AzTrials
AzTrials

Multiple SclerosisPhase 3REFLEXNCT00404352

REbif FLEXible Dosing in Early Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A Phase 3 study testing RNF in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany at 67 sites in 27 countries.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The study is a 24 months randomized, double-blind, Placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial with an optional 12 months open label extension. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of fetal bovine serum [FBS]-free/human serum albumin [HSA]-free formulation of Interferon [IFN] beta-1a (RNF)… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 50 years
Conditions the study is for
Multiple Sclerosis
What is being tested?
RNF
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
517 participants
Where
67 sitesin 27 countries
Study dates
Nov 2006to Jul 2011
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Single, first clinical event suggestive of MS within 60 days prior to study Day 1, which is the day of randomization (clock starts 24 hours after onset). The event must be a new neurological abnormality present for at least 24 hours, either mono- or polysymptomatic, other than a paresthesia, vegetative or cerebral dysfunction
  • At least two clinically silent lesions on the T2-weighted MRI scan, with a size of at least 3 millimeter (mm), at least one of which is ovoid or periventricular or infratentorial
  • EDSS 0 - 5.0 at least one time point during the screening period before start of treatment
  • 18 and 50 years old, inclusive
  • Willing to follow study procedures
  • Written informed consent
Show all 9Show fewer
  • If female, subject must:
  • be neither pregnant nor breast-feeding nor attempting to conceive
  • use a highly effective method of contraception. A highly effective method of contraception is defined as those which result in a low failure rate (that is [i.e.] less than 1 percent [%] per year) when used consistently and correctly such as implants, injectables, combined oral contraceptives, some intrauterine devices (IUDs), sexual abstinence or vasectomised partner

Who cannot join

  • Diagnosis of MS (per McDonald criteria 2005)
  • Any other disease that could better explain the subject's signs and symptoms
  • Complete transverse myelitis or bilateral optic neuritis
  • Subject uses or has used any other approved MS disease-modifying drug (DMD)
  • Any investigational drug or undergone an experimental procedure within 12 weeks prior to study Day 1
  • Oral or systemic corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) within 30 days prior to study Day 1
Show all 24Show fewer
  • Total bilirubin greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
  • Subject has total aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) greater than 2.5 times the ULN
  • Inadequate bone marrow reserve, defined as a total white blood cell count less than 3.0 x 109 per liter (/L), platelet count less than 75 x 109/L, hemoglobin less than 100 gram per liter (g/L)
  • Current autoimmune disease
  • Major medical or psychiatric illness (including history of or current severe depressive disorders and/or suicidal ideation) that in the opinion of the investigator creates undue risk to the subject or could affect compliance with the study protocol
  • History of seizures not adequately controlled by treatment
  • Cardiac disease, such as angina, congestive heart failure or arrhythmia
  • Known allergy to IFN-beta or the excipient(s) of the study medication
  • Any condition that could interfere with the MRI evaluation;
  • Known allergy to gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)
  • Previously participated in this study
  • Participated in any clinical trial within the past 6 months
  • Any immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapy at any time prior to enrollment, including, but not limited to, the following products: any IFN, glatiramer acetate (Copolymer I), cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, methotrexate, linomide, azathioprine, mitoxantrone, teriflunomide, laquinimod, cladribine, total lymphoid irradiation, anti-lymphocyte monoclonal antibody treatment (e.g. natalizumab, alemtuzumab/Campath, anti-cluster of differentiation 4 [CD4]), intravenous, immunoglobulins (Igs), cytokines or anti-cytokine therapy
  • Any experimental MS treatment prior to trial entry, including, but not limited to, any statins (if given to prevent MS) and pentoxyfylline
  • History of alcohol or drug abuse
  • Intolerance or any contraindication to both paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen
  • Inability to administer subcutaneous injections either by self or by caregiver
  • Moderate to severe renal impairment

Trial locations and contacts

67 sites in 27 countries.

67 sites in 27 countries

Russia7 sites
  • Research Site

    Moscow

  • Research Site

    Nizhny Novgorod

  • Research Site

    Novosibirsk

  • Research Site

    Saint Petersburg

  • Research Site

    Samara

  • Research Site

    Saratov

  • Research Site

    Yekaterinburg

Other trials in Russia

Bulgaria5 sites
  • Research Site

    Pleven

  • Research Site

    Rousse

  • Research Site

    Shumen

  • Research Site

    Sofia

  • Research Site

    Varna

Other trials in Bulgaria

Croatia5 sites
  • Research Site

    Karlovac

  • Research Site

    Osijek

  • Research Site

    Rijeka

  • Research Site

    Split

  • Research Site

    Zagreb

Other trials in Croatia

Italy4 sites
  • Research Site

    Catania

  • Research Site

    Milan

  • Research Site

    Padova

  • Research Site

    Roma

Other trials in Italy

Poland4 sites
  • Research Site

    Bialystok

  • Research Site

    Lodz

  • Research Site

    Warsaw

  • Research Site

    Wroclaw

Other trials in Poland

Romania4 sites
  • Research Site

    Bucharest

  • Research Site

    Iași

  • Research Site

    Târgu Mureş

  • Research Site

    Timișoara

Other trials in Romania

Spain4 sites
  • Research Site

    Barcelona

  • Research Site

    Bilbao

  • Research Site

    Madrid

  • Research Site

    Seville

Other trials in Spain

Canada3 sites
  • Research Site

    Montreal, Quebec

  • Research Site

    Ontario

  • Research Site

    Victoria British Columbia

Other trials in Canada

Czechia3 sites
  • Research Site

    Hradec Králové

  • Research Site

    Olomouc

  • Research Site

    Prague

Other trials in Czechia

Germany3 sites
  • Research Site

    Hanover

  • Research Site

    Henningsdorf

  • Research Site

    Munich

Other trials in Germany

Israel3 sites
  • Research Site

    Ness Ziona

  • Research Site

    Safed

  • Research Site

    Tel Litwinsky

Other trials in Israel

Austria2 sites
  • Research Site

    Graz

  • Research Site

    Innsbruck

Other trials in Austria

Belgium2 sites
  • Research Site

    B-Leuven

  • Research Site

    Bruges

Other trials in Belgium

Estonia2 sites
  • Research Site

    Tallinn

  • Research Site

    Tartu

Other trials in Estonia

Finland2 sites
  • Research Site

    OYS

  • Research Site

    Vantaa

Other trials in Finland

France2 sites
  • Research Site

    Paris

  • Research Site

    Poissy

Other trials in France

Serbia2 sites
  • Research Site

    Belgrade

  • Research Site

    Niš

Other trials in Serbia

Argentina1 site
  • Research Site

    Mendoza

Other trials in Argentina

Australia1 site
  • Research Site

    Sydney

Other trials in Australia

Greece1 site
  • Research Site

    Athens

Other trials in Greece

Latvia1 site
  • Research Site

    Riga

Other trials in Latvia

Lebanon1 site
  • Research Site

    Beirut

Other trials in Lebanon

Morocco1 site
  • Research Site

    Rabat

Other trials in Morocco

Portugal1 site
  • Research Site

    Lisbon

Other trials in Portugal

Saudi Arabia1 site
  • Research Site

    Riyadh

Other trials in Saudi Arabia

Slovakia1 site
  • Research Site

    Prešov

Other trials in Slovakia

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Research Site

    Istanbul

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: A Phase III, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial of Rebif New Formulation (44 Microgram [Mcg] Three Times Weekly [Tiw] and 44 Mcg Once Weekly [ow]) in Subjects at High Risk of Converting to Multiple Sclerosis (REFLEX)

The study is a 24 months randomized, double-blind, Placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial with an optional 12 months open label extension.

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of fetal bovine serum [FBS]-free/human serum albumin [HSA]-free formulation of Interferon [IFN] beta-1a (RNF) 44 microgram (three times weekly and once weekly) versus placebo on the time to conversion to McDonald multiple sclerosis (MS) criteria (2005) in subjects with a first clinical demyelinating event at high risk of converting to MS.

Read more

The main secondary objective of study is to evaluate the effect of RNF 44 microgram (three times weekly and once weekly) versus placebo on the "Time to conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS)" in subjects with a first clinical demyelinating event at high risk of converting to MS.

At the end of 24 month double-blind core REFLEX trial, subjects who will not convert to CDMS and decide to receive open-label (OL) treatment will be enrolled into an open-label, 12 month extension period to evaluate the effect of RNF 44 mcg three times weekly treatment on the time to conversion to McDonald MS and time to conversion to CDMS.

Being tested
RNF, Placebo
Keywords
Rebif New Formulation, Clinical Isolated Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis
Medical subject headings
Multiple Sclerosis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • RNFDrug

    Also called Rebif

    Single dose of RNF administered subcutaneously three times weekly at least 48 hours apart at a starting dose of 8.8 microgram (mcg) for first 2 weeks followed by 22 mcg for next 2 weeks and finally 44 mcg until 24 months, or 36 months for patients enrolled in the OL extension.

  • RNFDrug

    Also called Rebif

    Single dose of RNF administered subcutaneously once weekly at a starting dose of 8.8 mcg for first 2 weeks followed by 22 mcg for next 2 weeks and finally 44 mcg until 24 months.

  • PlaceboDrug

    Placebo was supplied as a transparent, sterile solution for injection in pre-filled syringes matching the RNF pre-filled syringes, each containing 0.5 mL.

Study groups in NCT00404352
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
RNF 44 mcg three times weeklyActive comparatorNot described
Receives: Drug: RNF
RNF 44 mcg once weekly and placebo twice weekly for blindingActive comparatorNot described
Receives: Drug: RNF; Drug: Placebo
Placebo three times weeklyPlacebo comparatorNot described
Receives: Drug: Placebo

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Time to Conversion to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) According to the McDonald Criteria (2005)

    The McDonald criteria use dissemination in time and space established by magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings to provide a clinical diagnosis for MS. Dissemination in time is established by a new time constant 2 (T2) or gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesion found on a repeat MRI. Dissemination in space is established by the presence of any 3 of the following: 1 Gd+ lesion or 9 T2 bright lesions if there is no enhancement; greater than or equal to 1 infratentorial lesion; greater than or equal to 1 juxtacortical lesion; greater than or equal to 3 periventricular lesions.

    Measured: Various time points from randomization up to 24 months

  2. Time to Conversion to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) According to the McDonald Criteria (2005)

    The McDonald criteria use dissemination in time and space established by MRI findings to provide a clinical diagnosis for MS. Dissemination in time is established by a T2 or Gd+ lesion found on a repeat MRI. Dissemination in space is established by the presence of any 3 of the following: 1 Gd+ lesion or 9 T2 bright lesions if there is no enhancement; greater than or equal to 1 infratentorial lesion; greater than or equal to 1 juxtacortical lesion; greater than or equal to 3 periventricular lesions.

    Measured: Various time points from randomization up to 36 months

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Time to Conversion to Clinically Definite Multiple Sclerosis (CDMS) Defined by Either a Second Attack or a 3-Month Sustained Increase (Greater Than or Equal to 1.5 Points) in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) Score

    CDMS was defined by the occurrence of a second exacerbation or relapse over 24 months in participants who presented with first clinical demyelinating event (FCDE) accompanied by an abnormal MRI scan. EDSS assesses disability in 8 functional systems. An overall score ranging from 0 (normal) to 10 (death due to MS) was calculated.

    Measured: Various time points from randomization up to 24 months

  2. Time to Conversion to Clinically Definite Multiple Sclerosis (CDMS) Defined by Either a Second Attack or a 3-Month Sustained Increase (Greater Than or Equal to 1.5 Points) in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) Score

    CDMS was defined by the occurrence of a second exacerbation or relapse over 36 months in participants who presented with FCDE accompanied by an abnormal MRI scan. EDSS assesses disability in 8 functional systems. An overall score ranging from 0 (normal) to 10 (death due to MS) was calculated.

    Measured: Various time points from randomization up to 36 months

  3. Mean Number of Combined Unique Active (CUA) Lesions, New Time Constant 2 (T2) Lesions, Gadolinium Enhanced (Gd+) Lesions and New Time Constant 1 (T1) Hypointense Lesions Per Participant Per Scan

    Number of CUA lesions, new T2 lesions, Gd+ lesions and new T1 hypointense lesions were measured by using MRI scans.

    Measured: Month 24 up to Month 36

  4. Change From Baseline in Time Constant 2 (T2) Lesion Volume , Time Constant 1 (T1) Hypointense Lesion Volume and Gadolinium Enhanced (Gd+) Lesion Volume at Month 36

    Change from baseline in lesion volume was measured by using MRI scans for T2 lesions, T1 hypointense lesions and (Gd+) lesions.

    Measured: Baseline, Month 36

  5. Change From Baseline in Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) Score at Month 36

    EDSS assesses disability in 8 functional systems. An overall score ranging from 0 (normal) to 10 (death due to MS) was calculated. The change in EDSS at Month 36 was calculated as EDSS at Month 36 minus EDSS at baseline.

    Measured: Baseline, Month 36

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Nov 2006 (estimated)
  2. Study startNov 2006
  3. Primary completionAug 2010
  4. Study completionJul 2011

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
517 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT00404352
Sponsor's protocol ID
IMP27025
Other IDs
2006-002982-38
Acronym
REFLEX
Status last verified
Dec 2013
First submitted
27 Nov 2006
Last updated
24 Jan 2014
Data monitoring committee
Yes

Publications

  • Kuhle J, Leppert D, Comi G, de Stefano N, Kappos L, Freedman MS, Seitzinger A, Roy S. Serum neurofilament light chain correlations in patients with a first clinical demyelinating event in the REFLEX study: a post hoc analysis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2024 Mar 29;17:17562864241239101. doi: 10.1177/17562864241239101. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 38560407
  • Battaglini M, Vrenken H, Tappa Brocci R, Gentile G, Luchetti L, Versteeg A, Freedman MS, Uitdehaag BMJ, Kappos L, Comi G, Seitzinger A, Jack D, Sormani MP, Barkhof F, De Stefano N. Evolution from a first clinical demyelinating event to multiple sclerosis in the REFLEX trial: Regional susceptibility in the conversion to multiple sclerosis at disease onset and its amenability to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a. Eur J Neurol. 2022 Jul;29(7):2024-2035. doi: 10.1111/ene.15314. Epub 2022 Apr 4.

    PubMed 35274413
  • Freedman MS, De Stefano N, Barkhof F, Polman CH, Comi G, Uitdehaag BM, Casset-Semanaz F, Hennessy B, Lehr L, Stubinski B, Jack DL, Kappos L. Patient subgroup analyses of the treatment effect of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a on development of multiple sclerosis in the randomized controlled REFLEX study. J Neurol. 2014 Mar;261(3):490-9. doi: 10.1007/s00415-013-7222-6. Epub 2014 Jan 12.

    PubMed 24413638
  • De Stefano N, Comi G, Kappos L, Freedman MS, Polman CH, Uitdehaag BM, Hennessy B, Casset-Semanaz F, Lehr L, Stubinski B, Jack DL, Barkhof F. Efficacy of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a on MRI outcomes in a randomised controlled trial of patients with clinically isolated syndromes. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014 Jun;85(6):647-53. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306289. Epub 2013 Nov 29.

    PubMed 24292999
  • Comi G, De Stefano N, Freedman MS, Barkhof F, Polman CH, Uitdehaag BM, Casset-Semanaz F, Hennessy B, Moraga MS, Rocak S, Stubinski B, Kappos L. Comparison of two dosing frequencies of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a in patients with a first clinical demyelinating event suggestive of multiple sclerosis (REFLEX): a phase 3 randomised controlled trial. Lancet Neurol. 2012 Jan;11(1):33-41. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70262-9. Epub 2011 Dec 4.

    PubMed 22146409

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing RNF in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany at 67 sites in 27 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 24 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Jan 2014. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 67 sites in Russia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Poland and 22 more countries. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 24 Sep 2012). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Time to Conversion to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) According to the McDonald Criteria (2005) (time frame: Various time points from randomization up to 24 months). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00404352, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Jan 2014.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in
REbif FLEXible Dosing in Early Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | AzTrials