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Immunosuppressant

Rituximab + Cyclosporine for Glomerulonephritis

Phase 2
Recruiting
Led By Meryl A Waldman, M.D.
Research Sponsored by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Rapid decline in renal function within less than 6 months with complications of nephrotic syndrome or evidence of decline in glomerular filtration rate or proteinuria >8 grams/day
Renal biopsy within the past 24 months revealing typical changes of membranous nephropathy by light and electron microscopy or a positive anti-PLA2R antibody test in the serum
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 24 months
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of combining two drugs to treat membranous nephropathy, a kidney disease associated with damage to the walls of the glomeruli. The first drug, rituximab, is an immunosuppressant that attempts to reduce the activity of the immune system. The second drug, cyclosporine, is a blood pressure lowering medication. The trial will last up to 2 years, and participants will have frequent blood and urine tests.

Who is the study for?
Adults over 18 with membranous nephropathy confirmed by kidney biopsy within the last 24 months, and persistent proteinuria despite treatment. Participants must be able to take oral medication, adhere to a specific regimen, and use effective contraception if of reproductive potential. Exclusions include HIV/HCV positivity, recent cancer (except skin), severe liver disease, certain blood disorders, diabetes, low kidney function, recent immunosuppressants or rituximab use.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The trial is testing the combination of Rituximab infusions and oral Cyclosporine in treating membranous nephropathy. It involves an initial evaluation followed by a run-in period without other immunosuppressants. Treatment includes four doses of Rituximab and six months of Cyclosporine therapy with follow-up visits for monitoring through frequent blood and urine tests.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include reactions related to immune suppression such as increased risk of infections; possible organ inflammation; infusion-related reactions from Rituximab; kidney or liver impairment due to Cyclosporine; as well as general symptoms like fatigue or digestive issues.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My kidney function has worsened quickly in less than 6 months, with severe symptoms or very high protein levels in my urine.
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I have a confirmed diagnosis of membranous nephropathy either by kidney biopsy or a positive anti-PLA2R test.
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I can take pills and follow a medication schedule.
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My kidney condition is not caused by another disease.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~24 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 24 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Percentage of complete and partial remissions (CR and PR)
Safety
Secondary outcome measures
Change in proteinuria from baseline to 12 months
Time to relapse (in those who achieved a remission)
Time to remission Baseline to 24 months

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Combination of Rituximab plus cyclosporineExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
2 infusions (each 1000 mg) separated by 2 weeks; repeated after 6 months. Daily therapy for 6 months (3-5 mg/kg), then tapered and discontinued.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Rituximab Infusion
2013
Completed Phase 4
~20

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Lead Sponsor
2,369 Previous Clinical Trials
4,316,567 Total Patients Enrolled
2 Trials studying Autoimmune Diseases
25,186 Patients Enrolled for Autoimmune Diseases
Meryl A Waldman, M.D.Principal InvestigatorNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
2 Previous Clinical Trials
2,456 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Cyclosporine (Immunosuppressant) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT00977977 — Phase 2
Autoimmune Diseases Research Study Groups: Combination of Rituximab plus cyclosporine
Autoimmune Diseases Clinical Trial 2023: Cyclosporine Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT00977977 — Phase 2
Cyclosporine (Immunosuppressant) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT00977977 — Phase 2

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How many people are signed up for this research project?

"That is correct, the online clinicaltrials.gov database has this information regarding the study's status. The trial was established on December 22nd 2010 and updated on November 16th 2022. They are seeking 30 individuals total from 3 locations."

Answered by AI

Could you elaborate on the age bracket this research is applicable to?

"Eligible patients for this trial must be over 18 years old but not yet reached their 100th birthday."

Answered by AI

Is there a Rituximab Infusion protocol patients can follow to reduce side effects?

"While there is some evidence of Rituximab Infusion being safe, it is only from Phase 2 trials. This means that there is no data supporting its efficacy."

Answered by AI

Are there any available positions for volunteers in this experimental procedure?

"Yes, this research study is still looking for volunteers and has been since 2010. The listing on clinicaltrials.gov was updated as recently as November 16th, 2020."

Answered by AI

Would I be able to help out with this medical study?

"This study is admitting 30 participants, within the ages of 18 and 100 who currently have heymann nephritis. It is important that patients also meet the following criteria: Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study, Male or female, >= 18 years of age, Nephrotic range proteinuria that persists for at least 6 months post diagnosis of membranous nephropathy greater than 3.5 grams /24 hours (based on 24-hour urine collection), a. If the subject's renal function rapidly declines in less than 6 months could proceed with immunosuppression therapy"

Answered by AI

What are the conditions that Rituximab Infusion is commonly used to alleviate?

"Rituximab Infusion is the standard course of treatment for post-kidney transplant patients. Additionally, this immunotherapy can help ameliorate dry eye syndromes and certain types of glomerulosclerosis that have not responded to other forms of therapy."

Answered by AI
~1 spots leftby Dec 2024