New combo therapy aims to improve lung function in stubborn lung disease

NCT ID NCT02990286

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding rituximab (a drug that calms certain immune cells) to standard mycophenolate mofetil treatment helps people with interstitial lung disease whose lungs are not responding to initial therapy. 122 adults with various ILD types received either rituximab infusions plus MMF or placebo infusions plus MMF. The main goal was to see if lung function (measured by FVC) improved after 6 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Rituximab (a drug that targets certain immune cells) given as two intravenous infusions two weeks apart, plus mycophenolate mofetil (an immunosuppressant taken daily).
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with interstitial lung disease whose lungs are not improving with standard therapy.
What could go wrong
This is a completed Phase 3 trial with 122 participants, so results are available but may not apply to all ILD types. Rituximab can cause infusion reactions and increase infection risk.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • AP-HM Hôpital NORD

    Marseille, 13015, France

  • CHRU Tours

    Tours, 37044, France

  • Chu Besancon

    Besançon, 25030, France

  • Chu Dijon

    Dijon, 21079, France

  • Chu Rennes

    Rennes, 35033, France

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