Could an arthritis drug tame giant cell arteritis?

NCT ID NCT02902731

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Caen Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding anakinra, an anti-inflammatory drug, to standard steroid treatment could lower relapse rates in people with giant cell arteritis, a blood vessel disease. The trial planned to include 70 adults over 50 but was stopped early with only 30 participants. Researchers compared daily injections of anakinra or a placebo alongside steroids for 16 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: anakinra (a drug that blocks inflammation)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a way to reduce steroid use and prevent relapses in giant cell arteritis.
What could go wrong: The trial was terminated early and enrolled only 30 people, so results are limited. Anakinra may not work better than steroids alone and requires daily injections.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Giant Cell Arteritis temporal arteritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Pr Aouba

Caen, 14000, France

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