Iserlohn

Researchers are evaluating the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects of a combination treatment using BNT113 and pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab alone for patients with unresectable recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that is positive for human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16+) and expresses the PD-L1 protein with a combined positive score of 1 or higher. This Phase II/III trial includes patients whose cancer cannot be treated with local therapies and who have not received prior systemic anticancer therapy for their current disease condition. The trial consists of two parts. Part A is a non-randomized Safety Run-In Phase to confirm the safety and tolerability of BNT113 combined with pembrolizumab at the selected dose. Part B is a randomized phase that compares BNT113 plus pembrolizumab against pembrolizumab alone as first-line treatment. Patients in Part A continue their treatment without randomization. Treatments are given by intravenous injection or infusion, and patients may receive either combination therapy or monotherapy for up to 24 months. There is also an optional pre-screening phase to test tumor samples for HPV16 DNA and PD-L1 expression before entering the main trial. Participants undergo regular assessments including tumor measurements based on RECIST 1.1 criteria confirmed by independent review. Researchers monitor treatment-emergent adverse events for up to 27 months in Part A and evaluate overall survival and progression-free survival for up to 48 months in Part B. Tumor tissue samples are collected before treatment to confirm eligibility. The study involves ongoing safety monitoring and efficacy evaluations throughout the treatment and follow-up periods.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation and bleeding in the rectum and colon. This research evaluates the effectiveness of upadacitinib (RINVOQ), an approved treatment for UC, in adults with active moderate to severe UC. The study aims to understand the early therapeutic response and predict the long-term effectiveness of this medication. Upadacitinib will be given according to the approved local label and prescribed by the participant's physician as part of routine care. About 400 adult participants from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who are starting upadacitinib treatment will be enrolled. Treatment decisions are made by the investigator independently of the study. Participants will be followed for up to two years, with no extra procedures beyond their standard care. During the study, participants will attend regular hospital or clinic visits where routine data will be collected and used for the study. Researchers will monitor the percentage of participants achieving symptomatic remission based on clinical response and intestinal ultrasound at week 8, with follow-up assessments at week 52. The study focuses on real-world treatment outcomes without adding extra burden to participants.