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Study of Epratuzumab Versus Placebo in Subjects With Moderate to Severe General Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Four 12-week Treatment Cycles (48 Weeks Total) of Epratuzumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Subjects With Moderate to Severe Disease

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01261793
Acronym
EMBODY2
Enrollment
791
Registered
2010-12-16
Start date
2010-12-31
Completion date
2015-06-30
Last updated
2020-12-04

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

Conditions

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Keywords

Lupus, Monoclonal antibody, B-Cell immunotherapy, Epratuzumab

Brief summary

The primary objective of the study is to confirm the clinical efficacy of epratuzumab in the treatment of subjects with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Interventions

DRUGPlacebo

Placebo infusions delivered weekly for 4 weeks over four 12-week treatment cycles

DRUGEpratuzumab

600 mg infusions delivered weekly for a total of 4 weeks (cumulative dose 2400 mg) over four 12- week treatment cycles

Sponsors

UCB Pharma
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

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

Inclusion criteria

* Positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) at Screening (Visit 1) * Current clinical diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria such that at least 4 of the 11 criteria are met * Active moderate to severe SLE activity as demonstrated by the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG) * Active moderate to severe SLE disease as demonstrated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) total score * On stable SLE treatment regimen, including mandatory corticosteroids and immunosuppressants or antimalarials

Exclusion criteria

* Subjects who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant * Subjects with active, severe SLE disease activity which involves the renal system * Subjects with active, severe, neuropsychiatric SLE, defined as any neuropsychiatric element scoring BILAG level A disease. * Subjects with the evidence of an immunosuppressive state * Subjects who, in the opinion of the investigator, are at a particularly high risk of significant infection * History of malignant cancer, except the following treated cancers: cervical carcinoma in situ, basal cell carcinoma, or dermatological squamous cell carcinoma. * Subjects receiving any live vaccination within the 8 weeks prior to screening (Visit 1). * Subjects with history of infections, including but not limited to concurrent acute or chronic viral hepatitis B or C * Subjects with substance abuse or dependence or other relevant concurrent medical condition * Subjects with history of thromboembolic events within 1 year of screening Visit. * Subjects with significant hematologic abnormalities * Subject has received treatment with other anti- B cell antibodies within 12 months prior to screening (visit 1) * Subject use of oral anticoagulant (not including) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 12 weeks prior to screening (Visit 1) * Subject has previously participated in this study or has previously received epratuzumab treatment.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 48 According to a Combined Response IndexAt Week 48Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 24 According to a Combined Response IndexAt Week 24Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.
The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 12 According to a Combined Response IndexAt Week 12Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.
The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 36 According to a Combined Response IndexAt Week 36Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.
Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24At Week 24Participants were grouped into 4 categories: Dose decreased by \>50%, Dose decreased \>0% to ≤50%, No change in dose and Dose increased or missing data.
Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48At Week 48Participants were grouped into 4 categories: Dose decreased by \>50%, Dose decreased \>0% to ≤50%, No change in dose and Dose increased or missing data.

Countries

Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

The study started to enroll patients in December 2010 and concluded in June 2015.

Pre-assignment details

Participant Flow refers to the Randomized Set (RS).

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Placebo Weekly (SS)
Placebo infusions delivered weekly for a total of 4 weeks over four 12-week treatment cycles
263
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (SS)
1200 mg infusions delivered every other week for a total of 4 weeks (cumulative dose 2400 mg) over four 12-week treatment cycles and placebo infusions delivered every other week for a total of 4 weeks over four 12-week treatment cycles
261
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (SS)
600 mg infusions delivered weekly for a total of 4 weeks (cumulative dose 2400 mg) over four 12 week treatment cycles
264
Total Title788
Total1,576

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
Overall StudyAdverse Event92419
Overall StudyDeath310
Overall StudyLack of Efficacy443732
Overall StudyLack of efficacy & patient not available010
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up1037
Overall StudyOutside the study area021
Overall StudyPatient non-availability111
Overall StudyPatient non-compliance101
Overall StudyPatient pregnant100
Overall StudyPatient unable to start IV line001
Overall StudyPatient withdrew after cardiology visit010
Overall StudyProtocol Violation356
Overall StudyRandomization error010
Overall StudySuspected pregnancy110
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject121414

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicPlacebo Weekly (SS)Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (SS)Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (SS)Total Title
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
9 Participants4 Participants10 Participants23 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
254 Participants257 Participants254 Participants765 Participants
Age, Continuous41.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.8
40.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.5
41.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.7
41.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12
Sex: Female, Male
Female
245 Participants247 Participants245 Participants737 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
18 Participants14 Participants19 Participants51 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
3 / 2631 / 2610 / 264
other
Total, other adverse events
151 / 263145 / 261158 / 264
serious
Total, serious adverse events
45 / 26345 / 26150 / 264

Outcome results

Primary

The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 48 According to a Combined Response Index

Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.

Time frame: At Week 48

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all subjects in the Randomized Set (RS) who had received at least 1 partial dose of the study drug.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Placebo Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 48 According to a Combined Response Index33.5 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 48 According to a Combined Response Index34.1 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 48 According to a Combined Response Index35.2 Percentage of responders
p-value: =0.89995% CI: [0.71, 1.477]Regression, Logistic
p-value: =0.71695% CI: [0.743, 1.539]Regression, Logistic
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24

Participants were grouped into 4 categories: Dose decreased by \>50%, Dose decreased \>0% to ≤50%, No change in dose and Dose increased or missing data.

Time frame: At Week 24

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all subjects in the Randomized Set (RS) who had received at least 1 partial dose of the study drug.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)Dispersion
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose decreased by >50%4.6 Percentage of subjects 0
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose decreased >0% to ≤50%20.9 Percentage of subjects 0
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24No change in dose48.3 Percentage of subjects 0
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose increased or missing data26.2 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose increased or missing data25.3 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose decreased by >50%10.0 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24No change in dose46.7 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose decreased >0% to ≤50%18.0 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose increased or missing data20.5 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose decreased >0% to ≤50%18.2 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24No change in dose52.7 Percentage of subjects 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 24Dose decreased by >50%8.7 Percentage of subjects 0
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48

Participants were grouped into 4 categories: Dose decreased by \>50%, Dose decreased \>0% to ≤50%, No change in dose and Dose increased or missing data.

Time frame: At Week 48

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all subjects in the Randomized Set (RS) who had received at least 1 partial dose of the study drug.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)Dispersion
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose decreased by >50%6.5 Percentage of participants 0
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose increased or missing data36.9 Percentage of participants 0
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose decreased >0% to ≤50%20.9 Percentage of participants 0
Placebo Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48No change in dose35.7 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose decreased >0% to ≤50%13.4 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48No change in dose35.6 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose increased or missing data37.2 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose decreased by >50%13.8 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose increased or missing data32.6 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose decreased by >50%14.8 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48Dose decreased >0% to ≤50%15.9 Percentage of participants 0
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)Change From Baseline in Daily Corticosteroid Dose at Week 48No change in dose36.7 Percentage of participants 0
Secondary

The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 12 According to a Combined Response Index

Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.

Time frame: At Week 12

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all subjects in the Randomized Set (RS) who had received at least 1 partial dose of the study drug.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Placebo Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 12 According to a Combined Response Index30.0 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 12 According to a Combined Response Index32.2 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 12 According to a Combined Response Index40.9 Percentage of responders
Secondary

The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 24 According to a Combined Response Index

Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.

Time frame: At Week 24

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all subjects in the Randomized Set (RS) who had received at least 1 partial dose of the study drug.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Placebo Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 24 According to a Combined Response Index32.3 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 24 According to a Combined Response Index33.0 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 24 According to a Combined Response Index43.6 Percentage of responders
Secondary

The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 36 According to a Combined Response Index

Percentages are based on the number of subjects in the relevant treatment group within the Full Analysis Set (FAS). The combined response index incorporated criteria for achievement of responder status from the: British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Index (BILAG-2004)- improvement from study entry or no worsening in other organ systems, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; Version 2000, also known as SLEDAI-2K) - no worsening compared to study entry, physician's global assessment of disease activity(PGA)- no worsening compared to study entry, and concomitant medications- no changes.

Time frame: At Week 36

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all subjects in the Randomized Set (RS) who had received at least 1 partial dose of the study drug.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Placebo Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 36 According to a Combined Response Index32.7 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 1200 mg Every Other Week (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 36 According to a Combined Response Index33.0 Percentage of responders
Epratuzumab 600 mg Weekly (FAS)The Percent of Subjects Meeting Treatment Response Criteria at Week 36 According to a Combined Response Index36.7 Percentage of responders

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 24, 2026