Using CLN-978 to treat patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 1b, open-label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of CLN-978, a CD19-directed T cell engager, administered subcutaneously to patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study aims to enroll participants who have been diagnosed with SLE and have shown inadequate response to standard treatments. Participants will be monitored for their disease activity and response to the treatment over the course of the study. The goal is to assess the potential of CLN-978 to improve symptoms and disease management in this patient population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of SLE at least 24 weeks prior to Screening and meet 2019 EULAR / ACR Classification Criteria at screening.
* Presence of one or more of the following autoantibodies documented during screening or in the previous 12 months before screening: positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test (≥1:80); anti dsDNA above the upper limit of normal (ULN); anti-Sm above the ULN.
* Active SLE disease, as demonstrated by a SLEDAI total score ≥6 at screening.
* Inadequate response to at least 2 of the following treatments: oral corticosteroid, antimalarials, conventional immunosuppressants, or biologics. At least one of the failed treatments should be an immunosuppressive or biologic standard-of care agent.
* If on corticosteroid and/or antimalarial, the dose must be stable prior to day 1.
* Laboratory parameters including the following:

  * Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) ≥0.5 x 109/L
  * Peripheral B cell count ≥25 cells/µL
  * Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1.0 x 109/L
  * Hemoglobin ≥8 g/dL
  * Platelet count ≥75 x 109/L.
  * Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (based on CKD-EPI formula) ≥30 mL/min/1.73m2
  * Total bilirubin ≤1.5 × ULN, except patients with confirmed Gilbert's Syndrome
  * Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤2.5 × ULN
* Part B only: For patients who were treated in Part A and did not experience dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) or discontinue CLN-978 treatment due to AEs are eligible for retreatment at a higher dose or longer schedule in Part B if they otherwise meet eligibility criteria and at least 90 days have passed since the last dose of CLN-978.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active inflammatory disease other than SLE. Thyroiditis or secondary Sjogren's syndrome is allowed.
* Considered at high risk for thrombosis.
* Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and/or urine protein/creatinine \>3 mg/mg (339 mg/mmol).
* Active severe neuropsychiatric/CNS manifestations of SLE.
* Evidence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C (HCV) infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
* History of splenectomy.
* Prior treatment with the following:

  * Cellular or gene therapy product directed at any target.
  * Investigational therapy within 30 days or 5 drug-elimination half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to Day 1.
  * Any anti-CD19 or anti-CD20 therapy less than 3 months prior to Day 1.
  * Non-biologic DMARD within 14 days prior to Day 1.
  * Cyclophosphamide within 1 month or a biologic immunomodulating therapy during 2 months prior to Day 1.
* Live or attenuated vaccine within 28 days prior to screening or during screening.
* Active, clinically significant bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial, parasitic, or other infection, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, within 14 days before Day 1.
* Active or latent tuberculosis (TB) evidenced by a positive or indeterminant Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), unless the patient has documented previous completion of TB treatment and no current clinical indication of TB.
* Any condition for which, in the opinion of the Investigator and/or Sponsor, would not be in the best interest of the patient to participate in the study or that could prevent, limit, or confound any protocol-defined assessment.

Where it's running

• AARA Clinical Research
  Avondale, Arizona, United States Recruiting
• AARA Clinical Research
  Tucson, Arizona, United States Recruiting
• Omega Research Group
  Orlando, Florida, United States Recruiting
• University of Iowa
  Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting
• Boston Children's Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
• NYU Grossman School of Medicine
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Meagan Sardinha
• Email: ClinOps@cullinantx.com
• Phone: +1 617 410 4650

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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.