Double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, comparative, multi-centre phase III study on the efficacy and tolerability of an 8-week oral treatment with 9 mg budesonide once daily vs. 3 mg budesonide three-times daily in patients with active Crohn’s disease - 9 mg budesonide OD vs. 3 mg budesonide TID in active Crohn’s disease

Conditions: Induction of remission in active Crohn´s disease
MedDRA version: 14.1Level: LLTClassification code 10058815Term: Crohn's disease acute episodeSystem Organ Class: 10017947 - Gastrointestinal disorders
MedDRA version: 14.1Level: PTClassification code 10011401Term: Crohn's diseaseSystem Organ Class: 10017947 - Gastrointestinal disorders

Registration Number: EUCTR2008-006957-42-DE

Lead Sponsor: Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH

Brief Summary: Not available

Detailed Description: Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: ot Recruiting

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 500

Inclusion Criteria

1. Signed informed consent,
2. Age 18 to 75 years,
3. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease since at least 3 months; diagnosis confirmed
by endoscopic and histological, or endoscopic and radiological criteria
[endoscopy not older than 12 months or if older, then clinical signs (e.g.,pain localisation, pain intensity, blood in stool) and behaviour (according to
Montreal classification) should be unchanged compared to former episodes],
4. Localisation of CD either in terminal ileum, coecum, ascending colon, or
ileocolitis,
5. Active phase of disease (200 < CDAI < 400),
6. Negative pregnancy test in females of childbearing potential,
7. Women of child-bearing potential have to apply appropriate contraceptive
methods, e.g., hormonal contraception, intrauterine device (IUD), doublebarrier
method of contraception (e.g., use of a condom and spermicide), or
partner has undergone vasectomy. The investigator is responsible for
determining whether the subject has adequate birth control for study
participation.
Are the trial subjects under 18? no
Number of subjects for this age range:
F.1.2 Adults (18-64 years) yes
F.1.2.1 Number of subjects for this age range 465
F.1.3 Elderly (>=65 years) yes
F.1.3.1 Number of subjects for this age range 35

Exclusion Criteria

1. Known Crohn’s lesions in the upper GI-tract (up to and including the
jejunum) or rectum with present symptoms,
2. Septic complications,
3. Evidence of infectious diarrhoea (i.e., pathogenic bacteria in stool culture),
4. Abscess, perforation, or active fistulas,
5. Ileostomy or colostomy,
6. Resection of more than 50 cm of the ileum,
7. Bowel surgery within the last 3 months,
8. Immediate surgery required (e.g., major stenosis, serious bleeding,
peritonitis, ileus),
9. Clinical signs of stricturing disease,
10. Subileus within the last 6 months (subileus with inflammatory hint allowed),
11. Suspicion of ileus, subileus or corresponding symptoms,
12. Parenteral or tube feeding,
13. Active peptic ulcer disease, local intestinal infection, or known established
cataract,
14. Diabetes mellitus, infection, osteoporosis, glaucoma, tuberculosis, or
hypertension if careful medical monitoring is not ensured,
15. Abnormal hepatic function (ALT or ALP > 2.5 x upper limit of normal
[ULN]), liver cirrhosis, or portal hypertension,
16. Abnormal renal function (Cystatin C > ULN),
17. Any severe concomitant cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, or psychiatric
disorder,
18. History of cancer in the last five years (except for non-metastatic cancers,
e.g., basalioma),
19. Treatment with immunosuppressants or anti-cancer drugs, e.g., 6-TG,
methotrexate, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide, or cyclosporine within the last
3 months; in case of treatment with azathioprine or 6-MP the drugs have to
be used for maintenance of remission only and dosage has to be unchanged
within the last 3 months before baseline visit and during the study,
20. Treatment with ketoconazole or other CYP3A inhibitors within the last
month before baseline visit,
21. Treatment with anti-TNF-a therapy within 3 months before baseline visit,
22. Conventional steroids (iv, po, rectal) within 2 weeks before baseline visit,
23. > 6 mg/d budesonide po within 2 weeks before baseline visit,
24. Steroids for inhalation within 2 weeks before baseline visit,
25. Patients known to be steroid-refractory,
26. Treatment of study disease with oral antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole or ciprofloxacin) within the last 2 weeks,
27. Application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within
2 weeks before baseline visit except = 350 mg/d or short-term acetylsalicylic
acid (paracetamol is allowed),
28. Known intolerance/hypersensitivity to study drug,
29. Well-founded doubt about the patient’s cooperation, e.g., because of
addiction to alcohol or drugs,
30. Existing or intended pregnancy or breast-feeding,
31. Participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days, simultaneous
participation in another clinical trial, or previous participation in this trial.