A Study Of Nemolizumab For Chronic Hepatic Pruritus

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of nemolizumab in the treatment of adults with moderate to severe chronic cholestatic pruritus.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male and/or female subjects 18 years or older

  • Cholestatic pruritus secondary primary biliary sclerosis (PBS) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

  • Pruritus that is chronic in duration (greater equal to 6 months)

  • Pruritus severity with a peak pruritus numerical rating score of ≥ 5 (moderate severity).

  • Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score < 15. This will capture patients with chronic stable liver disease without significant comorbid conditions and/or signs of rapidly progressive or decompensated liver failure.

  • Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled clinic visits, physical exams, laboratory tests, questionnaires, effective contraception use, and other trial procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Pruritus due to a primary inflammatory skin dermatosis or other forms of psychogenic pruritus utilizing skin biopsies to exclude as needed.

  • Pregnant females

  • History of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

  • Any form of chronic hepatic pruritus associated with underlying malignancy

  • Liver transplant recipients

  • Drug-induced liver pruritus.

  • ALT or AST greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal or total bilirubin greater than 2 times upper normal limit.

  • Advanced liver disease indicators including, ascites requiring therapeutic paracentesis, history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, any grade of hepatic encephalopathy, or a documented history of variceal bleeding within the preceding six months.

  • Severe coagulopathy with INR > 15.

  • Any form of acute cholestatic liver disease.

  • Allergy to nemolizumab or its ingredients

  • Inability to provide informed consent

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 03/20/2026. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Jacksonville, Fla.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Jason Sluzevich, M.D.

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Clinical Studies Unit - Florida

(904) 953-2255

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available