AAV Patients and Volunteers needed for a Clinical Trial in Vasculitis

Patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated Vasculitis (AAV) are at risk of disease relapse and so are often kept on long-term medication that suppresses their immune system. These medications may have possible long term harmful effects, but it is hard to tell when to stop treatment without risking disease relapse. We are conducting an international study, sponsored by the NIH Immune Tolerance Network, the goal of which is to find biological markers (certain proteins or cellular markers found in a blood test) that will inform doctors which  AAV patients are most likely to be able to stop their immunosuppressant medications and remain in remission.

We are looking for volunteers to help with this study. You are eligible if you are in one of the following groups:

1. You have been in clinical remission from vasculitis, and have been off all medication that suppresses your immune system (such as azathioprine, steroids, MMF, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide) for 2 years or longer; Or,
2. Your vasculitis symptoms have flared within the past 5 years and you are receiving maintenance doses of medication to suppress and control your symptoms; Or,
3. You have been in clinical remission for 2 years or longer, are on minimal medication to suppress and control your symptoms and you/your doctor may be thinking of stopping your vasculitis medication sometime in the next year.

The study is very simple and requires three visits  over six months, at which you will be asked questions about your health, undergo a medical examination, and have bloods taken. No medication will be given as part of this study. At the first visit, you will be screened to see if you are eligible to participate in the study. The second visit will take place within two weeks of screening and the final visit will take place six months later.

We can reimburse your travel expenses to the hospital for study visits.

We are also looking for healthy volunteers (particularly male) over the age of 65 who have not have any autoimmune disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis or lupus), chronic viral infections or cancer within the past 5 years. They may be unrelated family members or friends.

If you would like to participate in this study, please contact us for more information.

Prof. Alan Salama (Consultant)

Royal Free Hospital

Tel: 0207 7940500 ext 36007

[email protected]

or

Cindy Bhagwandin (Trial Coordinator)

Tel: 020707940500 ext 31118   or 07961014367

[email protected]