This study will determine if the drug etanercept, also called Enbrel, is effective in
producing and maintaining remission (reduction of disease symptoms) of Wegener's
granulomatosis (WG). Etanercept blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a substance
that may be involved in inflammatory conditions such as WG. Eight clinical centers around the
United States will enroll 181 people who have WG. Patients will have an equal chance to
receive either etanercept or placebo (inactive treatment). We will treat patients with
standard medications for WG in addition to either etanercept or placebo. We will treat all
patients with tapering doses of corticosteroids.
After the patients' disease is controlled (in remission), we will reduce the dosages of the
standard medications to lower the risk of side effects associated with these drugs. During
the study, we will collect and save blood and tissues samples from patients and use the
samples to address other medical questions, such as the cause of WG and factors that lead to
disease progression.
Phase:
Phase 2/Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)