Study of Cingal® and Triamcinolone Hexacetonide for the Relief of Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Multi-Center Study of a Single Injection Cross-Linked Sodium Hyaluronate Combined With Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (Cingal®) to Provide Symptomatic Relief of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo controlled trial to compare the safety and effectiveness of a single injection of Cingal® to a single injection of Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH) to achieve pain relief and other symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Osteoarthritis, Knee
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Cingal; Drug: Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH); Drug: Placebo

Detailed Description

To determine the contribution of Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH) when combined with sodium hyaluronate for pain relief, both in terms of magnitude and duration, when used as single injection, as compared to a single injection of TH alone in subjects diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee.

A saline placebo is included within the trial to set the expectation of a return to Baseline pain for the subjects.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 231
• Phase: Phase 3

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Arizona
    • Chandler, Arizona, United States, 85224
      • Orthopaedic Specialist of North America, PLLC DBA OrthoArizona
    • Chandler, Arizona, United States, 85224
      • Valley Bone and Joint Specialists
    • Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85712
      • Tucson Orthopaedic Institute
  • California
    • Anaheim, California, United States, 92805
      • Advanced Research Center, Inc.
    • Covina, California, United States, 91722
      • Medvin Clinical Research
    • Encinitas, California, United States, 92024
      • Core Orthopaedic Medical Center (San Dieguito Orthopedic Medical Center)
    • Norco, California, United States, 92860
      • Infinity Clinical Research
    • Pomona, California, United States, 91767
      • Dream Team Clinical Research
    • Riverside, California, United States, 92501
      • Probe Clinical Research Corporation
    • Riverside, California, United States, 92503
      • Artemis Institute for Clinical Research, Riverside
    • Summerville, California, United States, 29485
      • Artemis Institute for Clinical Research, San Marcos
    • Tujunga, California, United States, 91042
      • Medvin Clinical Research
    • Whittier, California, United States, 90602
      • Medvin Clinical Research
  • Florida
    • Clearwater, Florida, United States, 33761
      • Tampa Bay Medical Research Inc
    • Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, 33316
      • Shrock Research
    • Hollywood, Florida, United States, 33024
      • Pines Clinical Research, Inc
    • Pinellas Park, Florida, United States, 33781
      • Ascension Research
    • Sunrise, Florida, United States, 33351
      • Precision Clinical Research, LLC
  • Illinois
    • Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611
      • Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  • Louisiana
    • New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 70115
      • Best Clinical Trials, LLC
  • Massachusetts
    • Bedford, Massachusetts, United States, 01730
      • Anika Therapeutics
  • New York
    • Williamsville, New York, United States, 14221
      • Upstate Clinical Research Associates, LLC
  • North Carolina
    • Wilmington, North Carolina, United States, 28403
      • PMG Research of Wilmington, LLC
  • South Carolina
    • Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, United States, 29464-3803
      • Coastal Carolina Research Center (CCRC)
    • Summerville, South Carolina, United States, 29485
      • Palmetto Clinical Research
  • Virginia
    • Danville, Virginia, United States, 24541
      • Spectrum Medical, Inc.

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 40 years to 75 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subject is 40-75 years old.
2. Body Mass Index (BMI) ≤ 40 kg/m2.
3. Subject has Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) severity grade II or III in the Index knee as determined by X-Ray. Contralateral knee: K-L severity grade 0, I or II.

4. Subject has had at least two signs and at least two symptoms of OA disease (based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for diagnosing knee OA) in the Index knee for at least 6 months despite conservative treatment (weight reduction, physical therapy, pain medications, etc.). The EULAR signs and symptoms are as follows:

   • Signs: crepitus, restricted movement and bony enlargement
   • Symptoms: persistent knee pain, limited morning stiffness and reduced function
5. Subject must be willing to abstain from other IA treatments of the knee for the duration of the study.
6. Subject is willing to discontinue all analgesics including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), except acetaminophen before the treatment injection and through the completion of the study. NSAIDs should be discontinued through the Screening period.
7. Subject is willing to use only acetaminophen (up to a maximum of 3.0 grams per day) for the treatment of joint pain for the duration of the study. At least forty-eight hours prior to the Baseline Visit and each follow-up visit, the Subject is willing to discontinue use of acetaminophen
8. Subject is willing to maintain a stable dose of oral glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate products throughout the study, if taken prior to signing ICF.
9. Subject is able to understand and comply with the requirements of the study and voluntarily provides consent.

Baseline Inclusion Criteria 24 Subject has a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain-sub-score ≥ 50 mm and ≤ 90 mm in the affected knee and ≤ 30 mm in the contralateral knee on a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subject received an IA injection of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and/or steroid in either knee within 6 months of signing the ICF. A Subject will be excluded if they are planning to receive an HA or steroid injection (other than the study injection) in either knee during the course of this study.
2. Subject had an arthroscopy of either knee within 3 months of signing the ICF.
3. Subject had an open surgical procedure of either knee or hip or any surgery of the spine within 12 months of signing ICF. Subject plans to have knee, hip or spine surgery within the study period.
4. Subject has intra-articular trauma to the Index knee. Subject has concurrent multi-system or multi-limb trauma.
5. Subject has evidence or medical history of the following diseases in the Index knee: septic arthritis; inflammatory joint disease; history of Reiter's syndrome; gout; chondrocalcinosis associated with recurrent episodes of acute synovitis of the knee consistent with pseudogout; osteochondritis dissecans, Paget disease of the bone; ochronosis; acromegaly; hemochromatosis; primary osteochondromatosis; known history of Wilson disease; heritable disorders or collagen gene mutations.
6. Subject has a history of cartilage repair surgery in the Index knee within 3 years of signing the ICF.
7. Subject has a history of Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair, reconstruction or injury in the Index knee within 3 years of signing the ICF.
8. Subject has X-Ray findings of acute fractures, severe bone loss, avascular necrosis, severe bone or joint deformity in the Index knee.
9. Subject has significant varus or valgus deformity greater than 8 degrees in either knee.
10. Subject has a clinically apparent tense effusion of the Index knee.
11. Subject has knee instability in either knee per the Investigator's assessment.
12. Subject requires consistent use of an assistive device (e.g. wheelchair, walker, etc.) Occasional use of a cane is acceptable.
13. Subject has medical condition(s) which could affect study assessments or may adversely affect the safety and/or success of the study treatment. This includes but is not limited to the following: a. Peripheral neuropathy severe enough to interfere with evaluation of the subject, b. Vascular insufficiency severe enough to interfere with evaluation of the subject, c. Active fibromyalgia, d. Hemiparesis involving either lower extremity, e. Immunocompromised or immunosuppressive disorder or receiving medications to treat immunosuppressive disorders, f. Systemic bleeding disorder(s), g. Current malignancy or treatment within the last 5 years, except for non-melanoma skin cancer, h. Significant psychiatric disorder, i. Active drug and/or alcohol abuse within the past year, j. Uncontrolled diabetes with a Screening Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) of >7% k. contraindication to Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH) including active tuberculosis, herpes simplex keratitis, acute psychoses and systemic mycoses and paracitoses.
14. Subject is taking medications at the time the subjects signs the ICF which could interfere with the treatment procedure, healing and/or assessments. This includes but is not limited to oral or injectable anticoagulant treatments, anti-aggregant platelet treatment, chronic opioid analgesics. Low dose aspirin used for cardiovascular protection is allowed if a stable regimen is maintained for the duration of the study.
15. Subject is receiving treatment using electromagnetic stimulation and/or low intensity ultrasound in the Index knee at the time of signing the ICF, within 3 months of signing the ICF or plans to receive treatment any time during the study period.
16. Subjects who had an oral, intramuscular, intravenous, rectal suppository or topical (excluded in Index knee only) corticosteroid within 30 days of signing the ICF are excluded. Topical corticosteroid use at any site other than the Index knee is allowed.
17. Subject has a pre-treatment contraindication to IA injections or aspiration of the Index knee, including cutaneous infection in the injection site area, active IA infection (as suggested by moderate or marked effusion), knee deformity or condition which, in the opinion of the Investigator could jeopardize the sterility or delivery of the IA injection.
18. Subjects with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the hyaluronan or previous hypersensitivity to the administration of corticosteroids or an inability to tolerate acetaminophen.
19. Subject has any contraindication to the receipt of a corticosteroid.
20. Subject is receiving or in litigation for worker's compensation.
21. Subject is a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding at the Screening Visit or a woman of child bearing potential who refuses to use effective contraception during the course of the study.
22. Subject was involved in any other research study involving an investigational product, or a new application of an approved product, within 60 days of signing the ICF.
23. Subject previously treated with Cingal for knee osteoarthritis.

Baseline Exclusion Criteria 25. Subject has a decrease of ≥ 20 mm in the WOMAC pain-sub-score (average of 5 pain scales) from Screening to Baseline in the Index knee on a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale.

26. Subject has a synovial fluid aspirate volume > 10 mL in the Index knee. 27. Subject has a contraindication to continue with the study treatment injection based on the visual appearance of the synovial fluid aspirate unless the fluid is examined microscopically prior to injection with no clinically significant findings (e.g. bacteria, crystals or blood).

28. Subject has range of motion of less than 100° flexion in either knee.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

3

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Cingal; Single injection of Cingal: 4 milliliter (mL) dose of 88 mg (22 mg/mL) of cross-linked sodium hyaluronate with 18 mg (4.5 mg/mL) of triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH). Manufactured by Anika Therapeutics.	Drug: Cingal; Single intra-articular injection of Cingal into the knee.; Other Names: HA + TH
Active Comparator: Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH); Single injection of Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH): 1 milliliter (mL) dose of 20 mg/ml TH. Manufactured by IntraPharm.	Drug: Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH); Single intra-articular injection of TH into the knee.; Other Names: TH
Placebo Comparator: Placebo; Single injection of Placebo: 4 milliliter (mL) dose of 0.9% saline. Manufactured by Anika Therapeutics.	Drug: Placebo; Single intra-articular injection Placebo (0.9% Saline) into the knee.; Other Names: Saline

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score comparing the Cingal arm to the TH arm, the Cingal arm to the Placebo arm, and the TH arm to the Placebo arm. WOMAC Pain is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Highest Pain Level. A negative value for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in the WOMAC Pain Score, i.e. less pain post-treatment. A larger negative value indicates lower pain levels and a better outcome.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score comparing the Cingal arm to the TH arm, the Cingal arm to the Placebo arm, and the TH arm to the Placebo arm. WOMAC Pain is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Highest Pain Level. A negative number for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in the WOMAC Pain Score, i.e. less pain post-treatment.	18 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score comparing the Cingal arm to the TH arm, the Cingal arm to the Placebo arm, and the TH arm to the Placebo arm. WOMAC Pain is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Highest Pain Level. A negative number for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in the WOMAC Pain Score, i.e. less pain post-treatment.	12 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score comparing the Cingal arm to the TH arm, the Cingal arm to the Placebo arm, and the TH arm to the Placebo arm. WOMAC Pain is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Highest Pain Level. A negative number for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in the WOMAC Pain Score, i.e. less pain post-treatment.	6 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score comparing the Cingal arm to the TH arm, the Cingal arm to the Placebo arm, and the TH arm to the Placebo arm. WOMAC Pain is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Highest Pain Level. A negative number for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in the WOMAC Pain Score, i.e. less pain post-treatment.	3 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Score comparing the Cingal arm to the TH arm, the Cingal arm to the Placebo arm, and the TH arm to the Placebo arm. WOMAC Pain is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Highest Pain Level. A negative number for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in the WOMAC Pain Score, i.e. less pain post-treatment.	1 Week

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
The Outcomes Measures for Rheumatic Arthritis Clinical Trials-Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) Responder Index	The post-treatment responder rate is determined through a calculation defined by the Outcomes Measures for Rheumatic Arthritis Clinical Trials-Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) Responder Index. The OMERACT-OARSI Responder Index reports the percentage of subjects that met the criteria to be a good responder to treatment. The criteria for response are (1) improvement in pain or physical function >50% and an absolute change >20 mm; or (2) improvement of >20% with an absolute change >10 mm in at least of the following three categories: pain, physical function, and patient's global assessment. A higher percentage of subjects responding indicates a better outcome. OMERACT-OARSI responder rates were compared between the Cingal, TH and Placebo arms.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in Knee Pain as Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain Score	Change in knee pain was obtained from participant responses using a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain Score at each time point. This VAS scale ranged from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Highest Pain Level. A negative value for the change in pain indicates less pain post-treatment. A larger negative value indicates a higher level of improvement, and a better outcome.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in Knee Pain as Measured by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) Pain Score	Change in knee pain was obtained from participant responses using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) Pain Score. This NRS Pain Score ranged from 0 = No Pain to 10 = Highest Pain Level. A negative value for the change in Pain Score indicates less pain post-treatment. A larger negative value indicates a higher level of improvement, and a better outcome.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Function Score	The change from Baseline in knee function post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Function Score comparing the Cingal, TH, and Placebo arms. WOMAC Function Score records participant responses regarding the difficulty they have performing daily activities. The WOMAC Function Score is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Difficulty to 100 mm = Extreme Difficulty. A negative value for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in WOMAC Function Score. A larger negative value indicates improvement in performing daily activities, and a better outcome.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Stiffness Score	The change from Baseline in knee stiffness post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Stiffness Score comparing the Cingal, TH, and Placebo arms. WOMAC Stiffness Score records participant responses regarding the sensation of ease in moving their joint. The WOMAC Stiffness Score is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Stiffness to 100 mm = Extreme Stiffness. A negative value for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in WOMAC Stiffness Score. A larger negative value indicates less stiffness, and a better outcome.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Total Score	The change from Baseline in overall clinical improvement in the knee post-treatment as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Total Score comparing the Cingal, TH, and Placebo arms. WOMAC Total Score combines the three 0-to-100 point scores from the WOMAC Pain Score, the WOMAC Stiffness Score, and the WOMAC Function Score to calculate a TOTAL Score from 0 = No Symptoms to 100 = Highest Degrees of Pain, Stiffness and Functional Limitation Symptoms. A negative value for the change from Baseline in WOMAC Total Score indicates reduction in pain, stiffness, and improved function. A larger negative value indicates a better overall clinical outcome.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Patient Global Assessment (PGA) Score comparing the Cingal, TH, and Placebo arms. PGA Score records participant responses to their assessment of how much their STUDY (treated) knee is bothering them today . The PGA Score is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Extreme Pain. A negative value for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in PGA Score. A larger negative value indicates less pain, and a better clinical outcome.	26 Weeks
Change From Baseline in the Evaluator Global Assessment (EGA) Score	The change from Baseline in knee pain post-treatment as measured by the Evaluator Global Assessment (EGA) Score comparing the Cingal, TH, and Placebo arms. EGA Score records the Study Evaluator's assessment of how much the patient's STUDY (treated) knee is bothering them today . The EGA Score is a validated 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 mm = No Pain to 100 mm = Extreme Pain. A negative value for the change from Baseline indicates improvement in EGA Score. A larger negative value indicates less pain, and a better clinical outcome.	26 Weeks
The Usage of Rescue Medication (Acetaminophen/Paracetamol) at 26 Weeks	The usage of Rescue Medication (RM) as based on the average number of acetominophen/paracetamol pills taken among participants at 26 Weeks post treatment comparing between the Cingal, Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH) and Placebo arms. A smaller value in average RM indicates that fewer pills were taken by the participants, which may correlate to a better clinical outcome in terms of pain.	26 Weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Anika Therapeutics, Inc.
• Investigators: Study Director: Joanne MacFie, Anika Therapeutics

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): September 11, 2020
• Primary Completion (Actual): May 16, 2022
• Study Completion (Actual): May 16, 2022

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 14, 2020
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 14, 2020
• First Posted (Actual): January 18, 2020

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): August 9, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 20, 2023
• Last Verified: June 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases; Arthritis; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Physiological Effects of Drugs; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Enzyme Inhibitors; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Immunosuppressive Agents; Immunologic Factors; Glucocorticoids; Hormones; Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists; Triamcinolone; Triamcinolone Acetonide; Triamcinolone hexacetonide; Triamcinolone diacetate
• Other Study ID Numbers: Cingal 19-01

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No