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Efficacy and Safety of Oral BG00012 in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

A Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Comparison Study to Determine the Efficacy and Safety of BG00012 in Subjects With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00420212
Acronym
DEFINE
Enrollment
1234
Registered
2007-01-11
Start date
2007-01-31
Completion date
2011-02-28
Last updated
2015-01-26

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Keywords

relapsing, oral, remitting, multiple sclerosis

Brief summary

To determine if treatment with BG00012 can decrease the number of MS relapses during a certain time period. To determine if, over time, BG00012 treatment can decrease the number of certain types of brain lesions commonly seen in MS patients and slow down the time it takes for the disease to get worse. The purpose of this study is also to determine the safety of BG00012 and how well it is tolerated. Another goal is to see what effect BG00012 may have on tests and evaluations used to assess MS.

Interventions

DRUGPlacebo

Sponsors

Biogen
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Key Inclusion Criteria: * Unless otherwise specified, to be eligible to participate in this study, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria at the time of the randomization: * Must have a confirmed diagnosis of RRMS according to McDonald criteria #1-4. * Must have a baseline EDSS between 0.0 and 5.0, inclusive. * Must have relapsing-remitting disease course. Key

Exclusion criteria

* Unless otherwise specified, candidates will be excluded from study entry if any of the following

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Proportion of Subjects Relapsed2 yearsA protocol-defined relapse was defined as new or recurrent neurologic symptoms not associated with fever or infection that lasted at least 24 hours, and were separated by at least 30 days from onset of a preceding relapse. All protocol-defined relapses were evaluated by an independent neurolgic evaluation committee. The proportion of subjects with a relapse was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, which was based on the time-to-first-relapse survival distribution.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of New or Newly Enlarging T2 Hyperintense Lesions2 yearsThe number of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions at 2 years that developed in each subject compared to baseline assessed on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The estimates of mean T2 lesion count were calculated from a negative binomial regression model adjusted for region and baselineT2 lesion volume
Number of Gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted Lesions2 yearsThe number of Gd-enhancing lesions was assessed using brain MRI scans following administration of gadolinium, a contrast agent. The mean number of Gd-enhancing lesions at 2 years was the average of the number of lesions at 2 years in a treatment group.
Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions2 yearsNote: This outcome measure represents the categorical analysis for the previously listed secondary outcome measure Number of Gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted lesions
Annualized Relapse Rate2 yearsA protocol-defined relapse was defined as new or recurrent neurologic symptoms not associated with fever or infection that lasted at least 24 hours, and were separated by at least 30 days from onset of a preceding relapse. All protocol-defined relapses were evaluated by an independent neurologic evaluation committee. The adjusted annualized relapse rate was calculated from a negative binomial regression model, adjusted for baseline EDSS (≤ 2.0 vs. \>2.0), age (\<40 versus ≥40 years), region, and the number of relapses in the 1 year prior to enrollment.
Proportion of Subjects Experiencing Progression of Disability Assessed Using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)2 yearsThe EDSS is based on a standardized neurological examination and focuses on symptoms that commonly occur in MS. EDSS scores range from 0.0 (normal) to 10.0 (death due to MS). Disability progression was defined as ≥ 1.0 point increase in subjects with a baseline EDSS of ≥1.0, or a ≥1.5 point increase in subjects with a baseline EDSS = 0, and required that the increase from baseline was confirmed ≥12 weeks later. The proportion of subjects with confirmed (12-week) disability progression was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, which was based on the time-to-first-progression survival distribution.

Countries

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Subjects were screened and enrolled at 198 investigational sites in 28 countries.

Pre-assignment details

From screening, 1237 eligible subjects were equally randomized. Of these, 1234 subjects received at least one dose of study treatment and comprised the intent-to-treat (ITT) and safety populations.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Placebo
Participants received two placebo capsules orally three times daily (TID)
408
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)
Participants received two 120 mg BG00012 capsules orally twice daily (BID) and two placebo capsules orally once daily (QD)
410
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)
Participants received two 120 mg BG00012 capsules orally three times daily (TID)
416
Total1,234

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
Overall StudyAdverse Event224036
Overall StudyDeath001
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up91111
Overall StudyOther-Unspecified211418
Overall StudyPhysician Decision443
Overall StudyProtocol Violation448
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject312219

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicPlaceboBG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Total
Age, Continuous38.5 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.14
38.1 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.11
38.8 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.85
38.5 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.03
Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score2.48 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.241
2.40 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.29
2.36 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.188
2.42 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.24
Mean number of gadolinium (Gd) enhancing lesions1.6 Number of Gd enhancing lesions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.45
1.2 Number of Gd enhancing lesions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.3
1.2 Number of Gd enhancing lesions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1
1.4 Number of Gd enhancing lesions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.64
Mean number of relapses within the past 12 months1.3 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.67
1.3 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.67
1.3 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.6
1.3 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.65
Mean number of relapses within the previous 3 years2.5 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.56
2.5 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.44
2.4 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.27
2.5 Number of relapses
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.43
Sex: Female, Male
Female
306 Participants296 Participants306 Participants908 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
102 Participants114 Participants110 Participants326 Participants
Time since first multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis5.8 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.78
5.6 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.39
5.1 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.29
5.5 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.49

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
384 / 408394 / 410393 / 416787 / 826
serious
Total, serious adverse events
86 / 40874 / 41065 / 416139 / 826

Outcome results

Primary

Proportion of Subjects Relapsed

A protocol-defined relapse was defined as new or recurrent neurologic symptoms not associated with fever or infection that lasted at least 24 hours, and were separated by at least 30 days from onset of a preceding relapse. All protocol-defined relapses were evaluated by an independent neurolgic evaluation committee. The proportion of subjects with a relapse was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, which was based on the time-to-first-relapse survival distribution.

Time frame: 2 years

Population: The analysis was based on the ITT population, defined as all subjects who were randomized and received at least 1 dose of study medication. Among subjects who switched to an alternative therapy for multiple sclerosis, all the data before the switch were used for the analysis. In all other subjects, all relapses were included in the analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
PlaceboProportion of Subjects Relapsed0.461 Proportion of subjects,confirmed relapse
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Proportion of Subjects Relapsed0.270 Proportion of subjects,confirmed relapse
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Proportion of Subjects Relapsed0.260 Proportion of subjects,confirmed relapse
Secondary

Annualized Relapse Rate

A protocol-defined relapse was defined as new or recurrent neurologic symptoms not associated with fever or infection that lasted at least 24 hours, and were separated by at least 30 days from onset of a preceding relapse. All protocol-defined relapses were evaluated by an independent neurologic evaluation committee. The adjusted annualized relapse rate was calculated from a negative binomial regression model, adjusted for baseline EDSS (≤ 2.0 vs. \>2.0), age (\<40 versus ≥40 years), region, and the number of relapses in the 1 year prior to enrollment.

Time frame: 2 years

Population: The ITT population was defined as all subjects who were randomized and received at least 1 dose of study medication. Among subjects who switched to an alternative therapy for multiple sclerosis, all the data before the switch were used for the analysis. In all other subjects, all relapses were included in the analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
PlaceboAnnualized Relapse Rate0.364 Relapses per year
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Annualized Relapse Rate0.172 Relapses per year
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Annualized Relapse Rate0.189 Relapses per year
Secondary

Number of Gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted Lesions

The number of Gd-enhancing lesions was assessed using brain MRI scans following administration of gadolinium, a contrast agent. The mean number of Gd-enhancing lesions at 2 years was the average of the number of lesions at 2 years in a treatment group.

Time frame: 2 years

Population: Of the 540 subjects included in the MRI cohort, 469 (165 placebo,152 BG00012 BID,152 BG00012 TID) had post-baseline Gd-enhancing lesion data \& were included in the analysis. Missing data before the use of alternative MS medications \& visits after patients switched to alternative MS medications were imputed with the use of a constant rate assumption

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboNumber of Gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted Lesions1.8 Number of lesionsStandard Deviation 4.15
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Number of Gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted Lesions0.1 Number of lesionsStandard Deviation 0.63
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Number of Gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted Lesions0.5 Number of lesionsStandard Deviation 1.73
Secondary

Number of New or Newly Enlarging T2 Hyperintense Lesions

The number of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions at 2 years that developed in each subject compared to baseline assessed on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The estimates of mean T2 lesion count were calculated from a negative binomial regression model adjusted for region and baselineT2 lesion volume

Time frame: 2 years

Population: Of the 540 subjects included in the MRI cohort, 469 subjects (165 placebo, 152 BG00012 BID, 152 BG00012 TID) had post-baseline T2 data and were included in the analysis. Missing data before the use of alternative MS medications and visits after patients switched to alternative MS medications were imputed with the use of a constant rate assumption.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
PlaceboNumber of New or Newly Enlarging T2 Hyperintense Lesions17.0 Number of lesions
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Number of New or Newly Enlarging T2 Hyperintense Lesions2.6 Number of lesions
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Number of New or Newly Enlarging T2 Hyperintense Lesions4.4 Number of lesions
Secondary

Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions

Note: This outcome measure represents the categorical analysis for the previously listed secondary outcome measure Number of Gadolinium-enhancing T1-weighted lesions

Time frame: 2 years

Population: Of the 540 subjects included in the MRI cohort, 469 (165 placebo,152 BG00012 BID,152 BG00012 TID) had post-baseline Gd-enhancing lesion data \& were included in the analysis. Missing data before the use of alternative MS medications \& visits after patients switched to alternative MS medications were imputed with the use of a constant rate assumption

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions3-4 lesions15 Number of subjects
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions2 lesions13 Number of subjects
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions>=5 lesions18 Number of subjects
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions1 lesion16 Number of subjects
PlaceboNumber of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions0 lesions103 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions0 lesions142 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions1 lesion8 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions2 lesions1 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions3-4 lesions0 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions>=5 lesions1 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions>=5 lesions7 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions3-4 lesions3 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions0 lesions130 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions2 lesions2 Number of subjects
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Number of Subjects With Gadolinium (Gd)-Enhancing Lesions1 lesion10 Number of subjects
Secondary

Proportion of Subjects Experiencing Progression of Disability Assessed Using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)

The EDSS is based on a standardized neurological examination and focuses on symptoms that commonly occur in MS. EDSS scores range from 0.0 (normal) to 10.0 (death due to MS). Disability progression was defined as ≥ 1.0 point increase in subjects with a baseline EDSS of ≥1.0, or a ≥1.5 point increase in subjects with a baseline EDSS = 0, and required that the increase from baseline was confirmed ≥12 weeks later. The proportion of subjects with confirmed (12-week) disability progression was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, which was based on the time-to-first-progression survival distribution.

Time frame: 2 years

Population: The analysis population consisted of the ITT population (all subjects who were randomized and received at least 1 dose of study medication) who had a baseline EDSS assessment. Analysis were based on all observed data. Onset of disability progression must begin before a subject switched to alternative MS medication.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
PlaceboProportion of Subjects Experiencing Progression of Disability Assessed Using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)0.271 Proportion of participants
BG00012 240 mg Twice Daily (BID)Proportion of Subjects Experiencing Progression of Disability Assessed Using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)0.164 Proportion of participants
BG00012 240 mg 3 Times Daily (TID)Proportion of Subjects Experiencing Progression of Disability Assessed Using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)0.177 Proportion of participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 25, 2026