A clinical trial to assess a new drug for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) not controlled with antihistamine medication or omalizumab (Xolair®) in the past.

Study in progress
This research study is no longer accepting participants. The following details are for information only.

About this study

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a condition that is characterised by the appearance of weals (hives) and angioedema (swelling in the skin) that occur without a clear trigger. The drug we are studying for this project is called remibrutinib and will be provided to participants in the form of an oral tablet.

The purpose of this project is to measure how safe and effective this medication is in treating participants with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Anticipated enrolment close date: January 2023

Who can take part

Inclusion criteria

You may be able to participate if you meet the following criteria:

  • A diagnosis of CSU for greater than six months before screening for this study
  • Ongoing CSU despite using oral antihistamine medication
  • If you were previously treated with omalizumab (Xolair®) you may be eligible to participate

Exclusion criteria

You may not participate if any of the following apply to you:

  • Diagnosis of urticaria is caused by a clear trigger
  • Use of medications that suppress the immune system within four weeks of starting trial
  • Use of anticoagulant medications to thin the blood

What's involved

Study requirements:

  • Participation in the study for about 14 months
  • Attend the RMH about 13 times during this period. Most study visits should take about one hour, however, your first visit to the study site and visits at weeks 2, 12 and 52 will be longer
  • Medical history
  • Physical examination (for example, height and weight)
  • Provide blood and urine samples

For the first six months you will randomly be assigned to receive either:

  • Remibrutinib (you have a 2 in 3 chance of getting this treatment), or
  • Placebo (you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting the placebo)

After the first six months, all participants will receive remibrutinib, taken orally twice a day.

Person handling test tubes for research

Ethics

All research in Australia involving human participants is reviewed by an independent group called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The ethical aspects of this research study have been approved by the Royal Melbourne Hospital HREC.

This study is being carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This statement protects the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.

The RMH Clinical Trials Centre
Clinical Trials Centre

The Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) is a dedicated, purpose-built space where we conduct clinical trials.

The CTC is located on Level 2 South. When you arrive, if you are unsure where to go, talk to one of our friendly volunteers or the information desk staff.