Rituximab in New Onset Type 1 Diabetes (NCT00279305) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2
Rituximab in New Onset Type 1 Diabetes
United States, Australia, Canada87 participantsStarted 2005-08
Plain-language summary
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Without these beta cells, the body cannot maintain proper blood glucose levels in response to daily activities such as eating or exercise. With fewer insulin producing cells blood glucose increases, causing hunger, thirst, and unexplained weight loss. By the time these symptoms develop, 80-90% of a person's beta cells have already been destroyed. However, this also means that between 10-20% of these cells remain that continue to produce insulin.
Scientists have learned that two types of immune cells, B cells and T cells, are involved in causing type 1 diabetes. T cells are responsible for attacking and destroying the beta cells that make insulin. Although they don't attack insulin producing cells, B cells may be what trigger the T cells to attack.
This study will investigate the use of rituximab to see if it can help lower the number of immune B cells thereby preventing the destruction of any remaining insulin producing beta cells that remain at diagnosis. Rituximab is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of a condition called B-lymphocyte lymphoma. Its effects on the immune system are well understood through its use in organ transplantation. Research has shown that rituximab might be helpful in treating other conditions caused by T cells and B cells, including type 1 diabetes. The goal of this study is to find out if rituximab can preserve residual insulin secretion and prevent further beta cell destruction in type 1 diabetes.
Who can participate
Age range
8 Years – 45 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Between the ages of 8 and 45 years
* Within 3 months of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes
* Have presence of at least one diabetes-related autoantibody
* Must have stimulated C-peptide levels of at least 0.2 pmol/ml measured during a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) within one month of randomization
* If female with reproductive potential, willing to avoid pregnancy and undergo pregnancy testing while participating in the study
* Have not received an immunization for at least one month
* Must be willing to comply with intensive diabetes management
* Must weigh at least 25 kg at study entry
Exclusion Criteria:
* Are immunodeficient or have clinically significant chronic lymphopenia
* Have an active infection or positive purified protein derivative (PPD) test result
* Currently pregnant or lactating; or anticipate becoming pregnant.
* Require chronic use of steroids
* Have current or past HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C infection
* Have any complicating medical issues that interfere with study conduct or cause increased risk
* Have a history of malignancies
* Currently using non-insulin pharmaceuticals that effect glycemic control
* Currently participating in another type 1 diabetes treatment study
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Area Under the Stimulated C-peptide Curve Over the First 2 Hours of a 4-hour Mixed Meal Tolerance Test (MMTT) Administered at 1 Year
Timeframe: When all participants complete the 1 year visit
Trial details
NCT IDNCT00279305
SponsorNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)