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Behcet DiseasePhase 3BETTERNCT06925698

Immunosuppressive Therapy Alone Versus Plus Oral Anticoagulation in the Treatment of VT Associated With Behcet's Disease

A Phase 3 study testing Rivaroxaban plus immunosupression in people with Behcet Disease and Behcet Disease and Vascular Involvement, run by Marmara University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study is a Phase III, multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the treatment of lower extremity venous thrombosis associated with Behçet's Disease. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 50 years
What is being tested?
Rivaroxaban plus immunosupression
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
110 participants
Where
2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
30 Apr 2025to 1 Apr 2028
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 to 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Participants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the study:
  • Age between 18-50 years old. Diagnosed with Behçet's Disease according to the International Study Group (ISG) criteria.
  • No prior vascular involvement or no previous immunosuppressive therapy for vascular involvement.
  • Confirmed venous thrombosis in the lower extremity within the last 14 days before randomization.
  • Venous thrombosis diagnosis confirmed by:
  • Non-compressible venous segment in ultrasound, OR A significant (>4 mm) increase in thrombus diameter in an already abnormal segment, OR New intraluminal filling defect on venography, CT, or MR angiography.
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  • Female participants must:
  • Not be pregnant or breastfeeding. Use effective contraception if of childbearing potential. Be postmenopausal (no menses for at least 1 year) or have undergone surgical sterilization.
  • Ability to provide written informed consent and comply with study requirements.

Who cannot join

  • Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria:
  • Presence of any aneurysm. Chronic multisystemic disease other than Behçet's Disease. History of intolerance to Rivaroxaban. Use of immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, TNF inhibitors, or interferon-gamma) within the last 6 months.
  • Prolonged corticosteroid use (>3 months) for Behçet's Disease mucocutaneous symptoms.
  • Prior anticoagulant therapy:
  • Low molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux, or unfractionated heparin for >48 hours before randomization.
  • More than one dose of vitamin K antagonists before randomization. Thrombectomy, vena cava filter placement, or fibrinolytic therapy for the current thrombotic episode.
Show all 17Show fewer
  • Planned administration of a live vaccine within 30 days after randomization. Clinically significant acute or uncontrolled chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, neurological, malignancy, or infectious diseases) that may interfere with study results.
  • Planned surgical procedure or significant medical condition deemed unsuitable for the study by the investigator.
  • History of malignancy within the last 5 years (except adequately treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ of the cervix).
  • Renal impairment (Creatinine clearance <30 ml/min). Severe liver disease (e.g., acute hepatitis, active chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or ALT >3 times the upper limit).
  • Active bleeding or high bleeding risk contraindicating anticoagulant therapy. Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP >180 mmHg or DBP >110 mmHg). Severe anemia (Hemoglobin <10 mg/dL). Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or of childbearing potential without contraception.
  • Use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (e.g., protease inhibitors, systemic ketoconazole, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin).
  • Participation in another experimental drug study within the last 30 days. Life expectancy of less than 3 months. History of serious infections within the last 60 days (e.g., bacterial endocarditis, tuberculosis, opportunistic infections).
  • Active substance or alcohol abuse or history of substance dependence within the last year.
  • Positive screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C antibody, or known HIV-1 infection.
  • Known coagulation disorders or laboratory abnormalities (e.g., DMID toxicity scale Grade 3 or higher).
  • History of suicidal behavior in the last 6 months or suicidal ideation (C-SSRS type 4 or 5) in the last 2 months.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Fatma Alibaz-Oner, Prof contact

+90 216 625 45 45

falibaz@gmail.com

Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
  • Marmara University, School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology

    Istanbul

    falibaz@gmail.com

    Fatma Alibaz Oner, Prof

  • Marmara University

    Istanbul

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Immunosuppressive Therapy Alone Versus Immunosuppressive Therapy Plus Oral Anticoagulation in the Treatment of Lower Extremity Venous Thrombosis Associated With Behcet's Disease

This study is a Phase III, multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the treatment of lower extremity venous thrombosis associated with Behçet's Disease. The study compares the effectiveness and safety of immunosuppressive therapy alone versus immunosuppressive therapy combined with oral anticoagulation (Rivaroxaban).

Read the detailed description

Behçet's Disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder that can cause vascular complications, including venous thrombosis. Although immunosuppressive therapy is the standard treatment for vascular involvement, the role of anticoagulation remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate whether adding Rivaroxaban to standard immunosuppressive treatment reduces the risk of thrombotic relapse and post-thrombotic syndrome compared to immunosuppressive therapy alone.

This study is a Phase III, multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the treatment of lower extremity venous thrombosis associated with Behçet's Disease. The study compares the effectiveness and safety of immunosuppressive therapy alone versus immunosuppressive therapy combined with oral anticoagulation (Rivaroxaban).

The study will recruit patients aged 18-50 who have been diagnosed with Behçet's Disease according to International Study Group (ISG) criteria and have a newly diagnosed lower extremity venous thrombosis. Participants will be randomized (1:1) to receive either immunosuppressive therapy with Rivaroxaban or immunosuppressive therapy with a placebo. The treatment duration is 12 months, with follow-up visits at weeks 2, 4, months 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12.

The primary outcome is the rate of thrombotic relapse within 52 weeks, assessed by venous Doppler ultrasound. Secondary outcomes include the development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), quality of life measures, and safety assessments, including bleeding complications.

The study is sponsored by Health Institutes of Türkiye (TÜSEB) and coordinated by Marmara University, Türkiye. Ethics approval has been obtained from Marmara University Clinical Research Ethics Committee.

For further information, please contact the study coordinators.

Being tested
Placebo plus immunosuppression, Rivaroxaban plus immunosupression
Keywords
Behcet&#39;s disease, Deep venous thrombosis, Anticoagulant therapy, Rivaroxaban
Medical subject headings
Behcet Syndrome, Venous Thrombosis, Postthrombotic Syndrome

What participants receive

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

  • Placebo plus immunosuppressionDrug

    Participants in this arm will receive placebo plus standard immunosuppressive therapy consisting of:

    Azathioprine (2.5 mg/kg/day, maximum 200 mg/day, oral) Methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day, oral, tapered over 12 weeks according to protocol) This intervention represents the standard treatment for venous thrombosis associated with Behçet's Disease and serves as the control arm of the study.

  • Rivaroxaban plus immunosupressionDrug

    Participants in this arm will receive standard immunosuppressive therapy as described above, plus Rivaroxaban (20 mg/day, oral, for 12 months).

    This intervention aims to evaluate whether the addition of oral anticoagulation (Rivaroxaban) to immunosuppressive therapy reduces the risk of thrombotic relapse and post-thrombotic syndrome compared to immunosuppressive therapy alone.

Study groups in NCT06925698
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Immunosuppressive Therapy + PlaceboPlacebo comparatorAzathioprine (2.5 mg/kg/day, maximum 200 mg/day, oral) Methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day, oral, tapered over 12 weeks according to protocol) + Placebo
Receives: Drug: Placebo plus immunosuppression
Immunosuppressive Therapy + RivaroxabanActive comparatorAzathioprine (2.5 mg/kg/day, maximum 200 mg/day, oral) Methylprednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day, oral, tapered over 12 weeks according to protocol), plus Rivaroxaban (20 mg/day, oral, for 12 months)
Receives: Drug: Rivaroxaban plus immunosupression

What is being measured

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

  1. Rate of Thrombotic Relapse at 52 Weeks

    The primary outcome is the rate of thrombotic relapse within 52 weeks, assessed via lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasound.

    Thrombotic relapse is defined as:

    A new thrombotic event in a previously unaffected ipsilateral or contralateral vein.

    Re-thrombosis in a previously affected vein that was classified as well-recanalized (≥50% compressibility on Doppler ultrasound).

    Venous Doppler ultrasound assessments will be performed at baseline, months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12.

    Measured: 52 weeks

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Development of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) at 52 Weeks

    The occurrence of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) will be assessed using standardized clinical scoring systems, including:

    Villalta Scale (PTS severity assessment) Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) Venous Disability Score (VDS) Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality of Life (VEINES-QOL) PTS is defined as a Villalta score ≥5 or the presence of a venous ulcer.

    Measured: 52 weeks

  2. Rate of Venous Recanalization at 52 Weeks

    Venous recanalization will be assessed via Doppler ultrasound to evaluate the extent of clot resolution in affected veins.

    Partial or complete recanalization will be determined based on compressibility and flow characteristics.

    Measured at baseline, months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12.

    Measured: 52 weeks

  3. Incidence of Major and Clinically Relevant Non-Major Bleeding Events

    The frequency of major bleeding (as per ISTH criteria) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding will be recorded.

    Major bleeding:

    • 2.0 g/dL hemoglobin drop
    • 2 units of red blood cell transfusion Intracranial, retroperitoneal, or fatal bleeding

    Clinically relevant non-major bleeding:

    Epistaxis >5 minutes, spontaneous hematomas >25 cm², gastrointestinal bleeding not meeting major criteria.

    Measured: 52 weeks

Timeline

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

  1. First posted13 Apr 2025
  2. Study start30 Apr 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Apr 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Apr 2028 (estimated)

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
Model description
This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive therapy alone versus immunosuppressive therapy plus oral anticoagulation (Rivaroxaban) in the treatment of venous thrombosis associated with Behçet's Disease. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into two groups: Immunosuppressive therapy alone Immunosuppressive therapy plus Rivaroxaban (20 mg/day, oral) The treatment duration is 12 months, with follow-up visits at weeks 2, 4, months 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12. The study employs a double-blind design, meaning that both participants and investigators are blinded to treatment allocation. Randomization is stratified by gender to ensure balanced distribution. The primary endpoint is the rate of thrombotic relapse within 52 weeks, assessed via venous Doppler ultrasound. Secondary outcomes include post-thrombotic syndrome development, quality of life measures, and safety ass
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
110 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06925698
Sponsor's protocol ID
09.2023.1733
Acronym
BETTER
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
7 Apr 2025
Last updated
13 Apr 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared to ensure patient confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Rivaroxaban plus immunosupression in people with Behcet Disease and Behcet Disease and Vascular Involvement, run by Marmara University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).

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 9 inclusion and 17 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Fatma Alibaz-Oner, Prof (+90 216 625 45 45, falibaz@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Rate of Thrombotic Relapse at 52 Weeks (time frame: 52 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
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 13 Apr 2025.

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