Interleukin-2 for Refractory Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Background:

Urticaria is a common disorder characterized by localized edema due to dilation and increased permeability of small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes. The primary clinical manifestations include wheals and pruritus.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as recurrent, transient (<24 hours), pruritic wheals on the skin and mucosa lasting for more than 6 weeks, with or without angioedema, excluding chronic inducible urticaria. Among patients with chronic urticaria, about 2/3 have CSU. Although the pathogenesis of CSU remains unclear, increasing evidence suggests an autoimmune feature of this disorder. Oral antihistamines are the primary treatment for CSU, yet some patients continue to experience symptoms despite treatment with standard or double doses. Recent studies have shown that human IL-2 (Interleukin-2) can be effective in a proportion of CSU patients refractory to antihistamine treatment, without significant side effects. Therefore, in this clinical trial we aim to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of this new therapeutic method.

Study Design:

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IL-2 treatment in CSU patients who remain symptomatic despite oral antihistamine treatment.

Methods:

CSU patients who meet the inclusion criteria will receive IL-2 or placebo intramuscular injections in combination with their current antihistamine regimen (either a single antihistamine or a combination of two to three antihistamines at a dose of at least the standard dosage). Endpoints include clinical response, quality of life, and safety profiles.

Inclusion criteria

• Gender: Not limited; Age: at least 18 years old and less than 75 years old;
• Diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) (including patients overlapped with chronic inducible urticaria) according to the 2021 EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/AAAAI guidelines;
• Disease course of CSU for at least 12 weeks;
• The patient has been treated with second-generation antihistamines (one or more types, up to 4 tablets per day) every day for 2 weeks or more but still experiences significant symptoms of wheals and/or itching, with a UAS7 score ≥16 or a UCT score <12;
• UAS7 ≥16 on the date prior to randomization (according to complete daily symptom log data recorded in the past 7 days before randomization);
• Willing and able to complete daily symptom logs throughout the entire study period;
• The patient voluntarily consents to participate in this research project and has signed the informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning to conceive within 6 months;
• Has used corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, leukotriene receptor antagonists, H2 receptor antagonists, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, and/or undergone plasma exchange in the past 4 weeks;
• Has received omalizumab or other biologic treatments in the past 12 weeks;
• Has previously undergone interleukin-2 treatment;
• Has a history of anaphylactic shock;
• Plans or anticipates the use of any prohibited drugs or treatments during the screening and/or treatment periods;
• Currently has active or recurrent severe infections, such as active tuberculosis;
• Has a congenital or acquired immunodeficiency disorder;
• Has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, mental disorders, or poor compliance, making them unable to adhere to treatment;
• Currently enrolled in another clinical trial;
• Is an employee of the clinical research facility or directly involved in the study, or is an immediate family member of such an individual;
• Any other reason that makes participation in this trial inappropriate.