A Study Evaluating the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Efficacy of Crovalimab Versus Eculizumab in Participants With Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Currently Treated With Complement Inhibitors
This research study is looking into a new medicine called crovalimab for people living with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). PNH is a very rare blood condition. The main goal is to see how safe crovalimab is and how well it works compared to a treatment already in use, called eculizumab. The study is designed for individuals who are already being treated with similar medications for their PNH. About 190 people are expected to take part. This clinical trial is an important step in understanding if crovalimab could be a new treatment option, offering potential benefits for people affected by PNH.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about a rare blood condition called Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, or PNH. PNH happens when red blood cells are destroyed too early, which can lead to symptoms like tiredness, shortness of breath, and tummy pain. Currently, there are treatments available that help manage PNH by blocking a part of the immune system. This study is testing a new medicine, crovalimab, to see if it's a good alternative or improvement to treatments already in use.
The main aim of the study is to carefully look at how safe crovalimab is for people with PNH who are already being treated with similar medicines. It will also compare how well crovalimab works against one of the established treatments, called eculizumab. By doing this, researchers hope to understand if crovalimab could become another helpful option for patients.
This kind of research is very important because it helps doctors and patients make informed decisions about treatment. Finding new medicines that are safe and effective can significantly improve the quality of life for people with rare conditions like PNH. This study is a crucial step in potentially broadening the treatment landscape for this condition.
Key takeaways
- Compares a new medicine (crovalimab) to an existing one (eculizumab) for PNH.
- Aims to check the safety and how well crovalimab works.
- For PNH patients already on similar complement inhibitor treatments.
- Involves regular clinic visits and health monitoring.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, generally, you need to be at least 2 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of PNH. You should also have been receiving treatment for your PNH, specifically eculizumab or ravulizumab, for at least 3 months before the study starts. Your blood test results (specifically for a protein called Lactate Dehydrogenase) should be within certain limits, and you need to be able to attend all study appointments and follow the instructions given.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently had a bone marrow transplant or have certain types of bone marrow disorders, you wouldn't be eligible. The study also cannot include pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those planning to become pregnant during or shortly after the study. If you have active Hepatitis B or C, or have recently taken part in another experimental treatment study, that would also prevent you from joining.
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 at least 2 years old?
- Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of PNH?
- Have you been treated with eculizumab or ravulizumab for at least 3 months?
- Are you able to attend all study appointments?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not planning to become pregnant soon?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you would receive either the new medicine, crovalimab, or the existing medicine, eculizumab. The study team would carefully monitor your health and how you respond to the treatment. This will involve regular visits to the clinic for check-ups, blood tests, and other medical assessments. The total duration of your participation in the study, including the treatment period and follow-up, would be fully explained to you before you agree to join. Women who could become pregnant would also need to agree to use effective contraception during the study and for a period afterwards.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (80)
- Carolinas Healthcare SystemVerified postcodeCharlotte, United States
- Nationwide Children's HospitalVerified postcodeColumbus, United States
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-LucVerified postcodeBrussels, Belgium
- AZ Delta Campus WestlaanVerified postcodeRoeselare, Belgium
- CHU UCL Namur / site GodinneVerified postcodeYvoir, Belgium
- Chronos Pesquisa ClinicaVerified postcodeTaguatinga, Brazil
- Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto AlegreVerified postcodePorto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre XVerified postcodePorto Alegre, Brazil
- Instituto Joinvilense de Hematologia E OncologiaVerified postcodeJoinville, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas FMRP-USPVerified postcodeRibeirão Preto, Brazil
- *X*CEPHO - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas em Hematologia e OncologiaVerified postcodeSanto André, Brazil
- Hospital Sírio-LibanêsVerified postcodeSão Paulo, Brazil
Common questions
What is PNH?
PNH stands for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. It's a rare blood disorder where red blood cells are destroyed too soon, leading to symptoms like tiredness and anaemia.
What are crovalimab and eculizumab?
Crovalimab is a new medicine being tested, and eculizumab is an existing medicine, both used to treat PNH by targeting the immune system.
Who is this study for?
This study is for people with PNH who are already being treated with similar medicines like eculizumab or ravulizumab.
Will I know which medicine I am getting?
Typically in studies like this, you might not know whether you're receiving the new medicine or the existing one. This helps researchers compare the treatments fairly.
How long does the study last?
The exact duration of the study, including treatment and follow-up, will be fully explained by the study team before you decide to participate.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.