Giant Cell ArteritisPhase 2THEIANCT04633447
A Study to Evaluate Guselkumab for the Treatment of Participants With New-onset or Relapsing Giant Cell Arteritis
A Phase 2 study testing Guselkumab in people with Giant Cell Arteritis, run by Janssen Research & Development, LLC at 30 sites in 9 countries.
Trial summary
The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab compared to placebo, in combination with a 26-week glucocorticoid (GC) taper regimen, in adult participants with new-onset or relapsing giant cell arteritis (GCA). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- What is being tested?
- Guselkumab
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 53 participants
- Where
- 30 sitesin 9 countries
- Study dates
- 10 Dec 2020to 22 May 2024
- Phase
- Phase 2
- 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 50 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of Giant cell arteritis (GCA) according to the revised American College of Rheumatology criteria
- GCA diagnosis confirmed by either temporal artery biopsy revealing features of GCA either at time of diagnosis or at other timepoint during disease history; or evidence of cranial GCA either at time of diagnosis or at other timepoint during disease history by cranial doppler-ultrasound; or cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography; or other imaging modality upon agreement with the sponsor or evidence of GCA by angiography or cross-sectional imaging (ultrasound, MRI, computed tomography [CT], positron emission tomography [PET])
- Have new onset or relapsing GCA
- Have active GCA within 6 weeks of first study intervention: Active GCA: presence of signs and symptoms of GCA and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than or equal to (>=) 30 millimeter per hour (mm/hour), or C-reactive protein (CRP) >= 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (or 1 milligrams per deciliter [mg/dL]), attributed to active GCA. ESR >= 30 mm/hour or CRP >= 10 mg/L (or 1 mg/dL) is not required if active GCA has been confirmed by a positive temporal artery biopsy or ultrasound or other imaging modality within 6 weeks of first study intervention
- Clinically stable GCA disease on a glucocorticoid (GC) dose between 20 and 60 milligrams per day (mg/day) (prednisone or equivalent) at randomization such that the participant is able to safely participate in the protocol defined prednisone taper regimen, in the opinion of the investigator
Who cannot join
- Has any known severe or uncontrolled GCA complications
- Has any rheumatic disease other than GCA such that could interfere with assessment of GCA
- Has a current diagnosis or signs or symptoms of severe, progressive, or concomitant medical condition that places the participant at risk by participating in this study)
- Has or has had any major ischemic event, within 12 weeks of first study intervention. Has a personal history of arterial thrombosis or venous thromboembolism (including deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and Pulmonary Embolism [PE])
- Has any comorbidities requiring 3 or more courses of systemic GCs within 12 months of first study intervention, AND, inability, in the opinion of the investigator, to withdraw GC therapy through protocol-defined taper regimen due to suspected or established adrenal insufficiency, OR, currently on systemic chronic GC therapy for reasons other than GCA and be GC dependent and have the potential to flare due to GC tapering (e.g. unstable asthma, unstable COPD)
- Has a history of, or ongoing, chronic or recurrent infectious disease
Show all 9Show fewer
- Has received within specified timeframe, or 5 half-lives (whichever is greater) , or has failed treatment with any investigational or approved biologic agents or Janus Kinase Inhibitor prior to first study intervention
- Use of any of the following systemic immunosuppressant treatments within the specified timeframe prior to study start: Any cytotoxic agents (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, nitrogen mustard, or other alkylating agents) with 6 months; Hydroxychloroquine, cyclosporine A, azathioprine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, sulfasalazine, leflunomide with cholestyramine washout or mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid within 3 months; Intramuscular, intra-articular, intrabursal, epidural, intra-lesional or IV GCs within 6 week; and Methotrexate (MTX) within 12 weeks. If started MTX >12 weeks prior to first study intervention MTX must have been at a stable dose for minimally 4 weeks and must not be receiving more than 25 mg oral or SC MTX per week
- Has chronic continuous use of systemic GCs for greater than (>) 4 years or inability, in the opinion of the investigator, to withdraw GC treatment through protocol-defined taper regimen due to suspected or established adrenal insufficiency
Trial locations and contacts
30 sites in 9 countries.
30 sites in 9 countries
Italy6 sites
Azianeda Ospedaliera dell'alto adige - Ospedale di Brunico
Bolzano, 39100
Ospedale San Raffaele
Milan, 20132
Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova
Padova, 35121
Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo
Pavia, 27100
Azienda USL 4 Prato
Prato, 59100
ASUI Santa Maria della Misericordia di Udine
Udine, 33100
Spain6 sites
Hosp Univ A Coruna
A Coruña, 15006
Hosp Clinic de Barcelona
Barcelona, 08036
Hosp. Clinico San Carlos
Madrid, 28040
Hosp. Univ. 12 de Octubre
Madrid, 28041
Hosp Regional Univ de Malaga
Málaga, 29009
Hosp. Univ. Marques de Valdecilla
Santander, 39008
Israel4 sites
Bnai Zion Medical Center
Haifa, 31048
Hadassah Medical Center
Jerusalem, 91120
Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus
Petah Tikva, 49100
Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
Tel Aviv, 64239
Germany3 sites
Universitatsklinikum Erlangen
Erlangen, 91054
medius KLINIK KIRCHHEIM
Kirchheim unter Teck, 73230
Universitatsklinik Tubingen
Tübingen, 72076
Poland3 sites
Szpital Uniwersytecki Nr 2 w Bydgoszczy
Bydgoszcz, 85 168
Szpital Specjalistyczny im. J. Dietla
Krakow, 31-121
NZOZ Lecznica MAK MED S C
Nadarzyn, 05 830
United States2 sites
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
Belgium2 sites
Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc
Brussels, 1200
UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg
Leuven, 3000
Canada2 sites
Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, H4J 1C5
Mount Sinai Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9
About this study
Official title: A Phase 2, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Proof-of-Concept Study to Evaluate Guselkumab for the Treatment of Participants With New-onset or Relapsing Giant Cell Arteritis
The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab compared to placebo, in combination with a 26-week glucocorticoid (GC) taper regimen, in adult participants with new-onset or relapsing giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Read the detailed description
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a non-necrotizing granulomatous systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology affecting medium-sized and large arteries usually accompanied or preceded by systemic inflammation. Guselkumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to the p19 sub-unit of human interleukin (IL)-23 with high affinity and blocks binding of extracellular IL-23 to cell surface IL-23 receptor, inhibiting IL 23 specific intracellular signaling and subsequent activation and cytokine production. It is used in treatment of psoriatic arthritis, generalized pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis. The study consists of a screening period (less than or equal to [<=] 6 weeks), double-blind treatment period (48 weeks), and safety follow-up period (12 weeks). Participants who complete the Week 52 visit and are assessed to be in glucocorticoid (GC)-free remission, may have the option to participate in the long-term extension (LTE) period of the study for up to 12 months. This study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, Pharmacokinetics (PK), and immunogenicity of guselkumab in combination with a 26-week GC taper regimen for the treatment of active new-onset or relapsing GCA in adult participants. The total duration of the study is up to 66 weeks for the main study and for participants that continue in the LTE period, the total study duration will be up to 112 weeks.
- Conditions
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Being tested
- Guselkumab, Placebo
- Medical subject headings
- Giant Cell Arteritis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
GuselkumabDrug
Also called Tremfya, CNTO 1959
Guselkumab will be administered subcutaneously.
PlaceboDrug
Matching placebo will be administered subcutaneously.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Guselkumab | Experimental | Participants will receive guselkumab subcutaneously (SC) every 4 weeks from Week 0 through Wweek 48. This will be in combination with a protocol specified 26-week GC taper. Participants of the long-term extension (LTE) period will continue to receive subcutaneous (SC) injections every 4 weeks starting at Week 52 (LTE Week 0) through Week 100 (LTE Week 48) or until the participants have a Giant cell arteritis (GCA) flare, or the participants discontinues treatment due to unblinding after the Week 60 DBL for the Main study, or until a decision is made not to continue clinical development in this GCA population, whichever occurs first. Receives: Drug: Guselkumab |
| Placebo | Experimental | Participants will receive matching placebo SC every 4 weeks from Week 0 through Week 48. This will be in combination with a protocol-specified 26-week GC taper. Participants of the LTE period will continue to receive SC injections every 4 weeks starting at Week 52 (LTE Week 0) through Week 100 (LTE Week 48) or until the participants have a GCA flare, or the participants discontinues treatment due to unblinding after the Week 60 DBL for the Main study, or until a decision is made not to continue clinical development in this GCA population, whichever occurs first. Receives: Drug: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Glucocorticoid (GC)-Free Remission at Week 28
GC free remission at Week 28 was defined as (1) no signs or symptoms of active Giant cell arteritis (GCA) at Week 28; (2) absence of GCA flare from first dose of the study drug through Week 28; and (3) adherence to the protocol specified 26-week GC taper regimen. GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
Measured: Week 28
Secondary outcomes (14)
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving GC-Free Remission at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
GC free remission was defined as (1) no signs or symptoms of active GCA at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 respectively; (2) absence of GCA flare from first dose of the study drug through Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52; (3) adherence to the protocol specified 26-week GC taper regimen. GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
Measured: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Both GC-Free Remission and Normalization of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
GC-free remission at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 was defined as (1) no signs or symptoms of active GCA at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 respectively (2) absence of GCA flare from first dose of the study drug through Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 (3) adherence to the protocol specified 26-week GC taper regimen. Normalization of ESR was defined as ESR less than (<) 30 millimeter per hour (mm/hr) at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52. GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
Measured: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Both GC-Free Remission and Normalization of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
GC-free remission at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 was defined as (1) no signs or symptoms of active Giant cell arteritis (GCA) at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 respectively (2) absence of GCA flare from first dose of the study drug through Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 (3) adherence to the protocol specified 26-week GC taper regimen. Normalization of CRP is defined as CRP <10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or <1 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
Measured: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Both GC-Free Remission and Normalization of Both ESR and CRP at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
GC-free remission at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 was defined as (1) no signs or symptoms of active GCA at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52 respectively; (2) absence of GCA flare from first dose of the study drug through Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52; (3) adherence to the protocol specified 26-week GC taper regimen. Normalization of ESR is defined as ESR < 30 mm/hr at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52. Normalization of CRP is defined as CRP <10 mg/L or <1 mg/dL. GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
Measured: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Cumulative Glucocorticoid (GC) Dose
Total cumulative GC dose administered included GCA taper, GC rescue therapy as well as for all other indications (any oral GC) from baseline (Day 1) up to Weeks 28 and 52 was reported.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Weeks 28 and 52
Main Study: Time to First GCA Disease Flare or Discontinuation of Study Intervention Due to Adverse Event (AE) of Worsening of GCA
Time to occurrence of GCA disease flare was defined as the time from first dose of the study agent to the occurrence of the first observation of GCA disease flare or discontinuation due to adverse event (AE) of worsening of GCA. GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 30 and Week 52
Main Study: Number of Participants With GCA Disease Flares or Discontinuation of Study Intervention Due to AE of Worsening of GCA
Number of participants with GCA disease flares or discontinuation of study intervention due to AE of worsening of GCA were reported. GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 30 and Week 52
Main Study: Number of Participants With Treatment-emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)
Number of participants with TEAEs (including serious and non-serious AEs) were reported. An AE was any untoward medical occurrence in a participant participating in a clinical study that does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the pharmaceutical/biological agent under study. Any AE occurring at or after the initial administration of study intervention through the end of the main study was considered to be treatment emergent.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Number of Participants With TEAEs by System Organ Class (SOC) With a Frequency Threshold of 5 Percent (%) or More
Number of participants with TEAEs (including serious and non-serious AEs) by SOC with a frequency threshold of 5 percent (%) or more were reported. An adverse event (AE) was any untoward medical occurrence in a participant participating in a clinical study that does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the pharmaceutical/biological agent under study. Any AE occurring at or after the initial administration of study intervention through the end of the main study was considered to be treatment emergent.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Number of Participants With Treatment-emergent Serious Adverse Event (SAEs)
Number of participants with treatment emergent SAEs were reported. An SAE was an AE resulting in any of the following outcomes or deemed significant for any other reason: death; initial or prolonged inpatient hospitalization; life-threatening experience (immediate risk of dying); persistent or significant disability/incapacity; congenital anomaly. Any AE occurred at or after the initial administration of study intervention through the end of the main study was considered to be treatment emergent.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Number of participants with clinically significant abnormalities in vital signs were reported. Clinically significant abnormal vital signs criteria: Pulse rate: <50 beats per minutes (bpm) and with greater than (>) 20 bpm decrease from baseline, >115 bpm and with >30 bpm increase from baseline; Systolic blood pressure (SBP): <90 millimeters of mercury [mmHg] and with >30 mmHg decrease from baseline, >150 mmHg and with >40 mmHg increase from baseline; Diastolic blood pressure (DBP): <50 mmHg and with >20 mmHg decrease from baseline, >95 mmHg and with >30 mmHg increase from baseline; Interarm blood pressure: Interarm blood pressure difference greater than or equal to (>=) 15 mmHg in systolic blood pressure at 3 consecutive visits; Temperature (Temp): >38.4 Degree Celsius (C) and with >=1 C increase from baseline; Weight (kilogram [kg]): decrease 10 percent (%) from baseline, increase 10% from baseline; Respiratory Rate: >20 breaths per minute.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Laboratory Parameters
Number of participants with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) grade 3 or 4 abnormalities in clinical laboratory tests: hematology and chemistry were reported. Clinical laboratory abnormalities of living participants were assessed as per NCI CTCAE version 5, grades (0-4), where Grade 0-Normal, Grade 1- Mild, Grade 2- Moderate, Grade 3- Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening, Grade 4- Life-threatening consequences. Higher grades showed severe abnormality. As per the discretion of investigator, laboratory abnormalities with NCI CTCAE Grade 3 or 4 were considered clinically significant. Combined data of Grade 3 and 4 abnormalities are reported as planned. Only those categories in which at least 1 participant had data were reported.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Serum Concentrations of Guselkumab
Serum concentrations of Guselkumab over time was reported.
Measured: Pre-dose and 1 hour post dose on Week 0 (Day 1), Week 4 (Day 28), and Week 8 (Day 56); Week 12 (Day 84), Week 16 (Day 112), Week 28 (Day 196), Week 52 (Day 364)
Main Study: Number of Participants With Antibodies to Guselkumab
Number of participants with antibodies to Guselkumab were reported.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 28, Week 52
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Nov 2020
- Study start10 Dec 2020
- Primary completion22 May 2024
- Study completion22 May 2024
Why it stopped: The study primary endpoint was not met
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.
- Other trials for Giant Cell ArteritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Janssen Research & Development, LLCThe 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 2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 53 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC Clinical Trial, Study director, Janssen Research & Development, LLC
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04633447
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CR108887
- Other IDs
- CNTO1959GCA2001, 2020-000622-26
- Acronym
- THEIA
- Status last verified
- Jun 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Nov 2020
- Last updated
- 1 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The data sharing policy of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson \& Johnson is available at www.janssen.com/clinical-trials/transparency. As noted on this site, requests for access to the study data can be submitted through Yale Open Data Access (YODA) Project site at yoda.yale.edu
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Phase 2, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Proof-of-Concept Study to Evaluate Guselkumab for the Treatment of Participants With New-onset or Relapsing Giant Cell Arteritis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04633447
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- THEIA / CR108887
- Conditions
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- TerminatedReason stopped: The study primary endpoint was not met
- Enrolment
- 53 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Janssen Research & Development, LLCIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 10 Dec 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 May 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 22 May 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 Nov 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 1 Jul 2025
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab compared to placebo, in combination with a 26-week glucocorticoid (GC) taper regimen, in adult participants with new-onset or relapsing giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Detailed description
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a non-necrotizing granulomatous systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology affecting medium-sized and large arteries usually accompanied or preceded by systemic inflammation. Guselkumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to the p19 sub-unit of human interleukin (IL)-23 with high affinity and blocks binding of extracellular IL-23 to cell surface IL-23 receptor, inhibiting IL 23 specific intracellular signaling and subsequent activation and cytokine production. It is used in treatment of psoriatic arthritis, generalized pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis. The study consists of a screening period (less than or equal to [<=] 6 weeks), double-blind treatment period (48 weeks), and safety follow-up period (12 weeks). Participants who complete the Week 52 visit and are assessed to be in glucocorticoid (GC)-free remission, may have the option to participate in the long-term extension (LTE) period of the study for up to 12 months. This study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, Pharmacokinetics (PK), and immunogenicity of guselkumab in combination with a 26-week GC taper regimen for the treatment of active new-onset or relapsing GCA in adult participants. The total duration of the study is up to 66 weeks for the main study and for participants that continue in the LTE period, the total study duration will be up to 112 weeks.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Guselkumab | Experimental | Drug: GuselkumabParticipants will receive guselkumab subcutaneously (SC) every 4 weeks from Week 0 through Wweek 48. This will be in combination with a protocol specified 26-week GC taper. Participants of the long-term extension (LTE) period will continue to receive subcutaneous (SC) injections every 4 weeks starting at Week 52 (LTE Week 0) through Week 100 (LTE Week 48) or until the participants have a Giant cell arteritis (GCA) flare, or the participants discontinues treatment due to unblinding after the Week 60 DBL for the Main study, or until a decision is made not to continue clinical development in this GCA population, whichever occurs first. |
| Placebo | Experimental | Drug: PlaceboParticipants will receive matching placebo SC every 4 weeks from Week 0 through Week 48. This will be in combination with a protocol-specified 26-week GC taper. Participants of the LTE period will continue to receive SC injections every 4 weeks starting at Week 52 (LTE Week 0) through Week 100 (LTE Week 48) or until the participants have a GCA flare, or the participants discontinues treatment due to unblinding after the Week 60 DBL for the Main study, or until a decision is made not to continue clinical development in this GCA population, whichever occurs first. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Diagnosis of Giant cell arteritis (GCA) according to the revised American College of Rheumatology criteria
- GCA diagnosis confirmed by either temporal artery biopsy revealing features of GCA either at time of diagnosis or at other timepoint during disease history; or evidence of cranial GCA either at time of diagnosis or at other timepoint during disease history by cranial doppler-ultrasound; or cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography; or other imaging modality upon agreement with the sponsor or evidence of GCA by angiography or cross-sectional imaging (ultrasound, MRI, computed tomography [CT], positron emission tomography [PET])
- Have new onset or relapsing GCA
- Have active GCA within 6 weeks of first study intervention: Active GCA: presence of signs and symptoms of GCA and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than or equal to (>=) 30 millimeter per hour (mm/hour), or C-reactive protein (CRP) >= 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (or 1 milligrams per deciliter [mg/dL]), attributed to active GCA. ESR >= 30 mm/hour or CRP >= 10 mg/L (or 1 mg/dL) is not required if active GCA has been confirmed by a positive temporal artery biopsy or ultrasound or other imaging modality within 6 weeks of first study intervention
- Clinically stable GCA disease on a glucocorticoid (GC) dose between 20 and 60 milligrams per day (mg/day) (prednisone or equivalent) at randomization such that the participant is able to safely participate in the protocol defined prednisone taper regimen, in the opinion of the investigator
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Has any known severe or uncontrolled GCA complications
- Has any rheumatic disease other than GCA such that could interfere with assessment of GCA
- Has a current diagnosis or signs or symptoms of severe, progressive, or concomitant medical condition that places the participant at risk by participating in this study)
- Has or has had any major ischemic event, within 12 weeks of first study intervention. Has a personal history of arterial thrombosis or venous thromboembolism (including deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and Pulmonary Embolism [PE])
- Has any comorbidities requiring 3 or more courses of systemic GCs within 12 months of first study intervention, AND, inability, in the opinion of the investigator, to withdraw GC therapy through protocol-defined taper regimen due to suspected or established adrenal insufficiency, OR, currently on systemic chronic GC therapy for reasons other than GCA and be GC dependent and have the potential to flare due to GC tapering (e.g. unstable asthma, unstable COPD)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| GuselkumabAlso: Tremfya, CNTO 1959Guselkumab will be administered subcutaneously. | Drug | Guselkumab |
| PlaceboMatching placebo will be administered subcutaneously. | Drug | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Glucocorticoid (GC)-Free Remission at Week 28
Time frame: Week 28
GC free remission at Week 28 was defined as (1) no signs or symptoms of active Giant cell arteritis (GCA) at Week 28; (2) absence of GCA flare from first dose of the study drug through Week 28; and (3) adherence to the protocol specified 26-week GC taper regimen. GCA flare was defined as the recurrence of signs and symptoms of active GCA, with or without elevation of inflammatory markers, and with the necessity for an increase in GC dose for GCA.
14 secondary outcomes
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving GC-Free Remission at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Time frame: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Both GC-Free Remission and Normalization of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Time frame: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Both GC-Free Remission and Normalization of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Time frame: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Both GC-Free Remission and Normalization of Both ESR and CRP at Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Time frame: Weeks 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52
Main Study: Cumulative Glucocorticoid (GC) Dose
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Weeks 28 and 52
Main Study: Time to First GCA Disease Flare or Discontinuation of Study Intervention Due to Adverse Event (AE) of Worsening of GCA
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 30 and Week 52
Main Study: Number of Participants With GCA Disease Flares or Discontinuation of Study Intervention Due to AE of Worsening of GCA
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 30 and Week 52
Main Study: Number of Participants With Treatment-emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Number of Participants With TEAEs by System Organ Class (SOC) With a Frequency Threshold of 5 Percent (%) or More
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Number of Participants With Treatment-emergent Serious Adverse Event (SAEs)
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Number of Participants With Clinically Significant Abnormalities in Laboratory Parameters
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 60
Main Study: Serum Concentrations of Guselkumab
Time frame: Pre-dose and 1 hour post dose on Week 0 (Day 1), Week 4 (Day 28), and Week 8 (Day 56); Week 12 (Day 84), Week 16 (Day 112), Week 28 (Day 196), Week 52 (Day 364)
Main Study: Number of Participants With Antibodies to Guselkumab
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) up to Week 28, Week 52
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Jul 2025.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The data sharing policy of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson \& Johnson is available at www.janssen.com/clinical-trials/transparency. As noted on this site, requests for access to the study data can be submitted through Yale Open Data Access (YODA) Project site at yoda.yale.edu
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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.
Janssen Research & Development, LLC Clinical Trial study director
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
30 sites in 9 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Guselkumab in people with Giant Cell Arteritis, run by Janssen Research & Development, LLC at 30 sites in 9 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 5 inclusion and 9 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 1 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 30 sites in Italy, Spain, Israel, Germany, Poland and 4 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 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
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 1 Jul 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?
Main Study: Percentage of Participants Achieving Glucocorticoid (GC)-Free Remission at Week 28 (time frame: Week 28). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Jul 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.