#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Hidradenitis – Trials in Disease

Go back

Clinical Trials for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Current Research and Treatment Options

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing painful lumps under the skin. Currently, 36 clinical trials are investigating new treatments including biologic medications, topical therapies, and combination approaches. These studies are being conducted across multiple countries in Europe and aim to improve treatment options for people with moderate to severe forms of this challenging condition.

Clinical trial locations

Study of Bimekizumab for Children and Adolescents with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This study is evaluating bimekizumab in young patients who have reached puberty and have moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The trial focuses specifically on children and adolescents aged 12 to under 18 years.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • Age between 12 and under 18 years at consent, at Tanner stage 2 or higher
  • Diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa for at least 6 months
  • At least 5 inflammatory lesions in total at screening and baseline
  • Lesions in at least 2 different body areas, with at least one being Hurley Stage II or III
  • Previous inadequate response to systemic antibiotics
  • Body weight of at least 30 kg

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Active tuberculosis or signs of tuberculosis on chest X-ray
  • Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the study medication
  • History of suicidal behavior or major psychiatric disorders
  • Active viral hepatitis or HIV infection
  • Active or chronic infections requiring antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal treatment
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study

Focus of the trial: The study evaluates how bimekizumab works in the body through pharmacokinetic measurements and assesses its safety profile in young patients. Researchers will monitor blood concentrations of the medication, track adverse events, measure vital signs, perform laboratory tests, and check for antibodies against the medication.

Investigational drug: Bimekizumab is administered through subcutaneous injection and works by blocking IL-17A and IL-17F proteins that contribute to inflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Study of Lutikizumab compared to placebo in adults and adolescents (age 12 and older) with moderate to severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This trial evaluates lutikizumab in patients aged 12 and older with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have not responded adequately to antibiotics.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • At least 12 years old
  • Diagnosed with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa for at least 6 months
  • At least 5 abscesses or inflammatory nodules at study start
  • Lesions in at least 2 different body areas
  • At least one area classified as Hurley Stage II or higher
  • Inadequate response to oral antibiotics or inability to tolerate them

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Age below 12 years
  • Active or chronic infections
  • History of cancer in the past 5 years
  • Recent treatment with biologics within the past 3 months
  • Severe liver or kidney disease
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Focus of the trial: The study is designed to compare lutikizumab against placebo over 16 weeks, measuring reduction in inflammatory lesions and drainage, pain levels, and quality of life improvements.

Investigational drug: Lutikizumab is administered via subcutaneous injection and works by targeting inflammatory proteins IL-1α and IL-1β involved in hidradenitis suppurativa.

Study of ruxolitinib cream applied to the skin for people with hidradenitis suppurativa

This study focuses on people with mild to moderate hidradenitis suppurativa, evaluating a topical cream containing 1.5% ruxolitinib applied twice daily.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • At least 12 years old
  • Diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa for at least 6 months
  • Mild to moderate condition with at least 4 affected areas in at least 2 body regions
  • No draining tunnels present
  • Agreement to avoid antibiotics and antiseptic products on affected areas during the study

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Age below 18 or above 65 years
  • Presence of active skin infections other than hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Current use of systemic immunosuppressive medications
  • History of allergic reactions to similar medications
  • Significant chronic medical conditions not well controlled
  • Active or chronic infections such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or HIV

Focus of the trial: The 16-week treatment period evaluates whether ruxolitinib cream can achieve at least 75% reduction in affected areas while monitoring pain levels and safety.

Investigational drug: Ruxolitinib cream is a JAK inhibitor applied topically to reduce inflammation in the skin.

Study of ruxolitinib cream for treating hidradenitis suppurativa in adult patients

This trial tests ruxolitinib 1.5% cream in adults with mild to moderate hidradenitis suppurativa, comparing it against a vehicle cream without active ingredients.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • At least 12 years old
  • Diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa for at least 6 months
  • Mild to moderate condition (Hurley Stage I or II) with at least 4 affected areas without draining tunnels
  • Lesions in at least 2 different body locations
  • Agreement to avoid antibiotics and antiseptics during the study

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Age below 18 or above 75 years
  • Active skin infections in treatment areas
  • Use of systemic antibiotics within 4 weeks before study start
  • History of serious allergic reactions to topical medications
  • Current participation in other clinical trials
  • Significant medical conditions including immunodeficiency disorders
  • Previous treatment with biologics within 12 weeks before study start

Focus of the trial: The study measures achievement of at least 75% reduction in affected areas at 16 weeks and monitors skin pain reduction.

Investigational drug: Ruxolitinib cream is a topical JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor designed to reduce inflammation locally in the skin.

Study on Botulinum Toxin Type A for Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients: A Comparison of Different Drug Combinations

This study evaluates Botox (botulinum toxin type A) compared to placebo for reducing hidradenitis suppurativa activity over six months.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • Diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa affecting both sides of the body equally
  • Treatment at Gentofte Hospital
  • Diagnosis confirmed by a dermatologist
  • Ability to answer study questionnaires independently
  • Over 18 years old

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Patients not diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Patients outside the specified age range
  • Patients who are part of a vulnerable population
  • Patients not meeting specific health criteria

Focus of the trial: The study measures reduction in the IHS4 score at six months to assess whether Botox can decrease disease activity and improve quality of life.

Investigational drug: Botox is administered through injections into affected areas to reduce pain and inflammation by blocking certain chemical signals.

Study on Clindamycin and Rifampicin for Treating Infections in Patients with Obesity, Fracture-Related Infections, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, or Prosthetic Joint Infections

This trial examines how clindamycin is processed in the body and its effectiveness when used alone or with rifampicin in treating various infections, including hidradenitis suppurativa.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Started treatment with clindamycin alone or combined with rifampicin
  • Positive culture of Staphylococcus bacteria sensitive to both medications
  • Admitted to orthopedic, traumatology, or dermatology ward
  • BMI less than 30 or 30 or more depending on study cohort

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Patients with fracture-related infections
  • Patients with prosthetic joint infections
  • Patients who are part of vulnerable populations

Focus of the trial: The study evaluates pharmacokinetic parameters of clindamycin and the influence of body weight and rifampicin treatment, with secondary focus on clinical cure.

Investigational drugs: Clindamycin is an antibiotic studied for how the body absorbs and processes it, particularly in people with different body weights. Rifampicin is examined for how it affects clindamycin’s absorption and processing when taken together.

Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Brensocatib for Adults with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This trial evaluates brensocatib in adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa over 52 weeks.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • Between 18 and 80 years old
  • Diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa with symptoms for at least 6 months
  • At least 6 inflamed lumps or abscesses for at least 8 weeks
  • Lesions in at least 2 different body areas with at least one at Hurley Stage II or III
  • Previous trial of systemic antibiotics with inadequate improvement

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Currently participating in another clinical trial
  • History of allergic reactions to study medication or similar drugs
  • Medical conditions that could interfere with study results
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Recent use of certain medications affecting study results
  • History of drug or alcohol abuse within the past year
  • Recent major surgery or planned surgery during study period

Focus of the trial: The study measures the percentage change in total count of abscesses and inflammatory nodules at week 16, along with secondary evaluations of symptom reduction and quality of life.

Investigational drug: Brensocatib is administered orally as a film-coated tablet and works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in inflammation.

Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Remibrutinib for Adults with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This study evaluates remibrutinib compared to placebo in adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa over 68 weeks.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa for at least 6 months
  • At least 5 abscesses or inflammatory nodules affecting at least 2 different body areas

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Other skin conditions interfering with study
  • Recent infection requiring antibiotics
  • History of cancer in past 5 years
  • Heart or liver problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Current use of other medications interfering with study treatment
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Focus of the trial: The primary evaluation at week 16 measures whether patients achieve at least 50% reduction in abscesses and inflammatory nodules without increase in drainage.

Investigational drug: Remibrutinib is administered orally as a film-coated tablet and works by targeting specific inflammatory pathways in the body.

Study on the Effectiveness of AVTX-009 for Treating Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients

This trial assesses AVTX-009 in patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have draining fistulas.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa for at least 6 months
  • At least 5 inflammatory lesions in at least 2 different body areas
  • At least one area classified as Hurley Stage 2 or 3
  • No signs of tuberculosis on screening tests

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Patients without moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Patients outside specified age range
  • Patients who are part of vulnerable populations
  • Patients not meeting other specific health criteria

Focus of the trial: The study evaluates achievement of HiSCR 75 (at least 75% reduction in abscess and inflammatory nodule count) at week 16.

Investigational drug: AVTX-009 is administered via subcutaneous injection and works by targeting specific molecules involved in inflammation.

Study on the Effectiveness of Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole Combination for Patients with Hurley Stage 2 Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This study compares a multi-phase antibiotic combination treatment against standard tetracycline derivative treatment for Hurley stage 2 hidradenitis suppurativa.

Main inclusion criteria:

  • Adults under 60 years old
  • Recent blood test from last 2 months
  • Diagnosis meeting European Dermatology guidelines with repeated inflammation
  • Active hidradenitis suppurativa for at least 1 year with at least 4 flare-ups in past year
  • Hurley stage 2 severity
  • BMI less than 35

Main exclusion criteria:

  • Patients with Hurley stage 2 active hidradenitis suppurativa cannot participate (appears to be an error in source data)

Focus of the trial: The 12-week study evaluates whether the experimental three-phase antibiotic combination achieves better remission rates than standard treatment.

Investigational drugs: The experimental treatment involves ceftriaxone and metronidazole for 3 weeks, followed by rifampicin, moxifloxacin, and metronidazole for 3 weeks, then rifampicin and moxifloxacin for 6 weeks. The control treatment is a tetracycline derivative for 12 weeks.

Summary

Current research into hidradenitis suppurativa encompasses a diverse range of treatment approaches being tested across Europe. The 36 clinical trials demonstrate significant international collaboration, with Germany, Poland, and Spain hosting the highest number of studies. Several notable trends emerge from this research landscape.

Biologic medications represent the most extensively studied treatment category. Multiple trials are investigating IL-17 inhibitors such as bimekizumab, sonelokimab, and spesolimab, while other studies focus on different inflammatory pathways through medications like lutikizumab, remibrutinib, and amlitelimab. This concentration on biologics reflects the understanding that hidradenitis suppurativa involves complex inflammatory processes requiring targeted intervention.

JAK inhibitors are being evaluated in both oral and topical formulations. Studies of povorcitinib examine long-term safety, while ruxolitinib cream trials focus on mild to moderate cases suitable for topical treatment. This variety of delivery methods suggests researchers are exploring options for different disease severities.

Several studies specifically address patients who have not responded to previous treatments, particularly anti-TNF therapy. The upadacitinib trial and multiple other studies include participants for whom standard antibiotics have failed, highlighting the need for alternatives when first-line treatments prove inadequate.

The inclusion of pediatric populations in some trials, such as the bimekizumab study for children and adolescents, addresses an important gap in treatment options for younger patients with this condition that often begins after puberty.

Long-term safety studies and extension trials demonstrate commitment to understanding how these treatments perform beyond initial effectiveness assessments. Multiple trials include follow-up periods extending to 48 weeks or longer, with some continuation studies lasting several years.

The geographic concentration of trials in Western and Central Europe reflects both the research infrastructure in these regions and the prevalence of the condition. Countries like Germany, France, and Poland appear particularly active in hosting multiple trials, providing patients in these regions with broader access to experimental treatments.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Hidradenitis

  • A study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LAD328 in adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa

    Recruiting

    1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Bulgaria France Germany Poland Spain

  • Study of Bimekizumab for Children and Adolescents with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

    Recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany Poland

  • Study on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid for Patients with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study on the Effects of Remibrutinib for Adults with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Bulgaria Denmark Germany Greece Italy Poland +3

  • Study on the Effectiveness of AVTX-009 for Treating Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients

    Not recruiting

    1
    Investigated diseases:
    Bulgaria Czechia France Germany Greece Italy +3

  • Study on Amlitelimab for Adults with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

    Not recruiting

    1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France Germany Hungary Italy Poland Portugal +1

  • Study of Eltrekibart for Adults with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

    Not recruiting

    1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany Greece Poland

More information about
Hidradenitis:

Connected medications: