NCT06136559 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
A Study of Nemtabrutinib (MK-1026) Versus Comparator (Investigator's Choice of Ibrutinib or Acalabrutinib) in First Line (1L) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)/ Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) (MK-1026-011/BELLWAVE-011)
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to evaluate nemtabrutinib compared with investigator's choice of ibrutinib or acalabrutinib in participants with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who have not received any prior therapy.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to evaluate nemtabrutinib compared with investigator's choice of ibrutinib or acalabrutinib in participants with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who have not received any prior therapy.
Interventions
DRUG
Nemtabrutinib
Administered orally
DRUG
Ibrutinib
Administered orally
DRUG
Acalabrutinib
Administered orally
Primary outcome measures
Objective Response Rate (ORR) per Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (iwCLL) Criteria 2018 as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR)
Time frame: Up to ~33 months
ORR is defined as the percentage of participants with complete response (CR), complete response with an incomplete recovery of the participant's bone marrow (CRi), nodular partial response (nPR), or partial response (PR), per iwCLL Criteria 2018 as assessed by BICR.
Progression-Free Survival (PFS) per iwCLL Criteria 2018 as assessed by BICR
Time frame: Up to ~104 months
PFS is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented progressive disease (PD) or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. PD is evaluated per iwCLL Criteria 2018 as assessed by BICR.
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
- The main inclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following:
- Confirmed diagnosis of CLL/SLL and active disease clearly documented to have a need to initiate therapy.
- Has at least 1 marker of disease burden.
- Has an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 2 within 7 days before randomization.
- Has the ability to swallow and retain oral medication.
- Participants who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive are eligible if they have received hepatitis B virus (HBV) antiviral therapy for at least 4 weeks and have undetectable HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viral load before randomization.
- Participants with history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are eligible if HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) viral load is undetectable at screening.
- Participants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who meet ALL eligibility criteria.
Exclusion criteria
- The main exclusion criteria include but are not limited to the foll
Where
- Mobile, Alabama
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Prescott, Arizona
- Berkeley, California
- La Jolla, California
- Pasadena, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Golden, Colorado
- Grand Junction, Colorado
- Norwich, Connecticut
- Boca Raton, Florida
And 31 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jul 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations