What the trial was testing
The TitAIN enrolled 52 patients with giant cell arteritis. The study was sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
70% in sustained remission on secukinumab vs. 20% on the comparison.
The Lancet Rheumatology · 2023 · NCT03765788
These findings — that in sustained remission at week 28 on secukinumab while tapering steroids — were published in the The Lancet Rheumatology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 52 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with giant cell arteritis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) is FDA-approved for psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other diseases — but is NOT yet FDA-approved for giant cell arteritis. Tocilizumab (Actemra) is the FDA-approved biologic for GCA. Ask a rheumatologist about approved options or whether you qualify for a secukinumab trial.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open giant cell arteritis trials
One-Time DNA Study for Vasculitis
The purpose of this study is to identify genes that increase the risk of developing vasculitis, a group of severe diseases that feature inflammation of blood vessels. Results of these studies will provide vasculitis researchers with insight into the causes of these diseases and generate new ideas for diagnostic tests and therapies, and will be of great interest to the larger communities of researchers investigating vasculitis and other autoimmune, inflammatory, and vascular diseases.
Sarilumab Efficacy and Safety in Adults With Early Polymyalgia Rheumatica
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 4, 3-group study to assess whether treatment with sarilumab at either 150 mg q2w (once every two weeks) or at 200 mg q2w, each given with a 52-week prednisone taper, is superior to placebo given with a 52-week prednisone taper in participants with early polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and to determine the safety and tolerability of the sarilumab regimens. The study will consist of the following visits: Visit 1 (D-42 to D-1): Screening, Visit 2 (D1): Baseline, randomization, first study drug administration, Visit 3 to 12 (Week 2 to Week 52): Treatment period, Visit 13 (Week 52): End of Treatment (EOT) visit, Visit 14 (Week 58): End of Study (EOS) visit.