TEMPO Study: Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; Wegener's) is a multi-organ autoimmune disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and vasculitis. Upper respiratory involvement occurs in up to 90% of patients with GPA and is often the first manifestation of the disease. Patients with upper respiratory tract disease are more at risk of local and systemic relapse. Microbial organisms may be involved in inducing disease activity in GPA. Previous culture-dependent studies found that patients with GPA were more likely to be chronic nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus compared to non-GPA chronic rhinosinusitis and healthy controls; additionally, GPA patients with S. aureus colonization are more likely to experience a future relapse. This led to a randomized placebo-controlled trial of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) which showed this antibiotic/antifungal was effective in preventing relapse in GPA. Whether the benefits of TMP-SMX are related to its antimicrobial properties versus anti-inflammatory effects is still unknown. The objective of this study is to prospectively evaluate the changes in the nasal microbiome, mycobiome, and host immunity in patients with GPA before, during, and after receipt of TMP-SMX for 4 weeks. The target enrollment number is 30 participants, and the investigators will include patients seen at the Penn Vasculitis Center with GPA (diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria or based on investigator's judgment). To analyze nasal microbiome and host immunity, participants will be swabbed with nasal swab and cytobrush for DNA sequencing and other studies. An optional research blood draw is also included. The investigators and coordinators will follow each patient longitudinally over a 6-month period.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis Autoimmune Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Immune System Diseases Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Interstitial Respiratory Tract Diseases Skin Diseases Skin Diseases, Vascular Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Systemic Vasculitis Vascular Diseases Vasculitis Wegener Granulomatosis

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1 / Phase 2

Primary location

Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients must be at least 18 year of age or older
Both male and female gender will be included
Patients with GPA will be defined according to classification criteria or according to the investigator's judgment
Patients must have history of sinonasal involvement related to GPA
Patients must also be in remission for at least 3 months and expect to remain on stable immunosuppressive therapies for the next 24 weeks, with the exception of minor prednisone changes
Prednisone dose or equivalent less than or equal to 10mg at enrollment

Exclusion criteria

Receipt of oral antibiotics or antifungals within past 6 weeks including antimicrobials for prevention of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia
Infection involving sinuses or nose in past 4 weeks
Receipt of topical nasal antibiotics (including mupirocin) within the past 4 weeks
Contra-indication or prior adverse reaction to TMP-SMX such as sulfa allergy, severe renal insufficiency (CrCl < 15 ml/min) or severe hepatic failure according to most recent labs in past 6 months
At risk for drug interactions related to TMP-SMX
Intra-nasal cocaine use in prior 3 months
Known history of HIV or primary immunodeficiency syndrome
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole

Drug

Dosage: 160mg-800mg Frequency: 2 times a day Dosage Form: Pill (oral) Duration: 4 weeks

Primary outcomes

nasal microbiome in relative abundance ( host gene expression in proportion)

Time frame: 24 weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Pennsylvania

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Effects on the Nasal Microbiome in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis

Acronym: TEMPO

Important dates

Study start: 2019
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Apr 18, 2019
Registry last updated: Nov 19, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Active, Not Recruiting