RITA-MI 2 is an european phase IIb, multi-center, randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to assess the impact of B cell depletion with the CD20 mAb rituximab (200mg, and 1000mg MabThera®) on left ventricular dysfunction and cardiac remodelling after acute MI.~Sample size :~558 patients, 1:1:1 ratio~Assessement:~Patients will be recruited immediately after admission for MI. The aim is to start the infusion of IMP within 3 hours of PPCI (defined as first balloon inflation).~Eligible patients will be offered to enter the study. If they accept, the investigator will collect informed written consent from the patient or from a person of trust/next of kin if the patient is unable to consent.~Once the inclusion is confirmed, a specific study blood sample will be taken for later assessment of cytokines and biomarkers related to immune responses, inflammation and cardiac remodelling. It will also be done at discharge and at 6 months.~According to usual practice the following blood exams will be done: Kidney function parameters (including serum creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, calcium and eGFR). It will also be done at day 5 (+ 2 days) and at 6 months.~NT-pro-BNP will be performed at admission and at 6 months. Blood leukocytes, platelets and hematologic/haemostatic parameters will also be measured at admission and at 6 months.~The randomization will be performed and the pharmacy will extemporaneously prepare (aseptically) 2 infusion bags per patient (cf. treatments below).~During the infusion, the patient will be carefully monitored with continuous cardiac telemetry:~12 lead ECG with QTc measurement will be performed pre-dosing and post-dosing at admission, discharge and at 6 months.~Kidney functions. The patients will be carefully monitored by their treating physicians, as done in usual care, with a special attention to the occurrence of any adverse event related to treatment.~CMR will be done at 5 days (+ 2 days) to assess the left ventricular (LV) function, the infarct size and microvascular obstruction and at 6 months.~Study staff at the clinical sites will contact each patient at 30 days, 3 months and 12 months following randomization, by phone or during a hospital visit.~The patient participation will last after the 12-month visit.
The main objective is to compare the effect of a single injection of two doses of rituximab versus placebo on 6 months left ventricular systolic function, using CMR, in patients who have had an acute anterior STEMI.~The primary endpoint is the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by CMR at 6 months.