Testing a new medication for spine arthritis in Chinese adults

Plain-English translation of NCT05303285 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 4 — The treatment has already been approved. Researchers are tracking how it works in a large number of people over time.

What is this trial?

This study is testing secukinumab, a newer medication designed to help reduce inflammation and pain in ankylosing spondylitis—a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. The trial includes about 100 adults in China and lasts for up to 68 weeks total. Half the participants will receive the medication right away, while the other half will receive a placebo (inactive shot) for the first 16 weeks to see how much better the medication actually works compared to no treatment.

Many people with ankylosing spondylitis don't get enough relief from standard pain medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen). This trial exists to find out whether this medication can help patients who haven't improved adequately with existing treatments.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and meet standard clinical criteria for the disease
you have moderate to severe disease activity right now, with significant back pain despite current treatment
you have tried at least two standard anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) at full doses for at least 4 weeks total without adequate relief, or you cannot tolerate these medications
you are not currently taking biologic medications or JAK inhibitors for arthritis
if you are taking other arthritis medications, you have been on a stable dose for at least 2–4 weeks before starting the trial

You likely don't qualify if…

you have previously received any biologic therapy or JAK inhibitors for arthritis
you have had joint injections or spinal injections within the past 4 weeks
you have a history of different types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or lupus) or arthritis that started before age 17
you are currently taking strong opioid pain medications (other than acetaminophen combined with codeine or hydrocodone)
you are taking other disease-modifying arthritis drugs not approved for this trial

What participation looks like

You will receive either the medication or a placebo as weekly injections for 4 weeks, then switch to injections every 4 weeks. The first part of the study lasts 16 weeks with frequent visits to check how you're doing. If you complete that part, you'll then receive the active medication for an additional 52 weeks. Throughout the 68-week period, you'll have blood tests, pain assessments, and check-ins with the research team to monitor how well the treatment works and whether you experience any side effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(3 sites)

China

Department of RheumatologyTongji Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei

Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei