Dupilumab for Ulcerative Colitis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody, can effectively and safely aid individuals with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, particularly those with a high eosinophil count. Participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 52 weeks, with an option for an open-label phase where everyone receives the actual drug. Ideal candidates have tried standard treatments like oral steroids or 5-ASA without success and experience frequent symptoms such as rectal bleeding and increased stool frequency. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important early-stage findings.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants should have an inadequate response or intolerance to certain treatments like oral corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds, or immunomodulators, which might imply some changes to your current medication regimen.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that dupilumab is generally safe. It has treated conditions like moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic esophagitis. In these studies, most participants experienced only mild or moderate side effects.
Common side effects include injection site reactions, such as redness or swelling, and mild eye issues like dryness or irritation. Serious side effects were rare. The FDA has approved dupilumab for several conditions, indicating its safety. However, since this trial focuses on ulcerative colitis, the body might react differently. Prospective participants should discuss any concerns with the trial team before joining.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about dupilumab for ulcerative colitis because it offers a novel approach compared to standard treatments like aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. Unlike these traditional therapies, which primarily aim to reduce inflammation broadly, dupilumab specifically targets and blocks the activity of certain proteins involved in the inflammatory process, such as interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. This targeted action can potentially reduce inflammation more effectively and with fewer side effects. Additionally, dupilumab is already being used successfully to treat other inflammatory conditions like eczema and asthma, which adds to the optimism about its potential benefits for ulcerative colitis.
What evidence suggests that dupilumab might be an effective treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?
Research shows that dupilumab, one of the treatments under study in this trial, may help treat ulcerative colitis (UC). Studies on similar diseases have demonstrated significant symptom improvements, with some patients experiencing up to a 75.9% reduction in disease signs after 16 weeks. Dupilumab blocks certain proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation. This action is believed to reduce UC symptoms, which involve inflammation of the colon. While specific data on UC is still being collected, early results in related conditions appear promising. Participants in this trial may receive either dupilumab or a placebo to evaluate its effectiveness for UC.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Clinical Sciences & Operations
Principal Investigator
Sanofi
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 18+ with moderately to severely active Ulcerative Colitis and an eosinophilic phenotype can join. They must have certain symptoms scored by the Mayo score, not responded well to standard treatments like biologics or corticosteroids, and cannot be planning surgery for UC complications.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
52-week investigational medicinal product (IMP) intervention with dupilumab or matching placebo
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-label extension (optional)
Administration of open-label dupilumab therapy for study participants who qualify
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dupilumab
- Placebo
Dupilumab is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Asthma
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Asthma
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sanofi
Lead Sponsor
Paul Hudson
Sanofi
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
Degree in Economics from Manchester Metropolitan University
Christopher Corsico
Sanofi
Chief Medical Officer
MD from Cornell University, MPH in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Industry Sponsor
Leonard Schleifer
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Chief Executive Officer since 1988
MD and PhD in Medicine
George Yancopoulos
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Chief Medical Officer since 1997
MD from Harvard Medical School