Phase III Study of Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab Versus Placebo, in Combination With Glucocorticoid Taper Regimen, in Patients With Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study with two secukinumab dose regimens in approximately 360 PMR patients who had recently relapsed. The study consists of: screening (up to 6 weeks); treatment period (52 weeks, with last IMP administration at 48 weeks, active drug or placebo) in combination with prednisone tapered over 24 weeks; treatment-free follow-up (up to 24 weeks). Adult males and females of at least 50 years of age with a recent PMR relapse (within 12 weeks from Baseline) will be included. Dosing will be once every week for the first 4 weeks, and once every 4 weeks thereafter via pre-filled syringe. The primary objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of secukinumab 300 mg subcutaneously in combination with a 24-week glucocorticoid (GC) taper regimen compared with placebo with respect to the proportion of patients in sustained remission at Week 52. Primary secondary objectives are to assess difference in proportion of patients achieving complete sustained remission at Week 52, adjusted annual cumulative GC dose and time to first use of escape treatment or rescue treatment through Week 52. Key safety data will be collected, along with Patient Reported Outcomes.