Cladribine Tablets for Multiple Sclerosis

Overseen By Judy Button

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 4

Sponsor: Keith Edwards, M.D.

Must be taking: Cladribine tablets

Must not be taking: Alemtuzumab, Ocrelizumab, Rituximab, others

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Obesity, Liver conditions, others

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

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

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 96 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how well cladribine tablets can detect and prevent activity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) before it leads to more serious problems. The goal is to determine if a specific test (a biomarker) can identify early signs of MS, allowing doctors to adjust treatment as needed. Participants will take cladribine tablets to assess their effectiveness in managing the condition. This trial suits individuals diagnosed with a specific type of MS called SPMS who have been stable for over 30 days. As a Phase 4 trial, this research aims to understand how the already FDA-approved and proven effective treatment benefits more patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that certain medications be stopped before participation. Specifically, treatments like ocrelizumab, rituximab, natalizumab, fingolimod, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, interferon, glatiramer acetate, and systemic corticosteroids must be stopped for specified periods before the trial. However, medications for spasticity or neuropathic pain can be continued if they have been stable for at least 30 days before screening.

What is the safety track record for Cladribine Tablets?

Research has shown that cladribine tablets are generally well-tolerated for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Past studies found no new major safety issues and no increase in cancer rates among patients using cladribine for MS.

The FDA has already approved cladribine for treating certain types of MS, indicating it has passed several safety checks. Overall, evidence suggests cladribine tablets are safe for many people with MS, but side effects can occur. Patients should consult their doctor to determine if this treatment is suitable for them. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?

Cladribine tablets are unique because they offer a different approach to treating multiple sclerosis by selectively targeting and reducing certain immune cells that are thought to play a key role in the disease. Unlike other treatments that may require frequent administration, cladribine is taken in short courses over a two-year period, which could potentially improve convenience and adherence for patients. Researchers are excited about cladribine because it has the potential to provide long-lasting effects with fewer doses, making it a promising option for those seeking a less burdensome treatment regimen.

What is the effectiveness track record for Cladribine Tablets in treating Multiple Sclerosis?

Research has shown that Cladribine Tablets effectively treat multiple sclerosis (MS). In one study, nearly 9 out of 10 people with relapsing MS did not experience worsening of their condition over four years, despite some relapses. Another review found that Cladribine Tablets significantly reduced the number of relapses and helped control symptoms. Real-world data also indicate that these tablets are effective for individuals with long-standing MS. Overall, Cladribine Tablets have proven to be a strong option for managing MS symptoms and slowing disease progression. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Keith R Edwards, M.D.

Principal Investigator

MS Center of Northeastern New York, P.C.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 21-65 with clinically definite Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) who are neurologically stable and have chosen Cladribine Tablets as their treatment. Participants must be healthy otherwise, not pregnant or breastfeeding, agree to use effective contraception, and commit to follow-ups for two years post-study.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 21 and 65 years old.

If female: must have a negative serum pregnancy test at screen and week 48 and a negative urine pregnancy test at baseline. All females must agree to notify us immediately if they have concern of possible pregnancy

My neurological condition has been stable for more than 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a liver condition or history of heavy drinking.

Any other significant medical condition that in the opinion of the investigator that could potentially cause interference of complications of subject taking study Investigational Product (IP)

I do not have conditions like TBI, meningitis, stroke, or recent drug abuse that could affect brain tests.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

6 weeks

Run-in

Subjects will have a 28 day run-in period consisting of 2 visits at week -4 and week -2

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive cladribine tablets according to the current FDA package guidelines

96 weeks

Visits at week 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 52, 56, 60, 72, 84, 96

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cladribine Tablets

Trial Overview The study tests if biomarkers can detect MS activity in patients taking Cladribine Tablets, potentially guiding treatment changes to prevent dysfunction. It involves routine clinic visits and assessments over a two-year period following FDA guidelines.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cladribine Tablets Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants will receive cladribine tablets according to the current United States Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) package guidelines.

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

Approved in European Union as Mavenclad for:

• Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Approved in United States as Mavenclad for:

• Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease

Approved in United States as Leustatin for:

• Hairy cell leukemia

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Keith Edwards, M.D.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

EMD Serono

Industry Sponsor

Trials

147

Recruited

27,800+

Dr. Shepard

EMD Serono

Chief Medical Officer since 2021

MD from University of Cincinnati Medical School, Fellowships in Hematology and Oncology at University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics

Miguel Fernández Alcalde

EMD Serono

Chief Executive Officer

Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy from the University Complutense in Madrid, MBA from the University of Alcalá de Henares, Master's Degree in Management from IESE Business School

Published Research Related to This Trial

Stavudine is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for HIV-1, typically administered at a dose of 40mg twice daily, with infrequent hematological toxicity and reversible peripheral neuropathy as the main side effect.

When combined with other antiviral drugs, stavudine can significantly reduce viral load, but it is recommended to avoid using it with zidovudine due to potential increased side effects and reduced effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stavudine: A Review. Fuchs, JE., Pollard, RB.[2019]

In a 96-week phase 3 trial involving 1326 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, cladribine tablets significantly reduced the annualized relapse rate compared to placebo (0.14 and 0.15 vs. 0.33), indicating strong efficacy in preventing disease relapses.

Cladribine treatment also lowered the risk of sustained disability progression and reduced brain lesions on MRI, but it was associated with higher rates of lymphocytopenia and herpes zoster, highlighting the need to balance benefits against potential risks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A placebo-controlled trial of oral cladribine for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Giovannoni, G., Comi, G., Cook, S., et al.[2022]

Cladribine tablets (Mavenclad) have been shown to be effective in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) for up to 4 years in 75% of patients, based on a multicenter, 6-year observational study that monitors various biomarkers.

This study will be the first to evaluate the long-term efficacy of cladribine and the potential for reinitiating therapy after the initial treatment, providing insights into the safety and effectiveness of this oral therapy in MS management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Cladribine Tablets as a Treatment for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for the CLOBAS Study (Cladribine, a Multicenter, Long-term Efficacy and Biomarker Australian Study). Maltby, VE., Lea, RA., Monif, M., et al.[2021]

Stavudine is an effective treatment for HIV-1 infection, particularly in developing countries due to its low cost and inclusion in generic combinations, but it is associated with mitochondrial toxicities like lipoatrophy and peripheral neuropathy.

Research suggests that a lower dose of 30 mg b.i.d. may provide similar antiviral efficacy to the approved 40 mg b.i.d. dose, with potentially reduced side effects, highlighting the importance of dose optimization for safer use in resource-limited settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review of clinical trials evaluating low doses of stavudine as part of antiretroviral treatment. Hill, A., Ruxrungtham, K., Hanvanich, M., et al.[2019]

Novel prodrugs of the HIV drug d4T were developed using phosphorochloridate chemistry, but they showed almost no anti-HIV activity in vitro, being significantly less potent than related compounds.

The lack of efficacy is likely due to poor enzyme-mediated hydrolysis, which prevents the prodrugs from converting into their active forms effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of some novel chain-extended phosphoramidate derivatives of d4T (stavudine): esterase hydrolysis as a rapid predictive test for antiviral potency. McGuigan, C., Tsang, HW., Sutton, PW., et al.[2017]

Lipophilic masked aryloxyaminoacylphosphoramidate derivatives of 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues showed significantly enhanced anti-visna virus activity compared to their free counterparts, with d4A and ddA derivatives being particularly effective at very low concentrations (EC50 ≤ 0.003 microM).

The study suggests that the specific amino acid linked to the prodrug's structure influences its antiviral potency, indicating that these prodrugs could be promising candidates for further investigation in vivo, especially in lamb models for their potential antiretroviral efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Marked inhibitory activity of masked aryloxy aminoacyl phosphoramidate derivatives of dideoxynucleoside analogues against visna virus infection. Balzarini, J., Cahard, D., Wedgwood, O., et al.[2019]

A new fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing lamivudine and stavudine has been shown to have similar pharmacokinetic profiles to individual formulations, indicating equivalent exposure levels in the bloodstream.

The FDC is expected to improve treatment adherence and provide cost savings for HIV treatment in children, while maintaining a comparable safety and efficacy profile to the individual drugs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A single-dose, randomized, open-label, two-period crossover bioequivalence study comparing a fixed-dose pediatric combination of lamivudine and stavudine tablet for oral suspension with individual liquid formulations in healthy adult male volunteers. Monif, T., Reyar, S., Tiwari, HK., et al.[2013]

In a study of 320 people with highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis treated with cladribine, over 90% did not experience worsening of disability or relapses in the first two years, indicating strong efficacy of the treatment.

The safety profile of cladribine was consistent with previous studies, with common side effects including infections and lymphopenia, but no new safety concerns were identified, suggesting it is a safe option for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cladribine tablets in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A real-world multicentric study from southeast European MS centers. Adamec, I., Brecl Jakob, G., Rajda, C., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 208 multiple sclerosis patients, subcutaneous cladribine (Litak®) was generally well tolerated, with only a few serious adverse events reported, indicating a favorable safety profile.

The treatment showed promising effectiveness, with 64% of patients with relapsing MS and 62% of those with progressive MS achieving no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) or no evidence of progression or active disease (NEPAD) after treatment, suggesting cladribine's potential benefits across different stages of MS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subcutaneous cladribine to treat multiple sclerosis: experience in 208 patients. Allen-Philbey, K., De Trane, S., Mao, Z., et al.[2022]

In a 96-week phase III study involving 1,326 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, cladribine tablets demonstrated a safety profile with a high treatment completion rate (88.6% for cladribine vs. 86.3% for placebo).

The most common adverse event was lymphopenia, which aligns with cladribine's mechanism of action, and while infections were more frequent in the cladribine group (48.3% vs. 42.5% for placebo), they were mostly mild-to-moderate, indicating a manageable safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and tolerability of cladribine tablets in multiple sclerosis: the CLARITY (CLAdRIbine Tablets treating multiple sclerosis orallY) study. Cook, S., Vermersch, P., Comi, G., et al.[2022]

In a comprehensive safety analysis involving 923 patients treated with cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg, the overall incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) was higher compared to the placebo group, with notable occurrences of lymphopenia and herpes zoster in the treatment group.

Despite a higher reported number of SAEs and a numerical imbalance in malignancy incidence, the rate of malignancies in patients taking cladribine was not significantly different from the expected rate in the general population, indicating a consistent safety profile over time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term safety data from the cladribine tablets clinical development program in multiple sclerosis. Leist, T., Cook, S., Comi, G., et al.[2022]

Cladribine tablets (MAVENCLAD®) are an effective oral treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, administered for a maximum of 10 days per year over 2 years, which temporarily reduces lymphocyte levels.

The MAGNIFY-MS study found that cladribine tablets do not interfere with the body's response to flu and chickenpox vaccines, allowing people with MS to remain protected against these diseases while on treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A plain language summary of the impact of vaccines against flu and chickenpox in people with multiple sclerosis treated with cladribine tablets. Schmierer, K., Wiendl, H., Oreja-Guevara, C., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. emdserono.com emdserono.com/us-en/company/news/press-releases/new-mavenclad-4-year-data-highlighting-durable-effects.html

2025-09-17 New MAVENCLAD 4-year data highlighting ... Four-year data show nearly 9 in 10 RMS patients remained free from progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA); Results highlight the ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12179467/

Cladribine tablets in the new multiple sclerosis era - PMC By synthesizing data from clinical trials and real-world studies, this review underscores the effectiveness of CladT in reducing relapse rates, ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034825004663

The real-world efficacy of Cladribine tablets and treatment ... Data of subjects who had initiated cladribine tablets for MS in 2018–2020 were acquired from the Finnish MS registry, covering 17 of 21 well-being services ...

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39827538/

Real world experience with cladribine tablets for multiple ... Real-world data for PwMS receiving CladT suggest it is prescribed to older patients with longer disease durations than in the pivotal trials ...

5. emdserono.com emdserono.com/us-en/company/news/press-releases/new-mavenclad-four-year-data-12-09-2024.html

New MAVENCLAD® Four-Year Data Highlighting Benefits ... EMD Serono today announced presentations showcasing the long-term safety profile, sustained efficacy data, and durable effect of MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33296971/

Long-term safety data from the cladribine tablets clinical ... No new major safety findings were identified in this consolidated analysis of safety data of cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg monotherapy in patients with ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034818305145

Safety of cladribine tablets in the treatment of patients with ... There was no increase in malignancy rates for cladribine in patients with MS. Abstract. Background. Treating patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) ...

8. mavenclad.com mavenclad.com/en

MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) Tablets for RMS & SPMS | Safety ... MAVENCLAD is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary ...

9. cladribinetabletsinfo.global cladribinetabletsinfo.global/en/home/latest-safety-analysis.html

CLADRIBINE TABLETS latest safety analysis and reports Latest safety analysis for Cladribine Tablets (MAVENCLAD®), comprising the latest safety data presented at major congresses and in peer-reviewed journals.