Eculizumab to Treat Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Study Summary

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the experimental drug eculizumab for treating paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a disorder that can cause premature destruction of red blood cells. PNH may result in anemia requiring blood transfusions. Patients may be at high risk of life-threatening blood clots in their veins and may have urine discoloration, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, tiredness, and poor quality of life. Men may have problems getting or maintaining an erection. Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody that may improve the survival of red blood cells in patients with PNH. Patients 18 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with PNH for more than 6 months, who have active disease, and who require blood transfusions may be eligible for this study. Each candidate is screened with a physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood and urine tests, and a questionnaire for information on how PNH affects the patient physically, socially, emotionally, and functionally. Participants receive infusions of eculizumab through a needle in a vein once a week for five doses and then every two weeks for another 24 doses. All patients are vaccinated against Neisseria meningitides, a bacteria that can cause symptoms, possibly including life-threatening meningitis, in susceptible people, including people who take eculizumab. At every treatment visit, patients update their health status, transfusion record, and medication use; review their laboratory results from the preceding visit; have vital signs measured; and provide a blood sample for laboratory tests. At selected visits, they also provide a urine sample, have a repeat electrocardiogram, and complete a questionnaire. At the final treatment visit, participants have a complete physical examination, in addition to the routine procedures.

Interventions

• DRUG Eculizumab