NIH Clinical Research Studies

Protocol Number: 02-AR-0272

Active Followup, Protocols NOT Recruiting New Patients

Title:
A Phase I, Open-Labeled, Dose-Ascending Clinical Trial of Immunotherapy of MRA, A Humanized Anti-IL 6 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody, In Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Number:
02-AR-0272
Summary:
This study will examine the safety and effects of the monoclonal antibody MRA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antibodies normally fight invading organisms. In autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, however, antibodies attack the body's own tissues. MRA is an antibody manufactured in the laboratory that blocks the action of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a substance that increases antibody production and is involved in inflammation that may cause organ damage in SLE.

Patients 18 years of age and older with moderately active systemic lupus erythematosus may be eligible for this 6-month study. Candidates will be screened with blood and urine tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), and screening tests for certain cancers.

Participants will receive a total of up to seven infusions of MRA given every 2 weeks in the clinic. The MRA is infused over a period of about 1 hour through a catheter (thin plastic tube) inserted into an arm vein. Patients will be observed for 1 to 2 hours after each infusion for drug side effects. For the first and last infusions, patients will return to the clinic for blood tests 24 to 48 hours after the infusion. Additional tests may be done if medically indicated.

Three different doses of MRA will be used in three groups of patients. The first group (4 patients) will receive the lowest dose. If this dose is well tolerated, a second group (6 patients) will receive a higher dose. If this dose is also well tolerated, a third group (6 patients) will receive the highest study dose.

Patients will be evaluated at various intervals for up to 3 months after the last dose of MRA. The follow-up visits will include a review of the patient's medical history, a physical examination, blood and urine tests, and an EKG.

Sponsoring Institute:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Completed Study; data analyses ongoing
Gender: Male & Female
Referral Letter Required: Yes
Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria: This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
Special Instructions:
Currently Not Provided
Keyword(s):
Safety
Nephritis
Biologic Therapy
Lymphocytes
Response
Recruitment Keyword(s):
Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SLE
Condition(s):
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Investigational Drug(s):
MRA
Investigational Device(s):
None
Interventions:
Drug: MRA
Supporting Site:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Contact(s):
This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Citation(s):
Kopf M, Baumann H, Freer G, Freudenberg M, Lamers M, Kishimoto T, Zinkernagel R, Bluethmann H, Kohler G. Impaired immune and acute-phase responses in interleukin-6-deficient mice. Nature. 1994 Mar 24;368(6469):339-42.

Bromander AK, Ekman L, Kopf M, Nedrud JG, Lycke NY. IL-6-deficient mice exhibit normal mucosal IgA responses to local immunizations and Helicobacter felis infection. J Immunol. 1996 Jun 1;156(11):4290-7.

Ramsay AJ, Husband AJ, Ramshaw IA, Bao S, Matthaei KI, Koehler G, Kopf M. The role of interleukin-6 in mucosal IgA antibody responses in vivo. Science. 1994 Apr 22;264(5158):561-3.

Active Followup, Protocols NOT Recruiting New Patients

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