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NCT07694336 · Victoria Werth

A Study of Quinacrine in Participants With Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

What this study is about

The research study is being conducted to learn more about how patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) respond to the use of quinacrine. Quinacrine is a medication that was originally developed and used starting in the 1930's to treat malaria. It has been used for decades to help reduce inflammation in the body.

View original scientific description

The research study is being conducted to learn more about how patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) respond to the use of quinacrine. Quinacrine is a medication that was originally developed and used starting in the 1930's to treat malaria. It has been used for decades to help reduce inflammation in the body. Doctors have observed that quinacrine may also help improve skin symptoms in patients with CLE, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, causing rashes, sores, and other skin problems. Although some doctors have prescribed quinacrine for CLE based on these observations, it has not yet been formally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this use. The purpose of this clinical trial is to carefully study how safe and effective quinacrine is for treating CLE, as well as how it works in the body. This can help researchers better understand whether it should become a standard treatment option. Participation will last for about 28 weeks in total. This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. "Placebo-controlled" means that participants may receive quinacrine or participants may receive a placebo for the first 12 weeks of the study. A placebo looks like the study drug but contains no active medication. It is used to help find out if the results of the study are due to the study drug or due to something else. Randomized means participants will be put into the study drug group or the placebo group by chance. Participants have a 1:1 chance of receiving the study drug. This means for every 2 people in the study, 1 will receive the study drug and 1 will receive the placebo. Double-blind means that neither participants nor the study team will know which study group participants have been put in. For the next 12 weeks of the study (Week 12-Week 28), all participants will receive the study drug.

Interventions

DRUG

Quinacrine Hydrochloride

Quinacrine Hydrochloride 100mg Daily

OTHER

Placebo

Matched Placebo

Primary outcome measures

Change in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index - Activity (CLASI-A) score

Time frame: 12 weeks

Differences in the change in score from baseline to Week 12 between the Quinacrine arm versus placebo arm. Scores range from 0 to 70 with higher scores representing more severe, active disease.

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

  • ≥ 18 years of age at the time of signing the informed consent form.
  • Willing and capable of giving written informed consent, which includes being able to comply with all aspects of the study treatment and assessments schedule, including the ability to receive or self-administer study treatment at home or outside of the study site clinic.
  • Must have diagnosis of SCLE or DLE that has been histologically confirmed (in the past or at Screening), with or without systemic LE manifestations. For participants without historical biopsy data, a skin biopsy must be performed at Screening to confirm CLE diagnosis prior to randomization. All participants must also have active skin manifestations that fulfill the following:
  • CLASI-A ≥8 at Screening and randomization
  • Must have active CLE despite an adequate trial of conventional therapies (defined topical corticosteroids and HCQ used for at least 12 weeks prior to Screening) OR previously documented failure to respond to these agents when used for at least 12 weeks OR the requirement to discontinue these agents due to side effects or poor tolerability.
  • If patients are using HCQ during screening, the same dose should be continued until the end of the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • Have any medical condition or laboratory abnormality during the Screening Period that, in the opinion of the Investigator, is clinically significant and could interfere with the participant's ability to be included in the study.
  • Have undergone phlebotomy with removal of ≥ 500 mL of blood within 30 days prior to the Screening Visit.
  • Have received a transfusion of any blood or blood products within 60 days or donated plasma within 7 days prior to the Screening Visit.
  • Have participated in any other study involving an investigational product within the last 30 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is greater, prior to the Screening Visit.
  • Subjects receiving treatment with primaquine or any concomitant medication that is a substrate of CYP2D6 at screening or during the study.
  • Subjects receiving concomitant medications that are classified as moderate or strong inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 at screening or during the study.
  • Have any of the following laboratory abnormalities at the Screening Visit (as per the central laboratory)
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≥ 1.5 x\~ upper limit of normal (ULN).
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 1.5 x\~ ULN.
  • Total bilirubin ≥ 1.5 ULN. Note: A participant with elevated fasting unconjugated serum bilirubin with documented Gilbert syndrome may be enrolled at the Investigator's discretion.
  • Subjects with eGFR \< 45 at the time of screening..
  • Subjects with G6PD deficiency defined as \<30% of normal enzyme activity at the time of screening.
  • Have had a cardiovascular event (e.g., acute myocardial infarction, stroke) or revascularization procedure (e.g., percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft) within 6 months of the Screening Visit.
  • Have evidence of prolonged QT (QTcF \> 450 msec for males and \> 470 msec for females) on electrocardiogram (ECG) at the Screening Visit.
  • Have a recent serious infection requiring injectable antimicrobial therapy or hospitalization within the 4 weeks prior to Screening Visit or any ongoing febrile illness or infection requiring oral antimicrobial therapy within 1 week of the Screening Visit.
  • Have had any surgical procedure (except for minor procedures) within 4 weeks prior to the Screening Visit.
  • Have known active nephritis or neuropsychiatric SLE.
  • Have current inflammatory skin disease other than SCLE/DLE that, in the opinion of the Investigator, could interfere with the inflammatory skin assessments or confound the disease activity assessments.
  • Use of immunosuppressive or disease-modifying treatments for SLE that were initiated less than 3 months prior to Screening, have not been at a stable dose for at least 1 month prior to Screening.
  • Have received/used any of the following prior medications or undergone any of the following therapeutic procedures:
  • Use of high-potency topical corticosteroid and/or topical agents (immunosuppressant) for skin lesions within 7 days prior to randomization.
  • Use of high-potency intralesional corticosteroid within 4 weeks prior to randomization.
  • JAK or TYK2 inhibitors within 1 month before the visit 1.
  • IFN1/IFN1R inhibitors within 3 months before the Screening visit.

Where

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Related conditions & keywords

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)Cutaneous Lupus ErythematosusQuinacrine

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 Aug 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 24 participants interested
4% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

Location available

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) Treatment in Philadelphia?

Join others in Pennsylvania exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) Treatment Options in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you're searching for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) treatment in Philadelphia, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Pennsylvania
Now Enrolling
Up to 24 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT07694336. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.