Using interleukin-2 to treat chronic spontaneous urticaria

Efficacy and Safety of Interleukin-2 Treatment in Moderate to Severe Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria With Poor Control by Antihistamines: a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University · NCT06924762

This study is testing if a new treatment using interleukin-2 can help adults with moderate to severe chronic hives who haven't found relief from regular allergy medicines.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
SponsorSecond Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsomalizumab
Locations1 site (Changsha, Hunan)
Trial IDNCT06924762 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of human interleukin-2 (IL-2) in treating adults with moderate to severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who have not responded adequately to oral antihistamines. Participants will receive either IL-2 or a placebo through intramuscular injections over three rounds, with follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and side effects. The study will compare the outcomes of those receiving IL-2 against those receiving the placebo to determine if IL-2 can alleviate urticaria symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria who have been symptomatic despite treatment with second-generation antihistamines.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, as well as those who do not meet the eligibility criteria, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant relief for patients suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria who do not respond to standard antihistamine therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that interleukin-2 may be effective for some patients with refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Gender: Not limited; Age: at least 18 years old and less than 75 years old;
2. Diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) (including patients overlapped with chronic inducible urticaria) according to the 2021 EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/AAAAI guidelines;
3. Disease course of CSU for at least 12 weeks;
4. The patient has been treated with second-generation antihistamines (one or more types, up to 4 tablets per day) every day for 2 weeks or more but still experiences significant symptoms of wheals and/or itching, with a UAS7 score ≥16 or a UCT score \<12;
5. UAS7 ≥16 on the date prior to randomization (according to complete daily symptom log data recorded in the past 7 days before randomization);
6. Willing and able to complete daily symptom logs throughout the entire study period;
7. The patient voluntarily consents to participate in this research project and has signed the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning to conceive within 6 months;
* Has used corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, leukotriene receptor antagonists, H2 receptor antagonists, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, and/or undergone plasma exchange in the past 4 weeks;
* Has received omalizumab or other biologic treatments in the past 12 weeks;
* Has previously undergone interleukin-2 treatment;
* Has a history of anaphylactic shock;
* Plans or anticipates the use of any prohibited drugs or treatments during the screening and/or treatment periods;
* Currently has active or recurrent severe infections, such as active tuberculosis;
* Has a congenital or acquired immunodeficiency disorder;
* Has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, mental disorders, or poor compliance, making them unable to adhere to treatment;
* Currently enrolled in another clinical trial;
* Is an employee of the clinical research facility or directly involved in the study, or is an immediate family member of such an individual;
* Any other reason that makes participation in this trial inappropriate.

Where this trial is running

Changsha, Hunan

Study contacts

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 Chronic Spontaneous UriticariaInterleukin-2Chronic spontaneous uriticariaurticaria control testpoor response to second-generation antihistamines
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.