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Rituximab EfFicacy IN MyasthEnia Gravis (REFINE) (REFINE)

Primary Purpose

Myasthenia Gravis, Generalized

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Phase 3
Locations
Italy
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Rituximab
Placebo
Sponsored by
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Myasthenia Gravis, Generalized

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria: a. Positive serologic test for anti-AChR antibody titers as confirmed at screening (one retest allowed), and At least one of the following: i)-History of abnormal neuromuscular transmission test results demonstrated by single- fiber electromyography or repetitive nerve stimulation; or ii)-History of positive anticholinesterase test (eg, edrophonium chloride test); or iii)-Patient demonstrated improvement in MG signs on oral cholinesterase inhibitors, as assessed by the treating physician; or iv)-Clinical syndrome consistent with a diagnosis of MG, and not otherwise explained by another condition. c. MGFA Clinical Classification Class II, III, or IV at the time of screening and randomization. d. MG-ADL score of 5 or greater at screening and at randomization with &gt; 50% of this score attributed to non-ocular items. e. QMG score of 11 or greater at screening and at randomization. f. Willing and able to comply with the protocol, complete study assessments, and return for follow- up visits. g. Females of childbearing potential who are sexually active with a non-sterilized male partner must use at least one highly effective contraception method (Table 1) from the time of screening and for 12 months after the final dose of IP. Periodic abstinence, the rhythm method, and the withdrawal method are not acceptable methods of contraception. h. Females of childbearing potential are defined as those who are not surgically sterile (ie, bilateral tubal ligation, bilateral oophorectomy, or complete hysterectomy) or those who are not postmenopausal (defined as 12 months with no menses without an alternative medical cause). i. Non-sterilized males who are sexually active with a female partner of childbearing potential must use a condom from Day 1 for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last dose of IP. Because male condom is not a highly effective contraception method, it is strongly recommended that female partners of a male study subject also use a highly effective method of contraception throughout this period. Exclusion Criteria: Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would place the patient at unacceptable risk of complications, interfere with evaluation of the IP, or confound the interpretation of patient safety or study results. Lactating or pregnant females, or females who intend to become pregnant anytime from signing the informed consent form (ICF) throughout the RCP plus 6 months following last dose of IP. History of drug or alcohol abuse within < 1 year prior to screening, or any condition associated with poor compliance as judged by the Investigator. Site staff and their family members. Currently committed to an institution by way of official or judicial order. Subjects diagnosed with congenital myasthenic syndromes. Known immunodeficiency disorder, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Thymectomy within ≤ 12 months prior to baseline (Day 1) visit or planned thymectomy during the duration of the RCP. 10. Receipt of the following medications or treatments at any time prior to randomization: Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®, Campath®) Total lymphoid irradiation Bone marrow transplant T-cell vaccination therapy Natalizumab (Tysabri®) 10. Receipt of ANY immunosuppressive treatment (excluding corticosteroids) at ANY time prior to randomization (such as Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil or Mycophenolic acid, Cyclosporine (except eye drop), Tacrolimus (except topical), Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide, Tocilizumab (Actemra®), Belimumab (Benlysta®), Eculizumab (Soliris®), rituximab (MabThera®, Rituxan®), ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®), ofatumumab (Arzerra®), obinutuzumab (Gazyva®), inebilizumab, or any experimental B-cell depleting agent) 11. Receipt within the 4 weeks prior to Day 1: a. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) b. Plasma exchange (PLEX) treatment 12. Current use of: Prednisone < 20 mg/day or < 40 mg over a 2-day period (or equivalent dose of other corticosteroids) Pyridostigmine > 480 mg/day or unstable dose in the 2 weeks prior to Day 1 13. Concurrent/previous enrollment in another clinical study involving an investigational treatment within 4 weeks or 5 half-lives of the investigational treatment, whichever is longer, prior to Day 1. 14. Receipt of a live attenuated vaccine within 4 weeks prior to randomization. Administration of inactivated (killed) vaccines is acceptable. 15. History of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to biologic agents or known allergy to any component of the IP formulation. 16. History of recurrent significant infections (eg, requiring hospitalization or IV antibiotics). 17. Within 2 weeks prior to the screening visit: clinically significant active infection requiring antimicrobial medication but allowing chronic nail infections. 18. Unresected thymoma (Note: subjects with a benign thymoma resected > 1 year prior to screening may enroll. Benign is defined as no known metastases and no extension into or beyond the capsule on pathological examination. Imaging to evaluate for thymoma must have been performed prior to randomization per standard of care). 19. History of cancer, except for the following: a. In situ carcinoma of the cervix treated with apparent success with curative therapy for > 12 months prior to screening b. Cutaneous basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma treated with apparent success with curative therapy for > 12 months prior to screening c. Prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy with curative intent > 3 years prior to screening and without known recurrence or current treatment d. Malignant thymoma (i.e. Masaoka stage ≥ IIa) resected > 5 years prior to screening with no evidence of active disease and no therapy received over the previous 5 years. Imaging to evaluate for thymoma must have been performed prior to randomization per standard of care 21. Spontaneous or induced abortion, still or live birth, or pregnancy ≤ 4 weeks prior to screening. 22. Any of the following laboratory abnormalities at screening (one repeat test may be conducted to confirm results prior to randomization within the same screening period): a. Elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 2.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN)). b. Total bilirubin > 1.5 × ULN (unless due to Gilbert's syndrome) c. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 d. CD19+ B-cell count < 40 cells/μL e. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 1.2 × 103 cells/μl f. Platelet count < 75,000/μL (or < 75 × 109/L) g. Hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL h. Total immunoglobulin < 600 mg/dL 23. Positive test for chronic hepatitis B infection at screening, defined as either (1) positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or (2) a positive hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) PLUS negative hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). Note: Subjects with a positive anti-HBs only, or a positive anti-HBc plus positive anti-HBs and negative HBsAg, are eligible to enroll. 24. Positive test for hepatitis C virus antibody. 25. Positive HIV test. 26. Blood transfusion within 4 weeks prior to screening or during the screening period. 27. Inability to read. 28. History of active or latent tuberculosis (TB), or a positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test at screening, unless treatment for tuberculosis was completed per local guidelines. Subjects with latent TB or a positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test who are actively on anti-TB treatment can enroll if they have completed at least 1 month of anti-TB treatment and intend to complete the full course of anti-TB treatment. Subjects with an indeterminate QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test result can enroll if a repeat QuantiFERON®-TB Gold is negative or a tuberculin skin test is negative.

Sites / Locations

  • Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCSRecruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

Rituximab

Placebo

Arm Description

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

To assess whether rituximab can reduce MG-related functional impairment.
Change from baseline in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMG) at week 12 (3 months) of the RCP. QMG score 0 - 39 A higher score means a worse outcome

Secondary Outcome Measures

To evaluate the effect of rituximab on corticosteroid usage.
Change in corticosteroid dosage from week 12 to the end of the RCP.
To evaluate the effect of rituximab on MG-related disability.
Change from baseline in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score at week 12. MG-ADL score 0 - 24 A higher score means a worse outcome

Full Information

First Posted
May 11, 2023
Last Updated
September 12, 2023
Sponsor
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05868837
Brief Title
Rituximab EfFicacy IN MyasthEnia Gravis (REFINE)
Acronym
REFINE
Official Title
Single-cell Deep Phenotyping of B Lymphocytes to Personalize Immunotherapy in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis: Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Generalized AChR-antibody Positive Myasthenia Gravis
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
July 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
February 28, 2022 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
July 31, 2025 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
July 31, 2025 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The primary objective of this phase III trial is to investigate if Rituximab can reduce patients' functional impairment caused by MG. The secondary objectives of this trial are to assess whether treatment with rituximab in patients with MG will: Allow faster and greater corticosteroid tapering Reduce the frequency of exacerbations Improve quality of life Offer an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Myasthenia Gravis, Generalized

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 3
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
ParticipantInvestigator
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
40 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Rituximab
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Title
Placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Rituximab
Intervention Description
Rituximab 1000 mg IV on RCP days 1 and 15
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo
Intervention Description
Placebo 1000 mg IV on RCP days 1 and 15
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
To assess whether rituximab can reduce MG-related functional impairment.
Description
Change from baseline in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMG) at week 12 (3 months) of the RCP. QMG score 0 - 39 A higher score means a worse outcome
Time Frame
12 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
To evaluate the effect of rituximab on corticosteroid usage.
Description
Change in corticosteroid dosage from week 12 to the end of the RCP.
Time Frame
48 weeks
Title
To evaluate the effect of rituximab on MG-related disability.
Description
Change from baseline in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score at week 12. MG-ADL score 0 - 24 A higher score means a worse outcome
Time Frame
12 weeks

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: a. Positive serologic test for anti-AChR antibody titers as confirmed at screening (one retest allowed), and At least one of the following: i)-History of abnormal neuromuscular transmission test results demonstrated by single- fiber electromyography or repetitive nerve stimulation; or ii)-History of positive anticholinesterase test (eg, edrophonium chloride test); or iii)-Patient demonstrated improvement in MG signs on oral cholinesterase inhibitors, as assessed by the treating physician; or iv)-Clinical syndrome consistent with a diagnosis of MG, and not otherwise explained by another condition. c. MGFA Clinical Classification Class II, III, or IV at the time of screening and randomization. d. MG-ADL score of 5 or greater at screening and at randomization with &gt; 50% of this score attributed to non-ocular items. e. QMG score of 11 or greater at screening and at randomization. f. Willing and able to comply with the protocol, complete study assessments, and return for follow- up visits. g. Females of childbearing potential who are sexually active with a non-sterilized male partner must use at least one highly effective contraception method (Table 1) from the time of screening and for 12 months after the final dose of IP. Periodic abstinence, the rhythm method, and the withdrawal method are not acceptable methods of contraception. h. Females of childbearing potential are defined as those who are not surgically sterile (ie, bilateral tubal ligation, bilateral oophorectomy, or complete hysterectomy) or those who are not postmenopausal (defined as 12 months with no menses without an alternative medical cause). i. Non-sterilized males who are sexually active with a female partner of childbearing potential must use a condom from Day 1 for the duration of the study and for 3 months after the last dose of IP. Because male condom is not a highly effective contraception method, it is strongly recommended that female partners of a male study subject also use a highly effective method of contraception throughout this period. Exclusion Criteria: Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would place the patient at unacceptable risk of complications, interfere with evaluation of the IP, or confound the interpretation of patient safety or study results. Lactating or pregnant females, or females who intend to become pregnant anytime from signing the informed consent form (ICF) throughout the RCP plus 6 months following last dose of IP. History of drug or alcohol abuse within < 1 year prior to screening, or any condition associated with poor compliance as judged by the Investigator. Site staff and their family members. Currently committed to an institution by way of official or judicial order. Subjects diagnosed with congenital myasthenic syndromes. Known immunodeficiency disorder, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Thymectomy within ≤ 12 months prior to baseline (Day 1) visit or planned thymectomy during the duration of the RCP. 10. Receipt of the following medications or treatments at any time prior to randomization: Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®, Campath®) Total lymphoid irradiation Bone marrow transplant T-cell vaccination therapy Natalizumab (Tysabri®) 10. Receipt of ANY immunosuppressive treatment (excluding corticosteroids) at ANY time prior to randomization (such as Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil or Mycophenolic acid, Cyclosporine (except eye drop), Tacrolimus (except topical), Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide, Tocilizumab (Actemra®), Belimumab (Benlysta®), Eculizumab (Soliris®), rituximab (MabThera®, Rituxan®), ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®), ofatumumab (Arzerra®), obinutuzumab (Gazyva®), inebilizumab, or any experimental B-cell depleting agent) 11. Receipt within the 4 weeks prior to Day 1: a. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) b. Plasma exchange (PLEX) treatment 12. Current use of: Prednisone < 20 mg/day or < 40 mg over a 2-day period (or equivalent dose of other corticosteroids) Pyridostigmine > 480 mg/day or unstable dose in the 2 weeks prior to Day 1 13. Concurrent/previous enrollment in another clinical study involving an investigational treatment within 4 weeks or 5 half-lives of the investigational treatment, whichever is longer, prior to Day 1. 14. Receipt of a live attenuated vaccine within 4 weeks prior to randomization. Administration of inactivated (killed) vaccines is acceptable. 15. History of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to biologic agents or known allergy to any component of the IP formulation. 16. History of recurrent significant infections (eg, requiring hospitalization or IV antibiotics). 17. Within 2 weeks prior to the screening visit: clinically significant active infection requiring antimicrobial medication but allowing chronic nail infections. 18. Unresected thymoma (Note: subjects with a benign thymoma resected > 1 year prior to screening may enroll. Benign is defined as no known metastases and no extension into or beyond the capsule on pathological examination. Imaging to evaluate for thymoma must have been performed prior to randomization per standard of care). 19. History of cancer, except for the following: a. In situ carcinoma of the cervix treated with apparent success with curative therapy for > 12 months prior to screening b. Cutaneous basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma treated with apparent success with curative therapy for > 12 months prior to screening c. Prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy with curative intent > 3 years prior to screening and without known recurrence or current treatment d. Malignant thymoma (i.e. Masaoka stage ≥ IIa) resected > 5 years prior to screening with no evidence of active disease and no therapy received over the previous 5 years. Imaging to evaluate for thymoma must have been performed prior to randomization per standard of care 21. Spontaneous or induced abortion, still or live birth, or pregnancy ≤ 4 weeks prior to screening. 22. Any of the following laboratory abnormalities at screening (one repeat test may be conducted to confirm results prior to randomization within the same screening period): a. Elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 2.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN)). b. Total bilirubin > 1.5 × ULN (unless due to Gilbert's syndrome) c. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 d. CD19+ B-cell count < 40 cells/μL e. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 1.2 × 103 cells/μl f. Platelet count < 75,000/μL (or < 75 × 109/L) g. Hemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL h. Total immunoglobulin < 600 mg/dL 23. Positive test for chronic hepatitis B infection at screening, defined as either (1) positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or (2) a positive hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) PLUS negative hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). Note: Subjects with a positive anti-HBs only, or a positive anti-HBc plus positive anti-HBs and negative HBsAg, are eligible to enroll. 24. Positive test for hepatitis C virus antibody. 25. Positive HIV test. 26. Blood transfusion within 4 weeks prior to screening or during the screening period. 27. Inability to read. 28. History of active or latent tuberculosis (TB), or a positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test at screening, unless treatment for tuberculosis was completed per local guidelines. Subjects with latent TB or a positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test who are actively on anti-TB treatment can enroll if they have completed at least 1 month of anti-TB treatment and intend to complete the full course of anti-TB treatment. Subjects with an indeterminate QuantiFERON®-TB Gold test result can enroll if a repeat QuantiFERON®-TB Gold is negative or a tuberculin skin test is negative.
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Raffaele Iorio
Phone
+393347185128
Email
raffaele.iorio@policlinicogemelli.it
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS
City
Roma
ZIP/Postal Code
00168
Country
Italy
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Raffaele Iorio
Phone
+393347185128
Email
raffaele.iorio@policlinicogemelli.it

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Learn more about this trial

Rituximab EfFicacy IN MyasthEnia Gravis (REFINE)

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