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Sjogren SyndromePhase 3NEPTUNUS-1NCT05350072

Two-arm Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab (VAY736) in Patients With Active Sjogren's Syndrome

A Phase 3 study testing VAY736 in people with Sjogren Syndrome, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 77 sites in 18 countries.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, 2-arm multicenter phase 3 study to assess the efficacy and safety of ianalumab in patients with active Sjogren's syndrome (NEPTUNUS-1) Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 100 years
Conditions the study is for
Sjogren Syndrome
What is being tested?
VAY736
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
275 participants
Where
77 sitesin 18 countries
Study dates
28 Jul 2022to 2 Jun 2026
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 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
  • Women and men ≥ 18 years of age
  • Classification of Sjögren's syndrome according to the ACR/EULAR 2016 criteria
  • Time since diagnosis of Sjögren's of ≤ 7.5 years at screening
  • Positive anti-Ro/SSA antibody at screening
  • Patients negative for anti-Ro/SSA antibody are eligible, if they have a positive salivary gland biopsy confirmed by central expert review
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  • Enrollment of anti-Ro/SSA-negative patients will be limited up to ≤10% of the study population
  • Screening ESSDAI score of ≥ 5 within the following 8 domains: constitutional, lymphadenopathy, glandular, articular, cutaneous, renal, hematological and biologic.
  • Stimulated whole salivary flow (sSF) rate of ≥ 0.05 mL/min at screening
  • Ability to communicate well with the Investigator, understand and agree to comply with the requirements of the study
  • Patients taking hydroxychloroquine (≤ 400 mg/day), methotrexate (≤ 25 mg/week) or azathioprine (≤ 150 mg/day) alone or in combination, are allowed to continue their medication, and must have been on a stable dose for at least 30 days prior to randomization.
  • Patients taking systemic corticosteroids have to be on a stable dose of ≤ 10 mg/day predniso(lo)ne or equivalent for at least 30 days before randomization.
  • Patients taking
  • disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) other than specifically allowed by protocol
  • the following Traditional Chinese Medicines: Total glucoside of peony (TGP) or Tripterium glycosides (TG) must discontinue these medications at least 30 days prior to randomization, except for leflunomide, which has to be discontinued for 8 weeks prior to randomization unless a cholestyramine wash-out has been performed.

Who cannot join

  • Presence of another autoimmune rheumatic disease that is active and constitutes the principal illness
  • Use of other investigational drugs within 5 half-lives of enrollment, or within 30 days or until the expected pharmacodynamic effect has returned to baseline, whichever is longer3. Prior treatment with ianalumab
  • Prior use of a B-cell depleting therapy other than ianalumab within 36 weeks prior to randomization or as long as B-cell count is less than the lower limit of normal or baseline value prior to receipt of previous B cell-depleting therapy (whichever is lower)
  • Prior treatment with any of the following:
  • Within 24 weeks prior to randomization: iscalimab (anti CD-40 mAb), belimumab , abatacept, anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha biologic agents, immunoglobulins plasmapheresis;
  • Within 12 weeks prior to randomization: i.v. or oral cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil, i.v. or oral cyclosporine A or any other immunosuppressants (e.g., JAK inhibitors or other kinase inhibitors) unless explicitly allowed by protocol
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  • Use of corticosteroids (predniso(lo)ne or equivalent corticosteroid) at dose >10 mg/day
  • Any one of the following laboratory values at screening:
  • Hemoglobin levels < 8.0 g/dL
  • White blood cells (WBC) count < 2.0 x 10E3/µL
  • Platelet count < 80 x 10E3/µL
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 0.8 x 10E3/µL
  • Active viral, bacterial or other infections requiring systemic treatment at the time of screening or randomization, or history of recurrent clinically significant infection or of recurrent bacterial infections with encapsulated organisms
  • History of hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or its excipients or to drugs of similar chemical classes (e.g., mAb of IgG1 class) or to any of the constituents of the study drug formulation (sucrose, L-histidine hydrochloride/ L-histidine, polysorbate 20)
  • History of major organ, hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplant
  • Required regular use of medications known to cause dry mouth/eyes as a regular and major side effect, and which have not been on a stable dose for at least 30 days prior to Screening, or any anticipated change in the treatment regimen during the course of the study
  • Use of topical ocular prescription medications (excluding artificial tears, gels, lubricants) that have not been on a stable dose for at least 90 days prior to randomization, or any anticipated change in the treatment regimen during the course of the study
  • Receipt of live/attenuated vaccine within a 4-week period prior to randomization
  • History of primary or secondary immunodeficiency, including a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test result
  • History of malignancy of any organ system (other than localized basal cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ cervical cancer or Sjögren's related lymphoma), treated or untreated, within the past 5 years, regardless of whether there is evidence of local recurrence or metastases.
  • History of sarcoidosis
  • Any surgical, medical (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure or diabetes mellitus), psychiatric or additional physical condition that the Investigator feels may jeopardize the patient in case of participation in this study
  • Chronic infection with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus. Positive serology for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) excludes the subject.
  • HBsAg negative subjects who are hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) positive are also excluded unless all of the following criteria are met:
  • HBV DNA is negative
  • hepatitis B monitoring is implemented - in these subjects, monthly testing of HBsAg and HBV DNA must be performed while on study treatment and at least every 12 weeks after end of treatment for the entire duration of safety follow-up.
  • Antiviral prophylaxis must be implemented before the first administration of the study treatment, and continued up to 12 months after the end of study treatment. If antiviral therapy cannot be given or if the patient is not willing to comply with the antiviral treatment requirement, the patient is not eligible for the study.
  • Hepatitis C: patients with positive hepatitis C antibody and HCV-RNA at screening are excluded. Chronic hepatitis C patients who have completed HCV anti-viral treatment must be HCV-RNA negative at least 12 weeks after treatment before randomization to be eligible. Cases of spontaneous HCV clearance should be discussed with sponsor before enrollment.
  • Evidence of active tuberculosis (TB) infection is exclusionary. Patients with previously treated TB and previously treated or newly diagnosed latent TB may be eligible.
  • Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women.
  • Women of child-bearing potential, defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant, unless they are using highly effective methods of contraception while on study treatment and for 6 months after stopping of investigational medication.
  • Patients with a known history of non-compliance to medication, or who were unable or unwilling to complete PRO questionnaires, or who are unable or unwilling to use the device for collection of PROs.
  • United States (and other countries, if locally required): Sexually active males, unless they agree to use barrier protection during intercourse with a woman of childbearing potential, while taking study treatment. As condom use alone has a reported failure rate exceeding 1% per year, it is recommended that female partners of male study participants use a second method of birth control. Although ianalumab is not teratogenic and/or genotoxic, and not transferred to semen, male contraception is required, as requested by FDA.
  • Globally, for all sexually active males, contraception should be used in accordance with locally approved prescribing information of concomitant medications administered.

Trial locations and contacts

77 sites in 18 countries.

77 sites in 18 countries

United States13 sites
  • The John Hopkins Jerome L Greene Sjogren

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21224

  • Ochsner Health System

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70809

  • Precision Comprehensive Research

    Colleyville, Texas, 76034

  • Metroplex Clinical Research

    Dallas, Texas, 75231

  • STAT Research Inc

    Dayton, Ohio, 45402

  • Altoona Center for Clin Res

    Duncansville, Pennsylvania, 16635

  • Baylor College Of Medicine

    Houston, Texas, 77030

  • Indiana Univ School of Dentistry

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202

  • Houston Rheumatology and Arthrit

    Katy, Texas, 77494

  • NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island

    Mineola, New York, 11501

  • West Broward Rheumatology Associates Inc

    Tamarac, Florida, 33321

  • Medvin Clinical Research

    Van Nuys, California, 91405

  • Carolina Arthritis Associates

    Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401

Other trials in United States

China11 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014010

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Beijing, 100050

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010050

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Linyi, Shandong, 276000

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Shenyang, Liaoning, 110011

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030000

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Wuhan, Hubei, 430030

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Xian, Shanxi, 710061

Other trials in China

France7 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Caen, 14033

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Dijon, 21000

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lille, 59037

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Marseille, 13005

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Paris, 75010

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Paris, 75013

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, 42270

Other trials in France

Germany6 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Berlin, 13353

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Erlangen, 91056

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg, 79106

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Gommern, 39245

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ludwigshafen, 67063

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080

Other trials in Germany

Portugal5 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Braga, 4710243

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guarda, 6301-858

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lisbon, 1050-034

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lisbon, 1349-019

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lisbon, 1649-035

Other trials in Portugal

Spain5 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    A Coruña, 15006

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Badalona, Barcelona, 08916

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bilbao, Bizkaia, 48013

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Madrid, 28034

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Sabadell, Barcelona, 08208

Other trials in Spain

Brazil4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, 36010 570

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14048-900

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    São Paulo, 01409-902

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29055 450

Other trials in Brazil

Guatemala4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guatemala City, 01009

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guatemala City, 01010

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guatemala City, 01011

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Quetzaltenango, 9001

Other trials in Guatemala

Poland4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Bydgoszcz, 85-168

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Krakow, 30-002

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Lublin, 20-090

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Wroclaw, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, 52-210

Other trials in Poland

Turkey (Türkiye)4 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ankara, Bilkent Cankaya, 06800

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ankara, Sihhiye-Altindag, 06230

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Ankara, Yenimahalle, 06500

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Kocaeli, 41380

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

Czechia3 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Brno, 638 00

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Prague, 148 00

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Uherské Hradiště, 686 01

Other trials in Czechia

Austria2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Graz, 8036

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Stockerau, 2000

Other trials in Austria

Chile2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, 7500571

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, 7500710

Other trials in Chile

Mexico2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44650

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Mexico City, Mexico City, 06700

Other trials in Mexico

South Korea2 sites
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Gwangju, 61469

  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Seoul, 06591

Other trials in South Korea

Belgium1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Leuven, 3000

Other trials in Belgium

Lithuania1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Vilnius, 08406

Other trials in Lithuania

Singapore1 site
  • Novartis Investigative Site

    Singapore, S308433

Other trials in Singapore

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo Controlled, 2-arm Multicenter Phase 3 Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab in Patients With Active Sjogren's Syndrome (NEPTUNUS-1)

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, 2-arm multicenter phase 3 study to assess the efficacy and safety of ianalumab in patients with active Sjogren's syndrome (NEPTUNUS-1)

Read the detailed description

Two-arm study of the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of ianalumab (VAY736) in patients with active Sjogren's syndrome. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of ianalumab (VAY736) administered subcutaneously (s.c.) monthly compared to placebo in patients with active Sjogren's syndrome.

Being tested
VAY736, Placebo
Keywords
Sjogren's syndrome, B-cell depleting, BAFF-R, VAY736, ianalumab, NEPTUNUS
Medical subject headings
Sjogren's Syndrome

What participants receive

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

  • VAY736Biological

    ianalumab s.c.

  • PlaceboOther

    placebo s.c.

Study groups in NCT05350072
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Arm AExperimentalianalumab
Receives: Biological: VAY736
Arm BPlacebo comparatorplacebo
Receives: Other: Placebo

What is being measured

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

  1. Change from baseline in EULAR Sjogren Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score at Week 48 as compared to placebo

    Efficacy (Plan A: US and US reference countries and Plan B: EU, China, other non-US Regions and EU reference countries)

    Dose response measured by change multi-dimensional disease activity as assessed by the physician. Score range is 0-123. Higher scores on the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) scale are associated with poorer health states A negative change from baseline indicates improvement in disease status.

    Measured: 48 weeks

Secondary outcomes (9)
  1. Achieving ESSDAI response at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan A and B)

    Dose response measured by change multi-dimensional disease activity as assessed by the physician. Score range is 0-123. Higher scores on the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) scale are associated with poorer health states A negative change from baseline indicates improvement in disease status.

    Measured: 48 weeks

  2. Achieving ESSDAI score <5 at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan A and B)

    Dose response measured by change multi-dimensional disease activity as assessed by the physician. Score range is 0-123. Higher scores on the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) scale are associated with poorer health states A negative change from baseline indicates improvement in disease status.

    Measured: 48 weeks

  3. Achieving ESSDAI response at Week 24

    Efficacy (Plan A and B)

    Dose response measured by change multi-dimensional disease activity as assessed by the physician. Score range is 0-123. Higher scores on the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) scale are associated with poorer health states A negative change from baseline indicates improvement in disease status.

    Measured: 24 weeks

  4. Achieving SSSD response at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan B)

    The Sjogrens Syndrome Symptom Diary (SSSD) is questionnaire consists of five (six for females) questions about symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, each question given a score of 0-10 (0=no symptoms, 10=worst possible symptoms) where patient choose the one response that best describes how severe the symptom was at its worst in the PAST 24 HOURS. It includes six symptom items (eye dryness, mouth dryness, skin dryness, physical fatigue, muscle and/or joint pain, genital dryness), and applies a recall period of 24 hrs. The aim of the SSSD is to establish patient reported endpoints for the treatment of Sjogrens syndrome. Participants will complete the diary daily for 7 days prior to the scheduled dosing.

    Measured: 48 weeks

  5. Change from baseline in stimulated whole salivary flow rate at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan A and B)

    Measured: 48 weeks

  6. Change from baseline in Physician's Global Assessment (PhGA) of disease activity at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan A and B)

    Measured: 48 weeks

  7. Change from baseline in Patient's Global Assessment (PaGA) of disease activity at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan A and B)

    Measured: 48 weeks

  8. Change from baseline in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) score at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan A and B)

    Measured: 48 weeks

  9. Achieving EULAR Sjögren Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) response at Week 48

    Efficacy (Plan B)

    Measured: 48 weeks

Timeline

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

  1. First posted27 Apr 2022
  2. Study start28 Jul 2022
  3. Primary completion7 May 2025
  4. Study completion2 Jun 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
275 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05350072
Sponsor's protocol ID
CVAY736A2301
Other IDs
2024-511069-12-00
Acronym
NEPTUNUS-1
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
7 Apr 2022
Last updated
7 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Novartis is committed to sharing access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies with qualified external researchers. Requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to protect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com

Publications

  • Mariette X, Grader-Beck T, Finzel S, Schiopu E, Papas A, Devauchelle-Pensec V, Sopala M, Zeng X, Noaiseh G, Takeuchi T, Kumar U, Hermann J, Ozawa H, Fox R, Zong S, Narayanswamy D, Li X, Luo WL, Woznicki J, Debonnett L, Zhu X, He L, Matzkies F, Jahreis A, Jain DK, Porter B, Lau C, Dorner T, McCoy SS, Bowman SJ, Hueber W; NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2 Investigators; NEPTUNUS-1 Investigators; NEPTUNUS-2 Investigators. Ianalumab for the Treatment of Patients with Sjogren's Disease. N Engl J Med. 2026 Oct 22;395(16):1585-1599. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2601088.

    PubMed 42906087

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing VAY736 in people with Sjogren Syndrome, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 77 sites in 18 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 15 inclusion and 34 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 77 sites in United States, China, France, Germany, Portugal and 13 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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change from baseline in EULAR Sjogren Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score at Week 48 as compared to placebo (time frame: 48 weeks). 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 NCT05350072, 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 7 Jul 2026.

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