JIA is the most prevalent rheumatic disease among children in the UK. It affects around 1 in 1000 children each year, with roughly 25% of them facing the added challenge of uveitis, an inflammation of the eye. Chronic anterior uveitis, a similar condition, follows the same course of treatment. The standard therapy for JIA uveitis involves a medication called methotrexate. Still, almost half of the children require additional treatment as methotrexate doesn't fully control their uveitis. Currently, adalimumab is the only licensed drug for treating JIA uveitis, but it doesn't work for all children.
In this study, we are exploring the potential of a new treatment, secukinumab, for children and young people with JIA uveitis and chronic anterior uveitis who haven't responded to adalimumab.
The trial will begin with the recruitment of 10 children and young people aged 2-18 with active uveitis that hasn't improved with adalimumab treatment. If this initial phase proves successful, we will advance to the second stage, recruiting 40 patients to receive either adalimumab or secukinumab. We aim to open 12 hospitals across the UK and recruitment has started.
Secukinumab has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating arthritis, but its potential for JIA uveitis and chronic anterior uveitis remains unexplored. The results from this study will contribute to the collective knowledge that may help other children in the future. This research aims to provide crucial information about secukinumab and the treatment of JIA-associated uveitis and chronic anterior uveitis, leading to better care. This trial is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare and, most importantly, on the well-being of children who deserve the best possible treatment, and enhance the lives of children with JIA uveitis.
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