Could an arthritis drug shrink dangerous brain aneurysms?
NCT ID NCT02638701
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether infliximab (Remicade), a drug used for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, can shrink a specific type of brain aneurysm called a dolichoectactic vertebrobasilar (DVB) aneurysm. These aneurysms are difficult to treat with surgery or stents, and they carry a risk of stroke or bleeding. The trial involves giving infliximab intravenously to a small group of adults whose aneurysms cannot be treated with standard procedures, and measuring changes in aneurysm size and blood flow over 12 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- infliximab (Remicade)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-surgical treatment option for people with difficult-to-treat brain aneurysms, potentially reducing the risk of stroke or bleeding.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase trial (8 people) testing a drug not originally designed for aneurysms. It may not shrink the aneurysm or prevent complications, and infliximab can have side effects like increased infection risk.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
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About 8 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Vertebral and/or basilar artery dolichoectactic aneurysm not amenable to microsurgical or endovascular treatment. 2. Age greater than 18 years at time of first study drug administration. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Use of an anti-TNF or other biologic medication (Including but not limited to abatacept, rituximab, or tocilizumab) within the previous 12 months. 2. The following laboratory parameters at the Screening visit: Neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count \< 1,500/microliter; Thrombocytopenia (platelets \< 100,000/ • Anemia (hemoglobin \< 8 g/dL); Greater than or equal to 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) for either of the following liver function tests (LFTs): aspartate transaminase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT); Renal insufficiency (serum creatinine\> 2.0 mg/dL) 3. Purified protein derivative (PPD) test of \> 5 mm induration regardless of prior BacilleCalmette Guerin vaccine administration or positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube Test (QFT-G\_IT) without documentation of completed treatment or evidence of ongoing treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) for 30 days. Subjects with active TB infection are excluded. 4. History of positive PPD, positive QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube Test (QFT-G\_IT), or chest x-ray findings indicative of prior TB infection, without documentation of either treatment for TB infection or chemoprophylaxis for TB exposure 5. Presence of open leg ulcers 6. Chronic or persistent infection including but not limited to human immunodeficiency virus \[HIV\], untreated hepatitis B, listeriosis, TB, or other opportunistic infection). Patients with hepatitis C but without evidence of cirrhosis or significant hepatic dysfunction will be considered for inclusion on a case-by-case basis as will patients with chronic hepatitis B on anti-viral therapy. 7. Active infection or severe infections requiring hospitalization or treatment with intravenous (IV) antibiotics, IV antivirals, or IV antifungals within 30 days prior to randomization, or oral antibiotics, oral antivirals, or oral antifungals within 14 days prior to randomization 8. Receipt of a live vaccine within 4 weeks prior to randomization 9. History of malignancy within the past 5 years other than treated localized carcinoma in situ of the cervix or adequately treated non-metastatic squamous or basal cell skin carcinoma 10. Any medical condition, which, in the opinion of the investigator, would put the subject at risk by participation in the protocol 11. Women of childbearing potential who are sexually active and who do not agree to practice one of the following methods of contraception during the duration of the study: condoms, sponge, foams, jellies, diaphragm or intrauterine device; oral or parenteral contraceptives for 2 months prior to study product administration; a vasectomized partner; abstinence. 12. Pregnant (all women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test) or breastfeeding 13. Any investigational agent within the earlier of 4 weeks or 5 half-lives prior to randomization 14. History of drug or alcohol abuse within 6 months prior to randomization 15. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any study products 16. Any psychiatric disorder that prevents the subject from providing informed consent 17. Inability or unwillingness to follow the protocol. 18. Unable to undergo MR imaging.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UCSF Medical Center
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94143, United States
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