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Continuing Versus Withdrawing Adalimumab in Maintaining Remission in Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Continuing Versus Withdrawing Adalimumab Therapy in Maintaining Remission in Subjects With Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01808118
Enrollment
673
Registered
2013-03-11
Start date
2013-04-16
Completion date
2017-04-14
Last updated
2018-05-30

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

Conditions

Axial Spondyloarthritis

Keywords

Spondylitis, Spondylarthropathy, Ankylosing Spondyloarthritis, Spondyloarthritis, Spinal Diseases, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Arthritis, Joint Diseases, Adalimumab, Antirheumatic Agents, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Brief summary

The objective of this multicenter, randomized, double-blind study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuing versus withdrawing therapy with adalimumab 40 mg given every other week SC in maintaining remission in subjects with moderate to severe non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Detailed description

The study duration included a 42-day Screening Period, a 28-week open-label 40 mg adalimumab every other week (eow) treatment period (Period 1), a 40-week double-blind placebo controlled eow treatment period (Period 2) with an opportunity to receive at least 12 weeks of rescue therapy with open-label adalimumab (participants that flared at Weeks 60, 64 or 68 were allowed 12 weeks of rescue therapy and final visits were at Weeks 72, 76 or 80 respectively), plus a 70-day follow-up phone call. Participants in sustained Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) inactive disease were randomized at Week 28 at a 1:1 ratio to receive either blinded adalimumab 40 mg eow or matching placebo. The length of exposure to adalimumab depended on remission or flare status and ranged from 20 (first time Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score \[ASDAS\] remission was calculated) to 80 weeks of treatment.

Interventions

BIOLOGICALadalimumab

40 mg every other week

BIOLOGICALPlacebo

every other week

Sponsors

AbbVie
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 99 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Adult participants with inadequate response to ≥2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) * Participants with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis fulfilling the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) axial SpA classification criteria, but not fulfilling the radiologic criterion of the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis * Participants must have baseline disease activity as defined by having an Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) ≥ 2.100, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4 and Patient's Assessment of Total Back Pain score ≥ 4 based on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at both the screening and baseline visits * Participants with evidence of active inflammation in the sacroiliac (SI) joints or spine on MRI, or elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) at screening * Negative tuberculosis (TB) screening assessment * Ability to administer subcutaneous injections or have a qualified person available to administer injections * If female, either not of childbearing potential, defined as postmenopausal for at least 1 year or surgically sterile (bilateral tubal ligation, bilateral oophorectomy and/or hysterectomy) or of childbearing potential and practicing an approved method of birth control throughout the study and for 150 days after last dose of study drug. * Participant judged to be in good health as determined by the Principal Investigator based upon the results of medical history, laboratory profile, physical examination, chest X-ray, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram performed at screening

Exclusion criteria

* Prior anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) therapy; biologic therapy with a potential therapeutic impact on SpA or treated with an investigational drug of chemical or biologic nature within 30 days or 5 half-lives prior to the baseline visit. * Fulfillment of the radiologic criterion of the modified New York criteria for Ankylosing Spondylitis at or prior to the screening visit * Recent infection requiring treatment with intravenous (IV) anti-infectives within 30 days prior to the baseline visit or oral anti-infectives within 14 days prior to the baseline visit * Significant medical events or conditions that may put participants at risk for participation * Female participants who are pregnant or breast-feeding or considering becoming pregnant during the study * Known hypersensitivity to adalimumab or its excipients as stated in the label

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Participants Who Did Not Experience a Flare During Period 2 by Week 68From Week 28 through 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 2.100.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyBaseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Major Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -2.000.
Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyBaseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -1.100.
Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyBaseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12ASAS20 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 20% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 1 unit (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration (defined as a worsening of ≥ 20% and a net worsening of ≥ 1 unit) in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).
Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyBaseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12ASAS40 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 40% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 2 units (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).
Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyBaseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12An Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 5/6 response is a 20% improvement in 5 out of the following 6 domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which assesses participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation: the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe/2 hrs or more duration); * Spinal mobility: the lateral lumbar flexion score of the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) on a scale from 0 (best mobility) to 10 (worst mobility); * High-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (lower levels = less inflammation).
Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyRescue Therapy Week 12Assessment in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) partial remission is defined as an absolute score of \< 2 units on a 0 to 10 scale for each of the four following domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).
Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyBaseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Disease Activity Index assesses disease activity by asking the participant to answer 6 questions (each on a 10 point numeric rating scale \[NRS\]) pertaining to symptoms experienced for the past week. For 5 questions (level of fatigue/tiredness, level of AS neck, back or hip pain, level of pain/swelling in joints, other than neck, back or hips, level of discomfort from any areas tender to touch or pressure, and level of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe); for Question 6 (duration of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (0 hours) to 10 (≥ 2 hours). The overall BASDAI score ranges from 0 to 10. Lower scores indicate less disease activity. BASDAI50 is a 50% improvement from baseline in BASDAI score.
Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyBaseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12Health Assessment Questionnaire modified for spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) is a self-reported measure to assess the physical function and health-related quality of life. The Disability Index (DI) of HAQ-S is calculated as the mean of the following 8 category scores (range: 0 \[without any difficulty\] to 3 \[unable to do\]): Dressing and Grooming, Rising, Eating, Walking, Hygiene, Reach, Grip, and Activities. Five additional items in the functional status measure were included in the HAQ-S, including carrying heavy packages, sitting for long periods, able to work at a flat topped table, and (if the participant had a driver's license or a car) able to look in the rear view mirror and able to turn head to drive in reverse. The overall score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 3 (very severe, high-dependency disability). Negative mean changes from baseline in the overall score indicate improvement.
Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at Weeks 28 and 68Weeks 28 and 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Inactive Disease is defined as a score of \<1.300.
Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Major Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -2.000.
Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue TherapyRescue Therapy Week 12The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Inactive Disease is defined as a score of \<1.300.
Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68ASAS20 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 20% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 1 unit (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration (defined as a worsening of ≥ 20% and a net worsening of ≥ 1 unit) in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).
Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68ASAS40 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 40% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 2 units (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).
Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68An Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 5/6 response is a 20% improvement in 5 out of the following 6 domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which assesses participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation: the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe/2 hrs or more duration); * Spinal mobility: the lateral lumbar flexion score of the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) on a scale from 0 (best mobility) to 10 (worst mobility); * High-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (lower levels = less inflammation).
Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68Assessment in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) partial remission is defined as an absolute score of \< 2 units on a 0 to 10 scale for each of the four following domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).
Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Disease Activity Index assesses disease activity by asking the participant to answer 6 questions (each on a 10 point numeric rating scale \[NRS\]) pertaining to symptoms experienced for the past week. For 5 questions (level of fatigue/tiredness, level of AS neck, back or hip pain, level of pain/swelling in joints, other than neck, back or hips, level of discomfort from any areas tender to touch or pressure, and level of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe); for Question 6 (duration of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (0 hours) to 10 (≥ 2 hours). The overall BASDAI score ranges from 0 to 10. Lower scores indicate less disease activity. BASDAI50 is a 50% improvement from baseline in BASDAI score.
Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68Health Assessment Questionnaire modified for spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) is a self-reported measure to assess the physical function and health-related quality of life. The Disability Index (DI) of HAQ-S is calculated as the mean of the following 8 category scores (range: 0 \[without any difficulty\] to 3 \[unable to do\]): Dressing and Grooming, Rising, Eating, Walking, Hygiene, Reach, Grip, and Activities. Five additional items in the functional status measure were included in the HAQ-S, including carrying heavy packages, sitting for long periods, able to work at a flat topped table, and (if the participant had a driver's license or a car) able to look in the rear view mirror and able to turn head to drive in reverse. The overall score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 3 (very severe, high-dependency disability). Negative mean changes from baseline in the overall score indicate improvement.
Time to Flare at Week 68From Week 28 through 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 2.100.
Time to Partial Flare at Week 68From Week 28 through 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A partial flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 1.300 but \<2.100.
Number of Participants Reaching Flare Definition by Week 68From Week 28 through 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 2.100.
Number of Participants Reaching Partial Flare Definition by Week 68From Week 28 through 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A partial flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 1.300 but \<2.100.
Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -1.100.

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

This study included a 42-day screening period.The Full Analysis Set (FAS) included all participants who enrolled in the open-label period (Period 1) and received at least 1 dose of adalimumab. The All Randomized Set included all Period 2 participants who were randomized to receive either placebo or 40 mg adalimumab every other week.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Open-label (OL) Adalimumab (Period 1)
40 mg every other week (eow), Weeks 0-28.
673
Total673

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
Period 1Adverse Event1500
Period 1Did not meet criteria for remission30300
Period 1Did not meet inclusion criteria300
Period 1Enrolled in error700
Period 1Investigator decision: site closure200
Period 1Lack of Efficacy100
Period 1Lost to Follow-up900
Period 1Non-compliance per sponsor100
Period 1Non-conformance with inclusion criteria300
Period 1Withdrew consent2400
Period 2Adverse Event040
Period 2Investigator no longer conducting trials010
Period 2Lost to Follow-up002
Period 2Switched to other therapy010
Period 2Withdrew consent076

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicOpen-label (OL) Adalimumab (Period 1)
Age, Continuous37.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.12
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
12 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
651 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
343 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
330 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 6730 / 1530 / 1520 / 673
other
Total, other adverse events
221 / 67351 / 15357 / 152275 / 673
serious
Total, serious adverse events
19 / 67310 / 1531 / 15228 / 673

Outcome results

Primary

Number of Participants Who Did Not Experience a Flare During Period 2 by Week 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 2.100.

Time frame: From Week 28 through 68

Population: Modified Intent-to-treat population: all participants who were randomized into double-blind Period 2 and received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication; participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Who Did Not Experience a Flare During Period 2 by Week 6872 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Who Did Not Experience a Flare During Period 2 by Week 68107 Participants
p-value: <0.001Chi-squared
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

Health Assessment Questionnaire modified for spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) is a self-reported measure to assess the physical function and health-related quality of life. The Disability Index (DI) of HAQ-S is calculated as the mean of the following 8 category scores (range: 0 \[without any difficulty\] to 3 \[unable to do\]): Dressing and Grooming, Rising, Eating, Walking, Hygiene, Reach, Grip, and Activities. Five additional items in the functional status measure were included in the HAQ-S, including carrying heavy packages, sitting for long periods, able to work at a flat topped table, and (if the participant had a driver's license or a car) able to look in the rear view mirror and able to turn head to drive in reverse. The overall score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 3 (very severe, high-dependency disability). Negative mean changes from baseline in the overall score indicate improvement.

Time frame: Baseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Placebo (Period 2)Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy-0.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.55
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy-0.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.6
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at Weeks 28 and 68

Health Assessment Questionnaire modified for spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) is a self-reported measure to assess the physical function and health-related quality of life. The Disability Index (DI) of HAQ-S is calculated as the mean of the following 8 category scores (range: 0 \[without any difficulty\] to 3 \[unable to do\]): Dressing and Grooming, Rising, Eating, Walking, Hygiene, Reach, Grip, and Activities. Five additional items in the functional status measure were included in the HAQ-S, including carrying heavy packages, sitting for long periods, able to work at a flat topped table, and (if the participant had a driver's license or a car) able to look in the rear view mirror and able to turn head to drive in reverse. The overall score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 3 (very severe, high-dependency disability). Negative mean changes from baseline in the overall score indicate improvement.

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Placebo (Period 2)Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28-0.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.58
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at Weeks 28 and 68Week 68-0.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.59
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Change From Baseline in Disability Index of Health Assessment Questionnaire Modified for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S) at Weeks 28 and 68Week 68-0.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.63
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Disease Activity Index assesses disease activity by asking the participant to answer 6 questions (each on a 10 point numeric rating scale \[NRS\]) pertaining to symptoms experienced for the past week. For 5 questions (level of fatigue/tiredness, level of AS neck, back or hip pain, level of pain/swelling in joints, other than neck, back or hips, level of discomfort from any areas tender to touch or pressure, and level of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe); for Question 6 (duration of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (0 hours) to 10 (≥ 2 hours). The overall BASDAI score ranges from 0 to 10. Lower scores indicate less disease activity. BASDAI50 is a 50% improvement from baseline in BASDAI score.

Time frame: Baseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy41 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy18 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at Weeks 28 and 68

The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Disease Activity Index assesses disease activity by asking the participant to answer 6 questions (each on a 10 point numeric rating scale \[NRS\]) pertaining to symptoms experienced for the past week. For 5 questions (level of fatigue/tiredness, level of AS neck, back or hip pain, level of pain/swelling in joints, other than neck, back or hips, level of discomfort from any areas tender to touch or pressure, and level of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe); for Question 6 (duration of morning stiffness), the response is from 0 (0 hours) to 10 (≥ 2 hours). The overall BASDAI score ranges from 0 to 10. Lower scores indicate less disease activity. BASDAI50 is a 50% improvement from baseline in BASDAI score.

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28317 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6872 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) 50 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 68103 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

An Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 5/6 response is a 20% improvement in 5 out of the following 6 domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which assesses participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation: the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe/2 hrs or more duration); * Spinal mobility: the lateral lumbar flexion score of the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) on a scale from 0 (best mobility) to 10 (worst mobility); * High-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (lower levels = less inflammation).

Time frame: Baseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy25 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy9 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at Weeks 28 and 68

An Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 5/6 response is a 20% improvement in 5 out of the following 6 domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which assesses participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation: the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe/2 hrs or more duration); * Spinal mobility: the lateral lumbar flexion score of the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) on a scale from 0 (best mobility) to 10 (worst mobility); * High-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (lower levels = less inflammation).

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28253 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6849 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an ASAS 5/6 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6887 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

ASAS20 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 20% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 1 unit (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration (defined as a worsening of ≥ 20% and a net worsening of ≥ 1 unit) in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).

Time frame: Baseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy46 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy19 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at Weeks 28 and 68

ASAS20 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 20% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 1 unit (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration (defined as a worsening of ≥ 20% and a net worsening of ≥ 1 unit) in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28315 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6872 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 68107 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

ASAS40 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 40% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 2 units (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).

Time frame: Baseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy35 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy16 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at Weeks 28 and 68

ASAS40 response was defined as improvement of ≥ 40% relative to baseline and absolute improvement of ≥ 2 units (on a scale from 0 to 10) in ≥ 3 of the following 4 domains with no deterioration in the potential remaining domain: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28302 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6870 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving an Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 Response at Weeks 28 and 68Week 68100 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

Assessment in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) partial remission is defined as an absolute score of \< 2 units on a 0 to 10 scale for each of the four following domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).

Time frame: Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy26 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy15 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at Weeks 28 and 68

Assessment in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) partial remission is defined as an absolute score of \< 2 units on a 0 to 10 scale for each of the four following domains: * Patient's Global Assessment of disease activity, measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (none) to 10 (severe); * Pain, measured by the total back pain NRS from 0 (no pain) to 10 (most severe); * Function, measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) which consists of 10 items assessing participants' ability to perform activities on an NRS ranging from 0 (easy) to 10 (impossible); * Inflammation, measured by the mean of the 2 morning stiffness-related Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) NRS scores (items 5 \[level of stiffness\] and 6 \[duration of stiffness\]) each on a scale from 0 (none/0 hours) to 10 (very severe/2 hours or more duration).

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28224 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6841 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASAS Partial Remission at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6864 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -1.100.

Time frame: Baseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy37 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy17 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -1.100.

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28316 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6869 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Clinically Important Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Week 68102 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Major Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -2.000.

Time frame: Baseline and Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy21 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy8 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Major Improvement is defined as a change from baseline ≤ -2.000.

Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28266 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6849 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Achieving ASDAS Major Improvement at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6889 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Reaching Flare Definition by Week 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 2.100.

Time frame: From Week 28 through 68

Population: Modified Intent-to-treat population: all participants who were randomized into double-blind Period 2 and received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication; participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Reaching Flare Definition by Week 6881 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Reaching Flare Definition by Week 6845 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants Reaching Partial Flare Definition by Week 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A partial flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 1.300 but \<2.100.

Time frame: From Week 28 through 68

Population: Modified Intent-to-treat population: all participants who were randomized into double-blind Period 2 and received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication; participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants Reaching Partial Flare Definition by Week 6898 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants Reaching Partial Flare Definition by Week 6862 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Inactive Disease is defined as a score of \<1.300.

Time frame: Rescue Therapy Week 12

Population: Rescued Population: participants with available data who received open-label rescue treatment after the double-blind period

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy37 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at 12 Weeks After Initiation of Rescue Therapy20 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at Weeks 28 and 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). ASDAS Inactive Disease is defined as a score of \<1.300.

Time frame: Weeks 28 and 68

Population: Period 1 (all enrolled participants who received at least 1 dose of adalimumab); Period 2 (mITT: all randomized participants who received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication); participants with missing data were inputed as nonresponders.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Placebo (Period 2)Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at Weeks 28 and 68Week 28295 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6851 Participants
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Number of Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Inactive Disease at Weeks 28 and 68Week 6887 Participants
Secondary

Time to Flare at Week 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 2.100.

Time frame: From Week 28 through 68

Population: Modified Intent-to-treat population: all participants who were randomized into double-blind Period 2 and received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication; participants with missing data were treated as missing.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
Placebo (Period 2)Time to Flare at Week 68NA weeks
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Time to Flare at Week 68NA weeks
Comparison: The statistical test was performed at a 2-sided significance level of 0.05. Time to flare analysis showed statistically significant lower risk of flare in the adalimumab group than in the placebo group.p-value: <0.001Log Rank
Secondary

Time to Partial Flare at Week 68

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) tool is a self-administered questionnaire/objective laboratory evaluation. The questionnaire assesses disease activity, back pain, and peripheral pain/swelling on a numeric rating scale (from 0 (normal) to 10 (very severe)) and duration of morning stiffness on a numeric rating scale (from 0 to 10, with 0 being none and 10 representing a duration of ≥2 hours). The laboratory parameter is a measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (mg/L) (hs-CRP). Data from five variables (disease activity, back pain, duration of morning stiffness, peripheral pain/swelling, and hs-CRP) are combined to yield a score (0 to no defined upper limit). During Period 2 participants visited study sites at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64 and 68 or if they discontinued early from the study. A partial flare was defined as having any 2 consecutive study visits with ASDAS ≥ 1.300 but \<2.100.

Time frame: From Week 28 through 68

Population: Modified Intent-to-treat population: all participants who were randomized into double-blind Period 2 and received at least 1 dose of double-blind study medication; participants with missing data were treated as missing.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
Placebo (Period 2)Time to Partial Flare at Week 6841 weeks
Double-blind Adalimumab (Period 2)Time to Partial Flare at Week 6842 weeks

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 6, 2026