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Polymyalgia RheumaticaPhase 3NCT03263715

A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Tocilizumab as a Remission-Induction and Glucocorticoid-Sparing Regimen in Subjects With New-Onset Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR- SPARE)

A Phase 3 study testing Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe [Actemra] and Glucocorticoids in people with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, run by Medical University of Vienna at 3 sites in Austria.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of a tocilizumab-based regimen compared with placebo on top of rapidly tapered glucocorticoid treatment in a double- blind, controlled fashion, focussing on glucocorticoid-free remission of disease. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
What is being tested?
Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe [Actemra] and Glucocorticoids
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
39 participants
Where
3 sitesAustria
Study dates
24 Nov 2017to 2 Jun 2020
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Diagnosis of PMR as confirmed by the investigator at screening and at baseline, fulfilment (also in retrospect) of the provisional 2012 ACR- EULAR classification criteria
  • Diagnosis of PMR established at, or up to 2 weeks before the screening visit
  • GC naïve or on GC treatment for a maximum of 2 weeks at screening with an initial dose between 12.5 and 25mg/day prednisone
  • Willing and able to receive oral prednisone 20mg/day at randomization and to follow a pre-specified tapering regimen
  • Willing to receive treatment for prevention of GC-induced bone loss
  • No evidence of active infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (screening performed according to national guidelines) and willing to take TB prophylaxis in case of evidence of latent TB
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Willing and being able to understand and follow the study procedures
  • Male and female subjects agreeing to conduct efficient contraception (unless they have no childbearing potential)
  • Written informed consent.
  • Female and Male subjects from 18 years old and higher

Who cannot join

  • Evidence of GCA (cranial or large vessel) as indicated by unequivocal clinical symptoms (except PMR), imaging and/or biopsy results. Routine screening of eligible PMR patients for GCA with imaging methods or temporal artery biopsy is not recommended
  • GC treatment of PMR >2 weeks
  • Conditions other than PMR requiring continuous or intermittent treatment with oral or parenteral GCs or parenteral administration of GCs, unless the last exposure to GCs was >1 months before screening
  • Other inflammatory rheumatic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Major surgery (including joint surgery) within 8 weeks prior to screening or planned major surgery within 6 months following randomization
  • Treatment with any investigational agent within 4 weeks (or 5 half-lives of the investigational drug, whichever is longer) of screening
Show all 35Show fewer
  • Previous treatment with any cell-depleting therapies, including investigational agents or approved therapies, some examples include: CAMPATH, anti-CD4, anti-CD5, anti-CD3, anti-CD19 and anti-CD20
  • Treatment with intravenous gamma globulin, plasmapheresis or Prosorba column within 6 months of baseline
  • Immunization with a live/attenuated vaccine within 4 weeks prior to baseline
  • Previous treatment with Tocilizumab (an exception to this criterion may be granted for single dose exposure upon application to the sponsor on a case-by-case basis)
  • Any previous treatment with alkylating agents such as chlorambucil, or with total lymphoid irradiation
  • History of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to human, humanized or murine monoclonal antibodies
  • Evidence of serious uncontrolled concomitant cardiovascular, nervous system, pulmonary (including obstructive pulmonary disease), renal, hepatic, endocrine (include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) or gastrointestinal disease (including complicated diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn ́s disease)
  • Diagnosis of liver disease or elevated hepatic enzymes, as defined by ALT, AST, or both > 1.5 x the upper limit of age-determined normal (ULN) or total bilirubin > ULN
  • Serum creatinine > 1.6 mg/dL (141 μmol/L) in female patients and > 1.9 mg/dL (168 μmol/L) in male patients. Patients with serum creatinine values exceeding limits may be eligible for the study, if their estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFR) are > 30
  • Total Bilirubin > ULN
  • Any history of recent serious bacterial, viral, fungal, or other opportunistic infections
  • Have serologic evidence of current or past HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C
  • Positive QuantiFERON TB test, history of Tuberculosis, or active Tuberculosis-infection, without at least 4 weeks of adequate therapy for Tuberculosis
  • Active infection with EBV as defined by EBV viral load > 10,000 copies per mL of whole blood
  • Any of the following hematologic abnormalities, confirmed by repeat tests:
  • White blood count < 3,000/μL or > 14,000/μL;
  • Lymphocyte count < 500/ μL;
  • Platelet count < 100,000/μL;
  • Hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL; or
  • Neutrophil count < 2,000 cells/μL
  • Any major episode of infection requiring hospitalization or treatment with IV antibiotics within 4 weeks of screening or oral antibiotics within 2 weeks prior to screening
  • Primary or secondary immunodeficiency (history of or currently active) unless related to primary disease under investigation
  • Any medical or psychological condition that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator would interfere with safe completion of the trial
  • History of other malignancy within 5 years prior to screening, except for appropriately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix, non-melanoma skin carcinoma, or Stage I uterine cancer
  • Pregnant women or nursing (breast feeding) mothers
  • Patients with reproductive potential not willing to use an effective method of contraception
  • History of alcohol, drug or chemical abuse within 1 year prior to screening
  • Neuropathies or other conditions that might interfere with pain evaluation unless related to primary disease under investigation
  • Patients with lack of peripheral venous access

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country.

Austria3 sites
  • Medizinische Universität Graz, Klinische Abteilung für Rheumatologie und Immunologie

    Graz, 8036

  • Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien

    Vienna, 1090

  • Krankenhaus Hietzing, 2. Medizinische Abteilung

    Vienna, 1130

Other trials in Austria

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Tocilizumab as a Remission-Induction and Glucocorticoid-Sparing Regimen in Subjects With New-Onset Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR- SPARE)

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of a tocilizumab-based regimen compared with placebo on top of rapidly tapered glucocorticoid treatment in a double- blind, controlled fashion, focussing on glucocorticoid-free remission of disease.

Read the detailed description

Background. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory rheumatic disease of the elderly, with a usually rapid response to intermediate-doses of glucocorticoids (GCs). In many patients, relapses occur upon its dose reduction or cessation. Given the patients' age and the adverse event profile of GCs, steroid- free remission is the most desired target in patients with PMR, but typical GC sparing agents are often insufficient. Case series and small open studies suggested an excellent effectiveness of tocilizumab, an inhibitor of the Interleukin 6-receptor.

Objective. To assess the efficacy and safety of a tocilizumab-based regimen compared with placebo on top of rapidly tapered GC treatment in a double-blind, controlled fashion, focussing on GC-free remission of disease.

Methods. In this double-blind, parallel group study, 32 patients with PMR will be recruited from three rheumatology centres and will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to tocilizumab or placebo over the course of 16 weeks, accompanied by a rapid tapering GC scheme over 11 weeks in both arms. The primary endpoint is GC-free remission at week 16, and follow-up will be performed until week 24 for safety and sustained efficacy. Patients will receive either the subcutaneous preparation of 162 mg tocilizumab weekly or matching placebo injections.

Expected Results. In case of a positive result of this study, the benefits for patients with new-onset PMR will manifest in a reduction of the burden of GC intake in this elderly population with increased risk of GC-related adverse events.

Being tested
Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe [Actemra], Placebos, Glucocorticoids
Keywords
Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Tocilizumab, Glucocorticoid, Glucocorticoid-Sparing
Medical subject headings
Polymyalgia Rheumatica

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe [Actemra]Drug

    Also called Actemra

    Weekly administration of Tocilizumab 162 mg subcutaneous from Baseline to Week 16.

  • PlacebosDrug

    Weekly administration of Placebo subcutaneous from Baseline to Week 16.

  • GlucocorticoidsDrug

    Rapidly tapered Glucocorticoid treatment. 20 mg/day of prednisone at randomization and a pre-specified taper regimen will be followed over 11 weeks: Week 0: 20 mg Week 1: 17,5 mg Week 2: 15 mg Week 3: 12,5 mg Week 4: 10 mg Week 5: 9 mg Week 6: 7 mg Week 7: 5 mg Week 8: 4 mg Week 9: 2 mg Week 10: 1 mg Week 11: 0 mg

Study groups in NCT03263715
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
TocilizumabExperimentalTocilizumab-based regimen (Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe [Actemra] 162 mg s.c. administered weekly) on top of rapidly tapered Glucocorticoid [Glucocorticoids]
Receives: Drug: Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe [Actemra]; Drug: Glucocorticoids
PlaceboPlacebo comparatorPlacebo [Placebos] and rapidly tapered Glucocorticoid [Glucocorticoids] treatment
Receives: Drug: Placebos; Drug: Glucocorticoids

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Proportion of subjects in GC free remission at week 16

    Proportion of subjects in GC free remission at week 16

    Measured: Week 16

Secondary outcomes (13)
  1. Cumulative prednisone doses at weeks 12, 16 and 24

    Cumulative prednisone doses at weeks 12, 16 and 24

    Measured: Week 12, 16, 24

  2. Number of flares per patient at weeks 12, 16 and 24

    Number of flares per patient at weeks 12, 16 and 24

    Measured: Week 12, 16, 24

  3. Time to first and second flare

    Time to first and second flare

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  4. Patient reported outcomes including SF-36

    Patient reported outcomes including SF-36

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  5. Patient reported outcomes including FACIT-Fatigue

    Patient reported outcomes including FACIT-Fatigue

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  6. Patient reported outcomes including HAQ

    Patient reported outcomes including HAQ

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  7. Patient reported outcomes including Patient Global Assessment of disease (PGA)

    Patient reported outcomes including Patient Global Assessment of disease (PGA)

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  8. Patient reported outcomes including Patient Assessment of pain

    Patient reported outcomes including Patient Assessment of pain

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  9. Investigator reported outcomes including Evaluator Global Assessment of disease activity (EGA)

    Investigator reported outcomes including Evaluator Global Assessment of disease activity (EGA)

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  10. Investigator reported outcomes including Duration and severity of Morning Stiffness

    Investigator reported outcomes including Duration and severity of Morning Stiffness

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  11. Investigator reported outcomes including Elevation of upper limbs

    Investigator reported outcomes including Elevation of upper limbs

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  12. Occurrence of adverse events and serious adverse events, incidence of GC related adverse events, changes in vital signs, haematology and clinical chemistry parameters

    Occurrence of adverse events and serious adverse events, incidence of GC related adverse events, changes in vital signs, haematology and clinical chemistry parameters

    Measured: 24 Weeks

  13. Proportion of subjects with increased ESR (>20mm/h) and CRP levels (> 5mg/L) at week 24

    Proportion of subjects with increased ESR (>20mm/h) and CRP levels (> 5mg/L) at week 24

    Measured: Week 24

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Aug 2017
  2. Study start24 Nov 2017
  3. Primary completion2 Jun 2020
  4. Study completion2 Jun 2020

Resources

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
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
39 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03263715
Sponsor's protocol ID
PMR-SPARE
Other IDs
2016-004990-42, 2016
Status last verified
Jan 2021
First submitted
17 Aug 2017
Last updated
22 Jan 2021
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Bonelli M, Radner H, Kerschbaumer A, Mrak D, Durechova M, Stieger J, Husic R, Mandl P, Smolen JS, Dejaco C, Aletaha D. Tocilizumab in patients with new onset polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR-SPARE): a phase 2/3 randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 Jun;81(6):838-844. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221126. Epub 2022 Feb 24.

    PubMed 35210264

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Tocilizumab Prefilled Syringe [Actemra] and Glucocorticoids in people with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, run by Medical University of Vienna at 3 sites in Austria.

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 10 inclusion and 35 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 22 Jan 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in Austria. 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

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?

Proportion of subjects in GC free remission at week 16 (time frame: Week 16). 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 NCT03263715, which also lists 1 linked publication.

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 22 Jan 2021.

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