AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

TociCCAre - Randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial of tocilizumab versus placebo in chronic polyarticular inflammatory of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease refractory to standard treatments

This research, called TociCCAre, is a major study investigating a medication called tocilizumab. It's for people with a long-term joint condition called chondrocalcinosis, especially when their current treatments aren't helping enough. Researchers want to see if tocilizumab can significantly lower pain levels. Half of the participants will receive tocilizumab, while the other half will get a dummy treatment (placebo), without knowing which they are receiving. This helps scientists fairly compare the effects. The study will measure pain changes over a few months, alongside other health factors like joint swelling and overall well-being. It's a key step in finding better ways to manage this condition.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Paris

Enrolment target

Start

06 Aug 2025

Chondrocalcinosis

What is this study about?

This study, called TociCCAre, is looking into a medicine named tocilizumab as a potential new treatment for a painful joint condition called chondrocalcinosis. This condition happens when tiny calcium crystals build up in your joints, leading to pain and swelling, much like other forms of arthritis. For some people, standard treatments don't fully control their symptoms, and that's where this study comes in – it's designed for those who haven't found enough relief from usual care.

The main goal of the study is to see if tocilizumab can significantly reduce the pain associated with chondrocalcinosis. Participants will either receive tocilizumab or a placebo (a treatment with no active medicine) through an infusion, given directly into a vein. Neither the participants nor the doctors will know who is getting which treatment, which helps make the results fairer and more reliable. This is a common way to test new medicines and is considered a very robust type of research.

Beyond pain relief, the researchers will also be looking at many other aspects. This includes how much your joints swell, how tired you feel, your general well-being, and how the condition affects your daily life. They'll also monitor any side effects, as safety is always a top priority. The findings from this study could help doctors better understand how to treat chondrocalcinosis in the future.

Key takeaways

The study tests a new medicine (tocilizumab) for chondrocalcinosis that hasn't responded to usual treatments.
It aims to see if tocilizumab can significantly reduce joint pain.
Participants will receive the study medicine or a placebo through infusions for about 6 months.
Regular health checks, blood tests, and questionnaires are part of taking part.
Both men and women aged 18 and over with the condition may be eligible.
Safety and potential side effects will be closely monitored throughout.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with chondrocalcinosis. This is a condition where calcium crystals build up in the joints, causing pain and inflammation.

To be considered for this study, your chondrocalcinosis must still be causing you problems, even though you have already tried standard treatments. This means your current medications aren't fully managing your pain or other symptoms.

Both men and women can take part in this research. The medical team will review your health information in detail to make sure the study is a safe and suitable option for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with chondrocalcinosis (calcium crystal disease in joints)?
Are you still experiencing pain and swelling from this condition, even after trying other treatments?
Are you able to attend regular appointments for infusions and check-ups?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll receive the study medicine (or placebo) through an infusion, which is given into a vein. This will happen several times over a few months. You'll have regular appointments at the study clinic to check on your health and how the treatment is working. These visits will involve various assessments, such as answering questionnaires about your pain and overall well-being, having your joints checked, and giving blood samples. The research team will monitor you closely for any changes or side effects.

The total duration of the study for each participant is about 6 months. After the last infusion, there will be a final check-up. Throughout this time, you'll be under the care and observation of the study doctors and nurses.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the chance to receive a new treatment that could improve your pain and symptoms, especially if current treatments aren't working well. However, there's no guarantee it will help you personally. Like all medications, tocilizumab can have side effects, and some people might experience discomfort from infusions or blood tests. The study team will explain all known potential risks in detail, and your health will be closely monitored. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
France

Common questions

What is chondrocalcinosis?

Chondrocalcinosis is a type of arthritis caused by calcium crystals building up in your joints, leading to pain and swelling.

What is tocilizumab?

Tocilizumab is a medicine that aims to reduce inflammation, which is being tested for its potential to help with chondrocalcinosis.

What does 'double-blind' mean?

It means neither you nor your doctor will know if you're receiving the active medicine or a dummy treatment (placebo), which helps ensure fair results.

How will my pain be measured?

Your pain will be measured using a scale, like a ruler for pain, along with other assessments of your joints and general health.

Can I receive the actual medicine after the study?

The study aims to determine if the medicine is effective and safe. What happens after the study, including access to treatment, would depend on the study results and regulatory decisions.