Ustekinumab/Guselkumab for Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis

(PSUMMIT-Jr Trial)

Recruiting at 44 trial locations

Overseen By Study Contact

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 3

Sponsor: Janssen Research & Development, LLC

Must be taking: Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine

Disqualifiers: Enthesitis-related arthritis, Tuberculosis, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Pivotal Trial (Near Approval) This treatment is in the last trial phase before FDA approval

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 52 weeks

48 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two treatments, guselkumab and ustekinumab, for juvenile psoriatic arthritis (jPsA), a type of arthritis that affects children and can cause joint pain and swelling. The researchers aim to assess the safety and effectiveness of these treatments and how the body processes them. Participants with severe joint damage may receive guselkumab more frequently. Suitable candidates for this trial include those diagnosed with jPsA for at least 3 months, with active disease in 3 or more joints, and who haven't responded to other treatments like NSAIDs or non-biologic DMARDs. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to access potentially groundbreaking treatments.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial allows you to continue taking methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, oral corticosteroids, or NSAIDs, but you must be on a stable dose. If you have used certain other medications like anti-TNFα agents, IL-17 inhibitors, or JAK inhibitors, a washout period (time without taking these medications) is required.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both guselkumab and ustekinumab are generally safe for children with conditions like juvenile psoriatic arthritis.

For guselkumab, one study found that its safety and effectiveness in children with psoriatic arthritis matched those in adults with plaque psoriasis, indicating predictable and manageable side effects. The FDA has approved guselkumab for children with plaque psoriasis, further supporting its safety.

For ustekinumab, no new safety issues emerged in children with juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Research indicates that the treatment was well-tolerated, with no unexpected side effects. Ustekinumab is also FDA-approved for treating other conditions in children, suggesting a strong safety record.

Both treatments have been studied extensively, and their safety is well-understood, making them promising options for managing juvenile psoriatic arthritis. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Unlike the standard treatments for juvenile psoriatic arthritis, which often include methotrexate or TNF inhibitors, Ustekinumab and Guselkumab are unique because they specifically target different parts of the immune system. Ustekinumab works by inhibiting interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, proteins involved in inflammatory pathways, while Guselkumab targets interleukin-23 alone. This more precise targeting could potentially lead to fewer side effects and more effective management of symptoms. Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer a new approach to controlling inflammation and potentially reduce joint damage in young patients who are still growing.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for juvenile psoriatic arthritis?

Research has shown that guselkumab, which participants in this trial may receive, effectively treats adults with psoriasis (a skin condition) and psoriatic arthritis (a joint condition). It is also approved for children with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In studies, 66% of children treated with guselkumab showed significant improvement, compared to only 16% who received a placebo (a fake treatment). Ustekinumab, another treatment option in this trial, is approved for children aged six and older with active psoriatic arthritis. Both treatments target specific parts of the immune system to help reduce inflammation and symptoms. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Janssen Research & Development, LLC Clinical Trial

Principal Investigator

Janssen Research & Development, LLC

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children with active juvenile psoriatic arthritis who've had it for at least 3 months. They must be up-to-date on immunizations and have tried other treatments without success. Kids can't join if they have a different type of arthritis, serious infections like TB, or hepatitis C.

Inclusion Criteria

I was diagnosed with juvenile psoriatic arthritis more than 3 months ago, not enthesitis-related arthritis.

I have active arthritis in 3 or more joints.

I have used certain medications for my condition, following a break period.

Exclusion Criteria

I had a shingles infection within the last 8 weeks.

I have arthritis that affects where my tendons or ligaments meet my bones.

I have had TB or fungal infections like histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive weight-based doses of ustekinumab or guselkumab subcutaneously, with dosing intervals based on cohort and risk of joint damage

52 weeks

Visits at Weeks 0, 4, and then every 4, 8, or 12 weeks depending on cohort

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

16 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Guselkumab
• Ustekinumab

Trial Overview The study tests Ustekinumab and Guselkumab's effects on juvenile psoriatic arthritis. It looks at how the body processes these drugs, their safety, effectiveness, and whether the body develops resistance to them.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cohort 2: Guselkumab Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The dose of guselkumab will be based on the participant's weight. Participants will receive guselkumab SC at Weeks 0 and 4 followed by either every 4 weeks (Q4W) (with historical radiographic evidence of joint damage) or every 8 weeks (Q8W) (without historical evidence of joint damage) dosing with the last dose at Week 52. Participants at high risk of joint damage can also be considered for Q4W dosing per investigator.

Group II: Cohort 1: Ustekinumab Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a weight-based dose of ustekinumab subcutaneously (SC) at Week 0, Week 4 and then every 12 weeks up to Week 52. Cohort 1 is closed for further enrollment.

Guselkumab is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Tremfya for:

• Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

Approved in European Union as Tremfya for:

• Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Janssen Research & Development, LLC

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,022

Recruited

6,408,000+

Joaquin Duato

Janssen Research & Development, LLC

Chief Executive Officer since 2022

MBA from ESADE, Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management

Dr. Jijo James, MD

Janssen Research & Development, LLC

Chief Medical Officer since 2014

MD from St. Johns Medical College, MPH from Columbia University

Published Research Related to This Trial

Ustekinumab, an interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist, is primarily used for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions, but emerging literature suggests it may also be effective for various off-label uses, including other types of psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Despite promising findings for these off-label conditions, the review highlights the need for more clinical trials to thoroughly evaluate the safety and efficacy of ustekinumab beyond its approved indications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Off-label uses of ustekinumab. Ye, L., Wu, Z., Li, C., et al.[2023]

Guselkumab (GUS) demonstrated a favorable safety profile in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), showing low adverse event (AE) rates for both TNFi-naïve (139.7/100 patient-years) and TNFi-experienced patients (174.0/100 patient-years) over a period of up to 2 years.

The safety outcomes, including rates of serious AEs and treatment discontinuation, were consistent between GUS-treated patients and those receiving placebo, indicating that GUS is a safe treatment option for PsA regardless of prior TNFi use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of Guselkumab With and Without Prior Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Treatment: Pooled Results Across 4 Studies in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis. Rahman, P., Boehncke, WH., Mease, PJ., et al.[2023]

Biologic response modifiers like etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and ustekinumab have shown efficacy and safety in treating psoriasis in adults, but only etanercept is approved for use in children in the EU, and none are approved in the US.

Evidence from case reports and clinical trials supports the use of etanercept for treating psoriasis in children, and data from its use in other inflammatory diseases in children suggest a favorable safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Biologic response modifiers and pediatric psoriasis. Bellodi Schmidt, F., Shah, KN.[2015]

Guselkumab is an approved treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, specifically designed to inhibit interleukin 23 (IL-23), which plays a key role in the inflammatory process of the disease.

By blocking IL-23 from binding to its receptor, guselkumab disrupts the IL-17 pathway, which is crucial for the activation of type 17 helper T cells, thereby reducing inflammation and symptoms in patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guselkumab: First Global Approval. Markham, A.[2019]

In the DISCOVER-2 trial, guselkumab was tested in biologic-naive patients with active psoriatic arthritis, demonstrating significant efficacy in reducing disease activity compared to placebo.

The study's double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design ensures robust results, highlighting guselkumab as a promising treatment option for patients who have not previously received biologic therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guselkumab safely improved clinical outcomes in biologic-naive patients with psoriatic arthritis. Schattner, A.[2020]

Ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukins 12 and 23, has shown promising efficacy in treating psoriasis in adolescents aged 12-17, with over 75% of patients achieving significant improvement (PASI-75) by 12 weeks.

The treatment is generally well tolerated, with nasopharyngitis being the most common side effect, and it offers a less frequent injection schedule, making it appealing for younger patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in adolescents. Kellen, R., Silverberg, NB., Lebwohl, M.[2023]

This case report highlights a rare instance of severe Staphylococcus aureus infection in a 64-year-old woman who had recently received ustekinumab for psoriatic arthritis, suggesting that while ustekinumab is generally safe, clinicians should remain vigilant for potential severe infections in patients on biological therapies.

The report emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring for rare but serious infections in patients treated with biologicals like ustekinumab, as symptoms may be nonspecific and fever may not always be present, necessitating thorough investigation when inflammatory markers are elevated.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia with iliac artery endarteritis in a patient receiving ustekinumab. Joost, I., Steinfurt, J., Meyer, PT., et al.[2018]

Ustekinumab is an effective treatment for adults with active psoriatic arthritis, showing significant improvement compared to placebo in phase 3 trials, with benefits maintained up to 100 weeks.

The drug has a favorable safety profile, with rare occurrences of serious infections or major cardiovascular events, making it a valuable option for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ustekinumab: a review of its use in psoriatic arthritis. McKeage, K.[2021]

In a study of 114 patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who started on guselkumab, 78.9% continued treatment after 6 months, showing strong treatment persistence.

Patients experienced significant improvements in joint and skin symptoms, with a mean reduction in disease activity index (cDAPSA) of -5.4 and notable decreases in pain and psoriasis severity, confirming guselkumab's efficacy in a real-world setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Six-Month Persistence and Multi-domain Effectiveness of Guselkumab in Adults with Psoriatic Arthritis: Real-World Data from the CorEvitas Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry. Mease, PJ., Ogdie, A., Tesser, J., et al.[2023]

Guselkumab is an effective treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, showing superior results compared to placebo and adalimumab in the VOYAGE trials, with benefits maintained for up to 2 years.

Patients who previously did not respond well to ustekinumab showed significantly better outcomes when switched to guselkumab, indicating its efficacy in treatment-resistant cases, while also improving overall quality of life and being well tolerated.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guselkumab: A Review in Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis. Al-Salama, ZT., Scott, LJ.[2019]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41152645/?utm_source=FeedFetcher&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=None&utm_content=1xqh3Z_PuJgPUOiLshbhalj4bl0KVh8BV04bgoEwkfQGN0eYmo&fc=None&ff=20251030070128&v=2.18.0.post22+67771e2

Extrapolating Guselkumab Efficacy to Juvenile Psoriatic ... Guselkumab (a fully human, dual-acting, IL-23p19 subunit inhibitor) was shown to be safe and effective in adult PsO and PsA, with consistent ...

2. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40272-025-00725-2

Extrapolating Guselkumab Efficacy to Juvenile Psoriatic ... Guselkumab (a fully human, dual-acting, IL-23p19 subunit inhibitor) was shown to be safe and effective in adult PsO and PsA, with consistent ...

3. jnj.com jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/u-s-fda-approves-tremfya-guselkumab-for-the-treatment-of-pediatric-plaque-psoriasis-and-active-psoriatic-arthritis-marking-a-first-and-only-approval-for-an-il-23-inhibitor

U.S. FDA approves TREMFYA® (guselkumab) for the ... TREMFYA® is now approved for pediatric patients living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, who are candidates for systemic therapy or ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05083182

NCT05083182 | A Study of Ustekinumab or Guselkumab in ... The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of ustekinumab and guselkumab in active juvenile ...

5. rheumatologyadvisor.com rheumatologyadvisor.com/news/tremfya-approved-for-children-with-plaque-psoriasis-psoriatic-arthritis/

Tremfya Approved for Children With Plaque Psoriasis ... Findings showed 66% of participants treated with guselkumab achieved an IGA response of 0 or 1 compared with 16% of those receiving placebo ( ...

6. jnjmedicalconnect.com jnjmedicalconnect.com/products/tremfya/medical-content/tremfya-use-in-pediatric-patients-with-plaque-psoriasis-or-psoriatic-arthritis

TREMFYA - Use in Pediatric Patients with Plaque Psoriasis ... Through week 52, rates and types of AEs among patients treated with TREMFYA were reported as similar in parts 1 and 2. To evaluate the treatment ...