JAK inhibitor treatment for Down syndrome in children and young adults
Official title: Modulation of the Immune System in Down Syndrome for Improved Outcomes and Neurodevelopment - 1
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT07598643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether 6 months of tofacitinib can help improve safety and neurodevelopment in people with Down syndrome aged 6 to 22, compared with placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 6 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 92 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | tofacitinib, methotrexate |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2030 |
| Study ends | August 2030 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07598643 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Candidates are individuals with Down syndrome aged 6–22 who weigh at least 10 kg and have guardian consent; prior JAK inhibitor exposure or live attenuated vaccine within specified windows may exclude participation.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants who do not respond to JAK inhibition or who experience limiting adverse events may not see benefit from the treatment.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety and potential benefits of the JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib in individuals with Down syndrome. Participants will be assigned to tofacitinib or placebo for 6 months, with safety labs and neurodevelopment assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. A cross-over extension offers placebo participants a second 6 months of active treatment, while primary analyses focus on the initial 6-month period. The trial aims to enroll about 80 participants (up to 92 total) across sites in Colorado, with ongoing safety monitoring and an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board overseeing interim safety analyses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved neurodevelopmental outcomes and overall health measures related to Down syndrome while on treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies of JAK inhibitors in related contexts have shown safety signals but need confirmation of efficacy in Down syndrome; this trial explores a novel indication with rigorous design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals with DS aged 6 years (inclusive) to 22 years (inclusive). All forms of DS will qualify, including complete trisomy 21, Robertsonian translocation trisomy 21, partial trisomy 21 (segmental duplication), and/or mosaic trisomy 21. 2. Available parent(s) or guardian(s) legally able to sign the consent form and who can complete study materials as appropriate. 3. Body weight is at least 10 kgs. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Prior treatment with a JAK inhibitor or with an investigational agent, device, or procedure within 21 days of enrollment. 2. Current or planned use of a JAK inhibitor during the 6-month study period. 3. Known allergies, hypersensitivity, or intolerance to tofacitinib. 4. Active, uncontrolled, or life-threatening infection that at the determination of the treating physician would preclude safe use of tofacitinib. 5. History of gastrointestinal perforation. 6. Vaccination with live attenuated virus within six weeks of inclusion in the study or planned during the study. Note on vaccines: Participants not yet vaccinated for MMR-V should consider their timeline for MMR-V vaccination. Specifically, the study team recommends MMR-V vaccination as soon as possible and delay study start until 6 weeks after MMR-V vaccinations. 7. Concomitant treatment with any of the following: 1. Concomitant treatment with other immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, tacrolimus, cyclosporine). 2. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). 3. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin). 4. Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) with a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) (e.g., fluconazole). 5. Other supplements or medications that at the determination of the treating physician would preclude safe use of tofacitinib. 8. Evidence of severe organ dysfunction, including significantly abnormal laboratory values or severe renal impairment, that at the determination of the treating physician would preclude safe administration of tofacitinib. 9. Any history of leukemia, lymphoma, or unresolved transient myeloproliferative disorder. 10. Any current, recurrent, or metastatic forms of cancer. 11. Any cancer treatment within five years prior to study entry. 12. Known personal history of thrombosis or bleeding disorder. 13. History of tuberculosis, disseminated herpes zoster, disseminated herpes simplex, or recurrent localized herpes zoster. 14. Intravenous antimicrobial therapy within 3 months of inclusion in the study. 15. History of organ or bone marrow transplant. 16. History of myocardial infarction or stroke. 17. Evidence of lipid disorder, including but not limited to LDL \> 190 mg/dL, per discretion of the treating physician. 18. Participant received blood or plasma products within 30 days of the Baseline visit. 19. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) within 8 weeks of the Baseline visit. 20. Hospitalization longer than 6 months in the last year. 21. History of neurological syndrome that in the opinion of the study doctors would inhibit successful participation in the study. 22. Less than 6 weeks post-surgery at Baseline appointment. 23. Total vision or hearing loss (with no corrective devices available). 24. Participant must be able to attempt the neurodevelopment assessment battery at Baseline and caregiver must be able to complete proxy reports for neurodevelopmental assessments. 25. Poor venous access not allowing repeated blood tests or non-compliance with venipuncture requirements. 26. Participants may be excluded for other unforeseen reasons at the study doctor's discretion. 27. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. 28. Use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.
Where it's running
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CU Anschutz, Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joaquin Espinosa, PhD — Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, CU Anschutz
- Study coordinator: Constance Brecl
- Email: constance.brecl@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 303-724-6214
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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.