Setrusumab vs Placebo for Osteogenesis Imperfecta
This research study is investigating a new medication called Setrusumab for people aged 5 to 25 who have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. The main goals are to figure out the most effective dose of Setrusumab and to determine if it can help reduce the number of bone fractures people experience compared to a placebo (a treatment that looks like the real medicine but contains no active drug). Participants will receive either Setrusumab or a placebo, and the study involves different stages to test and confirm the treatment's effects. There's also an option for some participants to continue receiving Setrusumab for an extended period if they choose to, and a small sub-study to look closely at bone changes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about a new medicine called Setrusumab, which is being investigated as a potential treatment for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). OI, often known as brittle bone disease, is a condition that makes bones fragile and more likely to break. Setrusumab is designed to help strengthen bones in people with OI.
The main purpose of this study is two-fold: first, to find the best dose of Setrusumab that is both safe and effective for people with OI. Secondly, and very importantly, the study wants to see if Setrusumab can actually lower the number of bone fractures that people with OI experience compared to those who receive a placebo (a treatment that doesn't contain any active medicine, often called a dummy treatment). By comparing Setrusumab to a placebo, researchers can clearly see if the new medicine is making a real difference.
The study is split into two main parts, called phases. In the first part (Phase 2), a smaller group of participants will be given different doses of Setrusumab to help find the most suitable dosage. Once that's determined, a larger group of participants will join the next part (Phase 3). In this phase, some will receive Setrusumab and others will receive the placebo. Later, all participants will have the option to receive Setrusumab for a longer period in an open-label extension, meaning everyone will know they are getting the active drug. There's also a small, optional part for some to have a bone biopsy, which is a tiny sample taken from bone to look at it under a microscope and understand how the medicine works.
Key takeaways
- This study is testing a new drug, Setrusumab, for brittle bone disease (OI).
- It aims to find the best dose and see if it reduces bone fractures.
- Participants aged 5-25 with specific OI types are needed.
- The study involves receiving either Setrusumab or a placebo (dummy drug).
- Close medical monitoring and regular hospital visits are part of taking part.
- You have the right to leave the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, people must be aged between 5 and 25 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Type I, III, or IV) that's been identified through genetic testing. Participants should also have experienced at least one new bone fracture in the last year, or at least two fractures in the last two years, or at least one major bone fracture (in the shin, thigh, or upper arm) in the last two years.
Your vitamin D levels must be at a healthy level. If they are a bit low, you might be asked to take vitamin D supplements for a short time and have your levels checked again. It's also important that you are not currently taking bisphosphonate medication, and you must agree not to take it during the study. If you are female and able to have children, or a male whose partner could become pregnant, you'll need to use very effective contraception during and for a period after the study, and agree not to become pregnant or father a child.
Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to join if you have certain other serious health issues, such as a history of bone cancer, or specific problems with your spine or brain (like Chiari malformation). The research team will review your full medical history to make sure everyone joining is suitable and safe.
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 between 5 and 25 years old?
- Do you have a genetically confirmed diagnosis of OI Type I, III, or IV?
- Have you had at least one fracture in the past year, or two in the past two years, or a major bone fracture (shin, thigh, upper arm) in the past two years?
- Are your vitamin D levels healthy (or can be made healthy with supplements)?
- Are you willing and able to use effective contraception if needed during the study?
- Do you not have bone cancer or certain severe spinal/brain problems?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening visit to check if the study is right for you. If you qualify, you'll be assigned to receive either Setrusumab or a placebo. In some parts of the study, you might first receive different doses to help find the best one, and later everyone will have the chance to receive Setrusumab.
You'll have regular visits to the clinic where doctors and nurses will monitor your health, check for any changes in your bones, and see how you're feeling. These visits will likely involve physical exams, blood tests, and scans (like X-rays) to look at your bones. The study treatment will be given according to a set schedule, which the study team will explain fully. For some people, there's an optional sub-study that involves a small bone biopsy to get more detailed information, but this is entirely up to you.
Initially, some participants might receive the study treatment for about 6 months, and others for a longer period. After the main comparison period, you'll have the option to continue receiving Setrusumab open-label (meaning you'll know you're getting the active drug) for at least 12 months, and potentially until the medicine is available in your area. The total duration of your involvement could vary depending on the phase you are in and if you choose to continue into the extension period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (44)
- Arkansas Children's HospitalVerified postcodeLittle Rock, United States
- Children's Hospital Los AngelesVerified postcodeLos Angeles, United States
- Shriners Hospital for Children - Northern CaliforniaVerified postcodeSacramento, United States
- Children's Hospital ColoradoVerified postcodeAurora, United States
- Connecticut Children's Medical CenterVerified postcodeHartford, United States
- Yale New Haven HospitalVerified postcodeNew Haven, United States
- Nemours/ Alfred i. duPoint Hospital for ChildrenVerified postcodeWilmington, United States
- Children's National Medical CenterVerified postcodeWashington D.C., United States
- University of South FloridaVerified postcodeTampa, United States
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - ChicagoVerified postcodeChicago, United States
- Indiana University HospitalVerified postcodeIndianapolis, United States
- Kennedy Krieger InstituteVerified postcodeBaltimore, United States
Common questions
What is Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)?
OI is also known as brittle bone disease. It's a condition where bones are fragile and break easily, even from minor injuries. It's usually caused by changes in genes that help make collagen.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is a 'dummy' treatment that looks just like the real medicine but doesn't contain any active drug. It helps researchers compare the real medicine's effects accurately.
Will I know if I'm getting Setrusumab or the placebo?
During the main part of the study (called 'double-blind'), neither you nor your study doctor will know whether you're receiving Setrusumab or the placebo. This helps make the study as fair and unbiased as possible. However, in the later 'open-label' extension period, everyone will know they are getting Setrusumab.
What is a bone biopsy?
A bone biopsy is a minor procedure where a very small sample of bone is taken, usually from your hip. This sample is then looked at under a microscope to understand how the medicine might be affecting your bone structure. It's an optional part of this study.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, absolutely. Deciding to join or leave a study is always your choice. You can withdraw at any point without having to give a reason, and it won't affect your future medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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