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Strategy to Prevent the Onset of Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis

Strategy to Prevent the Onset of Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02603146
Acronym
StopRA
Enrollment
144
Registered
2015-11-11
Start date
2016-04-27
Completion date
2022-11-01
Last updated
2025-06-12

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

Conditions

Healthy Participants, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Prevention

Keywords

RA prevention, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), anti-CCP3

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is safe and effective for the prevention of future onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals who have elevations of an autoantibody, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP3). The following recruitment strategies will be employed towards identifying healthy subjects with elevated anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP3) levels: -Pre-screening: * first degree relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); * subjects at health-fairs; and * identification of subjects with elevated anti-CCP3 levels in the absence of inflammatory arthritis in rheumatology clinics.

Detailed description

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects an estimated 1% of the population. RA is a disease where the immune system attacks the joints, leading to joint inflammation and damage that is felt by someone with RA as joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Recent studies have shown that there are markers in the blood called 'autoantibodies' that precede the onset of joint symptoms of RA. Antibodies are commonly made in the blood to fight infections. Sometimes, these antibodies attack one's own body. These are called autoantibodies. Certain autoantibodies are specific for certain diseases. The autoantibody known as anti-CCP3 is specific for RA and can predict the development of RA in the future, especially if the level of anti-CCP3 is high. The investigators of this study believe that individuals with elevations of anti-CCP3 ≥2 times the normal value have approximately a 50% chance of developing RA within 3 years. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is already used successfully and safely in the treatment of malaria, lupus and RA. The objective of this study is to determine whether treatment with HCQ in individuals with elevations of anti-CCP3 without joint inflammation may help prevent the future onset of RA. This will involve a 12-month course of HCQ in the prevention of the development of clinically apparent RA at 36 months in individuals at high-risk for future RA due to high titer elevations of anti-CCP3. This study will recruit for individuals without a history or clinical findings of inflammatory arthritis. Eligible subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to HCQ versus HCQ placebo.

Interventions

DRUGHydroxychloroquine

As described. Dosing will be based upon Screening IBW.

DRUGHCQ Placebo

As described. Dosing will be based upon Screening IBW.

Sponsors

Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence
CollaboratorOTHER
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Lead SponsorNIH

Study design

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

Eligibility

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

Inclusion criteria

Subjects who meet all of the following criteria are eligible for enrollment into the study: * Able and willing to give written informed consent and comply with requirements of the study; * Age ≥18 years-old at the Screening Visit; and * Elevation of autoantibody anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide-3 (anti-CCP3) defined by result of anti-CCP3 ≥40 units, at Screening.

Exclusion criteria

Subjects who meet any of the following criteria are ineligible to participate in the study: -A medical history of inflammatory arthritis (IA) of any type and/or rheumatic disease and immunologic disease(s) that may be associated with IA . These diseases include but are not limited to: * rheumatoid arthritis (RA); * systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); * seronegative spondyloarthropathies; * inflammatory bowel disease; * Sjögren's syndrome; * polymyalgia rheumatic; or * vasculitis. Note: Crystalline arthropathies are not exclusionary. * A medical history of: * congestive heart failure or functional status of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or higher at the Screening Visit; * cardiomyopathy or significant cardiac conduction disorders; * chronic liver disease; * psoriasis (due to potential for increased risk for flare of skin disease); * porphyria; * and/or serologic evidence during Screening Visit of chronic infections including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV); ---Exception: hepatitis C antibody positive subjects are eligible with documentation of: * receipt of HCV treatment AND * a negative hepatitis C viral load test post-treatment. * malignancy within the last 5 years, except for treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma, treated cervical dysplasia, or treated in situ cervical cancer Grade I; or * alcohol or substance abuse within 1 year of treatment randomization. * Prior or current systemic treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic agents, immunomodulatory agents, or glucocorticoids for IA, other rheumatic diseases, or other immunologic diseases; * Tetracycline class antibiotic use for autoimmune conditions, taken within 12 months prior to Screening; * Systemic corticosteroid use for non-IA conditions taken 28 days prior to Screening; * More than 3 local corticosteroid injections, including but not limited to intra-articular, epidural, and intrabursal injections, during the 3 months prior to randomization; * A history of a chronic condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, is highly likely to require therapy with systemic corticosteroids (oral or intravenous) within the study period, including but not limited to severe asthma and severe crystalline arthropathy; * Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or desire to become pregnant and/or breast feed within the duration of the 12-month treatment phase of the study; * Women of childbearing potential who are not using or who do not agree to use adequate birth control measures (for example, total abstinence, oral contraceptives, intrauterine device, barrier method with spermicide, surgical sterilization, Depo-Provera, or hormonal implants) during the treatment phase of the study; * An ideal or actual body weight ≤ 24.4 kg (e.g., ≤53 lbs) at Screening Visit; * Any of the following laboratory abnormalities at the Screening Visit: * Serum Creatinine Clearance \< 50ml/min (as calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula: Creatinine clearance (CrCl)= (140-age) X (Weight in kg) X (0.85 if female) / (72 X Creatinine)); * Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) \> 2 times the upper limit of normal (ULN); * Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) \> 2x the upper limit of normal (ULN); * Total white blood count (WBC) \< 3.0 x 10\^9/L; * Platelet count ≤ 150 x10\^9/L; * Hemoglobin \< 11.5g/dL; * Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) \< 2.0 x 10\^9/L; * Evidence of significant retinal disease upon eye examination during the screening period that in the opinion of the examiner would make identification of potential future retinal toxicity from HCQ difficult to evaluate: \-- Retinal exam results may be applied to evaluations of subject eligibility for up to 6 months after the initial retinal exam. * When, in the opinion of the study physician, the subject is not a good study candidate.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 36 By Treatment ArmBaseline to Month 36Clinically-Apparent RA is defined by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Classification Criteria as either: 1.) a score of ≥ 6 defining definite RA or 2.) a joint examination consistent with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) with ≥ 1 erosion confirmed by x-ray imaging of the hands, wrists, and feet.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Number of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL-RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12 By Treatment ArmBaseline to Month 12Clinically-Apparent RA is defined by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Classification Criteria as either: 1.) a score of ≥ 6 defining definite RA or 2.) a joint examination consistent with IA with ≥ 1 erosion confirmed by x-ray imaging of the hands, wrists, and feet.
Number of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12.Baseline to Month 12IA is defined as the development of at least one swollen joint consistent with rheumatoid arthritis-like (RA-like) synovitis. The joint exams conducted by a physician at each clinic visit were used to identify the presence of swollen joints due to IA.
Time to Development of Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) By Treatment ArmBaseline to Month 36Mean Time from treatment initiation until development of CL-RA. CL- RA is defined by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Classification Criteria as either: 1.) a score of ≥ 6 defining definite RA or 2.) a joint examination consistent with IA with ≥ 1 erosion confirmed by x-ray imaging of the hands, wrists, and feet.
Number of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 36Baseline to Month 36IA is defined as the development of at least one swollen joint consistent with rheumatoid arthritis-like (RA-like) synovitis. The joint exams conducted by a physician at each clinic visit were used to identify the presence of swollen joints due to IA.
Number of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints By Treatment ArmAt Week 52 and Month 36/End of StudyThe Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were stiff on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their stiff joints.
Number of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints By Treatment ArmAt Week 52 and Month 36/End of StudyThe Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were swollen on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their swollen joints.
Number of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints By Treatment ArmAt Week 52 and Month 36/End of StudyThe Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were painful on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their painful joints.
Number of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmAt Week 52 and Month 36/End of StudyThe Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were stiff on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their stiff joints.
Number of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmAt Week 52 and Month 36/End of StudyThe Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were swollen on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their swollen joints.
Level of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment ArmBaseline, Week 52 (End of Treatment), Month 36/End of StudyAnti-CCP3 is a laboratory test for the presence of antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs) in serum. ACPA positivity assists with the classification/diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of a patient with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA). In addition, determining autoantibody positivity helps with the prediction of RA disease severity. Anti-CCP3 positivity at any level, and in particular anti-CCP3 levels of ≥2 times the normal cut-off level (or ≥ 40 units) are highly predictive of future RA development.
Level of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment ArmBaseline, Week 52 (End of Treatment), Month 36/End of StudyIgM-RF is a laboratory test for the presence of antibodies to RF in serum. IgM-RF positivity assists with the classification/diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of a patient with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA). In addition, determining autoantibody positivity helps with the prediction of RA disease severity. Higher levels of antibodies (e.g. \>2-3 times the normal cut-off values) have greater specificity for RA disease.
Level of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment ArmBaseline, Week 52 (End of Treatment), Month 36/End of StudyHsCRP is used to detect systemic inflammation in the body, assists with the classification/diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and elevations of hsCRP in patients with RA have been associated with poor disease outcomes.
Percent of Participants Experiencing Grade 3 or Higher Adverse Events (AEs)Non-serious AEs were collected from treatment initiation through month 18. Serious AEs were collected from screening through month 36.Adverse Events (AEs) grading will be defined by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0. The number of AEs will be identified by monitoring participant-reported AEs, vital signs, medical history, physical exams and blood safety tests.
Number of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmAt Week 52 and Month 36/End of StudyThe Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were painful on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their painful joints.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Twenty study sites were activated in the United States, beginning in March 2016. A total of 252 participants were screened from April 2016 to October 2021 at 15 sites. 144 participants were randomized.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Hydroxychloroquine
Participants self-administered 1-2 200 mg HCQ pills per day, based on ideal body weight at screening, from the Baseline visit to Week 52.
71
Placebo
Participants self-administered 1-2 placebo pills per day, based on ideal body weight at screening, from the Baseline visit to Week 52.
73
Total144

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up56
Overall StudyParticipant could not complete the Month 36 visit due to COVID-1910
Overall StudyParticipant moved20
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject810
Overall StudyWithdrawn by Investigator or NIAID1518

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicHydroxychloroquinePlaceboTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
12 Participants12 Participants24 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
59 Participants61 Participants120 Participants
Age, Continuous51.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.31
49.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.39
50.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.41
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3)173.2 units
STANDARD_DEVIATION 86.01
147.4 units
STANDARD_DEVIATION 86.42
160.1 units
STANDARD_DEVIATION 86.89
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
15 Participants8 Participants23 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
55 Participants64 Participants119 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
2 Participants3 Participants5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants3 Participants4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
8 Participants6 Participants14 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
3 Participants4 Participants7 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
4 Participants2 Participants6 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
53 Participants55 Participants108 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
71 participants73 participants144 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
57 Participants58 Participants115 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
14 Participants15 Participants29 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
1 / 710 / 73
other
Total, other adverse events
25 / 7131 / 73
serious
Total, serious adverse events
5 / 715 / 73

Outcome results

Primary

Number of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 36 By Treatment Arm

Clinically-Apparent RA is defined by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Classification Criteria as either: 1.) a score of ≥ 6 defining definite RA or 2.) a joint examination consistent with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) with ≥ 1 erosion confirmed by x-ray imaging of the hands, wrists, and feet.

Time frame: Baseline to Month 36

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 36 By Treatment Arm20 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 36 By Treatment Arm24 Participants
95% CI: [0.213, 0.459]
95% CI: [0.268, 0.519]
p-value: 0.52295% CI: [-0.336, 0.22]Chi-squared
Secondary

Level of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment Arm

Anti-CCP3 is a laboratory test for the presence of antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPAs) in serum. ACPA positivity assists with the classification/diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of a patient with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA). In addition, determining autoantibody positivity helps with the prediction of RA disease severity. Anti-CCP3 positivity at any level, and in particular anti-CCP3 levels of ≥2 times the normal cut-off level (or ≥ 40 units) are highly predictive of future RA development.

Time frame: Baseline, Week 52 (End of Treatment), Month 36/End of Study

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineLevel of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment ArmWeek 52105.65 units
HydroxychloroquineLevel of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment ArmBaseline184.20 units
HydroxychloroquineLevel of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment ArmMonth 36154.75 units
PlaceboLevel of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment ArmBaseline125.55 units
PlaceboLevel of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment ArmWeek 5294.4 units
PlaceboLevel of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide-3 (Anti-CCP3) By Treatment ArmMonth 3685.20 units
Secondary

Level of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment Arm

HsCRP is used to detect systemic inflammation in the body, assists with the classification/diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and elevations of hsCRP in patients with RA have been associated with poor disease outcomes.

Time frame: Baseline, Week 52 (End of Treatment), Month 36/End of Study

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineLevel of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment ArmBaseline2.030 mg/L
HydroxychloroquineLevel of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment ArmWeek 522.300 mg/L
HydroxychloroquineLevel of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment ArmMonth 362.075 mg/L
PlaceboLevel of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment ArmBaseline3.043 mg/L
PlaceboLevel of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment ArmWeek 521.430 mg/L
PlaceboLevel of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Treatment ArmMonth 361.645 mg/L
Secondary

Level of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment Arm

IgM-RF is a laboratory test for the presence of antibodies to RF in serum. IgM-RF positivity assists with the classification/diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of a patient with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA). In addition, determining autoantibody positivity helps with the prediction of RA disease severity. Higher levels of antibodies (e.g. \>2-3 times the normal cut-off values) have greater specificity for RA disease.

Time frame: Baseline, Week 52 (End of Treatment), Month 36/End of Study

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineLevel of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment ArmBaseline13.100 U/mL
HydroxychloroquineLevel of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment ArmWeek 523.600 U/mL
HydroxychloroquineLevel of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment ArmMonth 365.730 U/mL
PlaceboLevel of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment ArmBaseline5.350 U/mL
PlaceboLevel of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment ArmWeek 522.025 U/mL
PlaceboLevel of Immunoglobulin M - Rheumatoid Factor (IgM-RF) By Treatment ArmMonth 360.250 U/mL
Secondary

Number of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints By Treatment Arm

The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were painful on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their painful joints.

Time frame: At Week 52 and Month 36/End of Study

Population: Participants in the modified-intent-to-treat population, including all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints By Treatment ArmWeek 521.0 joints
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints By Treatment ArmMonth 361.0 joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints By Treatment ArmWeek 521.0 joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints By Treatment ArmMonth 362.0 joints
p-value: 0.928Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
p-value: 0.076Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Number of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment Arm

The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were painful on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their painful joints.

Time frame: At Week 52 and Month 36/End of Study

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmMonth 360.0 Joints
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmWeek 520.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmWeek 520.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Painful Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmMonth 360.0 Joints
p-value: 0.865Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
p-value: 0.179Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Number of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints By Treatment Arm

The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were stiff on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their stiff joints.

Time frame: At Week 52 and Month 36/End of Study

Population: Participants in the modified-intent-to-treat population, including all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints By Treatment ArmWeek 521.0 Joints
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints By Treatment ArmMonth 360.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints By Treatment ArmWeek 521.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints By Treatment ArmMonth 361.0 Joints
p-value: 0.781Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
p-value: 0.457Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Number of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment Arm

The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were stiff on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their stiff joints.

Time frame: At Week 52 and Month 36/End of Study

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmWeek 52 results0.0 Joints
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmMonth 36 results0.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmWeek 52 results0.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Stiff Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmMonth 36 results12 Joints
p-value: 0.634Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
p-value: 0.574Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Number of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints By Treatment Arm

The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were swollen on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their swollen joints.

Time frame: At Week 52 and Month 36/End of Study

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints By Treatment ArmWeek 520.0 Joints
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints By Treatment ArmMonth 360.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints By Treatment ArmWeek 520.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints By Treatment ArmMonth 360.0 Joints
p-value: 0.576Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
p-value: 0.323Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Number of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment Arm

The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment was used by participants to indicate which joints were swollen on the day of the visit or in the past week. The Participant Self-Reported Joint Symptoms assessment contained a diagram of the body joints which participants used to mark their swollen joints.

Time frame: At Week 52 and Month 36/End of Study

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria, and who have available data at the time point.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEDIAN)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmWeek 520.0 Joints
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmMonth 360.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmWeek 520.0 Joints
PlaceboNumber of Participant Self-Reported Swollen Joints in the Hands, Wrists and Feet By Treatment ArmMonth 360.0 Joints
p-value: 0.724Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
p-value: 0.149Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Number of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL-RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12 By Treatment Arm

Clinically-Apparent RA is defined by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Classification Criteria as either: 1.) a score of ≥ 6 defining definite RA or 2.) a joint examination consistent with IA with ≥ 1 erosion confirmed by x-ray imaging of the hands, wrists, and feet.

Time frame: Baseline to Month 12

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL-RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12 By Treatment Arm11 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants Who Developed Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL-RA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12 By Treatment Arm13 Participants
95% CI: [0.076, 0.225]
95% CI: [0.099, 0.289]
p-value: 0.66895% CI: [-0.188, 0.131]Chi-squared
Secondary

Number of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12.

IA is defined as the development of at least one swollen joint consistent with rheumatoid arthritis-like (RA-like) synovitis. The joint exams conducted by a physician at each clinic visit were used to identify the presence of swollen joints due to IA.

Time frame: Baseline to Month 12

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12.12 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 12.13 Participants
95% CI: [0.088, 0.273]
95% CI: [0.099, 0.289]
p-value: 0.8495% CI: [-0.177, 0.15]Chi-squared
Secondary

Number of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 36

IA is defined as the development of at least one swollen joint consistent with rheumatoid arthritis-like (RA-like) synovitis. The joint exams conducted by a physician at each clinic visit were used to identify the presence of swollen joints due to IA.

Time frame: Baseline to Month 36

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
HydroxychloroquineNumber of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 3621 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants Who Developed Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) From Treatment Initiation to Month 3627 Participants
95% CI: [0.23, 0.482]
95% CI: [0.298, 0.551]
p-value: 0.45295% CI: [-0.363, 0.226]Chi-squared
Secondary

Percent of Participants Experiencing Grade 3 or Higher Adverse Events (AEs)

Adverse Events (AEs) grading will be defined by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0. The number of AEs will be identified by monitoring participant-reported AEs, vital signs, medical history, physical exams and blood safety tests.

Time frame: Non-serious AEs were collected from treatment initiation through month 18. Serious AEs were collected from screening through month 36.

Population: The safety population includes all participants for whom study treatment was initiated.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
HydroxychloroquinePercent of Participants Experiencing Grade 3 or Higher Adverse Events (AEs)14.1 Percent of Participants
PlaceboPercent of Participants Experiencing Grade 3 or Higher Adverse Events (AEs)12.3 Percent of Participants
p-value: 0.809Fisher Exact
Secondary

Time to Development of Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) By Treatment Arm

Mean Time from treatment initiation until development of CL-RA. CL- RA is defined by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Classification Criteria as either: 1.) a score of ≥ 6 defining definite RA or 2.) a joint examination consistent with IA with ≥ 1 erosion confirmed by x-ray imaging of the hands, wrists, and feet.

Time frame: Baseline to Month 36

Population: The modified-intent-to-treat population includes all randomized participants who received at least one dose of assigned study drug and met entry criteria.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
HydroxychloroquineTime to Development of Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) By Treatment Arm29.02 months
PlaceboTime to Development of Clinically-Apparent Rheumatoid Arthritis (CL - RA) By Treatment Arm28.49 months
p-value: 0.652Log Rank

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 12, 2026