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.
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
- Conditions the study is for
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic
- 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
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- 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
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
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
Germany9 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Augsburg, 86179
Novartis Investigative Site
Dresden, Saxony, 01307
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Düsseldorf, 40479
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Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, 60590
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Greifswald, 17475
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Jena, Thuringia, 07740
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Kiel, 24116
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Ulm, 89081
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Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia, 42551
Italy8 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bologna, BO, 40138
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Catania, CT, 95123
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Florence, FI, 50134
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Genova, GE, 16132
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Milan, MI, 20162
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Reggio Calabria, RC, 89124
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Roma, RM, 00133
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Rozzano, MI, 20089
Spain8 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Badalona, Barcelona, 08916
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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
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Valencia, 46026
France6 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Grenoble, 38043
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Lille, 59037
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Paris, 75475
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Toulouse, 31059
Novartis Investigative Site
Tours, 37044
Novartis Investigative Site
Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54511
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
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Kolkata, West Bengal, 700160
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Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625107
Taiwan6 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Hualien City, 970
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Kaohsiung City, 83301
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Liouying Township, 736005
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Taichung, 40447
Novartis Investigative Site
Taipei, 10002
Novartis Investigative Site
Taoyuan, 33305
Thailand6 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bangkok, 10330
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Bangkok, 10400
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Bangkok, 10700
Novartis Investigative Site
Chiang Mai, 50200
Novartis Investigative Site
Khon Kaen, THA, 40002
Novartis Investigative Site
Songkhla, Hat Yai, 90110
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
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
Czechia4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Brno, 625 00
Novartis Investigative Site
Hradec Králové, 500 05
Novartis Investigative Site
Prague, 128 00
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Prague, 128 08
Malaysia4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
George Town, Pulau Pinang, 10450
Novartis Investigative Site
Kuala Lumpur, 59100
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Kuala Selangor, 68000
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Kuching, Sarawak, 93586
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
United Kingdom4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Edinburgh, Scotland, EH4 2XU
Novartis Investigative Site
Manchester, M20 2BX
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Nottingham, NG5 1PB
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Portsmouth, Hants, PO6 3LY
Australia3 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Clayton, Victoria, 3168
Novartis Investigative Site
Perth, Western Australia, 6000
Novartis Investigative Site
Wooloongabba, Queensland, 4102
Austria3 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Graz, 8036
Novartis Investigative Site
Innsbruck, Tyrol, 6020
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Linz, 4020
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
Belgium2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Brasschaat, 2930
Novartis Investigative Site
Roeselare, West-Vlaanderen, 8800
Canada2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2
Novartis Investigative Site
Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5
Colombia2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bogotá, 110231
Novartis Investigative Site
Rionegro, Antioquia, 054047
Finland2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Helsinki, FIN 00290
Novartis Investigative Site
Kuopio, 70211
Greece2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Alexandroupoli, 681 00
Novartis Investigative Site
Pátrai, 265 04
Israel2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Afula, 1834111
Novartis Investigative Site
Tel Aviv, 6423906
Portugal2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Lisbon, 1099-023
Novartis Investigative Site
Porto, 4200-072
Russia2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Saint Petersburg, 191024
Novartis Investigative Site
Saint Petersburg, 197022
Singapore2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Singapore, 119074
Novartis Investigative Site
Singapore, 169608
Switzerland2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bern, 3010
Novartis Investigative Site
Zurich, 8091
Netherlands1 site
Novartis Investigative Site
Groningen, Provincie Groningen, 9713 GZ
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 group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sabatolimab (MBG453) + Azacitidine | Experimental | Participants received sabatolimab plus Azacitidine Receives: Drug: Sabatolimab; Drug: Azacitidine |
| Placebo + Azacitidine | Placebo comparator | Participants 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.
Overall Survival (OS) (Primary Efficacy Results)
OS is the time from randomization until death due to any cause.
Measured: up to approx. 39 months
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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.
- First posted12 Feb 2020
- Study start8 Jun 2020
- Primary completion2 Oct 2024
- 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
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Myelodysplastic SyndromesStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Novartis PharmaceuticalsThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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 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)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Study director, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
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
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- 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
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- 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)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04266301
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STIMULUS-MDS2 / CMBG453B12301
- Keywords
- MBG453, Phase III, TIM-3, azacitidine, myelodysplastic syndrome, MDS, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, CMML-2
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- TerminatedReason 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.
- Enrolment
- 530 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Novartis PharmaceuticalsIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 8 Jun 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 2 Oct 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 Feb 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 12 Dec 2025
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Randomized, double-blind
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sabatolimab (MBG453) + Azacitidine | Experimental | Drug: Sabatolimab, Drug: AzacitidineParticipants received sabatolimab plus Azacitidine |
| Placebo + Azacitidine | Placebo comparator | Drug: Azacitidine, Drug: PlaceboParticipants received placebo plus Azacitidine. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- 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):
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- 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)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SabatolimabAlso: MBG453A dose of MBG453 800 mg was administered intravenously (IV) every 4 weeks (Q4W). | Drug | Sabatolimab (MBG453) + Azacitidine |
| AzacitidineA dose of Azacitidine 75 mg/m2 was administered IV or subcutaneously (SC) on Day 1-7, or Day 1-5, 8 and 9. | Drug | Placebo + Azacitidine, Sabatolimab (MBG453) + Azacitidine |
| PlaceboA dose of placebo 800 mg was administered intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W). | Drug | Placebo + Azacitidine |
Primary outcome
Overall Survival (OS) (Primary Efficacy Results)
Time frame: up to approx. 39 months
OS is the time from randomization until death due to any cause.
Overall Survival (OS) (Final Efficacy Results)
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
OS is the time from randomization until death due to any cause.
17 secondary outcomes
Key Secondary Endpoint 1: Time to Definitive Deterioration of Fatigue Using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Score
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Key Secondary Endpoint 2: Red Blood Cell (RBC) Annualized Transfusion Free Rate for Transfusion
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Key Secondary Endpoint 3: Percentage of Participants With at Least 3 Point Confirmed Improvement From Baseline in FACIT-fatigue Scores
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
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)
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Key Secondary Endpoint 5: Percentage of Participants With at Least 10 Point Confirmed Improvement From Baseline in Emotional Functioning Using EORTC-QLQ-C30
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
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
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Percentage of Participants With Stable Disease (SD) According to International Working Group for MDS (IWG-MDS) as Per Investigator Assessment
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Progression Free Survival (PFS)
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Leukemia-free Survival (LFS)
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Number of Participants Who Become Red Blood Cells (RBC) Transfusion Independent After Randomization
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Number of Participants Who Become Platelets Transfusion Independent After Randomization
Time frame: up to approx. 52 months
Pharmacokinetics of MBG453 (Parameter Cmax)
Time frame: 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
Pharmacokinetics of MBG453 (Parameter AUC)
Time frame: 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
ADA Prevalence at Baseline and ADA-positive Participants On-treatment
Time frame: Baseline, up to approx. 39 months
Change From Baseline in the European Quality of Life (EuroQol) - 5 Dimensions, 5 Level Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) Score Over Time
Time frame: Baseline, every 3 cycles up to C48D1 (1 cycle = 28 days)
Change From Baseline in the European Quality of Life (EuroQoL) - 5 Dimensions, 5 Level Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Over Time
Time frame: Baseline, every 3 cycles up to C48D1 (1 cycle = 28 days)
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).
Time frame: Up to Cycle 12 Day 1 (C12D1) (1 cycle = 28 days)
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Jan 2026.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 37083373Zeidan 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.
- A Plain Language Trial Summary is available on www.novctrd.comLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: 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
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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.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals study director
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
149 sites in 36 countries: see every site and its status.
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.