Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 2:54 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-24 @ 2:54 PM
NCT ID:
NCT03244059
Brief Summary:
This is intended to be an initial "proof-of-concept" study to show feasibility, validate assays and approaches, and explore dosing and safety of belimumab in pulmonary emphysema patients who have clinically relevant (and quantifiable) autoimmune responses. The primary goal is to determine effects of belimumab on levels of autoantibodies against glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) among patients with pulmonary emphysema attributable to cigarette smoking. The investigators hypothesize that belimumab treatment will safely reduce circulating levels of autoantibodies that are associated with emphysema, and comorbidities of this lung disease, including atherosclerosis.
Detailed Description:
Specific Aim 1: To conduct a double-blind, Phase IIa trial, in which 18 former smokers with pulmonary emphysema (per chest CT scans), and circulating anti-GRP78 autoantibody levels \>mean normal values (by ELISA), will be randomized 2:1 to belimumab vs. placebo. Subjects will receive 8 infusions of either belimumab or placebo over a 6 month interval. Plasma anti-GRP78 will be measured pre-treatment, and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 months. The investigators hypothesize belimumab therapy will more effectively reduce anti-GRP78 IgG autoantibodies, the primary endpoint of this trial, compared to placebo.
Specific Aim 2: To determine effects of the belimumab therapy on secondary endpoints (at the times detailed for Aim 1) that include levels of pneumococcal-binding antibodies (by ELISA), circulating B-cell numbers and phenotypes (by flow cytometry), and the rate and severity of adverse events (AE) at any time during treatment. The investigators hypothesize belimumab will have dose-related effects on B-cell numbers and their differentiation, while minimally reducing host defense antibodies, and will also have an acceptable AE profile.
Study:
NCT03244059
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT03244059