Randomized Trial Comparing Efficacy of Adalimumab, Anakinra and Tocilizumab in Non-infectious Refractory Uveitis (RUBI)

This is an interventional treatment trial for Uveitis Read More

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provide written, informed consent prior to the performance of any study specific procedures
2. Diagnosis of non-infectious intermediate, posterior-, or pan-uveitis in at least one eye fulfilling the International Study Group Classification Criteria (Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature [SUN] criteria) of posterior, or pan- uveitis confirmed by documented medical history

3. Currently uncontrolled uveitic disease. Uncontrolled uveitic disease is defined as fulfilling of the two following criteria at Inclusion:

   • Active inflammatory chorioretinal and/or inflammatory retinal vascular lesions OR
   • Vitreous haze grade >1+ according to the SUN National Eye Institute (NEI) Scoring for Vitreous Haze

4. Are receiving prednisone ≥10 mg/day (or equivalent dose of another corticosteroid) and at least 1 other systemic immunosuppressant, or,

   • . Are receiving IFNalpha or,
   • To be intolerant to immunosuppressant
5. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) by ETDRS of 20/20 to 20/400 (approximately 85 to 20 letters) in the study eye
6. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) by ETDRS of 20/20 or better in the fellow eye (approximately 20 letters)
7. Stable dose for two weeks prior to inclusion of topical corticosteroids and/or NSAIDs
8. Male or female , Age >= 18 years at Inclusion
9. Weight 40 - 120 kg (88.2 - 264 lbs) at Inclusion
10. Chest X-ray results (postero-anterior and lateral) within 12 weeks prior to Inclusion with no evidence of active Tuberculosis, active infection, or malignancy
11. For female subjects of child-bearing age, a negative serum pregnancy test
12. For subjects with reproductive potential, a willingness to use contraceptive measures adequate to prevent the subject or the subject's partner from becoming pregnant during the study. Adequate contraceptive measures include hormonal methods used for two or more cycles prior to Screening (e.g., oral contraceptive pills, contraceptive patch, or contraceptive vaginal ring), barrier methods (e.g., contraceptive sponge, diaphragm used in conjunction with contraceptive foam or jelly, or condom used in conjunction with contraceptive foam or jelly), intrauterine methods (IUD), sterilization (e.g., tubal ligation or a monogamous relationship with a vasectomized partner), and abstinence.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Infectious uveitis, masquerade syndromes, or uveitis due to causes other than non infectious uveitis disease (idiopathic uveitis is permitted)
2. Isolated anterior uveitis
3. Presence of cataract or posterior capsular opacification so severe that an assessment of the posterior segment of either eye is inadequate or impossible
4. Contraindication to mydriasis in either eye or presence of posterior synechiae in the study eye such that mydriasis is inadequate for posterior segment examination
5. Intraocular pressure ≥ 25 mmHg by Goldmann tonometry or advanced glaucoma (e.g., cup-to-disc ratio > 0.9, split fixation on visual field, or need for > 3 intraocular pressure lowering medications to keep Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) < 22 mmHg) in either eye
6. Monocular patient
7. Active tuberculosis or history of untreated tuberculosis
8. Known positive syphilis serology, HIV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-nucleocapsid antibody of hepatitis B virus, and/or hepatitis C antibody.
9. History of malignancy within 5 years prior to Inclusion other than carcinoma in situ of the cervix or adequately treated, non-metastatic squamous or basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
10. History of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to monoclonal antibodies

11. Infectious disease:

    • Fever or infection requiring treatment with antibiotics within 3 weeks prior to Inclusion
    • History of recurrent infection or predisposition to infection
12. Known immunodeficiency
13. History of multiple sclerosis and/or demyelinating disorder

14. Laboratory values assessed during Inclusion:

    • Hemoglobin < 8g/dL
    • White Blood Cell Count (WBC) < 2.0 x 103/mm3
    • Platelet count < 80 x 103/mm3
    • Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) <30ml/min.
    • Transaminases > 3 times upper normal value

15. Use of the following systemic treatments during the specified periods:

    • Any other previous systemic biologic therapy
    • Any prior treatment with tocilizumab, anakinra, or anti Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)
    • Treatment with any systemic alkylating agents within 12 months prior to Inclusion or between Inclusion and Day 0 (e.g., cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil)
    • Any live (attenuated) vaccine within 3 months prior to Inclusion; recombinant or killed virus vaccines are permitted. Live seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines are permitted ≥ 2 weeks prior to Inclusion.

16. Use of the following ocular treatments during the specified periods:

    • Previous anti Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) intravitreal therapy within 3 months prior to Inclusion, or anticipated use during the study period
    • Treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implant [Ozurdex®]) within 6 months prior to Inclusion
    • Intravitreal corticosteroids within 3 months prior to Inclusion. Previous Subtenon's corticosteroid injections are permitted if administered at least 2 months prior to Inclusion
17. Stage III and IV New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac insufficiency