Comparing cyclosporine and rituximab for treating autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Cyclosporine As a Second-line Treatment of Primary Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Phase 3 Interventional Assiut University · NCT05057468

This study tests whether cyclosporine can be a better treatment than rituximab for adults with autoimmune hemolytic anemia who haven't improved with steroids.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssiut University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsrituximab
Locations2 sites (Asyut, Asyut Governorate and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05057468 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of cyclosporine compared to rituximab in patients with primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia who have not responded to steroid treatment. The study focuses on adults over 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of the condition and aims to provide an alternative treatment option for those who are steroid-refractory or intolerant. By utilizing cyclosporine, which is known for its efficacy in immune cytopenic diseases and has a favorable safety profile, the trial seeks to address the limitations of current treatment protocols. The study is conducted at Assiut University Hospital in Egypt.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with primary warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia who have not responded to steroid therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the study drugs or those with secondary causes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with steroid-refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for cyclosporine in similar immune-related conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged more than 18 years old from any sex with a diagnosis of primary warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) based on the presence of hemolytic anemia and serological evidence of anti-erythrocyte antibodies, detectable by the direct antiglobulin test who have disease progression or failure after treatment with steroid therapy, or who are intolerant to treatment, or who refuse standard treatment.
* No evidence of a lymphoproliferative malignancy or other autoimmune-related underlying conditions.

Exclusion Criteria:

* any contraindications to the drugs of the study.
* any identified secondary cause of the AIHA.
* pregnant or lactating women.

Where this trial is running

Asyut, Asyut Governorate and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Primary Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.