RItuximab Versus FUmarate in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis. — RIFUND-MS  

Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting Clinical Trial

Official title: RItuximab Versus FUmarate in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis. A Randomized Phase 3 Study Comparing Rituximab With Dimethyl Fumarate in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and Clinically Isolated Syndrome.

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

A randomized phase 3 study comparing Rituximab with Dimethyl Fumarate in early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and Clinically Isolated Syndrome.

Clinical Trial Description

This is a prospective randomised phase 3 study comparing a novel treatment protocol of Rituximab with a present first line disease modifying drug regarding both clinical, radiological and biochemical parameters. This will be measured via clinical investigations, MRI and Cerebrospinal fluid analyses. Each patient will have one treating physician responsible for all ongoing medical questions and decisions regarding continuation in the study and one examining physician performing the blinded Expanded Disability Status Scale examination and assessments of exacerbations. The coordinating nurse will administer the study-related tests and administer the rituximab infusions. In order to keep the examining physician blinded the patients receiving disease modifying drug will receive infusions with sodium chloride solution at the same interval as the rituximab arm is receiving. In both instances an opaque cover bag will shield the content of the infusion solution. In this case the examining physician will not be able to identify rituximab patients in case of accidental meetings on the neurology unit. Randomisation will be performed via a randomisation module in the national Swedish MS registry. The patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio and receive their treatments in accordance with clinical practice. Thus, the study will mimic the real-life situation in which the treatments will be administered which involves both positive and negative consequences. As positive consequence the result of the study will have a high degree of validity in relation to expected outcome in clinical practice. As negative consequence there may be psychological effects of knowing which medication one is receiving. Since both drugs probably are perceived as positive treatment options in MS today it is unlikely that there will be a predominant placebo effect of either of the treatment options. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting
• Sclerosis

• NCT number: NCT02746744
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Karolinska Institutet
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 3
• Start date: May 2016
• Completion date: August 2021