Systemic sclerosis: pathogenic mechanisms and their implications for treatment.
Alain Lescoat, Valérie Lecureur, Johann E Gudjonsson...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41217519/Actively Recruiting
Led by Novartis Pharmaceuticals · Updated on 2026-07-10
200
Participants Needed
128
Research Sites
365 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of subcutaneous ianalumab in adults with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, a condition characterized by skin thickening and other systemic symptoms. This Phase 2 study compares ianalumab to a placebo to understand its impact on this disease, aiming to provide new treatment options for affected individuals. The study is sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and employs a randomized, double-blind design to ensure reliable results. Participants receive either ianalumab or placebo through subcutaneous injections during the initial 52-week treatment period. After this, all participants enter a second 52-week open-label phase where they receive ianalumab. Following treatment, there is a post-treatment follow-up lasting at least 20 weeks and up to 2 years to monitor long-term effects. The study includes a screening period lasting up to 6 weeks before treatment begins. Throughout the study, participants undergo regular assessments including measuring response based on the rCRISS25 scale at Week 52, lung function tests, skin scoring, and disability index evaluations. Blood samples are taken periodically to measure drug levels and antibodies. Safety is closely monitored through adverse event reporting up to Week 208. The total participation time can extend over several years including treatment and follow-up phases.
CONDITIONS
A Clinical Study to Evaluate Ianalumab in Participants With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
N
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
N
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
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Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Ianalumab | Placebo | Guideline-Based Standard Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | An investigational monoclonal antibody (ianalumab) targeting B cells, administered by subcutaneous injection for recently diagnosed, active diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. | Subcutaneous injection identical in appearance to ianalumab but without active drug, used as a placebo comparator in the trial. | Guideline-supported immunosuppressive drugs including mycophenolate mofetil or methotrexate, used as standard therapy for dcSSc to modify disease activity and progression. |
| Role in trial | Assigned as the investigational treatment to evaluate efficacy and safety in randomized participants. | Serves as the control comparator, with no active therapy, to measure treatment effects of the investigational agent. | Not a trial arm, but reflects established standard therapy for patients at the same disease stage who do not enroll in the investigational study. |
| Primary use | Intended to reduce skin thickening and disease activity in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. | Acts only as a comparison, not intended to treat systemic sclerosis. | Aims to slow disease progression and preserve organ function by modulating immune activity. |
| How it is given or performed | Subcutaneous injection as defined in study protocol, given at intervals specified by the trial. | Subcutaneous injection matching ianalumab, administered at same intervals as the investigational agent. | Oral administration for most immunosuppressive agents (e.g., mycophenolate), with dosing and monitoring per guideline recommendations. |
| Evidence status | Efficacy and safety are under active investigation; no published clinical trial results are available yet for ianalumab in dcSSc. | Placebo is not expected to affect disease progression; used to measure efficacy of the investigational agent. | Immunosuppressive therapies have documented efficacy in improving or stabilizing skin and organ involvement in dcSSc, supported by guideline reviews and outcome studies. |
| Important limitations | Limited to a controlled trial setting; long-term benefits and risks remain unestablished until results are available. | Does not offer disease-modifying benefits, and may not reflect real-world management practices. | Standard therapies can have adverse effects, variable response, and may not prevent all disease complications. Treatment choice depends on individual patient factors and monitoring requirements. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
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Duration - Up to 6 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 52 weeks
Participants receive either ianalumab or placebo subcutaneous injections as defined in the study protocol.
Duration - 52 weeks
All participants receive open-label ianalumab subcutaneous injections as defined in the study protocol.
Duration - At least 20 weeks up to 2 years
Participants are monitored for safety and long-term effects after the last dose, for at least 20 weeks and up to 2 years.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Alain Lescoat, Valérie Lecureur, Johann E Gudjonsson...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41217519/Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Lead Sponsor