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Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

A trial of prednisolone in combination with SPI-62 or placebo in participants with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

This research study is for people who have polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a common condition that causes aching and stiffness, especially in the shoulders, neck, and hips. Doctors are trying to find better ways to treat PMR, as current treatments like Prednisolone can have side effects. In this study, we're testing a new medicine called SPI-62. Participants will receive Prednisolone along with either SPI-62 or a placebo (a dummy pill). The main goal is to see if SPI-62 helps reduce inflammation and improves symptoms of PMR more effectively than Prednisolone alone. It's a Phase II study, which means it's an early-stage trial looking for promising new treatments.

At a glance

Status
Ongoing, recruiting
Phase
Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)
Sponsor
Sparrow Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Enrolment target
72
Start
05 Nov 2024

What is this study about?

You've been experiencing muscle pain and stiffness, especially in your shoulders, neck, and hips, which could be polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). This condition can be really uncomfortable and impact your daily life. Doctors usually treat PMR with a steroid medicine called Prednisolone, which helps reduce inflammation and pain. While Prednisolone works well for many, it can also have side effects over time. This is why researchers are always looking for new and improved treatment options.

This particular study is a Phase II clinical trial. This means it's an early stage of testing a new medicine called SPI-62. The aim is to see if adding SPI-62 to your usual Prednisolone treatment can make it more effective or perhaps help you use less Prednisolone in the long run. Researchers will be looking at how well it reduces inflammation in your body. They'll also be checking how your body uses sugar and changes to bone health, as these can sometimes be affected by treatments for PMR.

By taking part, you could be helping doctors understand PMR better and find new ways to treat it, potentially improving the lives of many people with this condition in the future. It’s a chance to contribute to medical science while also receiving careful medical attention for your PMR.

Key takeaways

  • Tests a new medicine (SPI-62) for PMR with standard Prednisolone.
  • Aims to find better ways to treat the pain and stiffness of PMR.
  • Compares the new medicine to a dummy pill (placebo).
  • Requires regular clinic visits for monitoring and assessments.
  • Open to adults aged 18 and over with PMR.
  • You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Both men and women are welcome to take part in this research.

There will be specific health requirements that you'll need to meet to ensure the study is safe and effective for you. For example, doctors will review your general health, current medications, and medical history to make sure you're a good fit for the trial.

It's important to remember that not everyone with PMR will be suitable for this study. The research team will carefully check if you meet all the criteria designed to keep you safe and ensure the study results are clear and reliable. They will discuss this with you in detail.

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.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Do you have a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)?
  3. Are you able to attend regular clinic appointments?
  4. Are you generally in good health apart from your PMR?
  5. Are you willing to potentially receive either a new medicine or a dummy pill?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will continue to receive Prednisolone, but you'll also be given either the new medicine (SPI-62) or a dummy pill (placebo) to take. You won't know whether you're receiving the new medicine or the placebo, and neither will the study team, to make sure the results are unbiased. You'll need to attend regular visits to the clinic for check-ups, blood tests, and other assessments. These appointments are important for monitoring your health and how the treatment is working. We don't have the exact number of visits or the total duration here, but generally, Phase II trials involve regular monitoring over several months, sometimes up to a year, followed by a period of follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the potential benefit of receiving an investigational new treatment that might improve your PMR symptoms. You will also receive very close medical monitoring from health professionals experienced in PMR. However, as with any medicine, there is a possibility of side effects from SPI-62 that are currently unknown or not yet fully understood. You also might receive the placebo, meaning you won't get the potential benefits of the experimental drug. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

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

Common questions

What is PMR?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness, most often in the shoulders, neck, and hips.

What is Prednisolone?

Prednisolone is a type of steroid medicine commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain in conditions like PMR.

What is SPI-62?

SPI-62 is a new investigational medicine being tested to see if it can help treat PMR, potentially in combination with Prednisolone.

What is a placebo?

A placebo is a dummy pill that looks like the real medicine but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers compare the effects of the new medicine.

How long will the study last?

The exact duration isn't specified, but Phase II studies typically involve regular checks over several months to a year, with follow-up periods.

How to find out more

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

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