AzTrials
AzTrials

Myelodysplastic SyndromesPhase 3STIMULUS-MDS2NCT04266301

Study of Efficacy and Safety of MBG453 in Combination With Azacitidine in Subjects With Intermediate, High or Very High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) as Per IPSS-R, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2 (CMML-2)

A Phase 3 study testing Sabatolimab and Azacitidine in people with Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 149 sites in 36 countries.

Terminated

Stopped early. The study ended before it was planned to and will not resume.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This was a Phase III multi-center, randomized, two-arm parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of MBG453 or placebo added to azacitidine in adult participants with intermediate, high or very high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as per IPSS-R, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2 (CMML-2) who are not… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 100 years
What is being tested?
Sabatolimab and Azacitidine
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
530 participants
Where
149 sitesin 36 countries
Study dates
8 Jun 2020to 2 Oct 2024
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 100 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Signed informed consent must be obtained prior to participation in the study
  • Age ≥ 18 years at the date of signing the informed consent form
  • Morphologically confirmed diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) based on WHO 2016 classification (Arber et al 2016) by local investigator assessment with one of the following Prognostic Risk Categories, based on the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R):
  • Very high (> 6 points)
  • High (> 4.5 - ≤ 6 points)
  • Intermediate (> 3 - ≤ 4.5 points) Or Morphologically confirmed diagnosis of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia -2 based on WHO 2016 classification (Arber et al 2016, including persistent monocytosis) by local investigator assessment with WBC < 13 x 109/L at time of initial diagnosis
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Indication for azacitidine treatment according to the investigator, based on local standard medical practice and institutional guidelines for treatment decisions
  • Not eligible at time of screening for intensive chemotherapy according to the investigator, based on local standard medical practice and institutional guidelines for treatment decisions, including assessment of individual clinical factors such as age, comorbidities and performance status
  • Not eligible at time of screening for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) according to the investigator, based on local standard medical practice and institutional guidelines for treatment decisions, including assessment of individual clinical factors such as age, comorbidities, performance status, and donor availability
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1 or 2

Who cannot join

  • Prior exposure to TIM-3 directed therapy at any time. Prior therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g, anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2), cancer vaccines is allowed except if the drug was administered within 4 months prior to randomization
  • Previous first-line treatment for intermediate, high, very high risk myelodysplastic syndromes (based on IPSS-R) or CMML with any antineoplastic agents including for example chemotherapy, lenalidomide and hypomethylating agents (HMAs) such as decitibine and azacitidine. However, previous treatment with hydroxyurea or leukopheresis to reduce WBC count is allowed prior to randomization.
  • Investigational treatment received within 4 weeks or 5 half-lives of this investigational treatment, whatever is longer, prior to randomization. In case of a checkpoint inhibitor: a minimal interval of 4 months prior to randomization is necessary to allow randomization.
  • Subjects with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) based on 2016 WHO classification (Arber et al 2016) with revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) ≤ 3
  • Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) including acute promyelocytic leukemia and extra-medullary acute myeloid leukemia, primary or secondary myelofibrosis based on WHO 2016 classification (Arber et al 2016)
  • Diagnosis of therapy related myeloid neoplasms based on WHO 2016 classification (Arber et al 2016)
  • History of organ or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Trial locations and contacts

149 sites in 36 countries.

149 sites in 36 countries

China16 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Beijing, 100029

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Beijing, 100730

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Changchun, Jilin, 130021

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Jinan, 250012

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Shanghai, 200025

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Shanghai, 200233

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518037

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Tianjin, 300020

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Tianjin, 300052

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Wuhan, Hubei, 430022

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Wuhan, Hubei, 430030

Other trials in China

United States11 sites
  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114

  • University of Virginia

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903

  • Northwestern University

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611

  • Hackensack University Medical Ctr

    Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601

  • Mayo Clinic Jacksonville

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32224

  • University of California LA

    Los Angeles, California, 90095

  • University Of Miami

    Miami, Florida, 33136

  • Yale University School Of Medicine

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06520

  • Weill Cornell Medicine NY-Presb

    New York, New York, 10021

  • University of Rochester Medical Ctr

    Rochester, New York, 14642

  • Yuma Regional Cancer Center

    Yuma, Arizona, 85364

Other trials in United States

Japan11 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kashiwa, Chiba, 277 8577

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8501

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Nagoya, Aichi-ken, 464 8681

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Osaka, 545-8586

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Sakai, Osaka, 590-0197

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Sapporo, Hokkaido, 064 0804

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Sendai, Miyagi, 980 8574

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Yamagata, Yamagata, 990 9585

Other trials in Japan

Germany9 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Augsburg, 86179

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Dresden, Saxony, 01307

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Düsseldorf, 40479

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, 60590

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Greifswald, 17475

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Jena, Thuringia, 07740

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kiel, 24116

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ulm, 89081

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia, 42551

Other trials in Germany

Italy8 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bologna, BO, 40138

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Catania, CT, 95123

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Florence, FI, 50134

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Genova, GE, 16132

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Milan, MI, 20162

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Reggio Calabria, RC, 89124

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Roma, RM, 00133

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Rozzano, MI, 20089

Other trials in Italy

Spain8 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Badalona, Barcelona, 08916

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Barcelona, Catalonia, 08035

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Madrid, 28009

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33011

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Salamanca, Castille and León, 37007

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seville, 41013

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Valencia, 46010

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Valencia, 46026

Other trials in Spain

France6 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Grenoble, 38043

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lille, 59037

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Paris, 75475

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Toulouse, 31059

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Tours, 37044

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54511

Other trials in France

India6 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Delhi, 110085

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Faridabad, Haryana, 121 001

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kolkata, West Bengal, 700014

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kolkata, West Bengal, 700160

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625107

Other trials in India

Taiwan6 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hualien City, 970

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kaohsiung City, 83301

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Liouying Township, 736005

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Taichung, 40447

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Taipei, 10002

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Taoyuan, 33305

Other trials in Taiwan

Thailand6 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bangkok, 10330

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bangkok, 10400

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bangkok, 10700

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Chiang Mai, 50200

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Khon Kaen, THA, 40002

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Songkhla, Hat Yai, 90110

Other trials in Thailand

South Korea5 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, Korea, 03080

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, Seoul, 06351

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, 03722

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, 05505

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, 06591

Other trials in South Korea

Turkey (Türkiye)5 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ankara, 06230

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Edirne, Merkez, 22030

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Istanbul, Pendik, 34899

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Izmir, 35100

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Samsun, Atakum, 55200

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

Czechia4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Brno, 625 00

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hradec Králové, 500 05

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Prague, 128 00

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Prague, 128 08

Other trials in Czechia

Malaysia4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    George Town, Pulau Pinang, 10450

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kuala Lumpur, 59100

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kuala Selangor, 68000

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kuching, Sarawak, 93586

Other trials in Malaysia

Mexico4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Estado de México, 52787

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Mexico City, Mexico City, 06720

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Morelia, Michoacán, 58260

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Satélite, Edo Mexico, 53100

Other trials in Mexico

United Kingdom4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Edinburgh, Scotland, EH4 2XU

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Manchester, M20 2BX

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Nottingham, NG5 1PB

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Portsmouth, Hants, PO6 3LY

Other trials in United Kingdom

Australia3 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Clayton, Victoria, 3168

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Perth, Western Australia, 6000

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Wooloongabba, Queensland, 4102

Other trials in Australia

Austria3 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Graz, 8036

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Innsbruck, Tyrol, 6020

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Linz, 4020

Other trials in Austria

Brazil3 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88020-210

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    São Paulo, São Paulo, 04014-002

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    São Paulo, São Paulo, 05319-000

Other trials in Brazil

Belgium2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Brasschaat, 2930

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Roeselare, West-Vlaanderen, 8800

Other trials in Belgium

Canada2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5

Other trials in Canada

Colombia2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bogotá, 110231

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Rionegro, Antioquia, 054047

Other trials in Colombia

Finland2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Helsinki, FIN 00290

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kuopio, 70211

Other trials in Finland

Greece2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Alexandroupoli, 681 00

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Pátrai, 265 04

Other trials in Greece

Israel2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Afula, 1834111

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Tel Aviv, 6423906

Other trials in Israel

Portugal2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lisbon, 1099-023

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Porto, 4200-072

Other trials in Portugal

Russia2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Saint Petersburg, 191024

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Saint Petersburg, 197022

Other trials in Russia

Singapore2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Singapore, 119074

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Singapore, 169608

Other trials in Singapore

Switzerland2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bern, 3010

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Zurich, 8091

Other trials in Switzerland

Argentina1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Pilar, Buenos Aires, B1629AHJ

Other trials in Argentina

Chile1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, 2540364

Other trials in Chile

Lebanon1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Beirut, 113-0236

Other trials in Lebanon

Lithuania1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Vilnius, LT-08406

Other trials in Lithuania

Netherlands1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Groningen, Provincie Groningen, 9713 GZ

Other trials in Netherlands

Oman1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Khoudh, 123

Other trials in Oman

Saudi Arabia1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Riyadh, 11211

Other trials in Saudi Arabia

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase III Multi-center Study of Azacitidine With or Without MBG453 for the Treatment of Patients With Intermediate, High or Very High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) as Per IPSS-R, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2 (CMML-2)

This was a Phase III multi-center, randomized, two-arm parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of MBG453 or placebo added to azacitidine in adult participants with intermediate, high or very high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as per IPSS-R, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2 (CMML-2) who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) according to medical judgment by the investigator.

The purpose of the current study was to assess clinical effects of MBG453 in combination with azacytidine in adult participants with IPSS-R intermediate, high, very high risk MDS and CMML-2.

Read the detailed description

This was a Phase III multi-center, randomized, two-arm parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of MBG453 or placebo added to azacitidine in adult participants with intermediate, high or very high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as per IPSS-R, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2 (CMML-2).

The primary objective of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) in the MBG453 plus azacitidine arm versus placebo plus azacitidine arm where OS was the time from randomization until death due to any cause.

Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to treatment arms as follow: MBG453 800 mg IV Q4W plus azacitidine, Placebo IV Q4W plus azacitidine.

The randomization was stratified into 4 groups: intermediate risk MDS, high risk MDS, very high risk MDS and CMML-2.

All participants who discontinued both study treatments were to have entered a long-term post-treatment follow-up including response and PRO assessments, and/or survival follow-up for up to 5 years after the last participant was randomized.

Participants were receiving treatment until they experienced progression of disease (including transformation to acute leukemia per WHO 2016 classification), experienced unacceptable toxicity or discontinued the study treatment for other reasons.

Continuation of study treatment beyond progression (excluding transformation to acute leukemia: continuation in this case was not possible) could have been possible in selected participants.

Being tested
Sabatolimab, Azacitidine, Placebo
Keywords
MBG453, Phase III, TIM-3, azacitidine, myelodysplastic syndrome, MDS, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, CMML-2, Sabatolimab, high or, very high risk myelodysplastic syndrome, Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2
Medical subject headings
Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic

What participants receive

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

  • SabatolimabDrug

    Also called MBG453

    A dose of MBG453 800 mg was administered intravenously (IV) every 4 weeks (Q4W).

  • AzacitidineDrug

    A dose of Azacitidine 75 mg/m2 was administered IV or subcutaneously (SC) on Day 1-7, or Day 1-5, 8 and 9.

  • PlaceboDrug

    A dose of placebo 800 mg was administered intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W).

Study groups in NCT04266301
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Sabatolimab (MBG453) + AzacitidineExperimentalParticipants received sabatolimab plus Azacitidine
Receives: Drug: Sabatolimab; Drug: Azacitidine
Placebo + AzacitidinePlacebo comparatorParticipants received placebo plus Azacitidine.
Receives: Drug: Azacitidine; Drug: Placebo

What is being measured

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

  1. Overall Survival (OS) (Primary Efficacy Results)

    OS is the time from randomization until death due to any cause.

    Measured: up to approx. 39 months

  2. Overall Survival (OS) (Final Efficacy Results)

    OS is the time from randomization until death due to any cause.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

Secondary outcomes (17)
  1. Key Secondary Endpoint 1: Time to Definitive Deterioration of Fatigue Using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Score

    FACIT-Fatigue score is a 13-item questionnaire designed to assess fatigue in cancer participants. All items use a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4 (0=Not at All to 4=Very Much). The total score ranges from 0 to 52 with higher values representing better quality of life. Time to definitive deterioration of fatigue is defined as time from randomization to at least 3 points worsening from baseline in FACIT-fatigue scores with no subsequently observed improvement above this threshold, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  2. Key Secondary Endpoint 2: Red Blood Cell (RBC) Annualized Transfusion Free Rate for Transfusion

    Annualized transfusion free rate is defined as the average number of days in RBC transfusion-free intervals in a year (i.e., the total number of days in RBC transfusion-free intervals divided by the total days in the study multiplied by 365.25), where RBC transfusion-free intervals correspond to cumulative times of intervals with no evidence of RBC transfusion for at least 8 weeks at any point after randomization until death due to any cause.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  3. Key Secondary Endpoint 3: Percentage of Participants With at Least 3 Point Confirmed Improvement From Baseline in FACIT-fatigue Scores

    FACIT-Fatigue score is a 13-item questionnaire designed to assess fatigue in cancer participants. All items use a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4 (0=Not at All to 4=Very Much). The total score ranges from 0 to 52 with higher values representing better quality of life. The responder is defined as having 3 points improvement from baseline confirmed by a second improvement of 3 points at any time, regardless of preceding worsening. A participant who could not improve was considered as a non-responder.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  4. Key Secondary Endpoint 4: Percentage of Participants With at Least 10 Point Confirmed Improvement From Baseline in Physical Functioning Using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)

    EORTC-QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer participants. Participants' responses to 5 questions about their physical functioning (Items 1-5) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. A high score indicates a high / healthy level of functioning. The responder is defined as having 10 points improvement from baseline confirmed by a second improvement of 10 points at any time, regardless of preceding worsening. A participant who could not improve was considered as a non-responder.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  5. Key Secondary Endpoint 5: Percentage of Participants With at Least 10 Point Confirmed Improvement From Baseline in Emotional Functioning Using EORTC-QLQ-C30

    EORTC-QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer participants. Participants' responses to 4 questions about their emotional functioning (Items 21-24) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. A high score indicates a high / healthy level of functioning. The responder is defined as having 10 points improvement from baseline confirmed by a second improvement of 10 points at any time, regardless of preceding worsening. A participant who could not improve was considered as a non-responder.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  6. Percentage of Participants With Either CR, or mCR, or PR, or HI in Each Treatment Arm According to International Working Group for MDS (IWG-MDS) as Per Investigator Assessment

    Response rate of participants with complete remission (CR), or marrow remission (mCR), or partial remission (PR), or hematologic improvement (HI).

    CR: where the Bone marrow: ≤ 5% blasts with normal maturation of all cell lineages and Peripheral blood: where Hgb ≥ 10 g/dL AND Platelets ≥ 100*109/L AND Neutrophils ≥ 1.0*109/L AND Peripheral blasts 0%.

    mCR: Bone marrow: ≤ 5% blasts and blast count decrease by ≥ 50% compared to baseline; Peripheralblood/transfusion: Marrow CR may be achieved with or without improved blood counts or with or without transfusions PR: All CR criteria except bone marrow: ≥50% decrease from baseline in blasts in bone marrow AND blast count in bone marrow >5%.

    HI: restoration or enhancement of the function of the body's blood cell-producing system that must last as least 8 weeks.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  7. Percentage of Participants With Stable Disease (SD) According to International Working Group for MDS (IWG-MDS) as Per Investigator Assessment

    Response rate of participants with stable disease. SD is the failure to achieve at least partial response (PR), but no evidence of progression for >8 weeks.

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  8. Progression Free Survival (PFS)

    PFS is defined as the time from randomization to disease progression (including transformation to acute leukemia per WHO 2016), relapse from CR (IWG-MDS), or death. Disease progression: bone marrow blasts increase ≥ 50% over baseline, to > 5% if initially < 5%, > 10% if 5%-<10%, or > 20% if 10%-<20%. Includes a peripheral blood count decrease ≥ 50% from maximum remission/response levels: neutrophils < 1.0x109/L, platelets < 100x109/L, or hemoglobin drop ≥ 2 g/dL to < 10 g/dL, becoming transfusion-dependent.

    Relapse from CR: baseline bone marrow blast % return, neutrophils decrease ≥ 50% to < 1.0x109/L, platelets decrease ≥ 50% to < 100x109/L, or hemoglobin drop ≥ 1.5 g/dL to < 10 g/dL, becoming transfusion-dependent.

    Leukemia transformation: > 20% blasts per WHO 2016 (Arber et al 2016).

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  9. Leukemia-free Survival (LFS)

    LFS is defined as the time from randomization to ≥ 20% blasts in bone marrow/peripheral blood (per WHO 2016 classification) or diagnosis of extramedullary acute leukemia, or death due to any cause

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  10. Number of Participants Who Become Red Blood Cells (RBC) Transfusion Independent After Randomization

    Improvement in RBC transfusion independence as per International Working Group for MDS (IWG-MDS) criteria. RBC transfusion independence was defined as having received 0 units of RBC transfusions during at least 8 consecutive weeks after randomization. The number of participants was shown in only those with transfusion dependence at baseline (BL).

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  11. Number of Participants Who Become Platelets Transfusion Independent After Randomization

    Improvement in Platelets transfusion independence as per International Working Group for MDS (IWG-MDS) criteria. Platelets transfusion independence was defined as having received 0 units of Platelets transfusions during at least 8 consecutive weeks after randomization. The number of participants was shown in only those with transfusion dependence at baseline (BL).

    Measured: up to approx. 52 months

  12. Pharmacokinetics of MBG453 (Parameter Cmax)

    Cmax is the maximum (peak) observed drug concentration after single dose administration (mass x volume-1).

    Measured: 0 hr (pre-dose) & 2 hrs (post-dose) of Cycle (C) 1 Day (D) 8 and 0 hr (pre-dose) & 2 hrs (post-dose) of C3D8

  13. Pharmacokinetics of MBG453 (Parameter AUC)

    AUCinf is the AUC from time zero to infinity (mass x time x volume-1).

    Measured: 0 hr (pre-dose) & 2 hrs (post-dose) of Cycle (C) 1 Day (D) 8 and 0 hr (pre-dose) & 2 hrs (post-dose) of C3D8

  14. ADA Prevalence at Baseline and ADA-positive Participants On-treatment

    Anti-drug Antibody (ADA) prevalence is the number of participants with at least one sample meeting the criteria at baseline. ADA-positive participants were calculated as the number of participants with at least one on-treatment ADA-positive sample divided by the number of participants with a determinant baseline IG sample and at least one determinant post-baseline IG sample.

    Measured: Baseline, up to approx. 39 months

  15. Change From Baseline in the European Quality of Life (EuroQol) - 5 Dimensions, 5 Level Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) Score Over Time

    The EQ-5D-5L comprises 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression. For each of the 5 dimensions, subject's responses are scored on a 5-point scale (1=no problem to 5=extreme problems). Change from baseline is being presented for EQ Index score. Index score is defined as a weighted combination of the levels of the 5-dimention scales, ranging from 0 to 1 (perfect health), with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life. The United States value set from Pickard et al 2019 was used.

    Measured: Baseline, every 3 cycles up to C48D1 (1 cycle = 28 days)

  16. Change From Baseline in the European Quality of Life (EuroQoL) - 5 Dimensions, 5 Level Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Over Time

    The EQ-5D-5L VAS records the participant's self-rated health on a visual analogue scale numbered from 0 to 100, with 0 being "the worst health you can imagine" and 100 being "the best health you can imagine". Change from baseline was presented.

    Measured: Baseline, every 3 cycles up to C48D1 (1 cycle = 28 days)

  17. Change From Baseline of Global Health Status/Quality of Life Scores Using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30).

    EORTC-QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer participants. Participant's responses to 2 questions (Items 29+30: "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?" and "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?") are scored on a 7-point scale (1=Very Poor to 7=Excellent). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. A higher score indicates a better overall outcome. Change from baseline to Cycle 12 Day 1 as presented.

    Measured: Up to Cycle 12 Day 1 (C12D1) (1 cycle = 28 days)

Timeline

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

  1. First posted12 Feb 2020
  2. Study start8 Jun 2020
  3. Primary completion2 Oct 2024
  4. Study completion2 Oct 2024

Why it stopped: In December 2023, Novartis decided to terminate the sabatolimab clinical development program early after Phase II (MDS1) and Phase III (MDS2) studies failed to meet their primary objectives. The termination was not due to safety concerns.

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
Model description
Randomized, double-blind
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator
Enrolment
530 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04266301
Sponsor's protocol ID
CMBG453B12301
Other IDs
2019-002089-11, 2019
Acronym
STIMULUS-MDS2
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
21 Jan 2020
Last updated
13 Jan 2026
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
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 expert panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of participants who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data is currently available according to the process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com

Publications

  • Zeidan AM, Giagounidis A, Sekeres MA, Xiao Z, Sanz GF, Hoef MV, Ma F, Hertle S, Santini V. STIMULUS-MDS2 design and rationale: a phase III trial with the anti-TIM-3 sabatolimab (MBG453) + azacitidine in higher risk MDS and CMML-2. Future Oncol. 2023 Mar;19(9):631-642. doi: 10.2217/fon-2022-1237. Epub 2023 Apr 21.

    PubMed 37083373

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Sabatolimab and Azacitidine in people with Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 149 sites in 36 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 10 inclusion and 7 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 13 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 149 sites in China, United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and 31 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 12 Dec 2025). 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 Survival (OS) (Primary Efficacy Results) (time frame: up to approx. 39 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 NCT04266301, which also lists 1 linked publication.

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 13 Jan 2026.

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