Rituximab in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Project Information

RITA-MI

Grant agreement ID: 693056

DOI

10.3030/693056

Project closed

EC signature date 21 February 2016

Start date 1 March 2016

End date 31 August 2018

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 149 402,00

EU contribution

€ 149 402,00

Coordinated by

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - RITA-MI (Rituximab in Acute Myocardial Infarction)

Reporting period: 2017-09-01 to 2018-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

1. Aim of study

This is a phase 1 dose ranging, safety and side effect assessment study for a single dose of rituximab in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.


2. Hypothesis

I. Rituximab is safe in STEMI patients with an acceptable side effect profile.
II. Rituximab will temporarily deplete circulating B cells (below 0.005 X 109/liter) in STEMI patients.


3. Study Objectives

Primary outcome
• To assess the safety of rituximab in STEMI patients by monitoring their response to the drug in a controlled environment and on extended follow up.

Secondary outcomes
• To assess the effect of rituximab on circulating B cells immediately after administration and on extended follow up.
• To assess the effect of rituximab on circulating inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers.

Results:
The project had 4 steps or subgroups (6 patients each) corresponding to a stepwise increase in the dose of rituximab administered at the acute phase of MI. The first group had to receive a single infusion of 200mg of rituximab, the second group 500 mg, the third group 750 mg and the fourth group 1000 mg.
An authorisation from an independent DSMB (who reviewed all safety data) was needed at each step to progress through the 4 steps/subgroups of the project.
We have been able to complete the 3 first steps of the project, and have completed the inclusion of the first 2 patients in the 4th group. No major safety issues were raised. Rituximab infusion led to more than 99% depletion of B cell number in the blood at day 6 after the infusion.
Thus, so far, rituximab infusion at the acute phase of STEMI appears to be safe and profoundly depletes circulating B cells.