NCT00036491

Anti-CD20 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

An Open-Label Safety and Efficacy Study of an Anti-CD20 Antibody (Rituximab, Rituxan®) for Anti-B Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1 / Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (actual)
• Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) · NIH
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of rituximab (anti-CD20) in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). White blood cells in the body called B cells give off substances that are active in promoting SLE disease. Researchers have found that anti-CD20 can block production of these substances in another disease. This study explores whether anti-CD20 will also be safe in people with SLE and whether it may be effective in treating SLE.

Detailed description

B cells clearly play an essential role in the pathogenesis of SLE since they produce autoantibodies. Clinical observations support the contention that intervening in the production of autoantibodies by the B lymphocyte will be effective therapy. Current approved therapy for B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma includes anti-CD20. The results of anti-CD20 administration in SLE are anticipated to be similar to those in lymphoma patients. The current proposal explores the mechanisms and applicability of B-cell depletion as a potential treatment for SLE. Participants receive 4 weekly infusions of study medication. Each participant is enrolled in the study for a total of 1 year with protocol visits weekly for the first 3 months, then every other week for the next 2 months, every month for the next 4 months, and every other month for the remaining 5 months of the study (Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 39, 47, and 55). Responses to exogenous antigens are measured; assessments for clinical response with SLE-disease activity score (SLEDEI) and systemic lupus activity measure (SLAM) score are performed. Participants complete a health questionnaire and a health survey and laboratory parameters are evaluated.

Conditions

• Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Rituximab	Subjects received four weekly infusions of rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m\^2

Timeline

• Start date: 2001-01-01
• Primary completion: 2006-01-01
• Completion: 2006-01-01
• First posted: 2002-05-13
• Last updated: 2017-11-06

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: United States