Comparing TLL-018 to Tofacitinib for Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Positive-controlled, Head-to-Head Monotherapy Study Comparing TLL-018 to Tofacitinib in Subjects With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis With Inadequate Response or Intolerance to Biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs)

Phase 3 Interventional Hangzhou Highlightll Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd · NCT06020144

This study is testing a new treatment called TLL-018 to see if it helps people with rheumatoid arthritis who haven't had success with other medications compared to a standard treatment called tofacitinib.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment450 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorHangzhou Highlightll Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionstofacitinib, prednisone
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06020144 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase 3 study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TLL-018 in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded adequately or are intolerant to biologic DMARDs. It employs a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy methodology, comparing TLL-018 to tofacitinib in a controlled setting. Participants will be monitored for their response to treatment over a specified period, with the aim of determining the effectiveness of TLL-018 as an alternative therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with active rheumatoid arthritis who have previously shown inadequate response or intolerance to biologic DMARDs.

Not a fit: Patients who have not received any biologic DMARDs or those with severe comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have limited responses to existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 18 and 65;
* Meet the diagnostic criteria of rheumatoid arthritis of the American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR,2010) with duration of at least 3 months;
* Meet the criteria for active rheumatoid arthritis;
* Have received at least one kind of bDMARDs for three months or longer and show inadequate response or intolerance to at least one kind of bDMARDs;
* Meet the ACR (1991) grading criteria of grade I, II or III;
* Discontinuation of bDMARDs or JAK inhibitors for more than four weeks;
* To sustain a stable status, oral administration of stable doses of glucocorticoids (≤ prednisone 10 mg/day or equivalent corticosteroids) and stable doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are allowed to use, provided that stable doses are maintained for at least one week prior to the study;
* BMI index is less than 35 kg/m2;
* Women of Child Bearing Potential (WOCBP) should not be pregnant or breastfeeding and the pregnancy test should be negative before randomization;
* Subjects (whether male or female) should have adequate barrier contraception during the whole treatment period and at least 90 days after treatment; subjects should avoid the sperm or ovum donation for at least six months after treatment;
* Subjects understand the informed consent form (ICF), volunteer for the study and sign the ICF;

Exclusion Criteria:

* With other rheumatic diseases;
* With other systemic inflammatory diseases;
* With progressive or uncontrolled symptoms of renal, hepatic, hematologic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurologic, psychiatric, or cerebral disease;
* Previous history of severe hematologic diseases;
* Previous history of malignancy within five years, with exception of cured basal cell carcinoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or cervical carcinoma in situ.
* With active infection before randomization;
* Herpes zoster occurred within 1 year prior to randomization; disseminated or recurrent herpes zoster prior to randomization; disseminated herpes simplex before randomization;
* Previous history of active tuberculosis (TB) and no evidence of clinical cure or imaging evidence of active TB; or T-spot or PPD positive at screening but have received TB preventive therapy less than one month;
* HBsAg positive (or HBsAg negative but anti-HBc positive and HBV-DNA quantitative test positive), HCV antibody and HCV-RNA positive, or HIV antibody positive;
* Previous history of thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, or platelet dysfunction;
* Previous history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents;
* Previous history of thromboembolism or risk factors;
* Previous history of gastrointestinal perforation;
* Temporary usage of NSAIDs within 24 hours prior to the baseline visit;
* Have received anti-rheumatic herb within 4 weeks before randomization;
* Have received interferon therapy within 4 weeks before randomization;
* Have donated blood more than 400 ml or received blood transfusion within 3 months prior to the study;
* Have received any live vaccine within 2 months before randomization or plan to receive a live vaccine during the study;
* Have experienced major surgery within 4 weeks before randomization, or expected to receive major surgical treatment after enrollment;
* Laboratory test results are abnormal and may interfere the study judged by investigators;
* Use of potent opioids within 4 weeks before the baseline visit;
* Allergy to ingredients or excipients of tofacitinib or TLL-018;
* Unable to accomplish evaluation in study;
* Receiving any study drug within 4 weeks or less than 5 elimination of half-life period) before randomization (whichever is longer);

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

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 Rheumatoid Arthritis
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.