Christchurch

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of icotrokinra JNJ-77242113 compared to a placebo in adults with active psoriatic arthritis PsA, including those who have and have not previously used biologic treatments. The study aims to assess how well icotrokinra reduces the signs and symptoms of PsA, focusing on improvements measured by the American College of Rheumatology ACR 20 response at Week 16. Participants are randomly assigned to receive one of two doses of icotrokinra or a matching placebo. Those initially receiving placebo will switch to one of the icotrokinra doses at Week 16. Participants who continue without discontinuing the study drug are eligible to enter a long-term extension phase, where they keep receiving their assigned icotrokinra dose. The treatment period involves regular monitoring and assessment of psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Throughout the study, participants will undergo various assessments, including evaluations of joint swelling and tenderness, skin psoriasis severity, fatigue, physical function, and quality of life. Laboratory tests such as C-reactive protein levels will be measured to monitor inflammation. Researchers will track responses using validated scales like the Psoriatic Area and Severity Index PASI and Investigator Global Assessment IGA. The total duration includes treatment and follow-up visits up to Week 16, with options for extended treatment in the long-term extension phase.

Researchers are conducting a multi-centre observational study to better understand giant cell arteritis GCA and polymyalgia rheumatica PMR, conditions mainly affecting people over 50 years old. The study aims to identify genetic factors that influence susceptibility to these diseases to provide new insights into how they develop. It includes both retrospective participants with confirmed diagnoses and prospective participants suspected of having these conditions, with some patients also enrolled in a registry monitoring tocilizumab treatment for relapsing or refractory GCA. The study collects detailed clinical, imaging, and molecular data, including genetic and proteomic analyses, from participants to characterize disease subtypes and impacts. Researchers also assess quality of life through patient-reported outcomes and track long-term prognosis by linking to health records. The study explores environmental factors and co-existing conditions to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of disease activity, especially for patients receiving synthetic or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Participants provide information during baseline assessments, including blood and urine samples for analysis, and complete questionnaires about their symptoms and quality of life. Follow-up occurs through health record review over an average of one year to evaluate diagnosis and disease outcomes. The primary measure is genetic susceptibility, with secondary outcomes focusing on disease characteristics, life impact, diagnosis, and disease activity. The study is sponsored by the University of Leeds and started in 2005, continuing through 2028.