WA29767 - A study of Tocilizumab versus placebo in Systemic Sclerosis

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A phase III, multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to assess the efficacy and safety of Tocilizumab versus placebo in patients with systemic sclerosis

  • IRAS ID

    178793

  • Contact name

    Christopher Denton

  • Contact email

    c.denton@ucl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

  • Eudract number

    2015-000424-28

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 7 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and devastating connective tissue disease involving the skin, underlying tissues, blood vessels, and major organs. It is characterized by microvascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and of various internal organs. Although the pathogenesis of SSc is not yet fully understood, it is believed to result from increased systemic fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysfunction.
    To date there are no approved treatment options and no therapy has been shown to modify overall disease progression in SSc.
    WA27788, is an ongoing Phase II/III, randomized, double-blind study of patients with SSc who were treated with subcutaneous (SC) injections of Tocilizumab (TCZ) 162 mg or placebo weekly or QW. The study demonstrated a clinically meaningful effect of TCZ on modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and forced vital capacity (FVC), as well as improvements in Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, Physician's Global Assessment, and Patient's Global Assessment. This Phase III study is designed to confirm clinically and statistically the findings from Study WA27788.
    The primary efficacy objective for this study is to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) compared with placebo on skin sclerosis, as measured by modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) at Week 48
    The study consists of two periods: a 48 week, double-blind, placebo controlled period, followed by a 48-week open label treatment period. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous (SC) injections of 162 mg of TCZ once weekly (QW) or placebo QW for 48 weeks during the double blind treatment period. During the open label treatment period, all patients will receive SC injections of 162 mg of TCZ QW for up to 48 weeks.
    Approximately 210 patients will be enrolled, 17 in the UK at approximately 120 global sites, 7 in the UK.

  • REC name

    London - Central Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/LO/1598

  • Date of REC Opinion

    3 Dec 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion