<clinical_study>
  <!-- This xml conforms to an XML Schema at:
    https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/html/images/info/public.xsd -->
  <required_header>
    <download_date>ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on September 20, 2023</download_date>
    <link_text>Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.</link_text>
    <url>https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03813771</url>
  </required_header>
  <id_info>
    <org_study_id>RR16/209</org_study_id>
    <secondary_id>2016-002344-16</secondary_id>
    <nct_id>NCT03813771</nct_id>
  </id_info>
  <brief_title>Targeted Treatment Early With Etanercept + Methotrexate vs.T2T Care for DMARD-naïve Early RA Patients Based on naïve T-cell Stratification</brief_title>
  <acronym>TEEMS</acronym>
  <official_title>Targeted Treatment Early With Etanercept Plus Methotrexate Versus T2T Care for DMARD-naïve Early RA Patients. A Prospective, Longitudinal Cohort Study With Embedded Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess Treatment Rationalisation Based on naïve T-cell Stratification.</official_title>
  <sponsors>
    <lead_sponsor>
      <agency>University of Leeds</agency>
      <agency_class>Other</agency_class>
    </lead_sponsor>
    <collaborator>
      <agency>Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd.</agency>
      <agency_class>Industry</agency_class>
    </collaborator>
  </sponsors>
  <source>University of Leeds</source>
  <oversight_info>
    <has_dmc>Yes</has_dmc>
    <is_fda_regulated_drug>No</is_fda_regulated_drug>
    <is_fda_regulated_device>No</is_fda_regulated_device>
  </oversight_info>
  <brief_summary>
    <textblock>
      The main aim of the study is to determine the clinical utility of naive T-cell stratification&#xD;
      for rationalising treatment with methotrexate (MTX), for DMARD-naive early RA patients. Thus,&#xD;
      it aims to determine whether TNFi therapy (Benepali) instituted as first-line therapy in&#xD;
      DMARD-naive early RA patients with poor T-cell prognostication confers better outcomes&#xD;
      (clinical, structural and immunological). Hence, this would enable early targeted treatment&#xD;
      for those with a poorer prognosis based on their immunological status.&#xD;
    </textblock>
  </brief_summary>
  <detailed_description>
    <textblock>
      The current optimal therapeutic approach in early RA is to start MTX to target inflammation&#xD;
      and induce remission.Prediction of MTX therapy response remains a key clinical need to enable&#xD;
      the identification of patients who would benefit from an alternative, more aggressive&#xD;
      treatment strategy. Multiple predictors of remission with MTX have been reported over the&#xD;
      years but none have entered routine clinical practice.&#xD;
&#xD;
      We previously reported that T-cell phenotyping at baseline could predict remission in&#xD;
      DMARD-naïve early RA treated with MTX. Reduced naïve CD4+ T-cell frequency was the most&#xD;
      predictive factor, using both a pilot and a replication cohort.These data confirmed the&#xD;
      potential value of using naïve CD4+ T-cells as a biomarker of MTX induced remission in early&#xD;
      RA.&#xD;
&#xD;
      The clinical utility of measuring T-cell subsets is therefore strongly indicated by these&#xD;
      data and suggests that measurement of T- cell subsets can be used to rationalise the use of&#xD;
      MTX as first-line therapy.Predicting response to MTX has important clinical value to identify&#xD;
      patients who will do well on MTX but furthermore for directing those who will have a&#xD;
      sub-optimal response to MTX to receive alternative therapy without any harmful delay and in&#xD;
      line with the treat to target principle.&#xD;
&#xD;
      The current study aims to confirm/validate the clinical value of T-cell subset quantification&#xD;
      for the prediction of MTX response in early RA, by stratified interventions based on baseline&#xD;
      naïve CD4+ T-cell status.&#xD;
&#xD;
      This is a Single centre, phase IV, open-label, prospective, longitudinal cohort study with an&#xD;
      embedded pilot randomised controlled trial that aims to assess whether MTX can be&#xD;
      rationalised as a first-line treatment for DMARD-naïve early RA patients, according to&#xD;
      baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell stratification.&#xD;
&#xD;
      Patients with newly diagnosed RA satisfying the inclusion criteria will be recruited from our&#xD;
      early arthritis clinic. Eligible patients will be provided with written information on the&#xD;
      study and will be given a minimum of 24 hours to read this information prior to being&#xD;
      contacted by a research nurse (within one week). If interested they will be invited to a&#xD;
      screening appointment within four weeks to confirm eligibility, obtain written consent and to&#xD;
      collect the necessary clinical and laboratory data as per the study schedule. Following the&#xD;
      screening visit, patients will attend a baseline assessment within four weeks.&#xD;
&#xD;
      Patients will be stratified based on their naïve CD4+ T-cell frequency (normal or abnormal&#xD;
      based on our pre-defined cut-off values according to age and sex-matched controls). Patients&#xD;
      with a normal T-cell frequency (Arm A) will commence MTX 15mg/week PO (+HCQ 400mg od) as per&#xD;
      standard T2T practice. Follow-up (4, 12 and 24 weeks), dose escalation of MTX and treatment&#xD;
      of flare will also be conducted in line with T2T care.&#xD;
&#xD;
      Patients with an abnormal T-cell frequency will be randomized 1:1 into 2 groups using&#xD;
      randomly permuted block sizes and also followed up as per T2T care:&#xD;
&#xD;
      The first group (Arm B) will receive MTX 15mg/week PO (+HCQ 400mg od) The second group (Arm&#xD;
      C) will receive MTX 15mg/week PO (+HCQ 400mg od) in combination with 50 mg subcutaneous&#xD;
      Benepali® administered weekly.&#xD;
&#xD;
      Patients will be followed up for a period of 24 weeks and will undergo clinical,&#xD;
      immunological and imaging assessments as stated in the study schedule. Following completion&#xD;
      of the study, patients will either be followed up in our established inflammatory arthritis&#xD;
      or biologics clinic. Patients in group C will discontinue their Benepali®.&#xD;
&#xD;
      This study will take place at the rheumatology out-patient department in Chapel Allerton&#xD;
      Hospital, Leeds.&#xD;
    </textblock>
  </detailed_description>
  <overall_status>Unknown status</overall_status>
  <last_known_status>Not yet recruiting</last_known_status>
  <start_date type="Anticipated">March 2019</start_date>
  <completion_date type="Anticipated">February 2023</completion_date>
  <primary_completion_date type="Anticipated">February 2023</primary_completion_date>
  <phase>Phase 4</phase>
  <study_type>Interventional</study_type>
  <has_expanded_access>No</has_expanded_access>
  <study_design_info>
    <allocation>Randomized</allocation>
    <intervention_model>Parallel Assignment</intervention_model>
    <intervention_model_description>Prospective, longitudinal cohort study with an embedded pilot randomised controlled trial. Patients with normal naive T-cell status will receive standard T2T care with methotrexate. Patients with abnormal naive T-cell status will be randomised 1:1 to T2T care vs. Benepali + T2T care with methotrexate</intervention_model_description>
    <primary_purpose>Treatment</primary_purpose>
    <masking>None (Open Label)</masking>
  </study_design_info>
  <primary_outcome>
    <measure>Clinical Remission at 24 weeks (Arms A vs B)</measure>
    <time_frame>24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the proportions of patients in clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6) at 24 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) vs. abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies</description>
  </primary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Clinical Remission at 12 weeks (Arms A vs B)</measure>
    <time_frame>12 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the proportions of patients in clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6) after 12 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) vs. abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Clinical Remission at 12 and 24 weeks (Arms B vs C)</measure>
    <time_frame>12 and 24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the proportions of patients in clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6) at 12 weeks and 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Sustained Clinical Remission</measure>
    <time_frame>12 and 24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the proportions of patients achieving sustained clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6 at both 12 and 24 weeks) (Arm A vs. Arm B and Arm B vs. Arm C)</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Patient Reported Outcomes at 12 and 24 weeks (Arm A vs B)</measure>
    <time_frame>12 and 24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The differences in the medians of patient-reported outcome measures (EMS, VAS scales, HAQ-DI) after 12 weeks &amp; 24 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) vs. abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Patient Reported Outcomes at 12 and 24 weeks (Arm B vs C)</measure>
    <time_frame>12 and 24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The differences in the medians of patient-reported outcome measures (EMS, VAS scales, HAQ-DI) after 12 weeks &amp; 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Imaging Remission at 24 weeks (Arm A vs B)</measure>
    <time_frame>24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the proportions of patients in imaging remission (Total power doppler synovitis score=0) after 24 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) or abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Imaging Remission at 24 weeks (Arm B vs C)</measure>
    <time_frame>24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the proportions of patients in imaging remission (Total power doppler synovitis score = 0) at 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Immunological Remission</measure>
    <time_frame>24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the proportion of patients with normal naïve CD4+ T-cells at 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cells receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <secondary_outcome>
    <measure>Cumulative Steroid Use</measure>
    <time_frame>24 weeks</time_frame>
    <description>The difference in the average (median) cumulative amount of intramuscular corticosteroid use at 24 weeks between study arms (Arm A vs. Arm B and Arm B vs. Arm C). This will include any administered at the 24 week visit.</description>
  </secondary_outcome>
  <number_of_arms>3</number_of_arms>
  <enrollment type="Anticipated">106</enrollment>
  <condition>Rheumatoid Arthritis</condition>
  <arm_group>
    <arm_group_label>Abnormal T-cells: Benepali + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <arm_group_type>Experimental</arm_group_type>
    <description>Treatment Arm C will receive Benepali and methotrexate combination therapy and followed as per T2T care over a total duration of 24 weeks. Sulfasalazine or Hydroxychloroquine may be added to therapy at follow up visits in-line with T2T care.&#xD;
Benepali will be administered subcutaneously at a dose of 50mg weekly and discontinued at the primary endpoint (24 weeks).&#xD;
Methotrexate will be administered orally at a starting dose of 15mg weekly. It may be increased in line with T2T care (to a maximum of 25mg) over the 24 weeks.</description>
  </arm_group>
  <arm_group>
    <arm_group_label>Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <arm_group_type>Active Comparator</arm_group_type>
    <description>Treatment Arm B will receive initial methotrexate monotherapy with adoption of a treat to target protocol (standard care involving monthly DAS28-ESR assessment with escalation to combination synthetic DMARD (Including sulfasalazine and/or hydroxychloroquine).&#xD;
therapy if not achieving low disease activity (LDA) at, or after, 8 weeks).</description>
  </arm_group>
  <arm_group>
    <arm_group_label>Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <arm_group_type>Other</arm_group_type>
    <description>Treatment Arm A will receive standard T2T care as per Arm B.</description>
  </arm_group>
  <intervention>
    <intervention_type>Drug</intervention_type>
    <intervention_name>Benepali</intervention_name>
    <description>Benepali will be adminstered subcutaneously at a dose of 50mg weekly and discontinued at the primary endpoint (24 weeks).</description>
    <arm_group_label>Abnormal T-cells: Benepali + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <other_name>Etanercept</other_name>
  </intervention>
  <intervention>
    <intervention_type>Drug</intervention_type>
    <intervention_name>Sulfasalazine</intervention_name>
    <description>Sulfasalazine will be added at follow up visits (T2T care) if the subject fails to achieve low disease activity,administered orally at a dose of 1g twice daily.</description>
    <arm_group_label>Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <arm_group_label>Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
  </intervention>
  <intervention>
    <intervention_type>Drug</intervention_type>
    <intervention_name>Methotrexate</intervention_name>
    <description>Methotrexate will be administered orally at a starting dose of 15mg weekly. It may be increased in line with T2T care (to a maximum of 25mg) over the 24 weeks.</description>
    <arm_group_label>Abnormal T-cells: Benepali + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <arm_group_label>Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <arm_group_label>Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
  </intervention>
  <intervention>
    <intervention_type>Drug</intervention_type>
    <intervention_name>Hydroxychloroquine</intervention_name>
    <description>Hydroxychloroquine will be added at follow up visits (T2T care) if the subject fails to achieve low diseaseactivity, administered at a dose of 200mg daily.</description>
    <arm_group_label>Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
    <arm_group_label>Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care</arm_group_label>
  </intervention>
  <eligibility>
    <criteria>
      <textblock>
        Inclusion Criteria:&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Subject has a diagnosis of RA as defined by the new ACR/EULAR 2010 classification&#xD;
             criteria&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Newly diagnosed (within 12 weeks)&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Active disease at screening (DAS28ESR ≥3.2 or clinical evidence of synovitis)&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Anti-citrillunated protein antibody (ACPA) positive&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Male &amp; female subjects ≥18 years old&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  DMARD (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug) naïve&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  No use of intra-muscular, intra-articular or oral corticosteroids 4 weeks days prior&#xD;
             to screening&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  All male and female subjects biologically capable of having children must agree to use&#xD;
             a reliable method of contraception for the duration of the study and 24 weeks after&#xD;
             the end of the study period. Acceptable methods of contraception are surgical&#xD;
             sterilisation, oral, implantable or injectable hormonal methods, intrauterine devices&#xD;
             or barrier contraceptives.&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Patients must have the capacity and be willing to provide written informed consent and&#xD;
             comply with the requirements of the protocol&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Subjects should be deemed to be in good health with respect to clinical examination&#xD;
             and screening blood tests, including full blood count (FBC), urea and electrolytes&#xD;
             (U&amp;E), and liver functions tests (LFT) - see exclusion criteria for further details&#xD;
&#xD;
        Exclusion Criteria:&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Use of any additional investigational medications or products within 28 days of&#xD;
             screening (including prior to screening)&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Use of intra-muscular/intra-articular or oral corticosteroids within 28 days prior to&#xD;
             screening&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Use (including use as required) of more than one NSAID, change in NSAID or change in&#xD;
             dose of NSAID within 28 days of the baseline visit.&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Live vaccine within &lt;28 days prior to screening&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Pregnant/lactating women or planning pregnancy within 24 weeks of last protocol&#xD;
             treatment&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Planned surgery within the study period (requiring omission of study medication &gt; 28&#xD;
             days&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  The presence of other comorbidities, which the physician deems as significant to&#xD;
             interfere with evaluation (musculoskeletal condition such as osteoarthritis &amp;&#xD;
             fibromyalgia)&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Diagnosis of another inflammatory arthritis or connective tissue disease (e.g.&#xD;
             psoriatic arthritis or Ankylosing spondylitis, primary Sjogren's syndrome, systemic&#xD;
             sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis)&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Concomitant severe infection requiring intravenous therapy 4 weeks (28) days prior to&#xD;
             screening&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Any contraindication to conventional DMARD's/anti-TNF therapy&#xD;
&#xD;
          -  Patients with abnormal liver function at the time of screening or abnormal blood tests&#xD;
             as shown by:&#xD;
&#xD;
               -  Aminotransferase (AST) / alanine aminotransferase (ALT) &gt; 3x upper limit of&#xD;
                  normal (ULN) OR Bilirubin &gt; 50µmol/L&#xD;
&#xD;
               -  Serum Creatinine &gt; 175 umol/L&#xD;
&#xD;
               -  eGFR below 30ml/L/min/1.73m2&#xD;
&#xD;
               -  neutrophils &lt; 2000 x 106/L&#xD;
&#xD;
               -  Platelets &lt; 125 x 109/L&#xD;
&#xD;
               -  Haemoglobin &lt; 90 g/L for males and &lt; 85 g/L for females&#xD;
      </textblock>
    </criteria>
    <gender>All</gender>
    <minimum_age>18 Years</minimum_age>
    <maximum_age>N/A</maximum_age>
    <healthy_volunteers>No</healthy_volunteers>
  </eligibility>
  <overall_official>
    <last_name>Paul Emery, Professor</last_name>
    <role>Principal Investigator</role>
    <affiliation>Institute of Rheumatic &amp; Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital</affiliation>
  </overall_official>
  <overall_contact>
    <last_name>James Goulding</last_name>
    <phone>0113 392 4495</phone>
    <email>j.t.r.goulding@leeds.ac.uk</email>
  </overall_contact>
  <location>
    <facility>
      <name>Institute of Rheumatic &amp; Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital</name>
      <address>
        <city>Leeds</city>
        <state>West Yorkshire</state>
        <zip>LS7 4SA</zip>
        <country>United Kingdom</country>
      </address>
    </facility>
    <contact>
      <last_name>Paul Emery, Professor</last_name>
      <email>p.emery@leeds.ac.uk</email>
    </contact>
  </location>
  <location_countries>
    <country>United Kingdom</country>
  </location_countries>
  <verification_date>January 2019</verification_date>
  <study_first_submitted>September 12, 2018</study_first_submitted>
  <study_first_submitted_qc>January 21, 2019</study_first_submitted_qc>
  <study_first_posted type="Actual">January 23, 2019</study_first_posted>
  <last_update_submitted>January 21, 2019</last_update_submitted>
  <last_update_submitted_qc>January 21, 2019</last_update_submitted_qc>
  <last_update_posted type="Actual">January 23, 2019</last_update_posted>
  <responsible_party>
    <responsible_party_type>Sponsor</responsible_party_type>
  </responsible_party>
  <keyword>T-cells</keyword>
  <keyword>Treat to Target</keyword>
  <keyword>DMARD-naive</keyword>
  <keyword>Benepali</keyword>
  <condition_browse>
    <!-- CAUTION:  The following MeSH terms are assigned with an imperfect algorithm            -->
    <mesh_term>Arthritis</mesh_term>
    <mesh_term>Arthritis, Rheumatoid</mesh_term>
  </condition_browse>
  <intervention_browse>
    <!-- CAUTION:  The following MeSH terms are assigned with an imperfect algorithm            -->
    <mesh_term>Hydroxychloroquine</mesh_term>
    <mesh_term>Sulfasalazine</mesh_term>
    <mesh_term>Etanercept</mesh_term>
    <mesh_term>Methotrexate</mesh_term>
  </intervention_browse>
  <patient_data>
    <sharing_ipd>Undecided</sharing_ipd>
  </patient_data>
  <!-- Results have not yet been posted for this study                                          -->
</clinical_study>


download date: ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on September 20, 2023
link text: Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03813771
org study id: RR16/209
secondary id: 2016-002344-16
nct id: NCT03813771
lead sponsor: 
collaborator: 
has dmc: Yes
is fda regulated drug: No
is fda regulated device: No
The main aim of the study is to determine the clinical utility of naive T-cell stratification
      for rationalising treatment with methotrexate (MTX), for DMARD-naive early RA patients. Thus,
      it aims to determine whether TNFi therapy (Benepali) instituted as first-line therapy in
      DMARD-naive early RA patients with poor T-cell prognostication confers better outcomes
      (clinical, structural and immunological). Hence, this would enable early targeted treatment
      for those with a poorer prognosis based on their immunological status.
The current optimal therapeutic approach in early RA is to start MTX to target inflammation
      and induce remission.Prediction of MTX therapy response remains a key clinical need to enable
      the identification of patients who would benefit from an alternative, more aggressive
      treatment strategy. Multiple predictors of remission with MTX have been reported over the
      years but none have entered routine clinical practice.

      We previously reported that T-cell phenotyping at baseline could predict remission in
      DMARD-naïve early RA treated with MTX. Reduced naïve CD4+ T-cell frequency was the most
      predictive factor, using both a pilot and a replication cohort.These data confirmed the
      potential value of using naïve CD4+ T-cells as a biomarker of MTX induced remission in early
      RA.

      The clinical utility of measuring T-cell subsets is therefore strongly indicated by these
      data and suggests that measurement of T- cell subsets can be used to rationalise the use of
      MTX as first-line therapy.Predicting response to MTX has important clinical value to identify
      patients who will do well on MTX but furthermore for directing those who will have a
      sub-optimal response to MTX to receive alternative therapy without any harmful delay and in
      line with the treat to target principle.

      The current study aims to confirm/validate the clinical value of T-cell subset quantification
      for the prediction of MTX response in early RA, by stratified interventions based on baseline
      naïve CD4+ T-cell status.

      This is a Single centre, phase IV, open-label, prospective, longitudinal cohort study with an
      embedded pilot randomised controlled trial that aims to assess whether MTX can be
      rationalised as a first-line treatment for DMARD-naïve early RA patients, according to
      baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell stratification.

      Patients with newly diagnosed RA satisfying the inclusion criteria will be recruited from our
      early arthritis clinic. Eligible patients will be provided with written information on the
      study and will be given a minimum of 24 hours to read this information prior to being
      contacted by a research nurse (within one week). If interested they will be invited to a
      screening appointment within four weeks to confirm eligibility, obtain written consent and to
      collect the necessary clinical and laboratory data as per the study schedule. Following the
      screening visit, patients will attend a baseline assessment within four weeks.

      Patients will be stratified based on their naïve CD4+ T-cell frequency (normal or abnormal
      based on our pre-defined cut-off values according to age and sex-matched controls). Patients
      with a normal T-cell frequency (Arm A) will commence MTX 15mg/week PO (+HCQ 400mg od) as per
      standard T2T practice. Follow-up (4, 12 and 24 weeks), dose escalation of MTX and treatment
      of flare will also be conducted in line with T2T care.

      Patients with an abnormal T-cell frequency will be randomized 1:1 into 2 groups using
      randomly permuted block sizes and also followed up as per T2T care:

      The first group (Arm B) will receive MTX 15mg/week PO (+HCQ 400mg od) The second group (Arm
      C) will receive MTX 15mg/week PO (+HCQ 400mg od) in combination with 50 mg subcutaneous
      Benepali® administered weekly.

      Patients will be followed up for a period of 24 weeks and will undergo clinical,
      immunological and imaging assessments as stated in the study schedule. Following completion
      of the study, patients will either be followed up in our established inflammatory arthritis
      or biologics clinic. Patients in group C will discontinue their Benepali®.

      This study will take place at the rheumatology out-patient department in Chapel Allerton
      Hospital, Leeds.
allocation: Randomized
intervention model: Parallel Assignment
intervention model description: Prospective, longitudinal cohort study with an embedded pilot randomised controlled trial. Patients with normal naive T-cell status will receive standard T2T care with methotrexate. Patients with abnormal naive T-cell status will be randomised 1:1 to T2T care vs. Benepali + T2T care with methotrexate
primary purpose: Treatment
masking: None (Open Label)
measure: Clinical Remission at 24 weeks (Arms A vs B)
time frame: 24 weeks
description: The difference in the proportions of patients in clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6) at 24 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) vs. abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies
measure: Clinical Remission at 12 weeks (Arms A vs B)
time frame: 12 weeks
description: The difference in the proportions of patients in clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6) after 12 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) vs. abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies
measure: Clinical Remission at 12 and 24 weeks (Arms B vs C)
time frame: 12 and 24 weeks
description: The difference in the proportions of patients in clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6) at 12 weeks and 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)
measure: Sustained Clinical Remission
time frame: 12 and 24 weeks
description: The difference in the proportions of patients achieving sustained clinical remission (DAS28ESR ≤2.6 at both 12 and 24 weeks) (Arm A vs. Arm B and Arm B vs. Arm C)
measure: Patient Reported Outcomes at 12 and 24 weeks (Arm A vs B)
time frame: 12 and 24 weeks
description: The differences in the medians of patient-reported outcome measures (EMS, VAS scales, HAQ-DI) after 12 weeks & 24 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) vs. abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies
measure: Patient Reported Outcomes at 12 and 24 weeks (Arm B vs C)
time frame: 12 and 24 weeks
description: The differences in the medians of patient-reported outcome measures (EMS, VAS scales, HAQ-DI) after 12 weeks & 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)
measure: Imaging Remission at 24 weeks (Arm A vs B)
time frame: 24 weeks
description: The difference in the proportions of patients in imaging remission (Total power doppler synovitis score=0) after 24 weeks of first-line methotrexate with T2T care between those with normal (Arm A) or abnormal (Arm B) naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies
measure: Imaging Remission at 24 weeks (Arm B vs C)
time frame: 24 weeks
description: The difference in the proportions of patients in imaging remission (Total power doppler synovitis score = 0) at 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cell frequencies receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)
measure: Immunological Remission
time frame: 24 weeks
description: The difference in the proportion of patients with normal naïve CD4+ T-cells at 24 weeks for patients with abnormal baseline naïve CD4+ T-cells receiving methotrexate with T2T care (Arm B) vs. etanercept + methotrexate (Arm C)
measure: Cumulative Steroid Use
time frame: 24 weeks
description: The difference in the average (median) cumulative amount of intramuscular corticosteroid use at 24 weeks between study arms (Arm A vs. Arm B and Arm B vs. Arm C). This will include any administered at the 24 week visit.
arm group label: Abnormal T-cells: Benepali + T2T Care
arm group type: Experimental
description: Treatment Arm C will receive Benepali and methotrexate combination therapy and followed as per T2T care over a total duration of 24 weeks. Sulfasalazine or Hydroxychloroquine may be added to therapy at follow up visits in-line with T2T care.
Benepali will be administered subcutaneously at a dose of 50mg weekly and discontinued at the primary endpoint (24 weeks).
Methotrexate will be administered orally at a starting dose of 15mg weekly. It may be increased in line with T2T care (to a maximum of 25mg) over the 24 weeks.
arm group label: Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
arm group type: Active Comparator
description: Treatment Arm B will receive initial methotrexate monotherapy with adoption of a treat to target protocol (standard care involving monthly DAS28-ESR assessment with escalation to combination synthetic DMARD (Including sulfasalazine and/or hydroxychloroquine).
therapy if not achieving low disease activity (LDA) at, or after, 8 weeks).
arm group label: Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
arm group type: Other
description: Treatment Arm A will receive standard T2T care as per Arm B.
intervention type: Drug
intervention name: Benepali
description: Benepali will be adminstered subcutaneously at a dose of 50mg weekly and discontinued at the primary endpoint (24 weeks).
arm group label: Abnormal T-cells: Benepali + T2T Care
other name: Etanercept
intervention type: Drug
intervention name: Sulfasalazine
description: Sulfasalazine will be added at follow up visits (T2T care) if the subject fails to achieve low disease activity,administered orally at a dose of 1g twice daily.
arm group label: Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
arm group label: Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
intervention type: Drug
intervention name: Methotrexate
description: Methotrexate will be administered orally at a starting dose of 15mg weekly. It may be increased in line with T2T care (to a maximum of 25mg) over the 24 weeks.
arm group label: Abnormal T-cells: Benepali + T2T Care
arm group label: Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
arm group label: Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
intervention type: Drug
intervention name: Hydroxychloroquine
description: Hydroxychloroquine will be added at follow up visits (T2T care) if the subject fails to achieve low diseaseactivity, administered at a dose of 200mg daily.
arm group label: Abnormal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
arm group label: Normal T-cells: Methotrexate + T2T Care
criteria: 
gender: All
minimum age: 18 Years
maximum age: N/A
healthy volunteers: No
last name: Paul Emery, Professor
role: Principal Investigator
affiliation: Institute of Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital
last name: James Goulding
phone: 0113 392 4495
email: j.t.r.goulding@leeds.ac.uk
facility: 
contact: 
country: United Kingdom
responsible party type: Sponsor
mesh term: Arthritis
mesh term: Arthritis, Rheumatoid
mesh term: Hydroxychloroquine
mesh term: Sulfasalazine
mesh term: Etanercept
mesh term: Methotrexate
sharing ipd: Undecided