provide complimentary transportation to and from our Tarzana facility for all scheduled study visits. When scheduling each appointment, simply let our team know you need transportation and we will coordinate the details. Free on-site parking is also available if you prefer to drive yourself.

What if I need to reschedule a visit?+

We understand that unexpected situations arise. If you need to reschedule, please contact our study coordinator as early as possible. Occasional rescheduling is generally accommodated. Consistent attendance is important for your safety and the quality of the research, and compensation is provided for completed visits only.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?+

Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of any benefits you are otherwise entitled to. Simply notify the study team if you wish to discontinue. We may request an optional final safety visit to ensure your kidney health is stable.

Will my personal and medical information stay confidential?+

Yes. Your information is fully protected under HIPAA regulations. Your personal identity will never appear in any study publications or reports. All research data is de-identified, meaning it cannot be traced back to you as an individual. Only authorized study staff have access to your identifiable records, and all data is stored securely.

Who oversees this study to protect participants?+

This study is reviewed and continuously monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), an independent committee whose role is to protect participant rights and well-being. The study also follows FDA regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines to ensure the highest standards of participant safety and research integrity.

What is the Informed Consent process?+

Before enrolling, you will be given a detailed Informed Consent document that explains the study's purpose, all procedures involved, potential risks and benefits, and your rights as a participant. You will have as much time as you need to review it, discuss it with family or your own doctor, and ask any questions. Signing means you agree to participate — but you may still withdraw at any point after signing.

Ready to See If You Qualify?

Sign up today or call us directly. Our team will review your information and reach out within 1–2 business days.

Sign Up Now 📞 Call 818-938-9167

Phone

818-938-9167

Email

VCRTarzana@valianceclinicalresearch.com

Location

Tarzana, California

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