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HemophiliaNCT07187661

Intra-Articular Bevacizumab for Preventing Recurrent Hemarthrosis in Hemophilia With Chronic Synovitis

A study testing Intra-articular Bevacizumab in people with Hemophilia and Chronic Synovitis, run by Khyber Medical University Peshawar at 2 sites in Pakistan.

Completed

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

Official record
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Trial summary

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by deficiency of clotting factors, leading to increased bleeding tendencies. The most common complications are joint bleeds (hemarthroses), which cause chronic changes in joints and ultimately disability. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Any age
Conditions the study is for
Hemophilia, Chronic Synovitis
What is being tested?
Intra-articular Bevacizumab
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
18 participants
Where
2 sitesPakistan
Study dates
9 Sep 2025to 15 Apr 2026
Phase
Interventional
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 Any age
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Confirmed diagnosis of Hemophilia A.
  • Presence of one or more target joints (knee, elbow, ankle) with chronic synovitis and a history of >2 hemarthrosis episodes in the past 6 months.
  • Target joint World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) joint score of 2-3.
  • Adequate hematological, renal, and liver function (as specified by protocol lab values).
  • Ability and willingness to provide informed consent and comply with the study protocol.

Who cannot join

  • HIV positive diagnosis.
  • Severely damaged joints or anatomical limitations preventing safe injection.
  • Contraindications to MRI.
  • Uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Recent major surgery/trauma (<28 days).
  • Serious non-healing wound, active cardiovascular disease, or other significant comorbidities that could increase risk or interfere with the study.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

Pakistan2 sites
  • Hayatabad Medical Complex

    Peshawar, KPK, 25000

  • Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine (IPDM)

    Peshawar, KPK, 25000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Efficacy of Intra-Articular Bevacizumab in Preventing Recurrent Hemarthrosis in Hemophilia Patients With Chronic Synovitis: A Pre- and Post-Design Study

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by deficiency of clotting factors, leading to increased bleeding tendencies. The most common complications are joint bleeds (hemarthroses), which cause chronic changes in joints and ultimately disability. Recurrent hemarthroses often result from chronic synovitis in target joints of patients with hemophilia, a process driven by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) mediated pathological angiogenesis. Intra-articular administration of Bevacizumab, a VEGF neutralizing monoclonal antibody, may block this process and reduce the frequency of recurrent joint bleeds. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of intra-articular Bevacizumab for preventing recurrent hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia and chronic synovitis.

Read the detailed description

Hemophilia A is the most prevalent inherited bleeding disorder in Pakistan, accounting for approximately 69% of all hemophilia cases. A major complication is recurrent joint bleeding (hemarthrosis), which leads to chronic synovitis and progressive hemophilic arthropathy. This joint deterioration significantly impairs mobility and quality of life.

The underlying pathophysiology is driven by repeated hemarthroses, which cause increased local expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). VEGF promotes abnormal angiogenesis and synovial proliferation, perpetuating a cycle of inflammation and bleeding, even when symptoms are not overt.

Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically inhibits VEGF. Local intra-articular administration offers a targeted therapeutic approach to disrupt this pathogenic cycle directly at the site of pathology. By neutralizing VEGF, Bevacizumab may mitigate synovitis, reduce bleeding frequency, and slow progression of hemophilic arthropathy, while minimizing systemic exposure and associated adverse effects.

To investigate this therapeutic strategy, a two-year, open-label, single-arm clinical trial will be conducted at the Institute of Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine (IPDM), Khyber Medical University (KMU), and Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 25 participants with Hemophilia A and chronic synovitis in one or more target joints (knee, elbow, or ankle) will be enrolled.

All participants will receive intra-articular Bevacizumab injections following prophylactic factor replacement therapy to prevent procedure-related bleeding. The first four participants will receive 20 mg/0.8 mL per injection. If well tolerated without major toxicities, the remaining participants will receive 40 mg/1.6 mL per injection. Each injection will be administered into the target joint once every 28 days for a total of four doses.

The primary efficacy outcome will be the change in the Annualized Bleeding Rate (ABR) of the target joint, calculated from 3-month pre- and post-treatment data. Secondary outcomes will include changes in joint health assessed using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS, Version 2.1; range 0-124, where higher scores indicate worse joint health) and synovial inflammation measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with the International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG)-compatible scoring system.

This study may provide critical insight into a novel, VEGF-targeted strategy for managing chronic synovitis in hemophilia patients and preserving long-term joint health.

Being tested
Intra-articular Bevacizumab
Keywords
Hemophilia A, Chronic Synovitis, Hemarthrosis, Hemophilic Arthropathy
Medical subject headings
Hemophilia A, Hemarthrosis

What participants receive

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

  • Intra-articular BevacizumabDrug

    Also called Avastin, Genentech

    This clinical trial investigates the intra-articular injection of Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The intervention functions by binding to and neutralizing VEGF-A, thereby blocking the pathogenic angiogenesis and vascular permeability that characterizes chronic hemophilic synovitis. For administration, the first four patients will receive a dose of 20 mg in 0.8 mL per injection, and if this is well-tolerated without major toxicities, the dose for all subsequent patients will be increased to 40 mg in 1.6 mL. Each injection will be administered directly into the target joint (knee, elbow, or ankle) once every 28 days for a total of four doses. Crucially, all injections will be performed only after appropriate prophylactic factor replacement to mitigate any procedure-related bleeding risk.

Study groups in NCT07187661
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intra-articular BevacizumabExperimentalAll participants will receive intra-articular injections of Bevacizumab. The initial dose for the first four patients will be 20 mg/0.8 ml. If no major toxicities are observed, the dose will be escalated to 40 mg/1.6 ml for the remaining patients. Injections will be administered monthly for a duration of 4 months.
Receives: Drug: Intra-articular Bevacizumab

What is being measured

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

  1. Annualized Bleeding Rate (ABR) of the Target Joint

    The efficacy of the intervention will be assessed by the change in the number of recurrent hemarthrosis episodes specifically in the treated target joint. The rate will be annualized from data collected over a 3-month period. Response will be categorized as: 'Excellent' (0 bleeds), 'Good' (75-99% reduction), 'Fair' (50-74% reduction), or 'Poor' (<50% reduction).

    Measured: Baseline (3 months pre-treatment) compared to the 3-month period following the completion of the treatment protocol (i.e., 3 months after the 4th injection).

  2. Clinical Joint Health Score

    Change in joint health and function as measured by the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS 2.1), a standardized physical examination tool that assesses pain, swelling, muscle atrophy, crepitus on motion, range of motion (flexion/extension loss), strength, and gait.

    Scale Range: 0 to 124 (higher scores indicate worse joint health and function).

    Interpretation:

    0 = best outcome (no joint damage or impairment)

    124 = worst outcome (severe joint involvement and functional limitation)

    Measured: Baseline scores compared to scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation of therapy

  3. Synovial Hypertrophy

    Change in synovial membrane thickness in the target joint as assessed by MRI, scored according to the IPSG MRI scale for synovial hypertrophy (0-3; 0 = none, 3 = >5 mm).

    Measured: Baseline MRI (before starting therapy) compared to MRI performed 6 months after completion of therapy.

  4. Joint Effusion/Hemarthrosis

    Change in effusion or hemarthrosis volume in the target joint, assessed using the IPSG MRI scale (0-3; 0 = none, 3 = severe joint distention).

    Measured: Baseline vs. 6 months after completion of therapy.

  5. Synovial Inflammation Composite (Soft Tissue Subtotal)

    Change in the combined soft tissue inflammation score, calculated as the sum of effusion/hemarthrosis, synovial hypertrophy, and hemosiderin deposition (range 0-9)..

    Measured: Baseline vs. 6 months after completion of therapy.

Timeline

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

  1. First posted23 Sep 2025
  2. Study start9 Sep 2025
  3. Primary completion28 Mar 2026
  4. Study completion15 Apr 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 N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Model description
This is an interventional clinical trial utilizing a pre- and post-study design. It is a single-arm study, meaning all enrolled participants will receive the investigational intervention. The trial is open-label, with no masking (blinding) of participants, care providers, investigators, or outcomes assessors. As it is a single-arm study, there is no allocation or randomization process. The total enrollment for this study is 25 participants.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
18 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07187661
Sponsor's protocol ID
KMU/DIR/CTU/2025/006
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
10 Sep 2025
Last updated
25 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in the primary publication (after de-identification) will be made available beginning 9 months following article publication and will remain available for a period of at least 36 months.

Publications

  • Sadiq MA, Ahmed S, Afzal M, Tasfeen S. A basis for prenatal diagnosis of Haemophilia-A in Pakistani patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022 Nov-Dec;38(8):2065-2070. doi: 10.12669/pjms.38.8.6524.

    PubMed 36415265
  • Hirayama AB, Silva AKCD, Rocha JS, Roberti MDRF. Prevalence of symptoms in hemophilia carriers in comparison with the general population: a systematic review. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther. 2019 Oct-Dec;41(4):349-355. doi: 10.1016/j.htct.2019.02.006. Epub 2019 Jun 17.

    PubMed 31412987
  • Gualtierotti R, Solimeno LP, Peyvandi F. Hemophilic arthropathy: Current knowledge and future perspectives. J Thromb Haemost. 2021 Sep;19(9):2112-2121. doi: 10.1111/jth.15444. Epub 2021 Jul 27.

    PubMed 34197690
  • Hassan S, Monahan RC, Mauser-Bunschoten EP, van Vulpen LFD, Eikenboom J, Beckers EAM, Hooimeijer L, Ypma PF, Nieuwenhuizen L, Coppens M, Schols SEM, Leebeek FWG, Smit C, Driessens MH, le Cessie S, van Balen EC, Rosendaal FR, van der Bom JG, Gouw SC. Mortality, life expectancy, and causes of death of persons with hemophilia in the Netherlands 2001-2018. J Thromb Haemost. 2021 Mar;19(3):645-653. doi: 10.1111/jth.15182. Epub 2020 Dec 18.

    PubMed 33217158
  • Iorio A, Stonebraker JS, Chambost H, Makris M, Coffin D, Herr C, Germini F; Data and Demographics Committee of the World Federation of Hemophilia. Establishing the Prevalence and Prevalence at Birth of Hemophilia in Males: A Meta-analytic Approach Using National Registries. Ann Intern Med. 2019 Oct 15;171(8):540-546. doi: 10.7326/M19-1208. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

    PubMed 31499529

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Intra-articular Bevacizumab in people with Hemophilia and Chronic Synovitis, run by Khyber Medical University Peshawar at 2 sites in Pakistan.

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 6 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 25 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Pakistan. 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.

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?

Annualized Bleeding Rate (ABR) of the Target Joint (time frame: Baseline (3 months pre-treatment) compared to the 3-month period following the completion of the treatment protocol (i.e., 3 months after the 4th injection).). The study lists 5 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 NCT07187661, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jun 2026.

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