Study of Efficacy and Safety of Canakinumab in Japanese Patients With SJIA

An Open-label, Single-arm, Active-treatment, Efficacy and Safety Study of Canakinumab (ACZ885) Administered for at Least 48 Weeks in Japanese Patients With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA)

This was a phase III study designed to provide efficacy and safety data for canakinumab administered for at least 48 weeks as subcutaneous (s.c.) injection every 4 weeks (q4wk) in Japanese patients with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA). Interim analysis (IA) data at Week 28 and 48 from this study supported a registration submission of canakinumab in the indication of SJIA in Japan.

Inclusion Criteria

- Confirmed diagnosis of SJIA as per International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR) definition (Petty, et al. 2004) that must have occurred at least 3 months prior to enrollment with an onset of disease < 16 years of age: Arthritis in one or more joints, with or preceded by fever of at least 2 weeks duration that is documented to be daily/quotidian for at least 3 days and accompanied by one or more of the following: Rash due to SJIA, lymphadenopathy, Hepatomegaly/Splenomegaly, Serositis

• Active disease at the time of baseline defined as follows:
• At least 2 joints with active arthritis
• Documented spiking, intermittent fever (body temperature > 38°C) for at least 1 day during the screening epoch and within 1 week before first canakinumab dose
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) > 30 mg/L(3 mg/dL) (normal range < 10 mg/L(1 mg/dL))
• Negative TB screen (Chest X-ray and T-SPOT test)

Exclusion Criteria:

• With active or recurrent bacterial, fungal or viral infection at the time of enrollment, including patients with evidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection. Patients with resolved/previous hepatitis B infection (a negative HBs antigen, but a positive anti-HBs antibody and/or anti-HBc antibody).
• With underlying metabolic, renal, hepatic, infectious or gastrointestinal conditions which in the opinion of the investigator immunocompromises the patient and /or places the patient at unacceptable risk for participation.
• With neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count < 1500/mm3) at screening.