Using Tocilizumab for treating aortitis in Giant Cell Arteritis

Prospective, Observational Study Assessing Safety and Efficacy of Biosimilar of Tocilizumab in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) With Active Aortitis

Observational Groupe français d'étude des Maladies Inflammatoires de loeil · NCT06271018

This study is testing if a new version of Tocilizumab can safely help people with Giant Cell Arteritis and active aortitis feel better while they are already on standard treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGroupe français d'étude des Maladies Inflammatoires de loeil Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsTocilizumab, prednisone
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT06271018 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a biosimilar of Tocilizumab in patients with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) who have active aortitis. Conducted across 14 reference centers in France, the study involves monitoring patients who meet specific inclusion criteria and are receiving standard care, including a stable dose of oral corticosteroids. Participants will be followed for up to two years, with regular assessments of inflammation markers, adverse events, and imaging studies to evaluate treatment response.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with active aortitis related to Giant Cell Arteritis, confirmed by imaging.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of severe immunosuppression or intolerance to Tocilizumab may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from aortitis related to GCA, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing severe complications.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using Tocilizumab for GCA, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients ≥18 years
* Signed informed consent
* Affiliation with the French national social security system
* Adequate and effective contraceptive measures
* For women of childbearing age, a negative serum pregnancy test.
* Diagnosis of GCA according to 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria
* Active newly diagnosed or relapsing Aortitis related to GCA proved by imaging (Tep-scan, angio-CT or magnetic resonance imaging angiography)
* No neoplasia
* No contraindication to Tocilizumab

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or breastfeeding ;
* History of severe immunosuppression, HIV or HBsAg positive
* Non response or intolerance to previous therapy with tocilizumab
* Positive QuantiFERON test result (QFT-TBGIn-Tube)
* Have received live vaccines within 3 months prior to the start of the trial
* History of malignancy in the last 5 years
* Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance \<30mL/min/1.73m²)
* Liver dysfunction defined as aspartate transaminase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT) levels ≥ 5 at the upper limit of normal
* Blood count abnormality:

  * Platelet count \< 50 x 10.3/mm3
  * Neutropenia \< 1000/mm3
  * Hemoglobin \< 8 g/dl

Where this trial is running

Paris

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 AortitisGiant Cell ArteritisTocilizumab
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.