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A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label, Phase II Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab Combined With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Pneumonia

Trial Profile

A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label, Phase II Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab Combined With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Pneumonia

Status: Discontinued
Phase of Trial: Phase II

Latest Information Update: 18 Oct 2022

At a glance

  • Drugs Pembrolizumab (Primary) ; Tocilizumab (Primary)
  • Indications COVID-19 pneumonia
  • Focus Proof of concept; Therapeutic Use
  • Acronyms COPERNICO
  • Most Recent Events

    • 01 Oct 2022 Results assessing efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in combination with tocilizumab in high-risk hospitalized COVID-19 patients, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
    • 14 Jun 2022 Status changed from recruiting to discontinued.
    • 06 Oct 2020 Planned End Date changed from 30 Aug 2020 to 30 Jun 2021.

Trial Overview

Outcome

Primary endpoint met - positive

Purpose

This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, phase 2 clinical trial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab combined with pembrolizumab (MK-3475) compared to standard care in adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and bad prognostic factors who are nonresponsive to frontline therapy within 48 hours from treatment initiation.

Comments

According to ClinicalTrials.gov, the study was stopped due to recruitment issues.

Primary Endpoints

Met on 08 Sep 2021

Percentage of patients with normalization of SpO2 ≥96% on room air (measured without any respiratory support for at least 15 minutes

description: Assessed by hospital records
time_frame: through day 14 after study treatment initiation [1]

Other Endpoints

Proportion of patients discharged from the emergency department and classified as low risk

description: Assessed by hospital records
time_frame: through End of Study, defined as 90 ± 14 days after study entry

Number of days of patient hospitalization

description: Assessed by hospital records
time_frame: through End of Study, defined as 90 ± 14 days after study entry

Change from baseline in organ failure parameters

description: The clinical status will be assessed by the SOFA scores
time_frame: Days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 (+/- 1 day) and 28 (+/- 2 days) or until discharge whatever it comes first.

Proportion of mortality rate

description: Determined as percentage of dead patients
time_frame: through End of Study, defined as 90 ± 14 days after study entry

Analysis of the remission of respiratory symptoms

description: Determined as:
Time to invasive mechanical ventilation (if not previously initiated);
Time to independence from non-invasive mechanical ventilation;
Time to independence from oxygen therapy.
time_frame: through End of Study, defined as 90 ± 14 days after study entry

Evaluation of the radiological response

description: by using the same imaging technique (chest X-ray or thoracic CT scan)
time_frame: at days 1 and 28 (+/- 2 days)

Time to first negative in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RT-PCR test

description: determined using oropharyngeal or anal swabs
time_frame: within 28 days from study inclusion

Change from baseline of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC),white blood cell count and white blood cell differential count

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of hemoglobin

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of platelets

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of creatinine

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of glucose

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of total bilirubin

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Change from baseline of albumin

description: Baseline defined as the value collected at day 1, 2 hours before treatment administration
time_frame: days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 after administration of study drug

Incidence of adverse events (AEs), incidence of prespecified AEs (safety and tolerability)

description: Evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (CTCAE v.5.0), SOFA scores.
time_frame: Up to End of Study, defined as 90 ± 14 days after study entry [2]

Diseases Treated

Indication Qualifiers Patient Segments
COVID-19 pneumonia treatment -

Biomarker

NCT Number Biomarker Name Biomarker Function
NCT04335305 C-reactive protein (CRP) Eligibility Criteria
D-dimer Eligibility Criteria
Estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) Eligibility Criteria
Ferritin Eligibility Criteria
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Eligibility Criteria
For more detail, check out BiomarkerBase: the leading source of information about biomarkers used in drug development and diagnostic tests, tracking a comprehensive list of biomarker uses worldwide by over 800 companies

Subjects

  • Subject Type patients
  • Number

    Planned: 24

    Actual: 12

  • Sex male & female
  • Age Group 18-80 years

Patient Inclusion Criteria

1. Informed consent form (ICF) prior to participation in any study-related activities. Note: If no written ICF can be provided by the trial participant, consent could be given either orally in the presence of an impartial witness or from the legal representative in accordance with national and local patient regulations. 2. Male or non-pregnant female patients ≥ 18 years and ≤ 80 years at the time of ICF. 3. Laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection defined with a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from any specimen and/or detection of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgG antibodies. 4. Diagnostic confirmation of pneumonia by either chest X-ray or thoracic CT scan (preferable). 5. Patient with acute respiratory syndrome related to COVID-19. 6. Patients with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≤ 3 at the time of ICF. 7. Patients with total lymphocyte count ≤0,8 x106/mL. 8. Patients who are showing SpO2 ≤ 92% on room air (measured without any respiratory support for at least 15 minutes). Note: For patients on prior tocilizumab-containing regimen, SpO2 ≤ 94% on room air is sufficient criterion for their eligibility. 9. Patients who meet at least one of the following parameters: • Increased levels of ferritin; - Increased levels of IL-6; - Increased levels of D-dimer; - Increased levels of CRP; - Increased levels of LDH; - Increased levels of ESR; - For patients on prior tocilizumab-containing regimen for COVID-19, no objective clinical improvement at physician's discretion within 48 hours after treatment initiation. 10. Life expectancy greater than 10 days. 11. Willing to take study medication and to comply with all study procedures. 12. In women of childbearing potential, negative pregnancy test and commitment to use contraceptive method throughout the study.

Patient Exclusion Criteria

1. Participation in any other clinical trial of an experimental treatment for COVID-19. 2. Concurrent treatment with other agents with actual or possible direct acting antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 is prohibited < 24 hours prior to study drug dosing, except the commonly used antiviral drugs and/or chloroquine and/or tocilizumab. 3. Requiring endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at screening. 4. Patients being treated with immunomodulators or anti-rejection drugs. 5. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 5 x upper limit of normal (ULN). 6. Creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min. 7. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or end-stage lung disease that require home oxygen therapy. 8. Known hypersensitivity to recombinant proteins, or any excipient contained in the drug formulation of study pembrolizumab and tocilizumab. 9. Treatment with high doses of systemic corticosteroids within 72 hours prior obtaining consent except for inhaled steroids and prior corticosteroid therapy at dose lower than or equal to 10 mg/day methylprednisolone equivalent. 10. Bowel diverticulitis or perforation. 11. Diagnosis of immunodeficiency receiving immunosuppressive therapy within seven days prior to study treatment initiation. Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years (i.e., with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs). 12. Current known infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Patients with past HBV infection or resolved HBV infection (defined as having a negative hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] test and a positive hepatitis B core antibody [HBcAb] test, accompanied by a negative HBV DNA test) are eligible. Patients positive for HCV antibody are eligible only if PCR test is negative for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA). 13. Vaccination with any live virus vaccine within 28 days prior to study treatment initiation. Note: Examples of live vaccines include, but are not limited to, the following: measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox/zoster, yellow fever, rabies, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), and typhoid vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally killed virus vaccines and are allowed; however, intranasal influenza vaccines (e.g., FluMist®) are live-attenuated vaccines and are not allowed. 14. History of prior allogeneic bone marrow, stem-cell, or solid organ transplantation. 15. Patients have any other concurrent severe medical condition that would, in the Investigator's judgment contraindicate patient participation in the clinical study. 16. Pregnant women, lactating women and planned pregnant women.

Trial Details

Identifiers

Identifier Owner
NCT04335305 ClinicalTrials.gov: US National Institutes of Health
EudraCT2020-001160-28 European Clinical Trials Database
MedOPP376 -

Trial Dates

  • Initiation Dates

    Planned : 01 Jul 2020

    Actual : 09 Apr 2020

  • Primary Completion Dates

    Planned : 31 Dec 2020

    Actual : 08 Mar 2021

  • End Dates

    Planned : 30 Jun 2021

    Actual : 21 Jun 2021

Other Details

  • Design multicentre; open; parallel; prospective; randomised
  • Phase of Trial Phase II
  • Location Spain
  • Focus Proof of concept; Therapeutic Use

Interventions

Drugs Route Formulation
PembrolizumabPrimary Drug Intravenous Infusion
TocilizumabPrimary Drug Intravenous Infusion

Tocilizumab plus Pembrolizumab (MK-3475)

Tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 800 mg per dose) as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes; single dose Pembrolizumab (MK3475) 200 mg as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes; single dose.
Patients who are showing no clinical improvement in respiratory function after 12 hours could receive an additional dose of tocilizumab at the same dose level of the first administration. Patients who are showing SpO2 ≤ 94% on room air could receive an additional administration of pembrolizumab (MK-3475) at the same recommended dose after 3 weeks from treatment initiation and/or an additional dose of tocilizumab after 4 weeks from treatment initiation at physician's discretion.
Drug: Tocilizumab (IV infusion over 60 minutes; 8 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 800 mg per dose); single dose) Other Name: Actemra, RoActemra
Biological: Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) (IV infusion over 30 minutes, 200 mg; single dose) Other Name: MK-3475, Keytruda

Continued Standard of Care

Standard care per local written policies or guidelines comprises, as necessary and at physician's discretion, supplemental oxygen, noninvasive and invasive ventilation, antibiotic agents, vasopressor support, renal-replacement therapy, glucocorticoid, tocilizumab, virally targeted agents, chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.

Results

Publications

  1. Vizcarra P, Sanchez M, Perez-Garcia JM, Gion M, Martialay MP, Taboada J, et al. Late Breaking Abstract - Tocilizumab (T) plus pembrolizumab (P) in patients (pts) with Covid-19 pneumonia: COPERNICO. ERS-2021 2021; abstr. N/A.

    Available from: URL: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/58/suppl_65/OA1266
  2. Sanchez-Conde M, Vizcarra P, Perez-Garcia JM, Gion M, Martialay MP, Taboada J, et al. Pembrolizumab in combination with tocilizumab in high-risk hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (COPERNICO): A randomized proof-of-concept phase II study. Int-J-Infect-Dis 2022;12397-103.

    PubMed | CrossRef Fulltext

Authors

Author Total Publications First Author Last Author
Alonso-Fernandez A 1 - -
Cortes J 2 - 2
De La Torre S 1 - -
Gion M 2 - -
Llombart-Cussac A 2 - -
Malfettone A 2 - -
Martialay MP 2 - -
Perez-Garcia JM 2 - -
Sampayo-Cordero M 2 - -
Sanchez M 1 - -
Sanchez-Conde M 1 1 -
Taboada J 2 - -
Tena I 1 - -
Torre S 1 - -
Vizcarra P 2 1 -

Trial Centres

Investigators

Investigator Centre Name Trial Centre Country
Alicia García
+34 611 261 467 alicia.garcia@medsir.org
show details
-
Arturo Artero, MD Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset Spain
Clinical Trial Unit
Torre Glòries. Avenida Diagonal, 211, planta 27,
Barcelona, 08018, Spain
34932214135
regulatory@medsir.org
show details
Medica Scientia Innovation Research S.L. (MEDSIR) Spain
Fernando Cereto, MD Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona Spain
Javier Cortés IOB Institute of Oncology, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
-
Javier Ignacio Taboada, MD Hospital Ruber Internacional Spain
Jesús Caballero, MD Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida Spain
Juan Flores Cid, MD Hospital Arnau de Vilanova-Lliria Spain
María Pilar Martialay, MD Hospital Ruber Juan Bravo Spain
Matilde Sánchez, MD Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal Spain

Centres

Centre Name Location Trial Centre Country
-
-
-
Hospital Arnau de Vilanova-Lliria Valencia Spain
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona Spain
Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona Barcelona Spain
Hospital Ruber Internacional Madrid Spain
Hospital Ruber Juan Bravo Madrid Spain
Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida Lleida Spain
Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset Valencia Spain
Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal Madrid Spain
IOB Institute of Oncology, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO)
-
-
Medica Scientia Innovation Research S.L. (MEDSIR) Barcelona Spain
MedSIR
-
-

Trial History

Event Date Event Type Comment
01 Oct 2022 Results Results assessing efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in combination with tocilizumab in high-risk hospitalized COVID-19 patients, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Updated 18 Oct 2022
23 Jun 2022 Other trial event Last checked against ClinicalTrials.gov record. Updated 23 Jun 2022
14 Jun 2022 Status change - discontinued Status changed from recruiting to discontinued. Updated 23 Jun 2022
08 Sep 2021 Endpoint met Primary endpoint (Percentage of patients with normalization of SpO2 96% on room air (measured without any respiratory support for at least 15 minutes) has been met according to the results presented at the 31st Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society Updated 11 Feb 2022
08 Sep 2021 Interim results Interim results (n=12) assessing efficacy and safety of T+P in high-risk, hospitalized pts with Covid-19 pneumonia who were not yet on mechanical ventilation presented at the 31st Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society Updated 11 Feb 2022
27 Nov 2020 Biomarker Update Biomarkers information updated Updated 04 Nov 2021
06 Oct 2020 Completion date Planned End Date changed from 30 Aug 2020 to 30 Jun 2021. Updated 08 Oct 2020
06 Oct 2020 Other trial event Planned primary completion date changed from 30 Aug 2020 to 31 Dec 2020. Updated 08 Oct 2020
26 Jun 2020 Other trial event According to a NuGenerex Immuno-Oncology media release, this trial will be discussed at Shareholder Conference Call July 10, 2020 at 4:15 PM Updated 01 Jul 2020
02 Jun 2020 Other trial event Planned initiation date (estimated date for recruitment of the first subject) changed from 29 May 2020 to 1 Jul 2020. Updated 05 Jun 2020
02 Jun 2020 Completion date Planned End Date changed from 30 Jun 2020 to 30 Aug 2020. Updated 05 Jun 2020
02 Jun 2020 Other trial event Planned primary completion date changed from 30 Jun 2020 to 30 Aug 2020. Updated 05 Jun 2020
18 May 2020 Other trial event Planned initiation date (estimated date for recruitment of the first subject) changed from 14 Apr 2020 to 29 May 2020. Updated 05 Jun 2020
18 May 2020 Completion date Planned End Date changed from 15 May 2020 to 30 Jun 2020. Updated 20 May 2020
18 May 2020 Other trial event Planned primary completion date changed from 15 May 2020 to 30 Jun 2020. Updated 20 May 2020
17 Apr 2020 Other trial event New source identified and integrated (European Clinical Trials Database; EudraCT2020-001160-28) Updated 17 Apr 2020
14 Apr 2020 Other trial event Planned initiation date (estimated date of first participant enrollement) changed from 30 Mar 2020 to 14 Apr 2020. Updated 16 Apr 2020
14 Apr 2020 Status change - recruiting Status changed from not yet recruiting to recruiting. Updated 16 Apr 2020
08 Apr 2020 New trial record New trial record Updated 08 Apr 2020

References

  1. Vizcarra P, Sanchez M, Perez-Garcia JM, Gion M, Martialay MP, Taboada J, et al. Late Breaking Abstract - Tocilizumab (T) plus pembrolizumab (P) in patients (pts) with Covid-19 pneumonia: COPERNICO. ERS-2021 2021; abstr. N/A.

    Available from: URL: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/58/suppl_65/OA1266
  2. ClinicalTrials.gov: US National Institutes of Health. Trial-Reg 2023;.

    Available from: URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov
  3. European Clinical Trials Database. Trial-Reg 2023;.

    Available from: URL: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu
  4. Generex Biotechnology Corporation. NuGenerex Immuno-Oncology Announces Shareholder Conference Call July 10, 2020 at 4:15 PM. Media-Rel 2020;.

    Media Release
  5. Sanchez-Conde M, Vizcarra P, Perez-Garcia JM, Gion M, Martialay MP, Taboada J, et al. Pembrolizumab in combination with tocilizumab in high-risk hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (COPERNICO): A randomized proof-of-concept phase II study. Int-J-Infect-Dis 2022;12397-103.

    PubMed | CrossRef Fulltext
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