NCT07202598 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Randomized Stepped Wedge Study of Emapalumab in APECED Enteritis
What this study is about
Background: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS-1), is a disease that causes the immune system to attack parts of a person s body. In some people, APECED attacks the small intestine; this causes an illness called enteritis.
View original scientific description
Background: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS-1), is a disease that causes the immune system to attack parts of a person s body. In some people, APECED attacks the small intestine; this causes an illness called enteritis. Objective: To test a drug (emapalumab) in people with enteritis caused by APECED. Eligibility: People aged 2 to 75 years with APECED and enteritis. They must also be enrolled in protocol 11-I-0187. Design: Participants will have 10-13 study visits in an 18-month period. Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood tests. These tests will be repeated at every study visit. They will have a test of their heart function. This will be at screening and prior to drug administration. Other tests are optional: Participants may have imaging exams and a test of lung function. They may have an endoscopy, which is an exam of their digestive tract. Participants may provide samples of urine, stool, nail clippings, saliva, vaginal fluid, or skin. Photos may be taken of their skin or scalp. These tests may be repeated at some visits. Emapalumab is given through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein. All participants will receive 7 doses: 2 on their first study visit; then 1 each at 30-day intervals. Some participants will have an observation period before they begin taking the drug; in those situations, they will either be seen in person or via video visit every 2 months before starting emapalumab to see how their symptoms change over time. Participants will have a follow-up visit 1 month after their last dose. Then they will have 2 telehealth visits at 30-day intervals. They will have a final clinic visit 1 year after their first dose. ...
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant must be able to understand and provide informed consent.
- Aged \>= 2 to \<= 75 years.
- Currently co-enrolled on NIH protocol 11-I-0187, "The Natural History and Pathogenesis of Human Fungal Infections."
- Patients with APECED (genetic or clinical diagnosis) and enteritis (with APECED ES \> 50 at screening).
- Duration of enteritis greater than 6 months.
- Is naive or unresponsive to other treatments for enteritis.
- Willingness to use acyclovir or valacyclovir prophylaxis for the prevention of herpes viral reactivation.
- Willingness to use entecavir prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus reactivation, if applicable.
- Vaccinations should be up to date in agreement with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization guidelines prior to start of emapalumab.
- Proficient in written English.
- Participants who can get pregnant or impregnate their partner must agree to use at least one highly effective method of contraception when engaging in sexual activities that can result in pregnancy, starting at screening until 12 weeks after the last dose. Highly effective contraceptive measures include:
- Stable use of combined (estrogen- and progestogen-containing) hormonal contraception (oral, intravaginal, transdermal) or progestogen-only hormonal contraception (oral, injectable, implantable) starting 1 month prior to screening.
- Intrauterine device (IUD); intrauterine hormone-releasing system.
- Two barrier methods (e.g., condom with spermicide, diaphragm with spermicide, or cervical cap and spermicide). Internal and external condoms may not be used together.
- Bilateral tubal ligation. Periodic abstinence (calendar, symptothermal, and post-ovulation methods), withdrawal (coitus interruptus), spermicides only, and lactational amenorrhea method are not acceptable methods of contraception.
Exclusion criteria
- Known history of hypersensitivity to emapalumab.
- History of active intestinal disease other than enteritis such as inflammatory bowel disease.
- Current or recent use of any investigational drug (within 3 months or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, prior to screening).
- Scheduled to participate in another clinical study involving an investigational drug during the course of this study.
- History of alcohol or drug abuse within 6 months prior to screening.
- Presence of one or more of the following clinically significant laboratory abnormalities:
- Serum ALT \>= 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN).
- Serum total bilirubin \>= 2 times ULN.
- Serum creatinine \>= 2 times ULN.
- Planned or anticipated major surgical procedure during the study.
- Plans to receive any live or live attenuated vaccines within 1 month of the anticipated first dose of emapalumab.
- Known or suspected immunodeficiency disorder besides APECED.
- History of untreated invasive opportunistic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, histoplasmosis, listeriosis, coccidioidomycosis, pneumocystis pneumonia, aspergillosis) despite infection resolution or otherwise recurrent infections of abnormal frequency or prolonged infections suggesting an immune-compromised status as judged by the investigator.
- Untreated latent tuberculosis infection.
- Infection with HIV.
- Untreated infection with hepatitis B or C.
- History of serious bacterial infection within the last 3 months prior to screening, unless treated and resolved with antibiotics, or any chronic bacterial infection (e.g., chronic pyelonephritis, osteomyelitis).
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Past or current medical problems or findings from physical examination, EKG, or laboratory testing that are not listed above, which, in the opinion of the investigator, may pose additional risks from participation in the study, may interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study requirements or that may impact the quality or interpretation of the data obtained from the study.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 11, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations