Can a single drug free PMR patients from steroids?
NCT ID NCT05533164
First seen Feb 04, 2026 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 24 times
Summary
This phase 3 trial tests whether rituximab, a drug that calms certain immune cells, can help people with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) stop taking steroids without their symptoms returning. The study includes 174 adults who are currently experiencing a PMR relapse and cannot lower their steroid dose below 5 mg per day. Participants receive either rituximab or a placebo, and researchers track how many achieve steroid-free remission after one year.
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Sint Maartensklineik
Ubbergen, Gelderland, 6574 NA, Netherlands
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)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a steroid-free option for people with polymyalgia rheumatica, reducing long-term side effects from steroids.
What could go wrong
This is a phase 3 trial, but previous evidence was small and short. Rituximab can increase infection risk, and it may not help everyone achieve steroid-free remission.
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.