Clinical trial No longer in our active list Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 to 55

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

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
Enrollment800 (estimated)
SponsorNovartis
Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsrituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, Methotrexate, remibrutinib
Locations237 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 236 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05156281 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.