Spondylitis, AnkylosingPhase 4NCT00766402
An Efficacy and Safety Study of Tramadol/Acetaminophen Versus Diclofenac in the Treatment of Pain in Participants With Ankylosing Spondylitis Receiving Stable Treatment of Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
A Phase 4 study testing Tramadol /acetaminophen and Diclofenac in people with Spondylitis, Ankylosing and Pain, run by Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical benefit of tramadol/acetaminophen versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (diclofenac 50 milligram [mg]) in the treatment of pain in participants with ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine causing pain and stiffness) receiving stable… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Spondylitis, Ankylosing, Pain
- What is being tested?
- Tramadol /acetaminophen and Diclofenac
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 8 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2008to 26 Mar 2009
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), as defined by Modified New York Criteria for ankylosing spondylitis: a) Low-back pain of at least 3 months duration improved by exercise and not relieved by rest b) Limitation of lumbar spine in sagittal and frontal planes c) Chest expansion decreased relative to normal values for age and sex d) Bilateral sacroiliitis, grade 2-4 or Unilateral sacroiliitis, grade 3-4 (Stoke)
- Participants are suffering from pain, with visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score greater than or equal to (>=) 40 millimeter (mm)
- Participants are receiving disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which have reached to the stable dosage within 4 weeks prior to the randomization visit - Serum creatinine less than or equal to (<=) 1.2 milligram per deciliter (mg/dL)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <= 3 times the laboratory's upper limit of normal
Who cannot join
- Had an inadequate response to tramadol hydrochloride (HCl) therapy, or have discontinued tramadol HCl therapy due to adverse events
- Have taken tramadol HCl within 4 weeks prior to the entry of the study
- Have taken other medications for pain relief within 4 weeks prior to the entry of the study, except rescue medications
- Evidence of significant uncontrolled concomitant diseases such as cardiovascular disease, nervous system, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, endocrine or gastrointestinal disorders
- Women with pregnancy or breast-feeding
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: A Study to Evaluate the Clinical Benefits of Tramadol/Acetaminophen (Ultracet®) vs. Diclofenac (Voltaren®) in the Treatment of Pain in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis Receiving Stable Treatment of Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical benefit of tramadol/acetaminophen versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (diclofenac 50 milligram [mg]) in the treatment of pain in participants with ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine causing pain and stiffness) receiving stable treatment of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Read the detailed description
This is a single center, open labeled (all people know the identity of intervention), randomized (study drug assigned by chance), parallel group (a medical research study comparing the response in two or more groups of participants receiving different interventions (treatments) trial to compare the effectiveness (pain relief) and safety of tramadol 37.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg with diclofenac in participants with ankylosing spondylitis receiving stable treatment of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomized to one of the two treatment groups (tramadol/acetaminophen and Diclofenac). One group will be treated with tramadol 37.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg combination tablet and another group will be treated with diclofenac 50 mg tablet. Participants randomized into this study will be instructed to take one tablet Ultracet or diclofenac 50 mg orally, twice a day for 8 weeks. Evaluations will be performed as outlined: at Screening, at Baseline, and at Weeks 2, 4, and 8. The primary efficacy parameter is to compare the mean change from Baseline in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score between the two treatment groups (tramadol/acetaminophen versus diclofenac). Participants' safety will be monitored throughout the study.
- Conditions
- Spondylitis, Ankylosing, Pain
- Being tested
- Tramadol /acetaminophen, Diclofenac
- Keywords
- Spondylitis, ankylosing, Pain, Ultracet, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Tramadol/acetaminophen
- Medical subject headings
- Spondylitis, Ankylosing, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Tramadol /acetaminophenDrug
Also called Ultracet®
Participants will receive a combination tablet of 37.5 milligram (mg) tramadol and 325 mg acetaminophen, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks.
DiclofenacDrug
Also called Voltaren®
Participants will receive 50 mg diclofenac tablet, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Tramadol/Acetaminophen | Experimental | Participants will receive a combination tablet of 37.5 milligram (mg) tramadol and 325 mg acetaminophen, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks. Receives: Drug: Tramadol /acetaminophen |
| Diclofenac | Active comparator | Participants will receive 50 mg diclofenac tablet, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks. Receives: Drug: Diclofenac |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change From Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at Week 2
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale. The range of VAS score is from 0 to 10 where 0 = no pain and 10 = unbearable pain.
Measured: Baseline and Week 2
Change From Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at Week 4
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale. The range of VAS score is from 0 to 10 where 0 = no pain and 10 = unbearable pain.
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Change From Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at Week 8
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale. The range of VAS score is from 0 to 10 where 0 = no pain and 10 = unbearable pain.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change From Baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) Total and Sub-scale Scores at Week 2, 4, 8
The BASFI is a self-assessment instrument used to assess function. It comprises of 8 specific questions regarding function in ankylosing spondylitis and 2 questions to identify participant's ability to cope up with everyday life. Each question is answered on a 100 millimeter (mm) horizontal VAS. The mean of VAS score gives BASFI score between 0 to 100 where 0=easy to 100=impossible.
Measured: Baseline and Week 2, 4 and 8
Change From Baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) Total and Sub-scale Scores at Week 2, 4, 8
The BASDAI comprises of 6 questions pertaining to 5 major symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis: a) fatigue; b) spinal pain; c) peripheral arthritis; d) enthesopathy; and e) morning stiffness. It is used to measure disease activity. It consists of VAS ranging from 0 to 100 where 0 = no problem and 100 = worst problem. To give each symptom equal weightage, the mean (average) of two scores relating to morning stiffness is taken. The resulting 0 to 500 is divided by 5 to get BASDAI score between 0 to 100 (0 = no problem and 100 = worst problem).
Measured: Baseline, Week 2, 4 and 8
Quality of Life Medical outcome Study Health Survey Short Form 36 (QoL-SF36) Total and Sub-scale Scores
The QoL-SF36 is a general health questionnaire that comprises of physical function, social function, and the participants' perception of general health, well-being and satisfaction with the treatment .
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Number of Participants with Adverse Event (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a participant who received study drug without regard to possibility of causal relationship. An SAE is an AE resulting in any of the following outcomes or deemed significant for any other reason: death; initial or prolonged inpatient hospitalization; life-threatening experience (immediate risk of dying); persistent or significant disability/incapacity; congenital anomaly.
Measured: Week 2 to 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Oct 2008 (estimated)
- Study start1 Sep 2008
- Primary completion17 Feb 2009
- Study completion26 Mar 2009
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Spondylitis, AnkylosingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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 4
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 8 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Johnson & Johnson Taiwan, Ltd. Clinical Trial, Study director, Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00766402
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CR015322
- Other IDs
- TRAMAPPAI4034
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Oct 2008
- Last updated
- 4 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Study to Evaluate the Clinical Benefits of Tramadol/Acetaminophen (Ultracet®) vs. Diclofenac (Voltaren®) in the Treatment of Pain in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis Receiving Stable Treatment of Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00766402
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CR015322
- Conditions
- Spondylitis, Ankylosing, Pain
- Keywords
- Spondylitis, ankylosing, Pain, Ultracet, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Tramadol/acetaminophen
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Terminated
- Enrolment
- 8 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Johnson & Johnson Taiwan LtdIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2008 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 17 Feb 2009 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Mar 2009 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Oct 2008 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical benefit of tramadol/acetaminophen versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (diclofenac 50 milligram [mg]) in the treatment of pain in participants with ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine causing pain and stiffness) receiving stable treatment of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Detailed description
This is a single center, open labeled (all people know the identity of intervention), randomized (study drug assigned by chance), parallel group (a medical research study comparing the response in two or more groups of participants receiving different interventions (treatments) trial to compare the effectiveness (pain relief) and safety of tramadol 37.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg with diclofenac in participants with ankylosing spondylitis receiving stable treatment of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomized to one of the two treatment groups (tramadol/acetaminophen and Diclofenac). One group will be treated with tramadol 37.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg combination tablet and another group will be treated with diclofenac 50 mg tablet. Participants randomized into this study will be instructed to take one tablet Ultracet or diclofenac 50 mg orally, twice a day for 8 weeks. Evaluations will be performed as outlined: at Screening, at Baseline, and at Weeks 2, 4, and 8. The primary efficacy parameter is to compare the mean change from Baseline in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score between the two treatment groups (tramadol/acetaminophen versus diclofenac). Participants' safety will be monitored throughout the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Tramadol/Acetaminophen | Experimental | Drug: Tramadol /acetaminophenParticipants will receive a combination tablet of 37.5 milligram (mg) tramadol and 325 mg acetaminophen, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks. |
| Diclofenac | Active comparator | Drug: DiclofenacParticipants will receive 50 mg diclofenac tablet, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), as defined by Modified New York Criteria for ankylosing spondylitis: a) Low-back pain of at least 3 months duration improved by exercise and not relieved by rest b) Limitation of lumbar spine in sagittal and frontal planes c) Chest expansion decreased relative to normal values for age and sex d) Bilateral sacroiliitis, grade 2-4 or Unilateral sacroiliitis, grade 3-4 (Stoke)
- Participants are suffering from pain, with visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score greater than or equal to (>=) 40 millimeter (mm)
- Participants are receiving disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which have reached to the stable dosage within 4 weeks prior to the randomization visit - Serum creatinine less than or equal to (<=) 1.2 milligram per deciliter (mg/dL)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <= 3 times the laboratory's upper limit of normal
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Had an inadequate response to tramadol hydrochloride (HCl) therapy, or have discontinued tramadol HCl therapy due to adverse events
- Have taken tramadol HCl within 4 weeks prior to the entry of the study
- Have taken other medications for pain relief within 4 weeks prior to the entry of the study, except rescue medications
- Evidence of significant uncontrolled concomitant diseases such as cardiovascular disease, nervous system, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, endocrine or gastrointestinal disorders
- Women with pregnancy or breast-feeding
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Tramadol /acetaminophenAlso: Ultracet®Participants will receive a combination tablet of 37.5 milligram (mg) tramadol and 325 mg acetaminophen, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks. | Drug | Tramadol/Acetaminophen |
| DiclofenacAlso: Voltaren®Participants will receive 50 mg diclofenac tablet, orally twice daily up to 8 weeks. | Drug | Diclofenac |
Primary outcome
Change From Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at Week 2
Time frame: Baseline and Week 2
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale. The range of VAS score is from 0 to 10 where 0 = no pain and 10 = unbearable pain.
Change From Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at Week 4
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale. The range of VAS score is from 0 to 10 where 0 = no pain and 10 = unbearable pain.
Change From Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at Week 8
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale. The range of VAS score is from 0 to 10 where 0 = no pain and 10 = unbearable pain.
4 secondary outcomes
Change From Baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) Total and Sub-scale Scores at Week 2, 4, 8
Time frame: Baseline and Week 2, 4 and 8
Change From Baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) Total and Sub-scale Scores at Week 2, 4, 8
Time frame: Baseline, Week 2, 4 and 8
Quality of Life Medical outcome Study Health Survey Short Form 36 (QoL-SF36) Total and Sub-scale Scores
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Number of Participants with Adverse Event (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
Time frame: Week 2 to 8
Results and safety
The study was stopped early. Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Jun 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Johnson & Johnson Taiwan, Ltd. Clinical Trial study director
Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 4 study testing Tramadol /acetaminophen and Diclofenac in people with Spondylitis, Ankylosing and Pain, run by Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd at 1 site in Taiwan.
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 4 inclusion and 5 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: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. 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. 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 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
The study was stopped early. Results are not available in the source record.
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?
Change From Baseline in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at Week 2 (time frame: Baseline and Week 2). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 4 Jun 2026.