A multicenter, randomized, participant- and investigator -blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 2a study to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of GIA632 in adult participants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
- Trial ID
- 2025-521503-43-00
- Protocol
- CGIA632A12201
- Sponsor
- Novartis Pharma AG
Trial statistics
Diseases & Conditions
Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of GIA632 compared to placebo at Week 16 in adult participants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This evaluation is clinically relevant as it determines whether GIA632 demonstrates therapeutic benefit in reducing disease severity and improving clinical outcomes in patients with this chronic inflammatory skin condition who have not achieved adequate control with existing treatments.
The secondary objective is to assess the safety and tolerability of GIA632, which is essential for establishing the overall benefit-risk profile of this investigational biologic agent in the target patient population.
Participants
This clinical trial enrolled a total of **35 participants** diagnosed with **atopic dermatitis**. The study population included both **male and female subjects** aged **18 years and older**. Participants were required to have a confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis according to the Hanifin and Rajka criteria, with disease onset at least one year prior to the screening visit. The trial specifically recruited individuals with **moderate to severe atopic dermatitis**, as defined by an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 3 or higher at both screening and baseline visits. The selection process focused on adults presenting with chronic atopic dermatitis of sufficient severity to warrant therapeutic intervention with the investigational product GIA632.
Plans and Procedures
This is a multicenter, randomized, participant- and investigator-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 2a clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GIA632 in adult participants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The study compares GIA632, administered as a solution for injection via subcutaneous injection, against placebo. GIA632 is an orphan drug designated under EU/3/16/1681, containing a protein-based active substance. The trial employs a blinded design whereby both participants and investigators remain unaware of treatment allocation throughout the study period.
The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of GIA632 compared to placebo at Week 16. The primary endpoint is defined as IGA response at Week 16, characterized by a clear (0) or almost clear (1) score with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) until the end of study. The maximum treatment period is 16 weeks, with the overall trial duration extending from the estimated recruitment start date in February 2026 to the estimated end date in August 2027.
Eligible participants must meet specific inclusion criteria at the screening visit. Males and females aged 18 years or older at the time of the initial screening visit are eligible for enrollment. Participants must have a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis according to the Hanifin and Rajka (1980) criteria, with disease onset at least 1 year prior to the screening visit. At both the screening and baseline visits, participants must demonstrate moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, defined by an IGA score of 3 or greater, with baseline assessments performed on Day 1 prior to treatment initiation.
The study involves a series of structured visits beginning with the screening visit for participant eligibility assessment. Following successful screening, participants undergo randomization and receive their first dose of study medication at the baseline visit. Subsequent follow-up visits are scheduled throughout the 16-week treatment period to monitor efficacy parameters and safety outcomes. The end-of-study visit occurs after completion of the 16-week treatment period or upon early termination. Participant involvement spans the duration of the treatment period plus any additional follow-up required for safety monitoring. Conditions that may lead to early termination from the study include the occurrence of unacceptable adverse events, participant withdrawal of consent, protocol violations, or investigator decision based on safety or medical considerations.
Treatment
The experimental medication **GIA632** is administered as a **solution for injection** in a concentration of 150 mg/mL. The active substance GIA632, also known by the synonym CALY-002, is classified as a protein of other origin. The product is manufactured by Novartis Pharma AG and has been designated as an **orphan drug** under the designation number EU/3/16/1681. GIA632 is administered via **subcutaneous injection**. The maximum treatment period is 16 weeks.
The **placebo** comparator is formulated to match GIA632 150 mg/mL solution for injection. The placebo is administered to maintain blinding in this participant- and investigator-blinded study design. The placebo serves as the control treatment against which the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the experimental medication are assessed.
Efficacy
The efficacy of GIA632 compared to placebo will be assessed at Week 16 in participants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The primary endpoint is IGA response at Week 16, defined as achieving a clear (0) or almost clear (1) score with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline. Baseline assessments include an IGA score of 3 or greater, which must be present at both the screening and baseline visit prior to treatment initiation. The treatment period extends for 16 weeks, during which efficacy parameters will be evaluated to determine the therapeutic benefit of GIA632 in this patient population.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Males and females, who are ≥ 18 years of age at the time of the initial screening visit
- Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (according to the Hanifin and Rajka (1980) criteria) and onset of disease for at least 1 year prior to screening visit
- Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis as defined by all of the following (baseline assessments are performed on Day 1 prior to treatment): IGA score ≥ 3 at the screening and the baseline visit;
Exclusion Criteria
- Participants taking prohibited medication/therapy not completing the wash-out period as specified in prohibited medication section Table 6-5 of the protocol
- Regular use (≥ 2 visits per week) of a tanning booth/parlor or extended sun exposure (per Investigator judgement) within 4 weeks of the baseline visit
- Meet any of the following infection criteria: • Active chronic or acute infection requiring systemic treatment within 14 days before the baseline visit or a superficial skin or mucocutaneous infection (e.g. unresolved tinea corporis or herpes labialis; but not including fungal nail infection) within 7 days before the baseline visit; Note: Participants may be re-screened after infection resolves • Acute or chronic infection with hepatitis B (HBV) as tested at screening. Positive serology for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) excludes the participant. HBsAg negative participants who are hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) positive are also excluded, unless: i) Hepatitis B Deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA) is negative, and ii) Hepatitis B reactivation monitoring is implemented (HBsAg and HBV DNA tested on a monthly basis while on study treatment, and at least every 12 weeks thereafter for the entire duration of study follow-up) (refer to Section 8.1.2.1). • Acute or chronic hepatitis C (HCV) as tested at screening. Participants with a positive HCV antibody test should have HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels measured. Participants with positive (detectable) HCV RNA must be excluded. Chronic hepatitis C patients who have completed HCV anti-viral treatment must be HCV-RNA negative for at least 12 weeks after treatment before randomization to be eligible (these patients may be Hep C antibody positive). Cases of spontaneous HCV clearance should be discussed with the Sponsor before enrollment and are subject to approval by a hepatologist or an infectious diseases specialist prior to enrollment. • History of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or positive HIV test at screening • Known or suspected history of immunosuppression or immune deficiency including a history of invasive opportunistic infections (e.g. histoplasmosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis, aspergillosis) or unusually frequent, recurrent or prolonged infections per the Investigator’s judgement.
- Any clinically significant abnormal findings in the clinical laboratory tests, vital signs and/or physical examination during the screening period, which in the opinion of the investigator, may put the participant at risk because of their participation in the trial, or may influence the results of the trial, or the participant’s ability to complete the entire duration of the trial.
- History or current diagnosis of electrocardiogram (ECG) or cardiac abnormalities indicating significant risk of safety for participants, including clinically significant abnormalities on the screening 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG at the screening visit and/or baseline visit), as judged by the investigator.
- Participant with any other active inflammatory skin disease other than atopic dermatitis (e.g. psoriasis) requiring systemic or topical treatment within 28 days prior to the baseline visit or would interfere with the appropriate assessment of atopic dermatitis in the opinion of the investigator
- Have any chronic, uncontrolled medical condition, which would put the participant at increased risk during study participation, such as uncontrolled: diabetes, hypertension, morbid obesity, thyroid, adrenal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, neurologic or psychiatric disease, or other disease of concern, as per judgment of the investigator
- Any clinically unstable disease states that would likely require rescue systemic corticosteroids (e.g., severe and/or uncontrolled asthma) that may interfere with data interpretation.
- Women of childbearing potential, defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant from menarche until becoming post-menopausal, unless they are using highly effective methods of contraception (failure rate < 1% per year) while taking study treatment and for CCI after stopping study treatment. Women are considered postmenopausal if they have had 12 months of natural (spontaneous) amenorrhea with an appropriate clinical profile (e.g., hormonal profile confirming menopause and/or age-appropriate history of vasomotor symptoms). For details regarding highly effective contraception method, refer to Section 5.2.
Trial Status by Country
| Country | Status | Start of Recruitment | Planned Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
Bulgaria | Not Yet Recruiting | 18 Feb 2026 | 10 |
Czechia | Not Yet Recruiting | 18 Feb 2026 | 8 |
France | Not Yet Recruiting | 18 Feb 2026 | 9 |
Germany | Not Yet Recruiting | 18 Feb 2026 | 17 |
Poland | Not Yet Recruiting | 18 Feb 2026 | 8 |
Sites & Investigators
Investigational Products
Details about the medicinal products being studied in this clinical trial.
| Product Name | Role in Trial | Formulation | Administration | Max Daily Dose | Treatment Duration | EU MP Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GIA632 | Test | SOLUTION FOR INJECTION | SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION | 00 | 16 | PRD12583449 |
Placebo to GIA632 150 mg/mL solution for injection | Placebo | N/A | — | — | — | N/A |





