Efgartigimod for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment called efgartigimod for individuals with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), a rare disorder causing sudden episodes of low blood platelets and organ damage. The study aims to determine if efgartigimod can safely and temporarily increase a protein called ADAMTS13, which aids in blood clotting, to prevent relapses. Ideal candidates have previously experienced iTTP, are currently in remission, and have specific levels of ADAMTS13 activity. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are on oral immunosuppressants, you must not change the dose for at least 60 days before joining the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that efgartigimod is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that efgartigimod is generally safe for people. In studies involving individuals with primary immune thrombocytopenia (a condition where the immune system attacks blood cells called platelets), efgartigimod was well tolerated. Participants did not face a higher risk of infections, a common concern with treatments affecting the immune system.
Additional studies on various autoimmune diseases involving IgG antibodies found that patients tolerated efgartigimod well, regardless of the dose. Side effects were manageable and not severe. This consistent safety record suggests that efgartigimod could be a reliable treatment option for immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), the condition under study in this trial.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Unlike the standard care for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which often involves plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapies, efgartigimod offers a novel approach by targeting the immune system more precisely. Efgartigimod works by modulating the activity of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), which reduces the levels of pathogenic autoantibodies in the bloodstream. This mechanism differs from traditional treatments, aiming to provide a more targeted and potentially quicker response in patients. Researchers are excited about efgartigimod because it could offer a more effective and focused treatment with fewer side effects compared to existing therapies.
What evidence suggests that efgartigimod might be an effective treatment for iTTP?
Research has shown that efgartigimod can significantly lower certain harmful antibodies in the blood. In studies with patients who have chronic immune thrombocytopenia—a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks platelets, causing low platelet counts—about 22% of those treated with efgartigimod achieved the desired results, compared to only 5% in the untreated group. Efgartigimod reduces the levels of specific antibodies that attack healthy cells. In this trial, participants with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) will receive efgartigimod, which is expected to increase the activity of ADAMTS13, an important enzyme for blood clotting. This could potentially prevent relapses and complications like strokes, suggesting that efgartigimod might effectively manage iTTP by temporarily reducing harmful antibodies.25678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Marshall Mazepa, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Minnesota
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who have had immune-mediated Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) and are currently in remission with specific levels of ADAMTS13 activity. They must be at least 6 months past their last rituximab or similar treatment, not have changed oral immunosuppressant doses recently, and agree to use effective birth control.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive efgartigimod therapy to increase ADAMTS13 activity
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Efgartigimod
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor