Mycophenolate Sodium Treatment in Patients With Primary Sjogren's Syndrome

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2007-09-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia. In addition, various extraglandular manifestations may develop. Several immunomodulating agents have been attempted in the treatment of pSS without achieving satisfactory results. Currently, there is no approved systemic treatment for pSS.

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a selective inhibitor of inosine-monophosphate-dehydrogenase which leads to inhibition of the de novo pathway of nucleotide synthesis. The antiproliferative effect of MPA mainly affects activated T- and B-lymphocytes because the proliferation of these cells is critically dependent on the de novo purine synthesis compared to other eukaryotic cells. Since these lymphocytes have been suggested to play a pivotal role in the inflammation and immunopathogenesis of pSS, mycophenolate-sodium might be a promising agent in the treatment of pSS.

We perform a single-centre, open-label pilot trial with Mycophenolate sodium in pSS.

• Phase: Phase 1
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: University Hospital Muenster
• Collaborator: Novartis
• Treatments: Mycophenolate mofetil; Mycophenolic Acid

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of primary Sjogren' Syndrome based on the American-European Consensus criteria

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate >25mm/h and hypergammaglobulinemia (>1500 mg/dl)

• Presence of anti-SS-A and /or SS-B antibodies and / or rheumatoid factor

• Requirement of artificial teardrops due to symptomatic sicca syndrome

• Inadequate response or intolerance of prior treatment with hydroxychloroquine and / or azathioprine

• Adequate contraception for females of childbearing potential

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age below 18 or above 75 years

• Secondary Sjogren's syndrome

• History of cancer, severe infections or other uncontrolled diseases

• Treatment with concomitant disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs within the least 8 weeks before baseline evaluation

• Prednisolone dose of > 5mg/d or changes of prednisolone dose within the least 4 weeks before baseline

• Use of secretagogues (e.g. pilocarpine, cevimeline) or medications that potentially diminish exocrine gland function (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, anti-cholinergic drugs)

• Pregnant or lactating women