Clinical trial Phase 3 Interventional Ages 50 and up

Treatment for Giant Cell Arteritis With Tocilizumab and 8 as Compared to 26 Weeks of Prednisone

Run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT06833411 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Not yet open. This study is not taking new participants. Its registered completion date is 2030-08.

The GISCO study plans to determine whether 8-week therapy is just as effective as 26-week cortisone therapy for treating giant cell arteritis * with tocilizumab, * while using less cortisone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment178 (estimated)
SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsPrednisone, Prednisone
Locations1 site (Switzerland)
Trial IDNCT06833411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The aim of this randomized clinical trial investigates whether 1) a shortened GC 8-week regimen is as effective as the current 26-week regimen and 2) associated with less GC exposure when introducing a GC-sparing agent in the treatment of GCA.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with giant cell arteritis
* Start of tocilizumab treatment at baseline as part of routine clinical practice
* Receive ≥ 20 mg/day prednisone (or equivalent) at baseline
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Treated with any investigational drug of chemical or biologic nature within a minimum of 30 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to the first dose of tocilizumab.

Where it's running

  • Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University of Bern
    Bern, Switzerland

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Lisa Christ, Dr. med. — Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
  • Study coordinator: Lisa Christ, Dr. med.
  • Email: RI-Studien@insel.ch
  • Phone: +41 31 63 2 72 29

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 2026-11-15 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.