NCT07811869 · Novartis Pharmaceuticals
A Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Remibrutinib in Adult Participants With Severe Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin (CPUO)
What this study is about
The purpose of this phase 3 study is to establish the effectiveness, safety and how well patients handle the treatment of remibrutinib in adult participants with severe chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this phase 3 study is to establish the efficacy, safety and tolerability of remibrutinib in adult participants with severe chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO).
Interventions
DRUG
Remibrutinib
Oral administration of remibrutinib
DRUG
Placebo
Oral administration of matching placebo.
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of participants achieving ≥4 point reduction from baseline in Worst itch Numerical Rating Scale (WI NRS)
Time frame: Baseline, Week 12
The WI-NRS is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument consisting of a single question that asks participants to rate the severity of their worst itch over a defined period. The score range is from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicate worse itch severity.
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 ≥ 18 years of age, at the time of signing the informed consent.
- Participants with chronic pruritus for at least 4 months prior to screening.
- Chronic pruritus considered of unknown origin as assessed by the investigator at baseline (e.g., excluding chronic pruritus related to primary dermatological or systemic conditions, neuropathic or psychogenic origin or secondary to drugs or other allergen exposures).
- Chronic pruritus must affect at least 2 of the following body areas: trunk, arms, or legs (cannot be unilateral and/or dermatomal in distribution).
- Participants with ongoing, severe chronic pruritus despite the use of emollients and who are candidates for systemic therapy.
- Participants must have severe itch defined by a WI-NRS ≥7 at screening; score scale ranges from 0 to 10; higher score indicates worse itch.
- Participants must have an average WI-NRS ≥7 over the 7 days prior to randomization/baseline visit.
- The average WI-NRS score over the preceding 7 days prior to the randomization/baseline visit will be calculated based on the daily WI-NRS scores (0-10).
- Participants must have PGIS of pruritus scored as 3 "severe" at screening and baseline visits. Key
Exclusion criteria
- Any active skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.) that may interfere with the assessment of CPUO.
- Known systemic condition(s) or medication(s) that are considered by the investigator to be the primary cause of current pruritus.
- Known or suspected infectious disease that is active, chronic or recurrent which precludes the participant from participating in the clinical trial as per Investigator´s assessment. These infectious diseases include but are not limited to opportunistic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, atypical mycobacterioses, listeriosis or aspergillosis) and/or known or suspected HIV infection.
- History of malignancy of any organ system (other than localized basal cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ cervical cancer), treated or untreated, within the past 5 years, regardless of whether there is evidence of local recurrence or metastases.
- Significant bleeding risk or coagulation disorders. History of gastrointestinal bleeding, e.g., in association with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), that was clinically relevant (e.g., where intervention was indicated or requiring hospitalization or blood transfusion). Requirement for anti-platelet medication, except for acetylsalicylic acid up to 100 mg/d or clopidogrel up to 75 mg/d. The use of dual anti-platelet therapy (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid + clopidogrel) is prohibited.
- History or current hepatic disease, including but not limited to, acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or hepatic failure or aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of more than 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) or International Normalized Ratio (INR) of more than 1.5 at screening.
Where
- Tampa, Florida
- Brighton, Massachusetts
- Clarkston, Michigan
- Mayfield Heights, Ohio
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 Sep 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations