A Phase 2 Dose-finding Study of Atacicept in Subjects With Rheumatoid Arthritis (AUGUST I)

A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicentre, Phase II Dose-finding Study of Atacicept Given Subcutaneously in Subjects With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inadequate Response to TNFa Antagonist Therapy

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, multicentre, prospective dose-finding trial of the safety and efficacy of atacicept in subjects with active rheumatoid arthritis who had failed a three month therapeutic trial with a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) antagonist due to lack of efficacy.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) satisfying American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria with a disease history of at least one year

2. Male or female greater than or equal to (>=)18-years of age at time of informed consent

3. Active RA as defined by:

   • >=8 swollen joints (66-joint count),
   • >=8 tender joints (68-joint count), and
   • C-reactive protein (CRP) >=10 milligram per liter (mg/L) (central laboratory) and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) >= to 28 millimeter per hour (mm/h)

4. Failure of at least one TNFa antagonist therapy (previously or at the time of screening) as specified in the protocol

5. Other protocol defined inclusion criteria could apply

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any condition, including laboratory findings or findings in the medical history or pre-trial assessments, that in the opinion of the Investigator constitutes a risk or a contraindication for the subject's participation in the trial or that could interfere with the trial objectives, conduct or evaluation
2. Treatment with biologics aiming at B cell modulation such as rituximab or belimumab within 2 years before study Day 1
3. Any previous treatment with anakinra (Kineret), abatacept (Orencia) or tocilizumab within 3 months before study Day 1
4. Use of etanercept (Enbrel) within 28 days before study Day 1, or of infliximab (Remicade) or adalimumab (Humira) within 60 days before study Day 1
5. Participation in any interventional clinical trial with an unapproved investigational therapy within the 3 months before the start of this study (or within 5 half-lives of the investigated compound before study Day 1, whichever is longer)
6. Other protocol defined exclusion criteria could apply