Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host DiseasePhase 3REACH2NCT02913261
Safety and Efficacy of Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Corticosteroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
A Phase 3 study testing Ruxolitinib (RUX) and Best Available Therapy (BAT) in people with Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host Disease, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 103 sites in 22 countries.
Trial summary
Assess the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib compared to Best Available Therapy (BAT) in patients with corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host Disease
- What is being tested?
- Ruxolitinib (RUX) and Best Available Therapy (BAT)
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 310 participants
- Where
- 103 sitesin 22 countries
- Study dates
- 10 Mar 2017to 23 Apr 2021
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 12 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Have undergone Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplanttaion (alloSCT) from any donor source (matched unrelated donor, sibling, haplo-identical) using bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, or cord blood. Recipients of non- myeloablative, myeloablative, and reduced intensity conditioning are eligible
- Clinically diagnosed Grades II to IV acute GvHD as per standard criteria occurring after alloSCT requiring systemic immune suppressive therapy. Biopsy of involved organs with aGvHD is encouraged but not required for study screening.
- Confirmed diagnosis of steroid refractory aGvHD defined as patients administered high-dose systemic corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day [or equivalent prednisone dose 2.5 mg/kg/day]), given alone or combined with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and either:
- Progressing based on organ assessment after at least 3 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
- Failure to achieve at a minimum partial response based on organ assessment after 7 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD,OR
- Patients who fail corticosteroid taper defined as fulfilling either one of the following criteria:
- Requirement for an increase in the corticosteroid dose to methylprednisolone ≥2 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose ≥2.5 mg/kg/day) , OR
- Failure to taper the methylprednisolone dose to <0.5 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose <0.6 mg/kg/day) for a minimum 7 days.
Who cannot join
- Has received more than one systemic treatment for steroid refractory aGvHD.
- Presence of an active uncontrolled infection including significant bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infection requiring treatment. Infections are considered controlled if appropriate therapy has been instituted and, at the time of screening, no signs of progression are present. Progression of infection is defined as hemodynamic instability attributable to sepsis, new symptoms, worsening physical signs or radiographic findings attributable to infection. Persisting fever without other signs or symptoms will not be interpreted as progressing infection.
- Evidence of uncontrolled viral infection including Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6), Hepatitis Virus (HBV), or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) based on assessment by the treating physician.
- Presence of relapsed primary malignancy, or who have been treated for relapse after the alloHSCT was performed, or who may require rapid immune suppression withdrawal as pre-emergent treatment of early malignancy relapse.
Trial locations and contacts
103 sites in 22 countries.
103 sites in 22 countries
France16 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Angers, 49033
Novartis Investigative Site
Besançon, 25030
Novartis Investigative Site
Grenoble, 38043
Novartis Investigative Site
Lille, 59000
Novartis Investigative Site
Lille, 59037
Novartis Investigative Site
Limoges, 87042
Novartis Investigative Site
Nice, 06202
Novartis Investigative Site
Paris, 75012
Novartis Investigative Site
Paris, 75013
Novartis Investigative Site
Paris, 75019
Novartis Investigative Site
Paris, 75475
Novartis Investigative Site
Pessac, 33604
Novartis Investigative Site
Pierre-Bénite, 69495
Novartis Investigative Site
Saint Priest En Jarez, Pays de la Loire Region, 42270
Novartis Investigative Site
Toulouse, 31059
Novartis Investigative Site
Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54511
Germany16 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Augsburg, 86179
Novartis Investigative Site
Berlin, 13125
Novartis Investigative Site
Berlin, 13353
Novartis Investigative Site
Dresden, 01307
Novartis Investigative Site
Düsseldorf, 40225
Novartis Investigative Site
Essen, 45147
Novartis Investigative Site
Freiburg im Breisgau, 79106
Novartis Investigative Site
Hamburg, 20246
Novartis Investigative Site
Hanover, 30625
Novartis Investigative Site
Jena, 07740
Novartis Investigative Site
Leipzig, 04103
Novartis Investigative Site
Mainz, 55131
Novartis Investigative Site
Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, 68305
Novartis Investigative Site
Münster, 48149
Novartis Investigative Site
Tübingen, 72076
Novartis Investigative Site
Ulm, 89081
Japan14 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bunkyo Ku, Tokyo, 113-8677
Novartis Investigative Site
Chuo Ku, Tokyo, 104 0045
Novartis Investigative Site
Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582
Novartis Investigative Site
Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193
Novartis Investigative Site
Kobe, Hyōgo, 650-0047
Novartis Investigative Site
Minato Ku, Tokyo, 105-8470
Novartis Investigative Site
Nagoya, Aichi-ken, 453-8511
Novartis Investigative Site
Nishinomiya, Hyōgo, 663 8501
Novartis Investigative Site
Okayama, Okayama-ken, 700-8558
Novartis Investigative Site
Osaka, 545-8586
Novartis Investigative Site
Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060 8648
Novartis Investigative Site
Sendai, Miyagi, 980 8574
Novartis Investigative Site
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160 8582
Novartis Investigative Site
Suita, Osaka, 565 0871
Italy11 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Ancona, AN, 60126
Novartis Investigative Site
Bergamo, BG, 24127
Novartis Investigative Site
Bologna, BO, 40138
Novartis Investigative Site
Brescia, BS, 25123
Novartis Investigative Site
Florence, FI, 50134
Novartis Investigative Site
Genova, GE, 16147
Novartis Investigative Site
Milan, MI, 20162
Novartis Investigative Site
Roma, RM, 00168
Novartis Investigative Site
San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, 71013
Novartis Investigative Site
Torino, TO, 10126
Novartis Investigative Site
Udine, UD, 33100
Spain9 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Barcelona, Catalonia, 08035
Novartis Investigative Site
Barcelona, Catalonia, 08036
Novartis Investigative Site
Madrid, 28009
Novartis Investigative Site
Madrid, 28034
Novartis Investigative Site
Málaga, 29009
Novartis Investigative Site
Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33006
Novartis Investigative Site
Seville, Andalusia, 41013
Novartis Investigative Site
Valencia, 46026
Novartis Investigative Site
Vigo, Pontevedra, 36212
Canada8 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2
Novartis Investigative Site
Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 5C2
Novartis Investigative Site
Montreal, Quebec, H1T 2M4
Novartis Investigative Site
Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1
Novartis Investigative Site
Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6
Novartis Investigative Site
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 4H4
Novartis Investigative Site
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9
Novartis Investigative Site
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9
Australia4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Herston, Queensland, 4029
Novartis Investigative Site
Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150
Novartis Investigative Site
Parkville, Victoria, 3002
Novartis Investigative Site
Westmead, New South Wales, 2145
Israel4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Haifa, 3109601
Novartis Investigative Site
Jerusalem, 9112001
Novartis Investigative Site
Petah Tikva, 4941492
Novartis Investigative Site
Tel Aviv, 6423906
Turkey (Türkiye)4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Ankara, 06100
Novartis Investigative Site
Ankara, 06500
Novartis Investigative Site
Istanbul, 41400
Novartis Investigative Site
Izmir
United Kingdom3 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
London, SE5 9RS
Novartis Investigative Site
London, WC1E 6HX
Novartis Investigative Site
Manchester, M13 9WL
Austria2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Graz, 8036
Novartis Investigative Site
Linz, A-4010
South Korea2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Seoul, 03080
Novartis Investigative Site
Seoul, 06351
Netherlands1 site
Novartis Investigative Site
Utrecht, The Netherlands, 3508 GA
About this study
Official title: A Phase III Randomized Open-label Multi-center Study of Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Corticosteroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Assess the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib compared to Best Available Therapy (BAT) in patients with corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Read the detailed description
This randomized, phase III, open-label study investigated the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib vs. BAT added to the patient's immunosuppressive regimen in adults and adolescents (≥ 12 years old) with grade II-IV Steroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease (SR-aGvHD). During the screening period, patients were monitored for a diagnosis of SR-aGvHD, which was defined as patients who had high-dose systemic corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day [or equivalent prednisone dose 2.5 mg/kg/day]), given alone or combined with CNI, who either:
- Progressed based on organ assessment after at least 3 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
- Failed to achieve at a minimum a partial response based on organ assessment after 7 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
- Failed corticosteroid taper defined as fulfilling either one of the following criteria:
- Requirement for an increase in the corticosteroid dose to methylprednisolone ≥ 2 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose ≥ 2.5 mg/kg/day) OR
- Failure to taper the methylprednisolone dose to <0.5 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose <0.6 mg/kg/day) for a minimum 7 days.
Patients meeting eligibility criteria were randomized 1:1 to receive either ruxolitinib or BAT stratifying on aGvHD grade at the time of randomization (Grade II vs III vs IV).
Study treatment began on Day 1 (no later than 72 hours after randomization) followed by regular visits for assessments of efficacy and safety. Study treatment was administered until the patient met any of the criteria for discontinuation of study treatment or, in responders (i.e. patients achieving PR or CR) until the dosing schedule for ruxolitinib or BAT was completed.
All responders were to be tapered off during the treatment period by, first tapering from corticosteroids, followed by CNI and ruxolitinib. A slow tapering extending beyond 24 weeks was permitted for ruxolitinib at Investigator's discretion rather than an abrupt cessation, as the latter could result in an aGvHD flare.
During the Treatment Period, patients randomized to BAT could have crossed over to ruxolitinib between Day 28 and Week 24 if they:
- Failed to meet the primary endpoint response definition (CR or PR) at Day 28 OR
- Lost the response thereafter and met criteria for progression, mixed response, or no response, necessitating new additional systemic immunosuppressive treatment for aGvHD.
AND
- Did not have signs/symptoms of chronic Graft vs. Host Disease (cGvHD) (overlap syndrome, progressive, or de novo cGvHD)
Patients who crossed over to ruxolitinib were followed until completion of treatment with ruxolitinib and received the same treatment and tapering schedule as patients randomized to ruxolitinib treatment.
The End of Treatment (EOT) visit occurred when the patient completed the study treatment period or earlier if the patient met any of the criteria for discontinuation of study treatment.
Patient's treatment period was up to 6 months (Week 24). However, ruxolitinib taper could be delayed up to 2 years from randomization due to an aGvHD flare or other safety concerns.
- Being tested
- Ruxolitinib (RUX), Best Available Therapy (BAT)
- Keywords
- GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease), INC424, ruxolitinib, best available therapy (BAT), corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease, allogeneic stem cell transplantation, steroid refractory acute graft vs. host disease, Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor
- Medical subject headings
- Graft vs Host Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ruxolitinib (RUX)Drug
Also called INC424
Ruxolitinib was provided as 5 mg tablets for oral use.
Best Available Therapy (BAT)Drug
BAT was based on the investigator's best judgment, taking into account the manufacturer's instructions, labeling, patient's medical condition, and institutional guidelines for any dose adjustment. The BAT in this study was identified by the investigator prior to patient randomization among the following treatments currently used in this setting: anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), low-dose methotrexate (MTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mTOR inhibitors (everolimus or sirolimus), etanercept, or infliximab. No other types or combinations of BAT were permitted.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Ruxolitinib | Experimental | These patients were administered Ruxolitinib orally twice per day (b.i.d) at a dose of 10 mg bid, as two 5-mg tablets. Ruxolitinib was taken without regards to food. Receives: Drug: Ruxolitinib (RUX) |
| Best Available Therapy (BAT) | Active comparator | These patients were administered BAT per the Investigator's best judgement based on a specific list of BAT. Receives: Drug: Best Available Therapy (BAT) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 28
Overall response rate at Day 28 after randomization was defined as the percentage participants in each arm demonstrating a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), based on investigator assessment \& according to standard criteria, without requirement for additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response. Scoring of response was relative to the organ stage at the time of randomization.
CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs \& symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
Measured: Day 28
Secondary outcomes (25)
Durable Overall Response Rate (DORR) (Key Secondary Endpoint) at Day 56
Percentage of all participants in each arm who achieved a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) at Day 28 (primary endpoint) AND maintained a CR or PR at Day 56 based on investigator assessment and according to standard criteria.
CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
Measured: Day 56
Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 14
ORR at Da4 14 is the percentage of participants who achieved overall response (CR+PR) at Day 14 based on investigator assessment and according to standard criteria.
CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
Measured: Day 14
Duration of Response (DOR)
Duration of response was defined for patients who had a CR or PR at Day 28. This was the interval between the date of first documented response of CR or PR (i.e., the start date of response), till the date of progression or addition of systemic therapies for aGvHD on or after Day 28. Death without prior observation of aGvHD progression and onset of chronic GvHD were considered. Duration of response was censored at the last response assessment prior to or at the analysis cut-off date, if no events/competing risk occurred before or at the cut-off date.
Measured: Up to 24 months
Cumulative Steroid Dosing Until Day 56
Weekly cumulative steroid dose for each participant up to Day 56 or discontinuation of randomized treatment. Participants should have undergone tapering of steroids if it had been required. Tapering the immunosuppression therapy was performed in 2 steps: Taper of corticosteroids: initiated not earlier than Day 7, and performed as per institutional guidelines. Only patients with assessments done at each time point are reported. This is the reason that the overall number per treatment is higher and the number of participants with responses vary over time.
Measured: up to Day 56
Kaplan Meier Estimates of Probability of Overall Survival (OS) by Time Interval
OS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to date of death due to any cause. If a patient was not known to have died, then OS was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Results are based on Kaplan Meier (KM) estimates.
Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Kaplan Meier Estimates of Probability of Event-free Survival (EFS) by Time Interval
Event-free survival was defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of hematologic disease relapse/progression, graft failure, or death due to any cause. If a patient was not known to have any event, then EFS was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Results are based on Kaplan Meier (KM) estimates.
Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Cumulative Incidence Rate of Failure-Free Survival (FFS)
FFS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to date of hematologic disease relapse/progression, non-relapse mortality, or addition of new systemic aGvHD treatment.
Probability of FFS with 95% CIs are presented for each treatment group, accounting for onset of chronic GvHD as the competing risk.
Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, & 24 Months
Cumulative Probability of Non Relapse Mortality (NRM)
NRM was defined as the time from date of randomization to date of death not preceded by hematologic disease relapse/progression. Hematologic disease relapse/progression was considered a competing risk for NRM with the date of hematologic disease relapse/progression being the earlier of documented hematologic disease relapse/progression or institution of therapy to treat potential hematologic disease relapse/progression. If a patient was not known to have died or to have relapsed/progressed, then NRM was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Data is provided based on cumulative probability of hematologic disease relapse/progression.
Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Cumulative Probability of Malignancy Relapse/Progression (MR)
MR was defined as the time from date of randomization to hematologic malignancy relapse/progression. Deaths not preceded by hematologic malignancy relapse/progression were considered competing risks. If a patient was not known to have event or competing risks, then MR was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Calculated for patients with underlying hematologic malignant disease.
Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12 , 18 & 24 months
Cumulative Probability of Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD)
Incidence of cGvHD was the time from date of randomization to onset of cGvHD is the diagnosis of any cGvHD including mild, moderate, severe. Deaths without prior onset of cGvHD and hematologic disease relapse/progression were competing risks. If a patient was not known to have event or competing risks, then the incidence of cGvHD was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date).
Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK-Overall Response Rate
Exposure-efficacy relationship of ruxolitinib in terms of concentration-effect and dose-effect.
ORR was defined as the percentage of participants with a best overall response defined as complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) as assessed by local investigators. CR was defined as a score of 0 for the Acute Graft vs. Host Disease (aGvHD) grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
Measured: Day 28
Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK- Durable Overall Response Rate (DORR)
Exposure-efficacy relationship of ruxolitinib in terms of concentration-effect and dose-effect.
DORR is the percentage of all participants in each arm who achieved a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) at Day 28 (primary endpoint) AND maintained a CR or PR at Day 56.
CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
Measured: Day 56
Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK-Overall Survival
Exposure-efficacy relationship of ruxolitinib in terms of concentration-effect and dose-effect. This represents the percentage of Ruxolitinib-exposed participants dead at 24 months.
Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from the date of randomization to date of death due to any cause. If a patient was not known to have died, then OS was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date).the date of death due to any cause.
Measured: up to 24 months
Best Overall Response Rate (BOR)
Percentage of participants who achieved overall response (OR) (CR+PR) at any time point up to and including Day 28 and before the start of additional systemic therapy for aGvHD.
CR was defined as a score of 0 for the Acute Graft vs. Host Disease (aGvHD) grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
Measured: up to Day 28
Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs): Change From Baseline in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation (FACT-BMT) Total Score
The Functional assessment of Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire that measures the effect of a therapy on domains including physical, functional, social/family and emotional well-being, together with additional concerns relevant for bone marrow transplantation patients. Patients indicated their response on a scale of 0 to 4 on each statement, with 0 indicating worst score and 4 the best score. All individual scores were combined to calculate the total score. Total score was reported with score range: 0-148 which was calculated as the sum of all unweighted subscale scores. The higher the total score the better the result. Descriptive statistics and change from baseline were calculated in total score at each scheduled assessment time point.
Measured: Baseline, Week 24
Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs): Change From Baseline in EuroQol-5D-5L UK Score
The EQ-5D descriptive classification consists of five dimensions of health: mobility, self-care, usual activities, anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort. Patients are requested to select the statement which best describes their condition on that day for each dimension. For overall health that day, the EuroQoL-5D-5L scale is numbered from 0 to 100, with 100 being the best health you can imagine and 0 being the worst health you can imagine. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, Q1, Q3, minimum, and maximum) were calculated based on the scored scales at each scheduled assessment time point. In order to measure Quality-of-Life (QoL) among aGvHD patients, and potential changes over time, change from baseline in EuroQol-5D-5L scores at the time of each assessment were also calculated. Missing items data in a scale will be handled based on each instrument manual. No imputation will be applied if the total or subscale scores are missing at a visit.
Measured: Baseline, Week 24
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Area Under the Curve (AUC) (AUCinf, AUClast, AUCtau) of Ruxolitinib
AUClast: The AUC from time zero to the last measurable concentration sampling time (tlast) (mass x time x volume-1) AUCinf: The AUC from time zero to infinity (mass x time x volume-1) AUCtau: The AUC calculated to the end of a dosing interval (tau) at steady-state (amount x time x volume-1).
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients was assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Plasma Concentration at Peak (Cmax) of Ruxolitinib
Cmax is the maximum (peak) observed plasma, blood, serum, or other body fluid drug concentration after single dose administration (mass X volume-1).
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients was assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: CL/F of Ruxolitinib
CL/F is the total body clearance of ruxolitinib from the plasma after a single dose and at steady state.
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients was assayed for Ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: VzF of Ruxolitinib
VzF is the apparent volume of distribution during terminal phase after a single dose and at steady state.
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Lambda_z of Ruxolitinib
Lambda_z is the smallest (slowest) disposition (hybrid) rate constant (hr-1) may also be used for terminal elimination rate constant (hr-1).
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: T1/2 of Ruxolitinib
T1/2 is the elimination half-life associated with the terminal slope of a semi logarithmic concentration-time curve (hr).
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Tmax of Ruxolitinib
Tmax is the time to reach maximum (peak) plasma, blood, serum, or other body fluid drug concentration after single dose and repeated dose administration (hr).
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Racc of Ruxolitinib
Racc is the accumulation ratio (AUC at steady state/AUC Day 1). Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients was be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).
Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Ctrough of Ruxolitinib
Minimum concentration (Ctrough) of ruxolitinib and at steady state in corticosteroid refractory acute GVHD patients.
Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.
The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS)
Measured: pre-dose
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Sep 2016 (estimated)
- Study start10 Mar 2017
- Primary completion24 Jun 2019
- Study completion23 Apr 2021
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Novartis PharmaceuticalsThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 310 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Study director, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02913261
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CINC424C2301
- Other IDs
- 2016-002584-33, 2016
- Acronym
- REACH2
- Status last verified
- May 2022
- First submitted
- 18 Sep 2016
- Last updated
- 8 Feb 2023
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com
Publications
Mahmoudjafari Z, Bhatt V, Xue Z, Locatelli F, Socie G, Zeiser R. Clinical considerations for ruxolitinib in the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and steroid-refractory or -dependent chronic GVHD: a plain language summary. Ther Adv Hematol. 2026 May 19;17:20406207261442908. doi: 10.1177/20406207261442908. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42180389Mohty M, Socie G, Szer J, Niederwieser D, Butler J, Wagner-Drouet E, Or R, Rovenvald-Zuckerman T, Bozdag SC, Forcade E, Grillo G, Kroger N, Stolzel F, Russo D, Sanz J, Sarkar R, Stefanelli T, Wilke C, Zeiser R, von Bubnoff N. Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Final Analysis From the Randomized Phase III REACH2 Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Dec;43(34):3639-3645. doi: 10.1200/JCO-25-00809. Epub 2025 Oct 15.
PubMed 41092247Mahmoudjafari Z, Kintsch E, Xue Z, Bhatt V, Galvin J, Locatelli F, Zeiser R. Impact of concomitant azoles on ruxolitinib treatment in patients with GVHD: post hoc analyses of REACH2 and REACH3. Blood Adv. 2025 Aug 26;9(16):4206-4216. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2025016212.
PubMed 40472328Socie G, Niederwieser D, von Bubnoff N, Mohty M, Szer J, Or R, Garrett J, Prahallad A, Wilke C, Zeiser R. Prognostic value of blood biomarkers in steroid-refractory or steroid-dependent acute graft-versus-host disease: a REACH2 analysis. Blood. 2023 Jun 1;141(22):2771-2779. doi: 10.1182/blood.2022018579.
PubMed 36827620Zeiser R, von Bubnoff N, Butler J, Mohty M, Niederwieser D, Or R, Szer J, Wagner EM, Zuckerman T, Mahuzier B, Xu J, Wilke C, Gandhi KK, Socie G; REACH2 Trial Group. Ruxolitinib for Glucocorticoid-Refractory Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease. N Engl J Med. 2020 May 7;382(19):1800-1810. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1917635. Epub 2020 Apr 22.
PubMed 32320566Jagasia M, Zeiser R, Arbushites M, Delaite P, Gadbaw B, Bubnoff NV. Ruxolitinib for the treatment of patients with steroid-refractory GVHD: an introduction to the REACH trials. Immunotherapy. 2018 Apr;10(5):391-402. doi: 10.2217/imt-2017-0156. Epub 2018 Jan 10.
PubMed 29316837
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Feb 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Phase III Randomized Open-label Multi-center Study of Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Corticosteroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02913261
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REACH2 / CINC424C2301
- Keywords
- GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease), INC424, ruxolitinib, best available therapy (BAT), corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease, allogeneic stem cell transplantation, steroid refractory acute graft vs. host disease, Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 310 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Novartis PharmaceuticalsIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 10 Mar 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 24 Jun 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- 23 Apr 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Sep 2016 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 8 Feb 2023
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Assess the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib compared to Best Available Therapy (BAT) in patients with corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Detailed description
This randomized, phase III, open-label study investigated the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib vs. BAT added to the patient's immunosuppressive regimen in adults and adolescents (≥ 12 years old) with grade II-IV Steroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease (SR-aGvHD). During the screening period, patients were monitored for a diagnosis of SR-aGvHD, which was defined as patients who had high-dose systemic corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day [or equivalent prednisone dose 2.5 mg/kg/day]), given alone or combined with CNI, who either:
- Progressed based on organ assessment after at least 3 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
- Failed to achieve at a minimum a partial response based on organ assessment after 7 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
- Failed corticosteroid taper defined as fulfilling either one of the following criteria:
- Requirement for an increase in the corticosteroid dose to methylprednisolone ≥ 2 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose ≥ 2.5 mg/kg/day) OR
- Failure to taper the methylprednisolone dose to <0.5 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose <0.6 mg/kg/day) for a minimum 7 days.
Patients meeting eligibility criteria were randomized 1:1 to receive either ruxolitinib or BAT stratifying on aGvHD grade at the time of randomization (Grade II vs III vs IV).
Study treatment began on Day 1 (no later than 72 hours after randomization) followed by regular visits for assessments of efficacy and safety. Study treatment was administered until the patient met any of the criteria for discontinuation of study treatment or, in responders (i.e. patients achieving PR or CR) until the dosing schedule for ruxolitinib or BAT was completed.
All responders were to be tapered off during the treatment period by, first tapering from corticosteroids, followed by CNI and ruxolitinib. A slow tapering extending beyond 24 weeks was permitted for ruxolitinib at Investigator's discretion rather than an abrupt cessation, as the latter could result in an aGvHD flare.
During the Treatment Period, patients randomized to BAT could have crossed over to ruxolitinib between Day 28 and Week 24 if they:
- Failed to meet the primary endpoint response definition (CR or PR) at Day 28 OR
- Lost the response thereafter and met criteria for progression, mixed response, or no response, necessitating new additional systemic immunosuppressive treatment for aGvHD.
AND
- Did not have signs/symptoms of chronic Graft vs. Host Disease (cGvHD) (overlap syndrome, progressive, or de novo cGvHD)
Patients who crossed over to ruxolitinib were followed until completion of treatment with ruxolitinib and received the same treatment and tapering schedule as patients randomized to ruxolitinib treatment.
The End of Treatment (EOT) visit occurred when the patient completed the study treatment period or earlier if the patient met any of the criteria for discontinuation of study treatment.
Patient's treatment period was up to 6 months (Week 24). However, ruxolitinib taper could be delayed up to 2 years from randomization due to an aGvHD flare or other safety concerns.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Ruxolitinib | Experimental | Drug: Ruxolitinib (RUX)These patients were administered Ruxolitinib orally twice per day (b.i.d) at a dose of 10 mg bid, as two 5-mg tablets. Ruxolitinib was taken without regards to food. |
| Best Available Therapy (BAT) | Active comparator | Drug: Best Available Therapy (BAT)These patients were administered BAT per the Investigator's best judgement based on a specific list of BAT. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Have undergone Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplanttaion (alloSCT) from any donor source (matched unrelated donor, sibling, haplo-identical) using bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, or cord blood. Recipients of non- myeloablative, myeloablative, and reduced intensity conditioning are eligible
- Clinically diagnosed Grades II to IV acute GvHD as per standard criteria occurring after alloSCT requiring systemic immune suppressive therapy. Biopsy of involved organs with aGvHD is encouraged but not required for study screening.
- Confirmed diagnosis of steroid refractory aGvHD defined as patients administered high-dose systemic corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day [or equivalent prednisone dose 2.5 mg/kg/day]), given alone or combined with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and either:
- Requirement for an increase in the corticosteroid dose to methylprednisolone ≥2 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose ≥2.5 mg/kg/day) , OR
- Failure to taper the methylprednisolone dose to <0.5 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose <0.6 mg/kg/day) for a minimum 7 days.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Has received more than one systemic treatment for steroid refractory aGvHD.
- Presence of an active uncontrolled infection including significant bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infection requiring treatment. Infections are considered controlled if appropriate therapy has been instituted and, at the time of screening, no signs of progression are present. Progression of infection is defined as hemodynamic instability attributable to sepsis, new symptoms, worsening physical signs or radiographic findings attributable to infection. Persisting fever without other signs or symptoms will not be interpreted as progressing infection.
- Evidence of uncontrolled viral infection including Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6), Hepatitis Virus (HBV), or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) based on assessment by the treating physician.
- Presence of relapsed primary malignancy, or who have been treated for relapse after the alloHSCT was performed, or who may require rapid immune suppression withdrawal as pre-emergent treatment of early malignancy relapse.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Ruxolitinib (RUX)Also: INC424Ruxolitinib was provided as 5 mg tablets for oral use. | Drug | Ruxolitinib |
| Best Available Therapy (BAT)BAT was based on the investigator's best judgment, taking into account the manufacturer's instructions, labeling, patient's medical condition, and institutional guidelines for any dose adjustment. The BAT in this study was identified by the investigator prior to patient randomization among the following treatments currently used in this setting: anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), low-dose methotrexate (MTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mTOR inhibitors (everolimus or sirolimus), etanercept, or infliximab. No other types or combinations of BAT were permitted. | Drug | Best Available Therapy (BAT) |
Primary outcome
Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 28
Time frame: Day 28
Overall response rate at Day 28 after randomization was defined as the percentage participants in each arm demonstrating a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), based on investigator assessment \& according to standard criteria, without requirement for additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response. Scoring of response was relative to the organ stage at the time of randomization. CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs \& symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD. PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.
25 secondary outcomes
Durable Overall Response Rate (DORR) (Key Secondary Endpoint) at Day 56
Time frame: Day 56
Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 14
Time frame: Day 14
Duration of Response (DOR)
Time frame: Up to 24 months
Cumulative Steroid Dosing Until Day 56
Time frame: up to Day 56
Kaplan Meier Estimates of Probability of Overall Survival (OS) by Time Interval
Time frame: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Kaplan Meier Estimates of Probability of Event-free Survival (EFS) by Time Interval
Time frame: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Cumulative Incidence Rate of Failure-Free Survival (FFS)
Time frame: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, & 24 Months
Cumulative Probability of Non Relapse Mortality (NRM)
Time frame: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Cumulative Probability of Malignancy Relapse/Progression (MR)
Time frame: 1, 2, 6, 12 , 18 & 24 months
Cumulative Probability of Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD)
Time frame: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK-Overall Response Rate
Time frame: Day 28
Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK- Durable Overall Response Rate (DORR)
Time frame: Day 56
Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK-Overall Survival
Time frame: up to 24 months
Best Overall Response Rate (BOR)
Time frame: up to Day 28
Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs): Change From Baseline in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation (FACT-BMT) Total Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 24
Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs): Change From Baseline in EuroQol-5D-5L UK Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 24
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Area Under the Curve (AUC) (AUCinf, AUClast, AUCtau) of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Plasma Concentration at Peak (Cmax) of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: CL/F of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: VzF of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Lambda_z of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: T1/2 of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Tmax of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Racc of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose
Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Ctrough of Ruxolitinib
Time frame: pre-dose
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Feb 2023.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42180389Mahmoudjafari Z, Bhatt V, Xue Z, Locatelli F, Socie G, Zeiser R. Clinical considerations for ruxolitinib in the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and steroid-refractory or -dependent chronic GVHD: a plain language summary. Ther Adv Hematol. 2026 May 19;17:20406207261442908. doi: 10.1177/20406207261442908. eCollection 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41092247Mohty M, Socie G, Szer J, Niederwieser D, Butler J, Wagner-Drouet E, Or R, Rovenvald-Zuckerman T, Bozdag SC, Forcade E, Grillo G, Kroger N, Stolzel F, Russo D, Sanz J, Sarkar R, Stefanelli T, Wilke C, Zeiser R, von Bubnoff N. Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Final Analysis From the Randomized Phase III REACH2 Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Dec;43(34):3639-3645. doi: 10.1200/JCO-25-00809. Epub 2025 Oct 15.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40472328Mahmoudjafari Z, Kintsch E, Xue Z, Bhatt V, Galvin J, Locatelli F, Zeiser R. Impact of concomitant azoles on ruxolitinib treatment in patients with GVHD: post hoc analyses of REACH2 and REACH3. Blood Adv. 2025 Aug 26;9(16):4206-4216. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2025016212.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 36827620Socie G, Niederwieser D, von Bubnoff N, Mohty M, Szer J, Or R, Garrett J, Prahallad A, Wilke C, Zeiser R. Prognostic value of blood biomarkers in steroid-refractory or steroid-dependent acute graft-versus-host disease: a REACH2 analysis. Blood. 2023 Jun 1;141(22):2771-2779. doi: 10.1182/blood.2022018579.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 32320566Zeiser R, von Bubnoff N, Butler J, Mohty M, Niederwieser D, Or R, Szer J, Wagner EM, Zuckerman T, Mahuzier B, Xu J, Wilke C, Gandhi KK, Socie G; REACH2 Trial Group. Ruxolitinib for Glucocorticoid-Refractory Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease. N Engl J Med. 2020 May 7;382(19):1800-1810. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1917635. Epub 2020 Apr 22.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 29316837Jagasia M, Zeiser R, Arbushites M, Delaite P, Gadbaw B, Bubnoff NV. Ruxolitinib for the treatment of patients with steroid-refractory GVHD: an introduction to the REACH trials. Immunotherapy. 2018 Apr;10(5):391-402. doi: 10.2217/imt-2017-0156. Epub 2018 Jan 10.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals study director
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
103 sites in 22 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing Ruxolitinib (RUX) and Best Available Therapy (BAT) in people with Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host Disease, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 103 sites in 22 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Feb 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 103 sites in France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain and 17 more countries. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 8 Feb 2023). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 28 (time frame: Day 28). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02913261, which also lists 6 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Feb 2023.