The present study will examine the role of circulating RNA complexed with autoantibodies and immune complexes and its role in activation of inflammatory pathways in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. The study will be conducted in a subset of Sjogren's patients who have elevated levels of autoantibodies and a pattern of elevated interferon-stimulated gene expression in blood cells. A number of biochemical and clinical parameters will be analyzed to determine the potential therapeutic utility of nuclease therapy in Sjogren's syndrome.
This is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the impact of 8 intravenous infusions of RSLV-132 in 28 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Each of the subjects will be randomized 3:1 (active:placebo) and will receive 8 infusions of 10 mg/kg of RSLV-132 or placebo as follows on days: • 1, 8, 15, 29, 43, 57, 71, and 85 Potential subjects will be screened to assess their eligibility to enter the study within 60 days prior to study entry (i.e., prior to Baseline visit). Following Baseline evaluations on Day 1, subjects will receive their first infusion of RSLV-132 or placebo. Subjects will return to the research unit for follow-up visits as described in Appendix A. Dose selection rationale: The dose level was chosen based on safety and tolerability data from Protocol 132-02 (multiple ascending dose study in SLE patients). Additionally, in a 6-month toxicology study in cynomolgus monkeys, 50 mg/kg of RSLV-132 was administered by IV infusion weekly. No dose-limiting toxicity was noted, therefore the No Observed Adverse Effect Level is at least 50 mg/kg, providing at least a 5-fold safety margin for this study. RSLV-132 shall be prepared for each subject from individual stock vials provided by Sponsor. Details of dilution, dose preparation, and administration instructions will be provided in the Study Drug Reference Guide. The dose for each individual shall be based on the subject's body weight.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
28
University Hospitals Birmingham
Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals
Newcastle upon Tyne, Gosforth, United Kingdom
Blood Cell Gene Expression
Interferon gene expression (mean log2 fold change from baseline to Day 99). The of expression of three IFN-inducible genes (HERC5, EPSTI1, CMPK2) was measured by qPCR to assess the IFN signature status (the altered pattern of gene expression) of Sjögren's syndrome patients.
Time frame: Day 1 and Day 99
EULAR ESSDAI Total Score.
Clinical disease activity: Change from Baseline to Day 99 in European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index Total Scores (imputed values with last observation carried forward). The scale ranges from 0 to 123. A higher score means more disease activity (worse outcome).
Time frame: Days 1, 29, 57, 85 and 99
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