Hereford

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of icotrokinra (JNJ-77242113) compared to a placebo in adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study includes both participants who have previously used biologic treatments and those who have not. The goal is to assess how well the drug reduces the signs and symptoms of PsA by the 16th week of treatment. This is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial designed to provide reliable evidence on the drug's impact on this condition. Participants will receive either icotrokinra or a placebo. The treatments will be administered according to the study protocol, but specific dosing details are not provided. Participants will be monitored over 16 weeks to evaluate their response to the treatment, focusing on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response, which measures improvement in disease activity. The study compares the active drug against placebo to determine its efficacy and safety in this patient group. During the study, participants will undergo assessments to monitor their psoriatic arthritis symptoms, including joint swelling and tenderness, as well as blood tests to measure inflammation markers like C-reactive protein. Female participants who can become pregnant will have pregnancy tests before and during the study to ensure safety. Researchers will collect data on disease activity and safety throughout the study period to understand the treatment's effects. Total participation time and additional follow-up details are not specified.

Researchers are evaluating whether avoiding further axillary treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is as effective as standard axillary treatment for patients with early stage breast cancer who initially had cancer in the lymph nodes confirmed by needle biopsy but show no residual cancer in the lymph nodes after NACT. The study aims to determine if skipping axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or axillary radiotherapy (ART) affects disease free survival (DFS) and whether it reduces the risk of lymphoedema five years after treatment. This phase 3, open-label, randomized trial includes patients with T1-3N1M0 breast cancer and confirmed nodal metastases who have undergone sentinel node biopsy removing at least three lymph nodes post-NACT.

Researchers are investigating the effects of a medicine called BI 690517 in combination with empagliflozin for adults with chronic kidney disease who are at risk of their condition worsening. This study includes people both with and without type 2 diabetes and those already taking certain kidney-related medicines like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. The goal is to understand if adding BI 690517 helps protect kidney function and reduces risks related to kidney failure and heart problems. This is a Phase 3 clinical trial conducted over about 3 to 4 years. The study has two parts. First, participants receive either empagliflozin or a placebo similar to BI 690517 for at least six weeks, while continuing other indicated treatments like ACE inhibitors or ARBs. In the second part, participants are randomly assigned to take either BI 690517 tablets or placebo tablets once daily alongside empagliflozin for the rest of the study. The placebo tablets look like BI 690517 but contain no active medicine. Participants have regular visits to the study site, about four times in the first six months, then every six months afterward. During these visits, doctors monitor kidney function, heart health, blood pressure, weight, and any side effects. Blood and urine samples are taken to track health changes. The main outcomes measured are the time until worsening kidney disease, hospitalization for heart failure, or cardiovascular death. The study ends when a certain number of these events have occurred.

Researchers are evaluating a range of treatments to improve outcomes for adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), including cases caused by influenza and COVID-19. This Phase 3 adaptive platform trial, REMAP-CAP, is designed to test multiple treatment strategies simultaneously and adapt over time, allowing new treatments to be added as questions are answered. The trial also serves as a platform to quickly evaluate treatments during respiratory pandemics, such as COVID-19, through a sub-study called REMAP-COVID in the United States. Participants receive various interventions including antibiotics like ceftriaxone, moxifloxacin, or piperacillin-tazobactam, as well as macrolide therapies given for different durations. Other treatments assessed include corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and dexamethasone, antiviral agents like oseltamivir and remdesivir, immune modulators including tocilizumab and baricitinib, and supportive care strategies such as mechanical ventilation methods. Dosing and duration vary for each treatment, with some interventions now closed. Treatments are administered according to local guidelines and clinical decisions, with some requiring intravenous or enteral routes. Participants are closely monitored with assessments focusing on survival and organ support status in the ICU up to 90 days after enrollment. The main outcomes measured include all-cause mortality by day 90 and the number of days alive without needing organ support in the ICU by day 21. The study collects data continuously to adapt treatment assignments for new participants, aiming to identify the most effective therapies. Follow-up and safety monitoring continue throughout hospitalization and up to 90 days after admission.

Researchers are collecting detailed clinical and biological data from cancer patients with various tumor types to support advanced translational and clinical cancer research. This platform, called SPECTA, gathers annotated biological samples, imaging data, operative images, environmental assessments, questionnaires, and patient-reported outcomes to improve understanding of tumor biology and patient care over a 5-year period. Participants provide biological materials such as tissue samples that undergo genetic analyses including whole exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and various genetic panels across multiple research projects within the platform. These analyses support biomarker discovery and other research aims. The platform integrates data collection from several downstream projects using advanced genetic and molecular techniques. During the study, patients are followed with assessments that include collection and confirmation of adequate biological material, clinical data, and patient questionnaires. Researchers monitor quality assurance and compliance with study protocols. The primary outcome focuses on establishing a reliable platform to enhance cancer research and improve patient care over five years.