Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Lanifibranor in Adults with Non-Cirrhotic Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis Stages F2/F3
- Trial ID
- 2023-508248-23-00
- Protocol
- 337HNAS20011
- Sponsor
- Inventiva
Trial statistics
Diseases & Conditions
Objectives
The primary objectives of this Phase 3 study are to evaluate the efficacy of **lanifibranor** compared to placebo in achieving resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and improvement of liver fibrosis, as assessed by liver histology, during the double-blind placebo-controlled (DBPC) period. Additionally, the study aims to assess the safety profile of lanifibranor beyond the DBPC period during the double-blind active treatment extension (ATE) period. These objectives are clinically relevant as they address the potential of lanifibranor to modify disease progression in patients with NASH, a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to liver-related complications.
The secondary objectives during the DBPC period include:
- Assessing the effect of lanifibranor compared to placebo on NASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis.
- Evaluating the effect of lanifibranor compared to placebo on the improvement of fibrosis without worsening of NASH.
Participants
The clinical trial involves a total of **1114 participants** diagnosed with **non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)**. The study population includes both male and female subjects, aged 18 years and older, who are considered part of a vulnerable population. Participants were selected based on their ability to understand the study's nature and comply with its procedures, as well as their willingness to provide informed consent. The trial includes individuals with a histological diagnosis of NASH, confirmed by liver biopsy, and requires participants to have a stable weight for six months prior to screening. Lifestyle considerations include a history of at least one unsuccessful attempt to reduce body weight through diet and/or exercise within the past six years, and participants must agree to follow lifestyle modification recommendations throughout the study. The trial population is characterized by a stable use of certain medications, such as antidiabetic treatments, vitamin E, statins, and anti-obesity treatments, with no significant changes in dosage allowed prior to the baseline visit. The sponsor has not provided specific information regarding the general health status of the participants beyond the inclusion criteria.
Plans and Procedures
The clinical trial is a **randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled** study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of **lanifibranor** in adult patients with **non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)** and liver fibrosis stages F2 or F3. The trial is structured into two main periods: a double-blind placebo-controlled (DBPC) period, followed by an active treatment extension (ATE) period. The primary objective during the DBPC period is to assess the effect of lanifibranor on NASH resolution and fibrosis improvement, as determined by liver histology. The ATE period aims to evaluate the safety of lanifibranor beyond the DBPC period. The trial is expected to last until December 2026, with participant recruitment having commenced in January 2022.
Participants will undergo a series of study visits, beginning with an inclusion (screening) visit to confirm eligibility based on criteria such as age, histological diagnosis of NASH, and stable medication use. The main cohort requires a diagnosis of NASH with specific scores for steatosis, activity, and fibrosis, while an exploratory cohort includes patients with slightly different criteria. Following the screening, participants will attend regular follow-up visits to monitor their health and the effects of the treatment. The end-of-study visit will conclude the participant's involvement, assessing the primary and secondary endpoints, including NASH resolution and fibrosis improvement at Week 72.
The expected length of participant involvement is approximately 72 weeks, with conditions for early termination including significant adverse events or non-compliance with study procedures. Participants are required to maintain stable medication doses and lifestyle modifications throughout the study. The trial's primary endpoint is the resolution of NASH and improvement of fibrosis at Week 72, defined by specific NASH CRN scores. Secondary endpoints include the resolution of NASH without worsening fibrosis and improvement of fibrosis without worsening NASH. The study is conducted under strict adherence to ethical guidelines, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
Treatment
The clinical trial involves the administration of **Lanifibranor**, an experimental medication, which is a chemical compound with the active substance name **LANIFIBRANOR**. It is provided in the form of a **tablet** and is intended for **oral use**. The maximum daily dose is 1200 mg, and the treatment period can extend up to 168 days. Lanifibranor is identified by the sponsor product code IVA337 and is manufactured by INVENTIVA. The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Lanifibranor in adult patients with non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis stages 2 and 3. Participant compliance will be monitored throughout the study to ensure adherence to the dosing schedule.
In addition to the experimental treatment, a **placebo** identified as PL1 is used as a comparator in the double-blind, placebo-controlled phase of the study. The placebo is composed of inactive ingredients including lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pre-gelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, Opadry™ II 85F18422, and purified water. The placebo is also administered in a form that mimics the experimental medication to maintain the study's blinding integrity. The placebo is administered with the same frequency and route as Lanifibranor to ensure consistency in the trial's methodology.
Efficacy
The efficacy of lanifibranor in the treatment of non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis stages F2 and F3 will be assessed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial. The primary endpoint for efficacy evaluation is the resolution of NASH and improvement of fibrosis at Week 72. This is defined by the NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN) scores, specifically a ballooning score of 0, inflammation score of 0 to 1, and a fibrosis score showing a decrease of at least one stage compared to Baseline.
Secondary endpoints include the resolution of NASH without worsening of fibrosis at Week 72, characterized by a ballooning score of 0, inflammation score of 0 to 1, and no increase in fibrosis score from Baseline. Additionally, improvement of fibrosis without worsening of NASH at Week 72 will be evaluated, defined by a decrease in the NASH CRN fibrosis score by at least one stage from Baseline, with no increase in scores for ballooning, inflammation, or steatosis. These endpoints will be assessed through liver histology, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the treatment's impact on liver health.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Able to understand the nature of the study, willing and able to comply with the study procedures and restrictions, and able to provide signed, dated and written informed consent obtained before any study-related activities, sampling or analysis. 2. The patient will be willing to continue on the study in case of moving or relocation during the first 72 weeks of the study. 3. Male or female, aged ≥18 years at the time of signing informed consent 4.If biopsy is performed before Screening, i.e. if a historical biopsy is available, a histological diagnosis of NASH with liver fibrosis must be made no more than 7 months before randomisation 5. Main cohort: Upon central biopsy reading process: diagnosis of NASH according to the Steatosis-Activity-Fibrosis (SAF): a.Steatosis score ≥1 b.Activity score: A3 or A4 c.Fibrosis score: F2 or F3 Exploratory cohort: Patients who, upon central biopsy reading process, do not meet the eligibility criteria described above but fulfil the following criteria: diagnosis of NASH according to the Steatosis-Activity- Fibrosis (SAF): a) Steatosis score ≥1 b) Activity score ≥2 with SAF-Inflammation score ≥1 and SAF-Ballooning score ≥1 c) Fibrosis score: F1 to F3 6. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≤12 (unless patient is on anticoagulants) 7. For patients receiving the concomitant medications listed below: no qualitative change in dose are allowed (changes having minimal clinical impact like temporary cessation/change between class of drugs are allowed), for the specified period prior to the qualifying liver biopsy and dose must remain stable from the time of the liver biopsy until the Baseline visit (Visit 0): a. Antidiabetic treatment if glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1 receptor agonists including combinations) or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors): for at least 3 months b. Vitamin E (if at a dose ≥400 IU/day): for at least 6 months c. Statins for at least 3 months d. Anti-obesity treatments for at least 6 months 8. For patients receiving concomitant medications not covered by criterion #7 and that may impact safety or efficacy evaluation (antidiabetic treatments other than GLP1 (or combinations) receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, antihypertensives, antidepressants, cardiovascular, antihyperlipidemic) no qualitative change in dose are allowed for at least 3 months prior to the Baseline visit (Visit 0) or for at least 8 weeks prior to Screening visit for herbal/dietary supplement with potential liver toxicity or those with unknown composition and dose must remain stable until the Baseline visit (Visit 0) 9. For overweight/obese patient, history of at least 1 unsuccessful attempt to reduce body weight by diet and/or exercise within the past 6 years 10. Weight stable for 6 months prior to Screening and between the qualifying liver biopsy and Baseline (no more than 5% change for both periods) 12. Patient agrees to follow recommendations with lifestyle modifications, which will be monitored throughout the whole study period. 13. Negative serum pregnancy test at study Screening for females of childbearing potential confirmed by central laboratory.
Exclusion Criteria
- Liver-related: 1.Documented causes of chronic liver disease other than NASH including, but not restricted to: a.Viral hepatitis b.Drug-induced liver disease c.Alcoholic liver disease d.Autoimmune hepatitis (See Exclusion criteria 44 for more information) e.Wilson's disease f.Haemochromatosis g.Primary biliary cholangitis h.Primary sclerosing cholangitis i.Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency j.Chronic portal vein thrombosis or splenic vein thrombosis 2.Histologically documented liver cirrhosis in the most recent historical biopsy (fibrosis stage F4) or suspicion at screening of cirrhosis based on clinic biochemical and imaging criteria 3.History or current diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 4.History of or planned liver transplant 5.Inability or unwillingness to undergo a liver biopsy at Screening (if a suitable historical biopsy is unavailable for central review) and at Week 72 6.Positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology 7.ALT or AST >5 × ULN 8.Abnormal synthetic liver function of any of the following: a.Albumin below the lower limit of the normal range b.International normalised ratio (INR) ≥1.3 (unless patient is on anticoagulants) c.Total bilirubin level ≥1.5 mg/dL (25.6 μmol/L) Patients with a history of Gilbert's syndrome can be enrolled if the direct bilirubin is ≤0.45 mg/dL (7.7 μmol/L) 9.Haemoglobin <110 g/L (11 g/dL) for females and <120 g/L (12 g/dL) for males 10.Leucocytes count < LLN. A lower count is acceptable in patients with benign ethnic neutropenia, if considered to be clinical insignificant by the investigator. 11.Platelet count <140,000/μL. 12.Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) >2 × ULN 13.Patient currently receiving any approved treatment for NASH 14.Current or recent history (<5 years) of significant alcohol consumption, which is typically defined as higher than 30 g pure alcohol per day for men and as higher than 20 g pure alcohol per day for women 15.Treatment with drugs that may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) administered for at least 2 weeks within 12 months prior to qualifying liver biopsy Glycaemia related: 16.HbA1c >9% at Screening 17.Diabetes mellitus other than type 2 18.-43. Refer to protocol for full list Autoimmune related: 44.Any patient with a predisposition to autoimmune liver disease, incl: a)Signs on liver biopsy suggestive of autoimmune liver disease b)Family history of autoimmune liver disease in a first degree relative c)Autoimmune thyroid disease 1.Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disease 2.Thyroid replacement hormone unless documented for reason of primary thyroid insufficiency 3.Positive autoimmune antibodies associated with abnormal thyroid function testing (TSH, T4 or free T3) i.Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) or ii.Anti-TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) d)History of or positive testing at screening for: 1.Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) at a dilution of 1:320 or greater 2.Anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) 3.Anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) at a dilution of 1:320 or greater 4.Anti-liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (LKM1) 5.Anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody (LC1)
Trial Status by Country
| Country | Status | Start of Recruitment | Planned Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
Belgium | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 27 |
Bulgaria | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 12 |
Czechia | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 2 |
France | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 77 |
Germany | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 21 |
Hungary | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 4 |
Italy | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 15 |
The Netherlands | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | — |
Poland | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 22 |
Portugal | Not Recruiting | 19 Jan 2022 | 10 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PL1 | Placebo | N/A | — | — | — | N/A |
Lanifibranor clinical | Test | TABLET | ORAL USE | 1200 | 168 | PRD10996823 |
Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pre gelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, opadry™ II 85F18422, purified water | Placebo | N/A | — | — | — | N/A |










