AzTrials
AzTrials

Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host DiseasePhase 3REACH2NCT02913261

Safety and Efficacy of Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Corticosteroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

A Phase 3 study testing Ruxolitinib (RUX) and Best Available Therapy (BAT) in people with Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host Disease, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 103 sites in 22 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

Assess the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib compared to Best Available Therapy (BAT) in patients with corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 12 years and older
What is being tested?
Ruxolitinib (RUX) and Best Available Therapy (BAT)
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
310 participants
Where
103 sitesin 22 countries
Study dates
10 Mar 2017to 23 Apr 2021
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 12 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Have undergone Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplanttaion (alloSCT) from any donor source (matched unrelated donor, sibling, haplo-identical) using bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, or cord blood. Recipients of non- myeloablative, myeloablative, and reduced intensity conditioning are eligible
  • Clinically diagnosed Grades II to IV acute GvHD as per standard criteria occurring after alloSCT requiring systemic immune suppressive therapy. Biopsy of involved organs with aGvHD is encouraged but not required for study screening.
  • Confirmed diagnosis of steroid refractory aGvHD defined as patients administered high-dose systemic corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day [or equivalent prednisone dose 2.5 mg/kg/day]), given alone or combined with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and either:
  • Progressing based on organ assessment after at least 3 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
  • Failure to achieve at a minimum partial response based on organ assessment after 7 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD,OR
  • Patients who fail corticosteroid taper defined as fulfilling either one of the following criteria:
  • Requirement for an increase in the corticosteroid dose to methylprednisolone ≥2 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose ≥2.5 mg/kg/day) , OR
  • Failure to taper the methylprednisolone dose to <0.5 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose <0.6 mg/kg/day) for a minimum 7 days.

Who cannot join

  • Has received more than one systemic treatment for steroid refractory aGvHD.
  • Presence of an active uncontrolled infection including significant bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infection requiring treatment. Infections are considered controlled if appropriate therapy has been instituted and, at the time of screening, no signs of progression are present. Progression of infection is defined as hemodynamic instability attributable to sepsis, new symptoms, worsening physical signs or radiographic findings attributable to infection. Persisting fever without other signs or symptoms will not be interpreted as progressing infection.
  • Evidence of uncontrolled viral infection including Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6), Hepatitis Virus (HBV), or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) based on assessment by the treating physician.
  • Presence of relapsed primary malignancy, or who have been treated for relapse after the alloHSCT was performed, or who may require rapid immune suppression withdrawal as pre-emergent treatment of early malignancy relapse.

Trial locations and contacts

103 sites in 22 countries.

103 sites in 22 countries

France16 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Angers, 49033

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Besançon, 25030

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Grenoble, 38043

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lille, 59000

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lille, 59037

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Limoges, 87042

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Nice, 06202

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Paris, 75012

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Paris, 75013

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Paris, 75019

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Paris, 75475

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Pessac, 33604

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Pierre-Bénite, 69495

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Saint Priest En Jarez, Pays de la Loire Region, 42270

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Toulouse, 31059

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54511

Other trials in France

Germany16 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Augsburg, 86179

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Berlin, 13125

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Berlin, 13353

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Dresden, 01307

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Düsseldorf, 40225

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Essen, 45147

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Freiburg im Breisgau, 79106

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hamburg, 20246

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hanover, 30625

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Jena, 07740

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Leipzig, 04103

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Mainz, 55131

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, 68305

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Münster, 48149

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Tübingen, 72076

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ulm, 89081

Other trials in Germany

Japan14 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bunkyo Ku, Tokyo, 113-8677

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Chuo Ku, Tokyo, 104 0045

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kobe, Hyōgo, 650-0047

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Minato Ku, Tokyo, 105-8470

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Nagoya, Aichi-ken, 453-8511

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Nishinomiya, Hyōgo, 663 8501

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Okayama, Okayama-ken, 700-8558

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Osaka, 545-8586

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060 8648

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Sendai, Miyagi, 980 8574

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160 8582

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Suita, Osaka, 565 0871

Other trials in Japan

Italy11 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ancona, AN, 60126

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bergamo, BG, 24127

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bologna, BO, 40138

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Brescia, BS, 25123

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Florence, FI, 50134

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Genova, GE, 16147

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Milan, MI, 20162

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Roma, RM, 00168

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, 71013

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Torino, TO, 10126

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Udine, UD, 33100

Other trials in Italy

Spain9 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Barcelona, Catalonia, 08035

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Barcelona, Catalonia, 08036

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Madrid, 28009

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Madrid, 28034

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Málaga, 29009

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33006

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seville, Andalusia, 41013

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Valencia, 46026

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Vigo, Pontevedra, 36212

Other trials in Spain

Canada8 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 5C2

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Montreal, Quebec, H1T 2M4

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 4H4

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9

Other trials in Canada

Australia4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Herston, Queensland, 4029

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Parkville, Victoria, 3002

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Westmead, New South Wales, 2145

Other trials in Australia

Israel4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Haifa, 3109601

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Jerusalem, 9112001

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Petah Tikva, 4941492

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Tel Aviv, 6423906

Other trials in Israel

Turkey (Türkiye)4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ankara, 06100

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ankara, 06500

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Istanbul, 41400

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Izmir

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

United Kingdom3 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    London, SE5 9RS

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    London, WC1E 6HX

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Manchester, M13 9WL

Other trials in United Kingdom

Austria2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Graz, 8036

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Linz, A-4010

Other trials in Austria

South Korea2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, 03080

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, 06351

Other trials in South Korea

Bulgaria1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Sofia, 1797

Other trials in Bulgaria

Czechia1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Prague, Czech Republic, 128 20

Other trials in Czechia

Denmark1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Copenhagen, DK-2100

Other trials in Denmark

Greece1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Thessaloniki, GR, 570 10

Other trials in Greece

Hong Kong1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hong Kong

Other trials in Hong Kong

Netherlands1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Utrecht, The Netherlands, 3508 GA

Other trials in Netherlands

Norway1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Oslo, 0372

Other trials in Norway

Russia1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Moscow, 125167

Other trials in Russia

Saudi Arabia1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Riyadh, 11211

Other trials in Saudi Arabia

Taiwan1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Taichung, 40447

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: A Phase III Randomized Open-label Multi-center Study of Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Corticosteroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Assess the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib compared to Best Available Therapy (BAT) in patients with corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Read the detailed description

This randomized, phase III, open-label study investigated the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib vs. BAT added to the patient's immunosuppressive regimen in adults and adolescents (≥ 12 years old) with grade II-IV Steroid-refractory Acute Graft vs. Host Disease (SR-aGvHD). During the screening period, patients were monitored for a diagnosis of SR-aGvHD, which was defined as patients who had high-dose systemic corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day [or equivalent prednisone dose 2.5 mg/kg/day]), given alone or combined with CNI, who either:

  1. Progressed based on organ assessment after at least 3 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
  2. Failed to achieve at a minimum a partial response based on organ assessment after 7 days compared to organ stage at the time of initiation of high-dose systemic corticosteroid +/- CNI for the treatment of Grade II-IV aGvHD, OR
  3. Failed corticosteroid taper defined as fulfilling either one of the following criteria:
  • Requirement for an increase in the corticosteroid dose to methylprednisolone ≥ 2 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose ≥ 2.5 mg/kg/day) OR
  • Failure to taper the methylprednisolone dose to <0.5 mg/kg/day (or equivalent prednisone dose <0.6 mg/kg/day) for a minimum 7 days.

Patients meeting eligibility criteria were randomized 1:1 to receive either ruxolitinib or BAT stratifying on aGvHD grade at the time of randomization (Grade II vs III vs IV).

Study treatment began on Day 1 (no later than 72 hours after randomization) followed by regular visits for assessments of efficacy and safety. Study treatment was administered until the patient met any of the criteria for discontinuation of study treatment or, in responders (i.e. patients achieving PR or CR) until the dosing schedule for ruxolitinib or BAT was completed.

All responders were to be tapered off during the treatment period by, first tapering from corticosteroids, followed by CNI and ruxolitinib. A slow tapering extending beyond 24 weeks was permitted for ruxolitinib at Investigator's discretion rather than an abrupt cessation, as the latter could result in an aGvHD flare.

During the Treatment Period, patients randomized to BAT could have crossed over to ruxolitinib between Day 28 and Week 24 if they:

  • Failed to meet the primary endpoint response definition (CR or PR) at Day 28 OR
  • Lost the response thereafter and met criteria for progression, mixed response, or no response, necessitating new additional systemic immunosuppressive treatment for aGvHD.

AND

  • Did not have signs/symptoms of chronic Graft vs. Host Disease (cGvHD) (overlap syndrome, progressive, or de novo cGvHD)

Patients who crossed over to ruxolitinib were followed until completion of treatment with ruxolitinib and received the same treatment and tapering schedule as patients randomized to ruxolitinib treatment.

The End of Treatment (EOT) visit occurred when the patient completed the study treatment period or earlier if the patient met any of the criteria for discontinuation of study treatment.

Patient's treatment period was up to 6 months (Week 24). However, ruxolitinib taper could be delayed up to 2 years from randomization due to an aGvHD flare or other safety concerns.

Being tested
Ruxolitinib (RUX), Best Available Therapy (BAT)
Keywords
GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease), INC424, ruxolitinib, best available therapy (BAT), corticosteroid-refractory acute graft vs. host disease, allogeneic stem cell transplantation, steroid refractory acute graft vs. host disease, Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor
Medical subject headings
Graft vs Host Disease

What participants receive

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

  • Ruxolitinib (RUX)Drug

    Also called INC424

    Ruxolitinib was provided as 5 mg tablets for oral use.

  • Best Available Therapy (BAT)Drug

    BAT was based on the investigator's best judgment, taking into account the manufacturer's instructions, labeling, patient's medical condition, and institutional guidelines for any dose adjustment. The BAT in this study was identified by the investigator prior to patient randomization among the following treatments currently used in this setting: anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), low-dose methotrexate (MTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mTOR inhibitors (everolimus or sirolimus), etanercept, or infliximab. No other types or combinations of BAT were permitted.

Study groups in NCT02913261
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
RuxolitinibExperimentalThese patients were administered Ruxolitinib orally twice per day (b.i.d) at a dose of 10 mg bid, as two 5-mg tablets. Ruxolitinib was taken without regards to food.
Receives: Drug: Ruxolitinib (RUX)
Best Available Therapy (BAT)Active comparatorThese patients were administered BAT per the Investigator's best judgement based on a specific list of BAT.
Receives: Drug: Best Available Therapy (BAT)

What is being measured

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

  1. Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 28

    Overall response rate at Day 28 after randomization was defined as the percentage participants in each arm demonstrating a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR), based on investigator assessment \& according to standard criteria, without requirement for additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response. Scoring of response was relative to the organ stage at the time of randomization.

    CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs \& symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    Measured: Day 28

Secondary outcomes (25)
  1. Durable Overall Response Rate (DORR) (Key Secondary Endpoint) at Day 56

    Percentage of all participants in each arm who achieved a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) at Day 28 (primary endpoint) AND maintained a CR or PR at Day 56 based on investigator assessment and according to standard criteria.

    CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    Measured: Day 56

  2. Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 14

    ORR at Da4 14 is the percentage of participants who achieved overall response (CR+PR) at Day 14 based on investigator assessment and according to standard criteria.

    CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    Measured: Day 14

  3. Duration of Response (DOR)

    Duration of response was defined for patients who had a CR or PR at Day 28. This was the interval between the date of first documented response of CR or PR (i.e., the start date of response), till the date of progression or addition of systemic therapies for aGvHD on or after Day 28. Death without prior observation of aGvHD progression and onset of chronic GvHD were considered. Duration of response was censored at the last response assessment prior to or at the analysis cut-off date, if no events/competing risk occurred before or at the cut-off date.

    Measured: Up to 24 months

  4. Cumulative Steroid Dosing Until Day 56

    Weekly cumulative steroid dose for each participant up to Day 56 or discontinuation of randomized treatment. Participants should have undergone tapering of steroids if it had been required. Tapering the immunosuppression therapy was performed in 2 steps: Taper of corticosteroids: initiated not earlier than Day 7, and performed as per institutional guidelines. Only patients with assessments done at each time point are reported. This is the reason that the overall number per treatment is higher and the number of participants with responses vary over time.

    Measured: up to Day 56

  5. Kaplan Meier Estimates of Probability of Overall Survival (OS) by Time Interval

    OS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to date of death due to any cause. If a patient was not known to have died, then OS was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Results are based on Kaplan Meier (KM) estimates.

    Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months

  6. Kaplan Meier Estimates of Probability of Event-free Survival (EFS) by Time Interval

    Event-free survival was defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of hematologic disease relapse/progression, graft failure, or death due to any cause. If a patient was not known to have any event, then EFS was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Results are based on Kaplan Meier (KM) estimates.

    Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months

  7. Cumulative Incidence Rate of Failure-Free Survival (FFS)

    FFS was defined as the time from the date of randomization to date of hematologic disease relapse/progression, non-relapse mortality, or addition of new systemic aGvHD treatment.

    Probability of FFS with 95% CIs are presented for each treatment group, accounting for onset of chronic GvHD as the competing risk.

    Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, & 24 Months

  8. Cumulative Probability of Non Relapse Mortality (NRM)

    NRM was defined as the time from date of randomization to date of death not preceded by hematologic disease relapse/progression. Hematologic disease relapse/progression was considered a competing risk for NRM with the date of hematologic disease relapse/progression being the earlier of documented hematologic disease relapse/progression or institution of therapy to treat potential hematologic disease relapse/progression. If a patient was not known to have died or to have relapsed/progressed, then NRM was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Data is provided based on cumulative probability of hematologic disease relapse/progression.

    Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months

  9. Cumulative Probability of Malignancy Relapse/Progression (MR)

    MR was defined as the time from date of randomization to hematologic malignancy relapse/progression. Deaths not preceded by hematologic malignancy relapse/progression were considered competing risks. If a patient was not known to have event or competing risks, then MR was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date). Calculated for patients with underlying hematologic malignant disease.

    Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12 , 18 & 24 months

  10. Cumulative Probability of Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD)

    Incidence of cGvHD was the time from date of randomization to onset of cGvHD is the diagnosis of any cGvHD including mild, moderate, severe. Deaths without prior onset of cGvHD and hematologic disease relapse/progression were competing risks. If a patient was not known to have event or competing risks, then the incidence of cGvHD was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date).

    Measured: 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 & 24 months

  11. Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK-Overall Response Rate

    Exposure-efficacy relationship of ruxolitinib in terms of concentration-effect and dose-effect.

    ORR was defined as the percentage of participants with a best overall response defined as complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) as assessed by local investigators. CR was defined as a score of 0 for the Acute Graft vs. Host Disease (aGvHD) grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    Measured: Day 28

  12. Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK- Durable Overall Response Rate (DORR)

    Exposure-efficacy relationship of ruxolitinib in terms of concentration-effect and dose-effect.

    DORR is the percentage of all participants in each arm who achieved a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) at Day 28 (primary endpoint) AND maintained a CR or PR at Day 56.

    CR was defined as a score of 0 for the aGvHD grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    Measured: Day 56

  13. Exposure-efficacy Relationship of Ruxolitinib in Corticosteroid Refractory aGvHD: PK-Overall Survival

    Exposure-efficacy relationship of ruxolitinib in terms of concentration-effect and dose-effect. This represents the percentage of Ruxolitinib-exposed participants dead at 24 months.

    Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from the date of randomization to date of death due to any cause. If a patient was not known to have died, then OS was censored at the latest date the patient was known to be alive (on or before the cut-off date).the date of death due to any cause.

    Measured: up to 24 months

  14. Best Overall Response Rate (BOR)

    Percentage of participants who achieved overall response (OR) (CR+PR) at any time point up to and including Day 28 and before the start of additional systemic therapy for aGvHD.

    CR was defined as a score of 0 for the Acute Graft vs. Host Disease (aGvHD) grading in all evaluable organs that indicates complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of aGvHD in all evaluable organs without administration of additional systemic therapies for any earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    PR was defined as improvement of 1 stage in 1 or more organs involved with aGvHD signs or symptoms without progression in other organs or sites without administration of additional systemic therapies for an earlier progression, mixed response or non-response of aGvHD.

    Measured: up to Day 28

  15. Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs): Change From Baseline in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation (FACT-BMT) Total Score

    The Functional assessment of Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire that measures the effect of a therapy on domains including physical, functional, social/family and emotional well-being, together with additional concerns relevant for bone marrow transplantation patients. Patients indicated their response on a scale of 0 to 4 on each statement, with 0 indicating worst score and 4 the best score. All individual scores were combined to calculate the total score. Total score was reported with score range: 0-148 which was calculated as the sum of all unweighted subscale scores. The higher the total score the better the result. Descriptive statistics and change from baseline were calculated in total score at each scheduled assessment time point.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 24

  16. Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs): Change From Baseline in EuroQol-5D-5L UK Score

    The EQ-5D descriptive classification consists of five dimensions of health: mobility, self-care, usual activities, anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort. Patients are requested to select the statement which best describes their condition on that day for each dimension. For overall health that day, the EuroQoL-5D-5L scale is numbered from 0 to 100, with 100 being the best health you can imagine and 0 being the worst health you can imagine. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, Q1, Q3, minimum, and maximum) were calculated based on the scored scales at each scheduled assessment time point. In order to measure Quality-of-Life (QoL) among aGvHD patients, and potential changes over time, change from baseline in EuroQol-5D-5L scores at the time of each assessment were also calculated. Missing items data in a scale will be handled based on each instrument manual. No imputation will be applied if the total or subscale scores are missing at a visit.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 24

  17. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Area Under the Curve (AUC) (AUCinf, AUClast, AUCtau) of Ruxolitinib

    AUClast: The AUC from time zero to the last measurable concentration sampling time (tlast) (mass x time x volume-1) AUCinf: The AUC from time zero to infinity (mass x time x volume-1) AUCtau: The AUC calculated to the end of a dosing interval (tau) at steady-state (amount x time x volume-1).

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients was assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  18. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Plasma Concentration at Peak (Cmax) of Ruxolitinib

    Cmax is the maximum (peak) observed plasma, blood, serum, or other body fluid drug concentration after single dose administration (mass X volume-1).

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients was assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  19. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: CL/F of Ruxolitinib

    CL/F is the total body clearance of ruxolitinib from the plasma after a single dose and at steady state.

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients was assayed for Ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  20. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: VzF of Ruxolitinib

    VzF is the apparent volume of distribution during terminal phase after a single dose and at steady state.

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  21. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Lambda_z of Ruxolitinib

    Lambda_z is the smallest (slowest) disposition (hybrid) rate constant (hr-1) may also be used for terminal elimination rate constant (hr-1).

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  22. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: T1/2 of Ruxolitinib

    T1/2 is the elimination half-life associated with the terminal slope of a semi logarithmic concentration-time curve (hr).

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  23. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Tmax of Ruxolitinib

    Tmax is the time to reach maximum (peak) plasma, blood, serum, or other body fluid drug concentration after single dose and repeated dose administration (hr).

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  24. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Racc of Ruxolitinib

    Racc is the accumulation ratio (AUC at steady state/AUC Day 1). Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients was be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS).

    Measured: pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 9 hrs post-dose

  25. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Parameter: Ctrough of Ruxolitinib

    Minimum concentration (Ctrough) of ruxolitinib and at steady state in corticosteroid refractory acute GVHD patients.

    Plasma samples for PK was taken at Day 1 (start of treatment), at Day 7 (week 1) to characterize the PK after first dose, and at steady state by non-compartmental analysis.

    The plasma samples from all patients will be assayed for ruxolitinib concentrations using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS)

    Measured: pre-dose

Timeline

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

  1. First posted23 Sep 2016 (estimated)
  2. Study start10 Mar 2017
  3. Primary completion24 Jun 2019
  4. Study completion23 Apr 2021

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
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
310 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02913261
Sponsor's protocol ID
CINC424C2301
Other IDs
2016-002584-33, 2016
Acronym
REACH2
Status last verified
May 2022
First submitted
18 Sep 2016
Last updated
8 Feb 2023
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com

Publications

  • Mahmoudjafari Z, Bhatt V, Xue Z, Locatelli F, Socie G, Zeiser R. Clinical considerations for ruxolitinib in the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and steroid-refractory or -dependent chronic GVHD: a plain language summary. Ther Adv Hematol. 2026 May 19;17:20406207261442908. doi: 10.1177/20406207261442908. eCollection 2026.

    PubMed 42180389
  • Mohty M, Socie G, Szer J, Niederwieser D, Butler J, Wagner-Drouet E, Or R, Rovenvald-Zuckerman T, Bozdag SC, Forcade E, Grillo G, Kroger N, Stolzel F, Russo D, Sanz J, Sarkar R, Stefanelli T, Wilke C, Zeiser R, von Bubnoff N. Ruxolitinib Versus Best Available Therapy in Patients With Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Final Analysis From the Randomized Phase III REACH2 Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Dec;43(34):3639-3645. doi: 10.1200/JCO-25-00809. Epub 2025 Oct 15.

    PubMed 41092247
  • Mahmoudjafari Z, Kintsch E, Xue Z, Bhatt V, Galvin J, Locatelli F, Zeiser R. Impact of concomitant azoles on ruxolitinib treatment in patients with GVHD: post hoc analyses of REACH2 and REACH3. Blood Adv. 2025 Aug 26;9(16):4206-4216. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2025016212.

    PubMed 40472328
  • Socie G, Niederwieser D, von Bubnoff N, Mohty M, Szer J, Or R, Garrett J, Prahallad A, Wilke C, Zeiser R. Prognostic value of blood biomarkers in steroid-refractory or steroid-dependent acute graft-versus-host disease: a REACH2 analysis. Blood. 2023 Jun 1;141(22):2771-2779. doi: 10.1182/blood.2022018579.

    PubMed 36827620
  • Zeiser R, von Bubnoff N, Butler J, Mohty M, Niederwieser D, Or R, Szer J, Wagner EM, Zuckerman T, Mahuzier B, Xu J, Wilke C, Gandhi KK, Socie G; REACH2 Trial Group. Ruxolitinib for Glucocorticoid-Refractory Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease. N Engl J Med. 2020 May 7;382(19):1800-1810. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1917635. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

    PubMed 32320566
  • Jagasia M, Zeiser R, Arbushites M, Delaite P, Gadbaw B, Bubnoff NV. Ruxolitinib for the treatment of patients with steroid-refractory GVHD: an introduction to the REACH trials. Immunotherapy. 2018 Apr;10(5):391-402. doi: 10.2217/imt-2017-0156. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

    PubMed 29316837

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Ruxolitinib (RUX) and Best Available Therapy (BAT) in people with Corticosteroid Refractory Acute Graft vs Host Disease, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 103 sites in 22 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 8 inclusion and 4 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 8 Feb 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 103 sites in France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain and 17 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. 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 8 Feb 2023). 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?

Overall Response Rate (ORR) at Day 28 (time frame: Day 28). 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 NCT02913261, which also lists 6 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 8 Feb 2023.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in