Comparing Remibrutinib and Teriflunomide for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Official title: A Randomized, Double-blind, Double-dummy, Parallel-group Study, Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Remibrutinib Versus Teriflunomide in Participants With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis, Followed by Extended Treatment With Open-label Remibrutinib
Run by Novartis · NCT05156281 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing whether a new medication called remibrutinib works better and is safer than the current treatment teriflunomide for people with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Novartis Industry-sponsored |
| Drugs / interventions | rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, Methotrexate, remibrutinib |
| Locations | 237 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 236 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05156281 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 55 with a diagnosis of relapsing multiple sclerosis and a recent history of disease activity.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis or significant comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of remibrutinib compared to teriflunomide in patients diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). It consists of a randomized, double-blind, active comparator-controlled core part lasting up to 30 months, followed by an open-label extension part where eligible participants can receive remibrutinib for up to 5 years. Approximately 800 participants will be enrolled globally, and data from this trial will be pooled with a second identical study for comprehensive analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in evaluating similar treatment approaches for relapsing multiple sclerosis, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 to 55 years of age * Diagnosis of RMS according to the 2017 McDonald diagnostic criteria * At least: 1 documented relapse within the previous year. OR 2 documented relapses within the previous 2 years, OR 1 active Gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesion in the 12 months. * EDSS score of 0 to 5.5 (inclusive) * Neurologically stable within 1 month Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) * Disease duration of more than 10 years in participants with EDSS score of 2 or less at screening * History of clinically significant CNS disease other than MS * Ongoing substance abuse (drug or alcohol) * History of malignancy of any organ system (other than complete resection of localized basal cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ cervical cancer), * Participants with history of confirmed Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) or Neurological symptoms consistent with PML * suicidal ideation or behavior * Evidence of clinically significant cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, pulmonary , renal, hepatic, endocrine, metabolic, hematological disorders or gastrointestinal disease that can interfere with interpretation of the study results or protocol adherence * Participants who have had a splenectomy * Active clinically significant systemic bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infections * Positive results for syphilis or tuberculosis testing * Uncontrolled disease states, such as asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease, where flares are commonly treated with oral or parenteral corticosteroids * Active, chronic disease of the immune system (including stable disease treated with immune therapy (e.g. Leflunomide, Methotrexate)) other than MS (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.) with the exception of well-controlled diabetes or thyroid disorder. * Participants with a known immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS, hereditary immune deficiency, drug induced immune deficiency), or tested positive for HIV antibody * History or current treatment for hepatic disease including but not limited to acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis (including all Child-Pugh classes) or hepatic failure or any chronic liver or biliary disease. * History of severe renal disease or creatinine level * Participants at risk of developing or having reactivation of hepatitis * Hematology parameters at screening: * Hemoglobin: \< 10 g/dl (\<100g/L) * Platelets: \< 100000/mm3 (\<100 x 109/L) * Absolute lymphocyte count \< 800/mm3 (\<0.8 x 109/L) * White blood cells: \<3 000/mm3 (\<3.0 x 109/L) * Neutrophils: \< 1 500/mm3 (\<1.5 x 109/L) * B-cell count \< 50% lower limit of normal (LLN) or total IgG \& total IgM \< LLN (only required for participants who had a history of receiving B-cell therapies, such as rituximab, ocrelizumab or ofatumumab, prior to screening) * History or current diagnosis of significant ECG abnormalities * Resting QTcF ≥450 msec (male) or ≥460 msec (female) at pre-treatment as per central ECG reading at screening visit * Use of other investigational drugs * Requirement for anticoagulant medication or use of dual anti-platelet therapy Significant bleeding risk or coagulation disorders, * History of gastrointestinal bleeding * Major surgery within 8 weeks prior to screening * History of hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or excipients * Pregnant or nursing (lactating) female participants, prior to randomization * Women of childbearing potential not using highly effective contraception * Sexually active males not agreeing to use condom * Have received any live or live-attenuated vaccines within 6 weeks of randomization or requirement to receive these vaccinations during study * Use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers within two weeks prior to randomization Inclusion to Extension part: • Participants who complete the Core Part of the study on double-blind study treatment and conduct the Accelerated Elimination Procedure (AEP) Other inclusion and exclusion criteria may apply.
Where it's running
-
Vladimir Royter MD APMC
Hanford, California, United States Recruiting -
VA Greater LA Healthcare System
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting -
Regina Berkovich MD PhD Inc
West Hollywood, California, United States Recruiting -
CU Anschutz Med Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
Colorado Neurological Research PC
Denver, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
New England Institute for Clinical Research
Stamford, Connecticut, United States Recruiting
Show 44 more locations
-
Georgetown University Hospital Research
Washington, District of Columbia, United States Recruiting -
Nova Clinical Research LLC
Bradenton, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Univ of Florida College of Medicine
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Memorial Hospital
Hollywood, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Neurology Associates PA
Maitland, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Gables Neurology
Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting -
UM Department Of Neurology
Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Aqualane Clinical Research
Naples, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Advent Health Orlando
Orlando, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Humanity Clinical Research
Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Emerald Coast Neurology
Pensacola, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Brain and Spine Institute
Port Orange, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Vero Beach Neurology
Vero Beach, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Conquest Research
Winter Park, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Methodist Neuroscience Institute
Merrillville, Indiana, United States Recruiting -
University of Kansas Hospital
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting -
Baptist Physicians Lexington
Nicholasville, Kentucky, United States Recruiting -
Ochsner Clinic Foundation
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Recruiting -
Comprehensive Neurology
Frederick, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Memorial Healthcare
Owosso, Michigan, United States Recruiting -
Kansas City VA Medical Center
Kansas City, Missouri, United States Recruiting -
South Shore Neurologic Associates
Patchogue, New York, United States Recruiting -
True North Neurology
Port Jefferson Station, New York, United States Recruiting -
University Of NC At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Piedmont HealthCare
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
The Boster Ctr for MS
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting -
Neurology Diagnostics Inc
Dayton, Ohio, United States Recruiting -
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Medical Uni of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Premier Neurology
Greenville, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Metrolina Neurological Associates PA
Indian Land, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Sibyl Wray MD Neurology PC
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting -
Neurology Consultants Of Dallas PA
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Med Research Inc
El Paso, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Lone Star Neurology
Frisco, Texas, United States Recruiting -
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Lonestar Neurology of San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders
Sherman, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Baylor Scott and White
Temple, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Virginia Mason Medical Centre
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting -
University of Washington MS Clinic
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting -
Elligo Health Research
Crab Orchard, West Virginia, United States Recruiting
+187 more sites. See ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Email: novartis.email@novartis.com
- Phone: 1-888-669-6682
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Remibrutinib after switching from ocrelizumab for relapsing multiple sclerosis
This study will see if remibrutinib, a daily oral BTK inhibitor, keeps relapsing MS under control in people switching from ocrelizumab compared with continuing ocrelizumab.
-
BTK inhibitor remibrutinib in hidradenitis suppurativa shows how it works in adults
This phase 1 trial tests whether remibrutinib can safely affect HS in adults with moderate to severe disease.
-
Remibrutinib and omalizumab-based treatment approach for adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria not well controlled by antihistamines
This trial tests a sequencing plan using remibrutinib and omalizumab to see if it helps adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria that isn’t well controlled by second-generation antihistamines.
-
Remibrutinib for Severe Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin in Adults
We’re testing whether remibrutinib can help adults with severe, unexplained itching that hasn’t gone away with moisturizers.
-
Remibrutinib for IgE-mediated peanut, milk, and egg allergy
This study tests whether remibrutinib can help people with peanut, milk, or egg allergies by comparing it to placebo over 52 weeks.
-
Brain Imaging and Immune Changes During Remibrutinib in Relapsing MS
This study tests how remibrutinib affects brain inflammation in people with relapsing MS who are also on ocrelizumab.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.