Exeter

Researchers are evaluating molnupiravir, a study medicine designed to stop the COVID-19 virus from multiplying, to see if it can prevent severe illness from COVID-19 more effectively than a placebo. This Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study focuses on non-hospitalized adults at high risk of severe disease progression due to COVID-19. The study addresses the need for alternative treatments for people who cannot take certain COVID-19 medications due to availability or potential drug interactions. Participants will receive either molnupiravir or a placebo, both given orally as two 400 mg film-coated tablets every 12 hours for 5 days, totaling 10 doses. Some participants may also receive remdesivir as part of standard care if clinically appropriate and available. The study compares the effects of molnupiravir with placebo in preventing severe illness outcomes. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for outcomes such as hospitalization, death, or medically attended visits related to COVID-19 up to 29 days. Safety is assessed by tracking adverse events for up to about 5 months and discontinuation of study treatment due to adverse events for about 5 days. The study involves laboratory tests, symptom assessments, and safety evaluations to understand molnupiravir's impact on disease progression and participant health.

Researchers are investigating treatments for women with recurrent endometrial cancer that expresses different levels of the HER2 protein. The study has two groups based on the tumor's HER2 score: Cohort 1 includes patients with HER2 IHC 1+ or 2+ who have previously received immune checkpoint inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy, while Cohort 2 includes patients with HER2 IHC 3+. The purpose is to compare the effectiveness and safety of the investigational drug BNT323 (also called DB-1303) against chemotherapy in Cohort 1 and to evaluate BNT323 alone in Cohort 2. The study also looks at how the drug affects the immune system, the body's handling of the drug, quality of life, and potential side effects. Participants in Cohort 1 are randomly assigned to receive either BNT323 via intravenous infusion or a chemotherapy drug chosen by the investigator (doxorubicin, paclitaxel, or docetaxel if paclitaxel is unsuitable). Treatment continues until the cancer progresses, unacceptable side effects occur, or the participant withdraws consent. Those in Cohort 2 receive BNT323 alone until disease progression or other discontinuation criteria are met. The study includes a screening period, a treatment period expected to last about six months, followed by safety monitoring, efficacy follow-up, and long-term survival follow-up lasting up to approximately 53 months. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments including imaging scans to measure tumor response by RECIST criteria, safety monitoring for adverse effects, and evaluations of quality of life. Researchers also study the pharmacokinetics of BNT323 and the immune response. The main outcomes measured are progression-free survival in Cohort 1 and objective response rate in Cohort 2. Safety follow-up ensures ongoing monitoring after treatment to evaluate longer-term effects and participant wellbeing.

Researchers are looking for ways to treat germinal center B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB DLBCL). DLBCL is a fast-growing blood cancer that affects B-cells. GCB is a type of DLBCL that affects young B-cells that are still maturing. The goal of this study is to learn if more people who receive zilovertamab vedotin (MK-2140) and R-CHP have the cancer respond (go away) than those who receive polatuzumab vedotin and R-CHP.

Researchers are evaluating the long-term safety and effects of nerandomilast in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) who have previously completed treatment with nerandomilast in earlier studies. The study aims to understand how well participants tolerate nerandomilast over time, and whether it helps improve lung function, delays symptom worsening, reduces hospital visits, or impacts survival. This is a Phase 3 open-label extension trial. Participants take nerandomilast tablets daily for up to 1 year and 10 months while continuing their usual pulmonary fibrosis treatments. The study follows an open-label design where all participants receive nerandomilast. There are no placebo or comparator groups in this extension phase. Throughout the study, participants regularly visit their doctors for health assessments and lung function tests. Doctors monitor any health problems or side effects experienced during treatment. The main outcome measured is whether participants experience any adverse events up to the final follow-up visit, which occurs at week 99. This close monitoring helps evaluate the long-term safety and potential benefits of nerandomilast in this patient group.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of rilvegostomig compared to pembrolizumab, both combined with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, as initial treatments for patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1. This Phase III, randomized, double-blind, global study focuses on patients whose tumors meet the PD-L1 expression threshold of 1% or higher and do not have certain genetic mutations or rearrangements that would require other targeted therapies. Participants receive either rilvegostomig or pembrolizumab intravenously on the first day of each 21-day treatment cycle. Both groups also receive platinum-based chemotherapy drugs such as carboplatin or cisplatin, administered intravenously up to four cycles, along with pemetrexed given intravenously on Day 1 of each cycle. The study monitors these treatments as first-line therapy for metastatic non-squamous NSCLC. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments including imaging scans to measure tumor size and response, as well as evaluations of organ and bone marrow function. Researchers track overall survival and progression-free survival for up to approximately five years. Safety is closely monitored throughout, and patients are followed long-term to assess outcomes related to treatment effectiveness and tolerability.

This is a Phase III, two-arm, randomized, double-blind, global, multicenter study assessing the efficacy and safety of rilvegostomig compared to pembrolizumab, both in combination with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, as a first-line (1L) treatment for patients with squamous metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (tumor cells (TC) ≥ 1%).

Researchers are evaluating new treatments for men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and still responds to hormone therapy. This Phase 3 trial compares two additional therapies with the best standard care to see if they slow cancer spread and improve survival. Participants from diverse backgrounds across multiple UK hospitals are involved, and the study is managed by University College London. The trial has two main comparisons. In Comparison S, participants receive either standard care alone or with added targeted high-dose radiotherapy (Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy or SABR) aimed at metastatic lesions. In Comparison P, participants receive standard care alone or with a radioactive drug (177Lu-PSMA-617) that targets prostate cancer cells. Standard care includes long-term hormone-reducing therapy and may include other approved medications or treatments. Treatments are given according to specific schedules: SABR is delivered in 3-5 sessions over 1-2 weeks, while 177Lu-PSMA-617 is given in up to three 6-week cycles. Participants are randomly assigned to either standard care or the new treatment with equal chance. During the study, participants undergo regular scans and tests to monitor cancer and side effects. Doctors track treatment safety and may stop treatment if side effects become serious or participants choose to stop. The main outcome measured is overall survival, with final results expected around 5 to 7 years after the first patient starts treatment. Participants' health status and response to treatment are closely observed throughout the study period.

Researchers are evaluating whether reducing the frequency of pembrolizumab treatment after six months of standard therapy is safe and effective for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy targeting the PD-1 receptor on T cells, has improved outcomes for this condition. Because pembrolizumab remains bound to its target for a long time and dosing frequency may not affect outcomes, this study aims to find out if less frequent dosing can maintain effectiveness while reducing overtreatment and side effects. This phase III study also considers potential benefits like cost savings and improved quality of life due to fewer hospital visits. Participants who have completed six months of pembrolizumab treatment without disease progression and are continuing therapy will be randomly assigned to receive pembrolizumab at the standard six-week interval or at a reduced frequency of 12 weeks. If early results show that the 12-week schedule is not less effective, later participants may be randomized to even longer intervals of 9, 15, or 18 weeks. Pembrolizumab is given intravenously at 400 mg per dose. Patients whose disease progresses on a reduced frequency schedule may return to the standard six-week treatment. During the study, researchers will monitor overall survival at two years after randomization. Participants will undergo regular assessments to track disease status, treatment tolerability, and overall health. The study aims to confirm that less frequent dosing does not reduce survival while potentially improving patient experience. The trial is open to adults aged 18 and older with advanced NSCLC who have already completed six months of pembrolizumab therapy and intend to continue treatment.

Researchers are evaluating ziltivekimab as a treatment for people living with heart failure and inflammation. This Phase 3 study compares ziltivekimab to a placebo in participants with heart failure who have mild to preserved ejection fraction and systemic inflammation. The study aims to assess the effect of ziltivekimab on cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, or urgent heart failure visits over a period of up to 4 years. Participants will receive monthly injections of either ziltivekimab or a placebo using a pre-filled syringe or a pen-injector. The study medication is administered subcutaneously once a month for up to 4 years. The trial includes up to 20 clinic visits during which participants will be monitored and assessed. During the study, participants will use a study app on their phone to record all injections and complete questionnaires. Researchers will monitor participants for key outcomes like cardiovascular events and heart failure episodes from the time of randomization until the end of the study. Safety and health status will be regularly evaluated throughout the study period, which may last up to 48 months.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of two doses of inhaled pirfenidone (called AP01) compared to a placebo in people with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). This Phase 2b study is randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, involving up to 300 participants who will continue their standard care during the 52-week trial. The goal is to see how well AP01 works and how safe it is when added to usual treatments for PPF. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: high-dose AP01, low-dose AP01, or placebo. All treatments are given as an oral inhalation solution twice daily. The study will last for 52 weeks, during which researchers will monitor and compare the effects of these treatments on lung function and disease progression. During the study, participants will undergo various assessments including lung function tests and clinical evaluations to track their respiratory health. Researchers will check for changes in lung capacity and symptoms and monitor safety throughout the treatment period. The main outcome measured is the impact of AP01 doses compared to placebo after 52 weeks of treatment.