Crovalimab vs Eculizumab for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
(COMMODORE 2 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial compares the effectiveness of a new drug, crovalimab, to an existing drug, eculizumab, for treating paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood condition affecting red blood cells. Participants will receive either crovalimab or eculizumab to determine if the new treatment matches the effectiveness of the current one. Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with PNH who have not yet tried treatments targeting the complement system, a part of the immune system. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently or have previously been treated with a complement inhibitor, you cannot participate in the trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Previous studies have generally shown that crovalimab is well-tolerated. Specifically, there were 8.9 serious infections per 100 patient-years, and no cases of meningococcal infections were reported. This is significant because meningococcal infections can be a concern with similar treatments.
Crovalimab also caused fewer side effects compared to similar treatments, resulting in fewer people experiencing issues directly from the drug.
Eculizumab, the other treatment in the trial, has already received FDA approval for other uses, indicating its safety for humans, although side effects can still occur.
Overall, research suggests that both treatments are generally safe, with crovalimab possibly causing fewer side effects. However, individual experiences may vary.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about crovalimab because it offers a new approach to treating Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Unlike the standard treatment, eculizumab, which requires bi-weekly intravenous infusions, crovalimab can be administered as a subcutaneous injection. This not only makes it more convenient but also potentially enhances patient compliance and comfort. Additionally, crovalimab's dosing schedule after the initial phase allows for less frequent maintenance doses, which could improve the quality of life for patients managing this chronic condition.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria?
In this trial, participants will receive either crovalimab or eculizumab to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Previous studies have shown that crovalimab effectively maintains hemoglobin levels, reducing the need for blood transfusions and improving overall patient outcomes. Research indicates that 88-95% of patients maintained stable hemoglobin levels over time, and 86% experienced control over the breakdown of red blood cells. Another study showed that crovalimab performed as well as eculizumab, a long-standing treatment for PNH, in preventing the breakdown of red blood cells and reducing symptoms. These findings support the potential effectiveness of both crovalimab and eculizumab in treating PNH.56789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Clinical Trials
Principal Investigator
Hoffmann-La Roche
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) who haven't been treated with complement inhibitors before. They must be willing to follow the study's procedures, weigh at least 40 kg, have certain vaccination against meningitis, and not be pregnant or breastfeeding. People previously treated with similar drugs or having certain health conditions are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either crovalimab or eculizumab for 24 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-label extension
Participants may continue to receive crovalimab for up to 5 years if they derive benefit
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Crovalimab
- Eculizumab
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Hoffmann-La Roche
Lead Sponsor
Dr. Levi Garraway
Hoffmann-La Roche
Chief Medical Officer since 2019
MD from the University of Basel
Dr. Thomas Schinecker
Hoffmann-La Roche
Chief Executive Officer since 2023
PhD in Molecular Biology from New York University
Chugai Pharmaceutical
Industry Sponsor
Dr. Osamu Okuda
Chugai Pharmaceutical
Chief Executive Officer since 2020
MD from Kyoto University
Dr. Mariko Y. Momoi
Chugai Pharmaceutical
Chief Medical Officer
MD from Jichi Medical University