NCT07172659 · Medicines Development for Global Health
Efficacy and Safety Study of Dovramilast in People With Leprosy Type 2 Reaction
What this study is about
Dovramilast has not been approved for leprosy type 2 reaction (erythema nodosum leprosum, ENL) or any other disease anywhere in the world. In this study, an experimental drug called dovramilast is being tested to see how it compares to current treatments for leprosy type 2 reaction.
View original scientific description
Dovramilast has not been approved for leprosy type 2 reaction (erythema nodosum leprosum, ENL) or any other disease anywhere in the world. In this study, an experimental drug called dovramilast is being tested to see how it compares to current treatments for leprosy type 2 reaction. Specifically, this study aims to assess the efficacy of 100mg or 150 mg dovramilast compared with standard treatments (also known as standard of care).
Interventions
DRUG
Dovramilast
Dovramilast
DRUG
Prednisolone
Standard of care
DRUG
Thalidomide
Standard of care (US only)
Primary outcome measures
The proportion of dovramilast (100 mg or 150 mg) recipients achieving a 75% improvement in leprosy type 2 reaction skin lesions at week 12
Time frame: 12 weeks
The proportion of subjects achieving a reduction of leprosy type 2 reaction skin lesion count of at least 75% from Baseline at Week 12 without the need for rescue. Rescue is defined as: 1. A change from dovramilast at any dose to standard of care or dose maintenance beyond taper time points defined in standard of care treatment guidelines (and specified in this protocol), or 2. Standard of care dose increase, switching to or adding another leprosy type 2 reaction treatment
Incidence and severity of adverse events
Time frame: 12 weeks
The incidence and severity of adverse events, changes in vital signs and blood dyscrasias
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
- Aged 18 years of age or older.
- Provision of written informed consent.
- Laboratory confirmed previous or current Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis infection.
- Leprosy type 2 reaction meeting the following criteria:
- Either: i. Acute (first episode and no treatment initiated) or ii. Recurrent (at least one further episode occurring 28 days or more after withdrawal of leprosy type 2 reaction treatment).
- Presence of at least 10 leprosy type 2 reaction tender papular and/or nodular skin lesions (not including scars).
- An ENLIST score of at least 9.
- If a woman of reproductive potential, agree to the use of two reliable contraceptive measures (at least one of which is a highly effective form of contraception) from Screening until at least 4 weeks after completion of treatment with dovramilast or standard of care. Refer to Special Considerations for additional information.
- If male (including those who have had a successful vasectomy), agree to using a latex condom during any sexual contact with women of reproductive potential from Screening until at least 4 weeks after completion of treatment with dovramilast or standard of care.
Exclusion criteria
- Chronic leprosy type 2 reaction, defined as the reaction occurring for 24 weeks or more during which a subject has required treatment either continuously or where any treatment free period had been \< 28 days.
- Receipt of thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, systemic corticosteroids, clofazimine (\> 50 mg/day), apremilast or any other phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor, or immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory treatment within 28 days of Baseline.
- Receipt of an investigational agent within 28 days of Baseline or 5 half-lives of the investigational agent (whichever is longer).
- Leprosy type 2 reaction with orchitis, uveitis, iritis, or severe neuritis (Grade 3 or greater severe neuritis).
- Current diagnosis of leprosy type 1 reaction or Lucio's phenomenon.
- Current tuberculosis, malaria, cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis or other serious bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection at Screening or Baseline.
- Active systemic fungal infection requiring or undergoing treatment.
- Other than leprosy type 2 reaction, any clinically significant (as determined by the Investigator) cardiac, endocrinologic, pulmonary, neurologic, psychiatric, hepatic, renal, hematologic, immunologic disease, or other major disease that is currently uncontrolled.
- Other than leprosy type 2 reaction, any other dermatological condition that could, in the opinion of the Investigator, interfere with the study assessments.
- Chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive.
- Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers.
- Use (or planned use) of antimetabolites or alkylating agents, rifampin use more frequent than monthly, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, traditional or herbal preparations (including St. John's wort), foods (including grapefruit) known to affect activity of the cytochrome (CYP)3A4 enzyme; of all strong CYP3A and P-gp inhibitors including ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, cobicistat, diltiazem; and sensitive substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and P-gp. Other CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and P-gp non-sensitive substrates should be used with caution when concomitantly administered with dovramilast.
- Known or suspected active substance abuse or a history of substance abuse within 6 months prior to Screening.
- Prior history of suicide attempt at any time in the subject's lifetime prior to Screening or Randomization, or major psychiatric illness requiring hospitalization within the last 3 years.
- Current diagnosis of depression, and/or history of suicide ideation
- History of or presence of cardiac disease, including:
- Clinically significant abnormal electrocardiogram
- QTcF \> 450 msec
- Receipt of a vaccination within 7 days of Baseline.
- Known or suspected hypersensitivity to: PDE4 inhibitors including dovramilast or apremilast; thalidomide; prednisolone, or; excipients used in the formulation of dovramilast, thalidomide or prednisolone.
- Body Mass Index \< 15 kg/m\^2 or \> 35 kg/m\^2.
- Unable to, or significant difficulty with, swallowing tablets/capsules.
- Anemia requiring transfusion.
- History of or current pancreatitis.
- Known or suspected cirrhosis of the liver.
- The following laboratory abnormalities:
- White blood cells (WBC) \< 2.5 x 10\^9/ L.
- Neutrophils (granulocytes) \< 1.0 x 10\^9/L.
- Platelets \< 80 x 10\^9/L.
- Aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase \> 2 times the upper limit of reference range.
- Albumin \< 30 mg/dL.
- Bilirubin \> 2 mg/dL
- Calculated creatinine clearance (Cockcroft Gault) \< 50 milliliter (mL)/minute.
- Lipase ≥ 1.6 times the upper limit
- Previous participation in this study
- Unwilling, unlikely or unable to comply with all protocol specified assessments, including photographic assessments
- Enrolled in another leprosy type 2 reaction treatment study
Where
- Seattle, Washington
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 Oct 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations