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Recruiting Phase 2 NCT07598643

NCT07598643 Modulation of the Immune System in Down Syndrome for Improved Outcomes and Neurodevelopment - 1

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT07598643
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 2
Sponsor University of Colorado, Denver
Condition Down Syndrome
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 92 participants
Start Date 2026-05
Primary Completion 2030-08

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 6 Years
Max Age 22 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Tofacitinib Oral SolutionPlacebo

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

In Phase 2, researchers evaluate early signs of effectiveness. You may be randomized to receive the active treatment or a comparator. Monitoring continues closely.

This trial targets 92 participants in total. It began in 2026-05 with a primary completion date of 2030-08.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

This protocol describes a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial for Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition in Down syndrome (DS). This trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 6-month treatment with the JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib (XELJANZ) in individuals ages 6-22 (inclusive) with DS. There will be two main arms for this study: a treatment arm and a placebo control arm. Participants will be randomized into the treatment or placebo arm. Those completing 6 months in the placebo arm may be eligible to participate in a cross-over, open-label extension arm to receive 6 months of tofacitinib treatment. Participants will be evaluated during a Screening visit to determine eligibility, complete a Baseline visit if eligible, and be monitored via safety clinical laboratories and in-person evaluations by study doctors at 1 month, 3 months (mid-point visit) and 6 months (endpoint visit). An interim analysis of safety will be completed by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) after 40 participants have completed 6 months of treatment or placebo (20 in each arm).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals with DS aged 6 years (inclusive) to 22 years (inclusive). All forms of DS will qualify, including complete trisomy 21, Robertsonian translocation trisomy 21, partial trisomy 21 (segmental duplication), and/or mosaic trisomy 21. 2. Available parent(s) or guardian(s) legally able to sign the consent form and who can complete study materials as appropriate. 3. Body weight is at least 10 kgs. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Prior treatment with a JAK inhibitor or with an investigational agent, device, or procedure within 21 days of enrollment. 2. Current or planned use of a JAK inhibitor during the 6-month study period. 3. Known allergies, hypersensitivity, or intolerance to tofacitinib. 4. Active, uncontrolled, or life-threatening infection that at the determination of the treating physician would preclude safe use of tofacitinib. 5. History of gastrointestinal perforation. 6. Vaccination with live attenuated virus within six weeks of inclusion in the study or planned during the study. Note on vaccines: Participants not yet vaccinated for MMR-V should consider their timeline for MMR-V vaccination. Specifically, the study team recommends MMR-V vaccination as soon as possible and delay study start until 6 weeks after MMR-V vaccinations. 7. Concomitant treatment with any of the following: 1. Concomitant treatment with other immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, tacrolimus, cyclosporine). 2. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). 3. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin). 4. Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) with a strong CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) (e.g., fluconazole). 5. Other supplements or medications that at the determination of the treating physician would preclude safe use of tofacitinib. 8. Evidence of severe organ dysfunction, including severe renal impairment, that at the determination of the treating physician would preclude safe administration of tofacitinib. 9. Any history of leukemia, lymphoma, or unresolved transient myeloproliferative disorder. 10. Any current, recurrent, or metastatic forms of cancer. 11. Any cancer treatment within five years prior to study entry. 12. Known personal history of thrombosis or bleeding disorder. 13. History of tuberculosis, disseminated herpes zoster, disseminated herpes simplex, or recurrent localized herpes zoster. 14. Intravenous antimicrobial therapy within 3 months of inclusion in the study. 15. History of organ or bone marrow transplant. 16. History of myocardial infarction or stroke. 17. Evidence of lipid disorder, including but not limited to LDL \> 190 mg/dL, per discretion of the treating physician. 18. Participant received blood or plasma products within 30 days of the Baseline visit. 19. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) within 8 weeks of the Baseline visit. 20. Hospitalization longer than 6 months in the last year. 21. History of neurological syndrome that in the opinion of the study doctors would inhibit successful participation in the study. 22. Less than 6 weeks post-surgery at Baseline appointment. 23. Total vision or hearing loss (with no corrective devices available). 24. Participant must be able to attempt the neurodevelopment assessment battery at Baseline and caregiver must be able to complete proxy reports for neurodevelopmental assessments. 25. Poor venous access not allowing repeated blood tests or non-compliance with venipuncture requirements. 26. Participants may be excluded for other unforeseen reasons at the study doctor's discretion. 27. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. 28. Use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Constance Brecl

✉ constance.brecl@cuanschutz.edu

📞 303-724-6214

Principal Investigator

Joaquin Espinosa, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, CU Anschutz

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT07598643 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 6 Years or older, up to 22 Years, studying Down Syndrome. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

What phase is the NCT07598643 trial and what does that mean for participants?

Phase 2 trials evaluate whether the treatment shows signs of effectiveness while continuing to monitor safety. More participants are enrolled than in Phase 1 to help refine the treatment protocol.

Is NCT07598643 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT07598643 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at constance.brecl@cuanschutz.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT07598643 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Aurora, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT07598643 clinical trial?

NCT07598643 is sponsored by University of Colorado, Denver. The principal investigator is Joaquin Espinosa, PhD at Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, CU Anschutz. The trial plans to enroll 92 participants.

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