Clinical trial NCT02309359
Conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sponsor: Ablynx, a Sanofi company
Start date: 2015-01-01; Completion date: 2016-08-01
Enrollment: 345 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of dose regimens of ALX-0061 administered subcutaneously (s.c.) in combination with methotrexate (MTX) to subjects with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite MTX therapy, compared with placebo.

To assess the effects of ALX-0061 on quality of life, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and immunogenicity of ALX-0061, and to define the optimal dose regimen for ALX-0061, based on safety and efficacy, for further clinical development.

Detailed description:
Subjects who completed the 24-week assessment period and achieved at least 20% improvement in swollen joint count (SJC) and/or tender joint count (TJC) at Week 24 of study ALX0061-C201 were invited to participate in an open-label extension (OLE) study ALX0061-C203 (NCT02518620), if the study was approved in their country and selection criteria were met.

Arms: arm 1: Placebo every 2 weeks + MTX (at a stable dose and route) from baseline through Week 24. The last study drug administration was at the Week 22 visit. arm 2: ALX-0061 75 mg every 4 weeks + placebo every 2 weeks + MTX (at a stable dose and route) from baseline through Week 24. The last study drug administration was at the Week 22 visit. arm 3: ALX-0061 150 mg every 4 weeks + placebo every 2 weeks + MTX (at a stable dose and route) from baseline through Week 24. The last study drug administration was at the Week 22 visit. arm 4: ALX-0061 150 mg every 2 weeks + placebo every 2 weeks + MTX (at a stable dose and route) from baseline through Week 24. The last study drug administration was at the Week 22 visit. arm 5: ALX-0061 225 mg every 2 weeks + MTX (at a stable dose and route) from baseline through Week 24.

The last study drug administration was at the Week 22 visit.
Interventions: intervention 1: ALX-0061 intervention 2: Placebo intervention 3: Methotrexate
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: None intervention 2: None intervention 3: Stable background dose of commercially available methotrexate (not provided by the Sponsor).

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLINICAL STUDY PROTOCOL 
 
ALX0061-C201 
 
 
A Phase IIb Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-
Controlled Dose-Range Finding Study of ALX-0061 
Administered Subcutaneously in Combination with 
Methotrexate, in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid 
Arthritis Despite Methotrexate Therapy 
 
 
 
 
Short Title: 
A Phase IIb Dose-Range Finding Study for 
ALX-0061 Combination Therapy in Subjects 
with Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Study Drug: 
ALX-0061 
EudraCT n°: 
2014-003033-26 
Sponsor Protocol Code: 
ALX0061-C201 
 
Sponsor: 
  
Ablynx NV  
Technologiepark 21 
9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium 
 
Contract Research Organization: 
 
 
 
 
Phase of Development: 
Phase IIb 
Indication: 
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 
Protocol Date: 
July 9, 2015 
Protocol Version: 
2.0 
Protocol Status: 
Final 
 
 
This study will be performed in compliance with the Clinical Study Protocol, the principles 
of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the applicable regulatory requirement(s). 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 2/103 
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT 
 
The information contained in this document, especially unpublished data, is the 
property of Ablynx NV (or under its control), and therefore provided to you in 
confidence as an Investigator, potential Investigator, or consultant, for review by 
you, your study staff, and an applicable Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) / 
Institutional Review Board (IRB). It is understood that this information will not be 
disclosed to others without written authorization from Ablynx NV, except to the 
extent necessary to obtain informed consent from those persons to whom the study 
drug may be administered. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 5/103 
 
 
Investigator:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
I have read Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 and agree to 
personally conduct or supervise the clinical study in accordance 
with the Clinical Study Protocol. 
 
I agree to ensure that all associates, colleagues, and employees 
assisting in the conduct of the study are informed about their 
obligations. Mechanisms are in place to ensure that site staff 
receives the appropriate information throughout the study. 
 
I confirm that the study team and I will not implement any 
changes to the Clinical Study Protocol without agreement of 
Ablynx NV, except where necessary to eliminate an immediate 
hazard to the patients. 
 
I confirm that I am thoroughly familiar with the appropriate use of 
the study drug, as described in the Clinical Study Protocol and any 
other information provided by Ablynx NV. 
 
I confirm that I am aware of and will comply with GCP. 
 
Hence, I agree to supply Ablynx NV with any necessary 
information regarding the ownership interest and financial ties, to 
promptly update this information if any relevant changes occur 
during the course of the study, and that Ablynx NV may disclose 
any available information about such ownership interests and 
financial ties to regulatory authorities. 
 
 
Signature – Date: 
 
Primary Investigator Name: 
 
 
Degree/Function: 
 
 
Site Details/Address: 
 
 
 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 6/103 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
 
Serious adverse event (SAE) contact information and other contact details of the 
Sponsor and third parties are available in the “Investigator Site File”.  
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 7/103 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT ....................................................................... 2 
APPROVAL OF CLINICAL STUDY PROTOCOL ...................................................... 3 
CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................ 6 
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... 7 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................... 9 
CHANGES COMPARED TO PREVIOUS VERSION(S)............................................ 12 
 
PROTOCOL SYNOPSIS ............................................................................... 14 
 
SCHEDULE OF ASSESSMENTS .................................................................... 22 
 
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 25 
1.1. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ................................................................... 25 
1.1.1. Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis ................................................. 25 
1.1.2. Role of IL-6R in Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis .................. 26 
1.2. ALX-0061 ......................................................................................... 27 
1.2.1. General Properties ....................................................................... 27 
1.2.2. Manufacture ............................................................................... 28 
1.2.3. Nonclinical Studies ...................................................................... 28 
1.2.4. Effects in Humans ....................................................................... 28 
1.2.5. Benefits and Risk Assessment ....................................................... 31 
 
2. OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................... 34 
 
3. STUDY DESIGN .................................................................................... 35 
3.1. OVERALL STUDY DESIGN .................................................................... 35 
3.1.1. Study Overview........................................................................... 35 
3.1.2. Blinding ..................................................................................... 39 
3.2. SELECTION OF STUDY POPULATION ..................................................... 41 
3.2.1. Inclusion Criteria ......................................................................... 41 
3.2.2. Exclusion Criteria ........................................................................ 43 
3.2.3. Removal of Subjects from Therapy or Assessment ........................... 45 
3.3. TREATMENT OF SUBJECTS .................................................................. 48 
3.3.1. Identity of Study Drug ................................................................. 48 
3.3.2. Other Medication Administered in the Study ................................... 49 
3.3.3. Drug Accountability ..................................................................... 49 
3.3.4. Study Drug Handling ................................................................... 50 
3.3.5. Study Drug Injections .................................................................. 51 
3.3.6. Prior and Concomitant Therapy ..................................................... 51 
3.3.7. Treatment Compliance ................................................................. 53 
3.3.8. Randomization ............................................................................ 54 
3.4. ASSESSMENTS .................................................................................. 55 
3.4.1. Timing of Assessments ................................................................. 55 
3.4.2. Assessments of Efficacy ............................................................... 59 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 8/103 
3.4.3. Pharmacokinetic Assessments ....................................................... 67 
3.4.4. Pharmacodynamic Assessments .................................................... 68 
3.4.5. Assessments of Safety ................................................................. 69 
3.4.6. Other Assessments ...................................................................... 73 
3.4.7. Total Blood Volume...................................................................... 75 
3.4.8. Appropriateness and Timing of Measurements ................................ 76 
3.5. ADVERSE EVENT EVALUATION AND REPORTING .................................... 77 
3.5.1. Adverse Events ........................................................................... 77 
3.5.2. Serious Adverse Events ................................................................ 80 
3.5.3. Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reactions (SUSAR) .............. 81 
3.5.4. Reporting of Adverse Events ......................................................... 82 
3.5.5. Follow-up of Adverse Events ......................................................... 82 
3.5.6. Other Reportable Information ....................................................... 83 
3.6. STATISTICS ...................................................................................... 84 
3.6.1. Study Populations ....................................................................... 84 
3.6.2. Statistical and Analytical Plan........................................................ 84 
3.6.3. Initial Characteristics of Subject Sample ......................................... 84 
3.6.4. Evaluation of Efficacy Parameters .................................................. 85 
3.6.5. Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic Parameters ...................................... 87 
3.6.6. Evaluation of Pharmacodynamic Parameters ................................... 88 
3.6.7. Evaluation of Safety Parameters .................................................... 88 
3.6.8. Determination of Sample Size ....................................................... 89 
3.7. DATA QUALITY ASSURANCE AND DIRECT ACCESS TO SOURCE 
DATA/DOCUMENTS ............................................................................ 90 
3.8. DATA PROTECTION ............................................................................ 91 
 
4. ETHICS ................................................................................................ 92 
4.1. ETHICS COMMITTEES AND COMPETENT AUTHORITIES ........................... 92 
4.2. ETHICAL CONDUCT OF THE STUDY ...................................................... 92 
4.3. SUBJECT INFORMATION AND CONSENT ............................................... 93 
4.4. PRIVACY ........................................................................................... 94 
 
5. DATA HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING ............................................. 95 
5.1. DISTRIBUTION OF ACTIVITIES ............................................................ 95 
5.2. DOCUMENTATION .............................................................................. 95 
5.2.1. Case Report Form Completion ....................................................... 95 
5.2.2. Source Documentation ................................................................. 95 
5.2.3. Record Retention ......................................................................... 96 
5.2.4. Monitoring .................................................................................. 97 
 
6. FINANCING AND INSURANCE .............................................................. 98 
 
7. USE OF INFORMATION AND PUBLICATION .......................................... 99 
 
8. REFERENCES ...................................................................................... 100 
 
9. APPENDIX: TENDER AND SWOLLEN JOINT COUNT ............................ 102 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 9/103 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
 
ACR 
American College of Rheumatology 
ADA 
Anti-drug antibodies 
AE 
Adverse event 
ALT 
Alanine aminotransferase 
AST 
Aspartate aminotransferase 
CA 
Competent Authority 
CCP 
Cyclic citrullinated peptide 
CD20 
Cluster of differentiation 20 
CDAI 
Clinical Disease Activity Index 
CHF 
Congestive heart failure 
CL 
Total body clearance 
CRO 
Contract research organization 
CRP 
C-reactive protein  
CTCAE 
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 
CTD 
Clinical trial directive 
CXCL13 
C-X-C Motif Chemokine 13 
CYP450 
Cytochrome P450 
DAS28 
Disease Activity Score using 28 joint counts  
DMARD 
Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug 
DNA 
Deoxyribonucleid acid 
DSMB 
Data safety monitoring board 
EC50 
Half maximal effective concentration 
ECG 
Electrocardiogram 
(e)CRF 
(Electronic) Case report form 
ELISA 
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 
ESR 
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 
EULAR 
European League Against Rheumatism 
FACIT-Fatigue 
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue 
GCP 
Good Clinical Practice 
GH 
VAS Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity 
GLP 
Good Laboratory Practice 
gp130 
Glycoprotein 130 
HAQ-DI 
Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index 
HDL 
High-density lipoprotein 
HIV 
Human immunodeficiency virus 
HSA 
Human serum albumin 
i.a. 
Intra articular 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 10/103 
ICF 
Informed Consent Form 
ICH 
International Conference on Harmonization 
ID 
Identification  
IEC 
Independent Ethics Committee 
Ig 
Immunoglobulin 
IGRA 
Interferon-gamma release assay 
IL-1 
Interleukin 1 
IL-6 
Interleukin 6 
IL-6R 
Interleukin-6 receptor 
i.m. 
Intramuscular(ly) 
INR 
International normalized ratio 
IRB 
Institutional review board 
ITT 
Intent-to-treat 
i.v. 
Intravenous(ly) 
IWRS 
Interactive web response system 
JAK 
Janus kinase 
LDL 
Low-density lipoprotein 
MAD 
Multiple ascending dose 
mIL-6R 
Membrane-bound interleukin-6 receptor 
MMP-3 
Matrix metalloproteinase 3 
MTX 
Methotrexate 
nAbs 
Neutralizing antibodies 
NSAID 
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug 
OLE 
Open-label extension 
PD 
Pharmacodynamic 
PIP 
Proximal interphalangeal 
PK 
Pharmacokinetic  
PP 
Per protocol 
q2w 
Every 2 weeks 
q4w 
Every 4 weeks 
QTc 
QT interval corrected for heart rate 
QTcB 
QT interval corrected for heart rate according to Bazett’s formula; QTcB = 
QT/√RR 
QTcF 
QT interval corrected for heart rate according to Fridericia’s formula; 
QTcF = QT/∛RR 
RA 
Rheumatoid arthritis 
RNA 
Ribonucleid acid 
SAD 
Single ascending dose 
SAE 
Serious adverse event 
SAP 
Statistical analysis plan 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 11/103 
SC 
Sternoclavicular joint 
s.c. 
Subcutaneous(ly) 
SDAI 
Simplified Disease Activity Index 
SF-36 
Short Form (36) Health Survey 
sIL-6R 
Soluble interleukin-6 receptor 
SJC 
Swollen joint count 
SLE 
Systemic lupus erythematosus 
SUSAR 
Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reaction 
TB 
Tuberculosis 
TCZ 
Tocilizumab 
TEAE 
Treatment-emergent adverse event 
TJC 
Tender joint count 
TK 
Toxicokinetics 
TMJ 
Temporomandibular joint 
TNF α 
Tumor necrosis factor alpha 
ULN 
Upper limit of normal 
VAS 
Visual analogue scale 
VASPA 
Visual analogue scale, patient assessment of disease activity 
VASPHA 
visual analogue scale, physician assessment of disease activity 
VH 
Heavy chain variable region 
WHO 
World Health Organization 
WMA 
World Medical Association 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 12/103 
CHANGES COMPARED TO PREVIOUS 
VERSION(S) 
 
 
Original section 
Change/Rationale 
Version 2.0 (dated July 9, 2015) compared to Version 1.0 (dated October 17, 2014)  
Version n° and date were adapted throughout the document (incl. headers and footers). 
Section “Changes compared to previous version(s)” was completed. 
Table of Contents 
Page numbers have been updated. 
List of Abbreviations, Synopsis, 
Schedule of Assessments, Sections 
3.4.4.1., 3.4.4.2., and 3.4.7 
Assessment of C-telopeptide pyridinoline crosslinks of Type 1 
collagen (ICTP) has been removed as the commercially available 
ELISAs for ICTP are not adequate. 
Synopsis and Section 3.2.1. 
The inclusion criterion on active RA has been updated to allow 
inclusion of subjects with C-reactive protein (CRP) > 1.0 x upper 
limit of normal (ULN) at screening. 
Synopsis and Section 3.2.2. 
The exclusion criterion on previously received approved or 
investigational biological or targeted synthetic DMARD therapies 
for RA has been updated to add additional details with regard to 
subjects who previously received rituximab. 
Synopsis 
Completion of list of safety assessments. 
Schedule of Assessments and 
Section 3.4.5.2. 
A clarification has been added to reflect that pregnancy testing 
applies to women of childbearing potential only. 
Schedule of Assessments and 
Section 3.4.8. 
Order of assessments has been simplified. 
Section 1.2.5. 
As the study report of Study ALX0061-C102 has been finalized, 
the word “preliminary” has been removed from the description of 
the results of this study. 
Schedule of Assessments , Sections 
3.1.1., 3.3.6., 3.4.1.1., and 3.4.7. 
A typographical error has been corrected. 
Sections 3.1.2. and 3.4.5.2. 
Specified that results of CRP or fibrinogen will be unblinded in 
case of alert and at screening, which is needed to assess 
subject’s eligibility for randomization.  
Section 3.2.1. 
Inclusion criterion 8 has been updated to add details with regard: 
- to inclusion of subjects with latent tuberculosis (TB) who have 
positive IGRA test and who have completed appropriate 
treatment. 
- to clarify that appropriate treatment should have been 
completed before first administration of study drug instead 
of screening. 
Section 3.2.2. 
Exclusion criterion 11 has been updated to correct an 
inconsistency between the synopsis and the body text of the 
protocol. In addition, exclusion criterion 17 to correct a 
typographical error. 
Section 3.2.3.2. 
Wording has been updated for clarification purpose and to correct 
use of an incorrect word. 
Sections 3.3.2., 3.4.1.2., and 3.6.5. 
A crossreference has been corrected. 
Section 3.3.3.  
Wording has been updated to reflect a correction according to the 
procedure for IMP destruction. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 13/103 
Section 3.3.6. 
The prohibited medications high-potency opioid analgesics have 
been further specified. 
Section 3.4.1.2. 
Specification with regard to route of administration of MTX has 
been deleted. 
Sections 3.4.2.6., 3.4.2.13., and 
3.4.2.18. 
Details have been added with regard to use of unit of CRP for a 
specific assessment. 
Section 3.4.2.7. 
Additional text has been added to explain the role of the 
independent person performing the assessment of erythrocyte 
sedimentation rate (ESR) analysis. 
Sections 3.4.3.1., 3.4.4.1., and 
3.4.6.1. 
A sentence has been updated to reflect that exact time of blood 
sampling will not be captured in the case report form (CRF) (but 
in the requisition form). 
Section 3.4.5.2. 
It has been specified that additional pregnancy testing is allowed 
according to local guidelines; however, this additional pregnancy 
testing is not part of and cannot replace the protocol specific 
procedures. 
Section 3.4.5.2. 
Wording has been added to clarify that the IGRA test also detects 
latent TB. 
Section 3.4.5.2. 
Details with regard to allowing retesting of samples have been 
added. 
Section 3.4.5.3. 
Wording has been updated with regard to options to measure 
body temperature. 
Section 3.5.1.1. 
The text on adverse events (AEs) severity has been updated to 
reflect that for assessment of severity of AEs related to laboratory 
abnormalities, the Investigator should refer to the CTCAE v4.0 
criteria. 
Section 3.5.5. 
Wording with regard to follow-up of AEs was updated to clarify 
that all AEs will be followed until satisfactory outcome. 
Section 3.5.6.1. 
Information with regard to pregnancies should be reported using 
the pregnancy form (and not the pregnancy report CRF page). 
Section 3.6.4. 
More clear specification of sensitivity analysis on primary 
endpoint using per-protocol population has been added. 
Section 4.2. 
Details with regard to specific version of guidelines has been 
removed. 
Section 4.3. 
Wording with regard to signing of the informed consent form 
(ICF) has been updated according to the ICH E6 guideline. 
Section 6. 
As the contract research organization (CRO) will not insure 
subjects separately against damage resulting from accidents that 
may occur during the study, but that are not directly related to 
the study, this statement has been deleted.  
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 14/103 
 
PROTOCOL SYNOPSIS 
 
Protocol Title: 
 
A Phase IIb Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Dose-Range 
Finding Study of ALX-0061 Administered Subcutaneously in Combination with 
Methotrexate, in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite 
Methotrexate Therapy 
 
 
Protocol Short Title: 
 
A Phase IIb Dose-Range Finding Study for ALX-0061 Combination Therapy in 
Subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis 
 
 
Study Drug: 
 
ALX-0061, a Nanobody directed towards the Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) 
 
 
EudraCT n°:  
 
2014-003033-26 
 
 
Sponsor Protocol Code: 
 
ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Sponsor: 
 
Ablynx NV  
Technologiepark 21 
9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium 
 
 
Phase of Development: 
 
Phase IIb 
 
 
Indication: 
 
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 
 
 
Objectives: 
 
Primary objective: 
• To assess the efficacy and safety of dose regimens of ALX-0061 administered 
subcutaneously (s.c.) in combination with methotrexate (MTX) to subjects with 
active RA despite MTX therapy, compared with placebo.   
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 15/103 
 
Secondary objective: 
• To assess the effects of ALX-0061 on quality of life, pharmacokinetics (PK), 
pharmacodynamics (PD), and immunogenicity of ALX-0061, and to define the 
optimal dose regimen for ALX-0061, based on safety and efficacy, for further 
clinical development. 
 
 
Study Type and Treatments Administered: 
 
This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-range 
finding Phase IIb study of ALX-0061 administered s.c. in combination with MTX to 
subjects with active RA despite MTX therapy.  
 
Treatment Arms 
 
Eligible subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio to 1 of the 
treatment groups listed below. As the highest dose of ALX-0061 will be 
administered via 2 injections every 2 weeks (q2w), subjects in Groups 1-4 will also 
be administered 2 injections q2w, with 1 or both syringes containing placebo 
depending on the assigned treatment group, to maintain the blind: 
 
Group 1 (N=66) 
Placebo 
Placebo s.c. injections (2 syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q2w thereafter up to and including Week 22.  
 
Group 2 (N=66) 
75 mg every 4 weeks (q4w) 
ALX-0061 75 mg s.c. injections (1 syringe [0.5 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q4w thereafter up to and including Week 20. To 
maintain the blind, subjects in this group will also receive 
placebo s.c. up to and including Week 22 (1 placebo syringe 
[1.0 mL] at Week 0 and q4w thereafter in combination with 
the ALX-0061 injection; 2 placebo syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL] 
at Week 2 and q4w thereafter).  
 
Group 3 (N=66) 
150 mg q4w 
ALX-0061 150 mg s.c. injections (1 syringe [1.0 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q4w thereafter up to and including Week 20. To 
maintain the blind, subjects in this group will also receive 
placebo s.c. up to and including Week 22 (1 placebo syringe 
[0.5 mL] at Week 0 and q4w thereafter in combination with 
the ALX-0061 injection; 2 placebo syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL] 
at Week 2 and q4w thereafter).  
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 16/103 
 
Group 4 (N=66) 
150 mg q2w 
ALX-0061 150 mg s.c. injections (1 syringe [1.0 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q2w thereafter up to and including Week 22. To 
maintain the blind, subjects in this group will also receive 
placebo s.c. q2w up to and including Week 22 (1 placebo 
syringe [0.5 mL]).  
 
Group 5 (N=66) 
225 mg q2w 
ALX-0061 225 mg s.c. injections (2 syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL]) 
at Week 0 and q2w thereafter up to and including Week 22. 
These subjects will not receive placebo injections.  
 
Efficacy Discontinuation Criteria at Week 12, 16, or 20: 
Any subject with < 20% improvement from baseline in both swollen and tender 
joint count (SJC and TJC; 66/68 counts) at any of the visits at week 12, 16 or 20 
will discontinue from the trial, but remain blinded to study drug assignment. The 
visit at which subjects will meet the efficacy discontinuation criteria, is defined as 
the Early Termination Visit for these patients. Following this Early Termination Visit, 
any future care will then be provided (outside of the study) at the discretion of the 
treating physician as part of usual clinical practice.  
 
The blind will be maintained until the last enrolled subject completes the final 
evaluations and the database is locked. 
 
In countries where open-label extension (OLE) study ALX0061-C203 is approved, 
subjects who complete the 24-week assessment period of the current study will be 
invited to roll-over. Details on the open-label extension (OLE) study are described 
in Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C203. 
 
 
Study Population: 
 
Subjects with active RA despite MTX therapy 
 
 
Number of Subjects: 
 
Up to approximately 330 subjects in 5 treatment arms, randomized in a 1:1:1:1:1 
ratio. 
 
 
Inclusion criteria: 
 
The main criteria for inclusion include the following: 
• Man or woman ≥ 18 years and < 75 years of age at the time of signing the 
informed consent form. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 17/103 
 
• Diagnosis of RA (according to the 2010 European League Against Rheumatism 
[EULAR]/American College of Rheumatology [ACR] classification criteria) for at 
least 6 months prior to screening, and ACR functional class I-III. 
• Treated with and tolerating MTX according to the following criteria: 
a. 
Minimum treatment duration of 4 months prior to screening. 
b. 
Stable dose of MTX of ≥ 12.5 mg/week to ≤ 25 mg/week for at least 
6 consecutive weeks prior to screening.  
c. 
Expected to maintain that stable dose throughout the study as described in 
section “Concomitant Medication”.  
• Active RA as defined, for the purpose of this study, by persistent disease activity 
with at least 6 swollen and 6 tender joints (66/68-joint count), at the time of 
screening and baseline, and C-reactive protein (CRP) > 1.0 x upper limit of 
normal (ULN) at screening.  
 
 
Exclusion criteria: 
 
The main criteria for exclusion include the following:  
• Have 
been 
treated 
with 
disease 
modifying 
anti-rheumatic 
drugs 
(DMARDs)/systemic 
immunosuppressives 
(e.g., 
oral 
or 
parenteral 
gold, 
sulfasalazine, 
azathioprine, 
cyclosporine, 
mycophenolate 
mofetil, 
hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine) other than MTX during 4 weeks, or 12 weeks 
for leflunomide (except when an adequate wash-out procedure for leflunomide 
was completed) prior to first administration of study drug.     
• Have received approved or investigational biological or targeted synthetic 
DMARD therapies for RA (including tumor necrosis factor alpha-inhibitors, 
abatacept, rituximab, or Janus kinase [JAK]-inhibitors) less than 6 months prior 
to screening. For subjects who received prior rituximab, subjects with an 
inadequate recovery of B cells should be excluded regardless of when they 
received rituximab. 
• Have a history of toxicity, non-tolerance, primary non-response or inadequate 
response to a biological therapy, or targeted synthetic DMARDs (including JAK 
inhibitors), for RA. 
• Have received prior therapy blocking the interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway, such as 
but not limited to ALX-0061, sirukumab, sarilumab, clazakizumab, olokizumab, 
tocilizumab at any time. 
 
A complete list of selection criteria can be found in the body of the Clinical Study 
Protocol. 
 
 
Study Drug, Comparator, Dose, Mode of Administration: 
 
• Study Drug:  
- Active substance: ALX-0061 Nanobody. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 18/103 
 
- Route and volume of administration: s.c. injections at a volume of 0.5 mL 
and/or 1.0 mL. 
• Placebo:  
- Substance: placebo. 
- Route and volume of administration: s.c. injections at a volume of 0.5 mL 
and/or 1.0 mL. 
 
At all visits, study drug is to be administered under supervision while the subject is 
at the study site. 
 
• 
Concomitant Medication: stable dose and route of MTX (12.5-25.0 mg weekly) 
maintained during the 6 consecutive weeks prior to screening and for the 
duration of the study. Commercially available MTX will be used in this study and 
will not be provided by the Sponsor. 
 
 
Study Duration: 
 
• The anticipated study duration is a maximum of 34 weeks after randomization: 
- Subjects who will not participate in the OLE study will be followed for efficacy 
up to and including Week 24, and for safety up to and including Week 34. 
- Subjects who will participate in the OLE study will be followed until Week 24, 
at which time they will switch to the OLE.   
 
The end of study is defined as the time of the last visit of the last subject 
participating in the study. 
 
• Screening period:  
- Subjects will be screened to confirm eligibility for participation in this study 
within 3 weeks prior to first dosing. 
 
• Treatment and assessment period: 
- All eligible subjects will receive treatment from Week 0, up to and including 
Week 22. Subjects will return for 13 ambulatory visits planned on Weeks 0, 2, 
4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24. 
 
• End of Treatment Visit (Week 24) (or Early Termination Visit for subjects who 
discontinue early)/Follow-up Visit: 
- Subjects who are eligible to participate in the OLE study will have the End of 
Treatment Visit in Study ALX0061-C201 at Week 24.  
- Subjects who are not eligible to participate in the OLE study will have the End 
of Treatment Visit at Week 24 and should return for a Follow-up Visit 
12 weeks after last study drug administration. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 19/103 
 
- For subjects who will discontinue study participation for fulfilling the efficacy 
discontinuation criteria (see section 3.2.3.2) at weeks 12, 16, or 20, the visit 
at which subjects will meet these discontinuation criteria is defined as the 
Early Termination Visit. These subjects should return for a Follow-up Visit 
12 weeks after last study drug administration. 
- 
Subjects who have to discontinue early for reasons other than the efficacy 
discontinuation criteria, but are not withdrawing consent for post-treatment 
follow-up, should return for an Early Termination Visit 2 weeks after the last 
study drug administration (unless they discontinue during a study visit, in 
which case that becomes their Early Termination Visit). Subjects should also 
return for a Follow-up Visit 12 weeks after last study drug administration. 
- Subjects who terminate study participation for reasons of lost to follow-up, 
informed consent withdrawal, or death will not have any follow-up 
assessments. 
 
 
Assessments: 
 
Efficacy Evaluation: 
• Primary endpoint:  
- Reduction of signs and symptoms of RA will be evaluated by calculating the 
proportion of subjects achieving an ACR20 response at Week 12. 
 
• Secondary endpoints include: 
- ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response over time. 
- Disease activity: Disease Activity Score using 28 joint counts (DAS28 using 
CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]), Simplified Disease Activity 
Index (SDAI), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). 
- EULAR DAS28 response (good, moderate, or no response). 
- Remission using disease remission parameters: DAS28, SDAI, CDAI, Boolean. 
- Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). 
- Physical and mental component scores of Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).  
- Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue). 
Pharmacokinetics: 
• Determination of ALX-0061 serum levels.  
 
Pharmacodynamics: 
• Determination of biomarker levels, including total soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), 
matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13). 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 20/103 
 
Safety:  
• Safety assessments will include: 
- Physical examinations. 
- Vital signs measurements (diastolic and systolic blood pressure, temperature, 
pulse rate). 
- 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG; at screening only). 
- Clinical laboratory assessments will include blood chemistry, hematology, 
urinalysis, coagulation and the acute phase proteins (CRP, ESR, and 
fibrinogen) as well as change from baseline in these laboratory parameters. 
- Adverse events (including serious adverse events, infections, injection site, 
and hypersensitivity reactions). 
Immunogenicity:  
• Determination of anti-ALX-0061 antibodies (ADA) and potentially further 
characterization by modified ADA assay (mADA) and neutralizing antibody assay 
(nAb).  
 
 
Statistical Methods: 
 
Sample Size and Power 
Up to approximately 330 subjects in 5 treatment arms randomized in a 1:1:1:1:1 
ratio. 
 
Simulations were performed to evaluate the power for detecting a significant trend 
effect in the different ALX-0061 doses versus placebo. Assuming Week 12 ACR20 
response rates of 25%, 30%, 45%, 55%, and 55% for placebo, ALX-0061 
75 mg q4w, ALX-0061 150 mg q4w, ALX-0061 150 mg q2w, and ALX-0061 
225 mg q2w respectively, a sample size of 66 subjects per arm will provide more 
than 90% power using the Cochran Armitage test for trend at significance level of 
0.05 (2-sided). 
 
Primary Efficacy Endpoint Evaluation: 
For the descriptive statistics and trend test on the primary efficacy endpoint 
(primary efficacy analysis), data will be analyzed according to the intent-to-treat 
principle; thus, subjects will be analyzed according to the treatment for which they 
were assigned. Subjects with missing ACR20 response at Week 12 will be treated 
as non-responders (non-responder imputation approach). 
 
Additionally, exploratory comparisons of each separate dose versus placebo will be 
conducted using a Chi² or Fisher exact test (or other test if deemed more relevant). 
The study is only powered for testing the trend of the primary endpoint. All other 
p-values are exploratory and no correction for multiple testing is foreseen. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Trial Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 21/103 
 
Primary efficacy endpoint evaluation will also be performed using the per-protocol 
population as a sensitivity analysis. 
 
All Other Evaluations: 
For continuous secondary efficacy endpoints (including DAS28, CDAI, SDAI), 
summary statistics, such as mean with standard deviation and median and 
associated 95% confidence intervals will be determined. For categorical efficacy 
endpoints the point estimate together with the 95% confidence interval will be 
calculated. Summary statistics will be provided by treatment group. 
 
All safety, PD and immunogenicity analyses will be performed using the safety 
population of all subjects who received at least 1 dose of study drug. Analyses will 
be performed using the treatment that the subject actually received.  
 
All these data will be summarized using descriptive statistics as appropriate. 
 
PK/PD modelling will be performed to characterize the relationship between 
ALX-0061 exposure and the efficacy endpoints. The results of this exploratory 
analysis will be presented in a separate report. 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 22/103 
 
SCHEDULE OF ASSESSMENTS A 
Study Period 
Screening 
(Days) 
Baseline 
(Week/ 
Day) 
Treatment and Assessment period (Weeks) 
Early 
TerminationC 
(Weeks) 
Follow-upD 
(Weeks)  
Study Visit B 
-21 to -1 
0 
2 
4 
6 
8 
10 
12 
14 
16 
18 
20 
22 
24 
2 (after last 
study drug 
dosing) 
12  
(after last 
study drug 
dosing) 
Visit Number 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
 
15 
Ambulatory visit 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Written informed consent  
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demographics and medical history 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical examination 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
Vital signs E 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test  
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Serology (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human 
immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chest radiograph F 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuberculosis (TB) evaluation (questioning) G 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Review of entry criteria 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Previous medication 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Concomitant medication  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) H 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Randomization 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Routine clinical laboratory analyses I 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
Extended clinical laboratory analyses (including 
fasting serum lipids) J 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
Pregnancy test (serum at screening/urine at other 
visits) for females of childbearing potential only 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
X 
 
Interactive web response system (IWRS) 
notification of tender & swollen joint counts  
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
Study drug administration (via IWRS) K 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 23/103 
 
Study Period 
Screening 
(Days) 
Baseline 
(Week/ 
Day) 
Treatment and Assessment period (Weeks) 
Early 
TerminationC 
(Weeks) 
Follow-upD 
(Weeks)  
Study Visit B 
-21 to -1 
0 
2 
4 
6 
8 
10 
12 
14 
16 
18 
20 
22 
24 
2 (after last 
study drug 
dosing) 
12  
(after last 
study drug 
dosing) 
Visit Number 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
 
15 
Morning stiffness duration  
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Joint assessment (66/68-joint count)  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Patient Pain visual analogue scale (VAS)  
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Health Assessment Questionnaire – Disability 
Index (HAQ-DI)  
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – 
Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Physician and patient global assessment  Disease 
Activity 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Rheumatoid factor 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adverse events (AEs) L 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pharmacokinetic (PK) samples M 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
Pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker (total sIL-6R)M 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Joint biomarkers (MMP-3, CXCL13) M 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Immunogenicity samples  M 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
 
A. All assessments are to be completed prior to study drug administration, except for subjects who discontinue study drug injections. The order of assessments if more than 
1 assessment is planned at the same time should be performed according to the following principles: vital signs should be assessed prior to blood sampling; patient 
reported outcomes should occur prior to the physician’s joint evaluation and study drug should be dosed after all other assessments have been performed. 
B. All post baseline visits may occur at the indicated week ± 3 days throughout the trial. 
C. The Early Termination Visit is to be performed 2 weeks after the last study drug dosing for subjects who discontinue from the trial for other reasons than described in the 
efficacy discontinuation criteria (see section 3.2.3.2), unless they discontinue during a study visit, in which that becomes their Early termination Visit. For subjects who 
will meet the efficacy discontinuation criteria at Week 12, 16, or 20, the visit at which subjects will meet these discontinuation criteria is defined as the Early Termination 
Visit.  
D. To be performed for each subject, except in case the subject enrolls in the open-label extension study (OLE). 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 24/103 
 
E. Vital signs (assessment after 5 min in supine position) will include height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. A height measurement is only required at the 
Screening Visit. In case (PK) blood sampling is to be performed at the same visit, the vital signs assessment is to be performed prior to the blood sampling.  
F. 
Chest radiograph must be performed during the screening period, unless a report of a radiograph, documenting no evidence of malignancy, infection (including 
Histoplasmosis), or abnormalities suggestive of TB, within 12 weeks prior to screening is available. 
G. If TB is suspected at any time during the study, chest x-ray and IGRA should be performed.  
H. ECG: measurement after 5 min in supine position. 
I. 
Samples for routine clinical laboratory analyses will be collected predose, and include blood chemistry, hematology, acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein [CRP], 
erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], and fibrinogen) and urinalysis (urinalysis at screening and Week 24). For subjects on warfarin, international normalized ratio (INR) 
will be performed at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24, or at the Early Termination Visit.  
J. 
At the indicated visits, samples for extended clinical laboratory analyses will be collected predose, and include fasting serum lipids on top of the routine clinical laboratory 
analysis, will be performed. Extended clinical laboratory analysis samples will be taken predose after the subjects has been fasting for at least 10 h. 
K. At all visits, study drug is to be administered under supervision while the subject is at the study site.  
L. 
AEs will be recorded from the time the informed consent form is signed through the Follow-up Visit. The Investigator must follow-up on all SAEs and AEs until the events 
have subsided, returned to baseline, or the subject’s condition has stabilized in cases of permanent impairment. In case of acute or delayed severe/serious 
hypersensitivity reactions, an additional serum sample should be collected as soon as possible after the start of the event (blood volume: 5 mL). 
M. PK, biomarker and immunogenicity samples will be taken predose. PD Biomarkers will include total soluble interleukin 6 receptor (sIL-6R), joint biomarkers will include 
matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine 13 (CXCL13). 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 25/103 
1. INTRODUCTION 
 
ALX-0061 has been developed by the Sponsor as a new compound neutralizing the 
pro-inflammatory activity of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway. Based on its mode of 
action, ALX-0061 is currently in development for the treatment of autoimmune 
diseases such as RA and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).  
 
The currently proposed clinical study is intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety 
of different dose regimens of ALX-0061 administered subcutaneously (s.c.) to 
subjects with active RA despite methotrexate (MTX) therapy, compared to placebo.  
 
1.1. 
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 
 
RA is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects 0.5-1% of 
the population and is 3-times more prevalent in women than in men [1]. It is 
clinically characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling due to synovial 
inflammation, leading to joint damage, deformity, severe disability, and increased 
mortality. Patients may develop multiple systemic symptoms including fever, 
fatigue, anemia, and osteoporosis.  
 
1.1.1. 
TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID 
ARTHRITIS 
 
The goal of therapy is to reduce inflammation, inhibit joint damage, prevent loss of 
function, decrease pain, and improve function as well as quality of life. Initial 
treatment options include disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, analgesics, surgery, 
physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. 
 
The synthetic DMARDs most commonly used include MTX, sulfasalazine, 
leflunomide, 
hydroxychloroquine, 
cyclosporine A, 
and 
glucocorticoids. 
The 
therapeutic benefits of DMARDs in RA include control of signs and symptoms, 
improvement of functional status and of quality of life, and retardation of joint 
damage progression [2]. MTX administered alone or in combination with another 
conventional DMARD, is the recommended first-line therapy for patients with RA 
[3].  
 
For patients with an inadequate response to conventional DMARDs, biological drugs 
may be indicated. These biological drugs block certain key molecules that are 
involved in the pathogenesis of the illness. These targets include tumor necrosis 
factor alpha (TNF α), selective T-cell costimulation molecule (such as cytotoxic T-
lymphocyte-associated protein 4), cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20), interleukin-1 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 26/103 
(IL-1), IL-6, and interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R). The development of immune-
modulating agents has offered new treatment options for patients.  
 
Although anti-TNF α agents and other biological DMARDs have been established as 
effective treatment options for RA, there are reasons to study the effectiveness of 
new therapeutic agents. For example, there is a subset of the patient population 
that does not achieve a clinical response, defined as American College of 
Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response, and only a small proportion achieve a high level 
ACR response (ACR50 or ACR70) [4]. In addition, biological DMARDs have 
limitations with respect to safety, dosing regimen, way of administration, and 
immunogenicity. Thus there is the potential for new therapeutic agents to address 
some of these limitations and to improve the effectiveness of biological agents in 
treating RA. 
 
1.1.2. 
ROLE OF IL-6R IN 
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF RHEUMATOID 
ARTHRITIS 
 
IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine with a wide range of biological activities. The IL-6 
pathway functions through the interaction of IL-6 with its receptor IL-6R. This 
cytokine-receptor complex interacts with a third partner, the adaptor molecule 
glycoprotein 130 (gp130), responsible for signal transduction and activation of the 
cell [5]. IL-6R is present not only as a membrane bound form but also as a soluble 
form. sIL-6R can interact with IL-6 and this complex can activate gp130-positive 
cells without the presence of membrane-bound (m)IL-6R on the surface of the 
cells. This process is called trans-signaling and implies that mIL-6R negative cells 
are also susceptible to activation, with soluble IL-6R acting as an agonist [5, 6].  
 
As IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine, its function is highly diverse. Many studies 
revealed that this molecule by binding to the target IL-6R and gp130 plays a role in 
the immune, hematopoietic, hepatic, and neuronal systems [7, 8]. 
 
IL-6 plays also a critical role in different aspects of RA such as the transition from 
the acute phase of the inflammation to the chronic irreversible status [9], 
stimulation of B cells to produce auto-antibodies, cartilage destruction [10], or 
anemia [11]. 
 
High concentrations of IL-6 have been documented in the serum of RA and juvenile 
RA patients [12]. Several studies have shown that sIL-6R is also elevated in both 
RA and systemic onset juvenile RA patients [13]. Analysis of the IL-6 and sIL-6R 
concentrations in synovial fluid showed that the extent of joint destruction 
correlated with increased concentrations of both ligand and receptor [12]. However, 
resident cells of the joint (chondrocytes, synoviocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells) 
do not express mIL-6R, indicating that high levels of sIL-6R are likely to be 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 27/103 
expressed by infiltrating leukocytes [13]. This indicates that sIL-6R is important in 
the chronic inflammatory setting of RA. 
 
Based on the findings that the IL-6 pathway is important in chronic inflammatory 
diseases, drugs targeting this pathway are in development. Multiple clinical studies 
have demonstrated that treatment with IL-6 pathway inhibitors can improve 
manifestations of RA, supporting the concept that IL-6 signaling plays a key role in 
RA.  
 
1.2. 
ALX-0061 
 
The following paragraphs provide summary information on ALX-0061; for more 
detailed background information, please refer to the Investigator’s Brochure. 
 
1.2.1. 
GENERAL PROPERTIES 
 
The active component in ALX-0061 solution for injection is a therapeutic protein, 
designated “ALX-0061 Nanobody”. Nanobodies are therapeutic proteins that are 
derived from the smallest functional fragments of heavy chain only antibodies, 
which occur naturally in the Camelidae family. They have a high degree of 
homology (in terms of sequence and structure) to human immunoglobulin heavy 
chain variable region (VH) domains, and can be further engineered and expressed 
by host cells such as Pichia pastoris. 
 
ALX-0061 Nanobody consists of 2 humanized and sequence-optimized variable 
domains derived from heavy chain-only llama antibodies: 
• One domain (designated 20A11) binds to human IL-6R.  
• The second domain (designated ALB11) binds to human serum albumin (HSA), 
as a means to improve the PK properties of the Nanobody (half-life extension).  
 
ALX-0061 Nanobody inhibits the interaction between the IL-6 ligand and the 
receptor subunit, thereby preventing receptor signaling. ALX-0061 has a higher 
affinity for sIL-6R than for mIL-6R, and thus preferentially targets sIL-6R (the 
trans-signaling pathway). This target binding profile of ALX-0061 may result in a 
stronger engagement of the disease-driving target form (sIL-6R) [6] in a 
physiological situation with both forms (sIL-6R and mIL-6R) present. 
 
The second domain of ALX-0061 was designed to improve the PK properties of the 
Nanobody by binding to human serum albumin. Albumin is the most abundant 
protein in plasma and has a half-life of approximately 19 days in humans [14]. 
Binding to albumin (as a carrier) has been shown to lead to retention of the bound 
protein in circulation, with a resident time approaching that of the carrier 
molecule [14].  
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 28/103 
1.2.2. 
MANUFACTURE 
 
The manufacture of ALX-0061 Nanobody consists of an upstream process (i.e., 
fermentation of a Pichia pastoris strain that expresses ALX-0061 Nanobody and 
secretes the product into the medium), and a downstream process (essentially 
harvest, capture, intermediate purification, polish, and formulation of the 
Nanobody). Additional information on the manufacture and pharmaceutical 
properties of ALX-0061 is included in the Investigator’s Brochure. 
 
1.2.3. 
NONCLINICAL STUDIES 
 
Pharmacology  
ALX-0061 was extensively characterized in vitro. The in vivo efficacy and the PK/PD 
properties of ALX-0061 were examined in naive cynomolgus monkeys, in an acute 
cynomolgus monkey model of IL-6-induced inflammation, and in a collagen-induced 
arthritis model in rhesus monkey. PK was assessed during the toxicology studies in 
cynomolgus monkeys (toxicokinetics [TK]). Additionally, the impact of anti-drug 
antibodies (ADA) on the PK and PD of ALX-0061 was evaluated.  
 
Toxicology 
The toxicology program was carried out in cynomolgus monkeys, and consists of a 
single-dose intravenous (i.v.) dose-range finding toxicity study, a Good Laboratory 
Practice 
(GLP)-compliant 
13-week 
repeated-dose 
i.v. 
toxicity 
study, 
a 
GLP-compliant 4-week repeated dose i.v./s.c. toxicity study, and a 26-week 
repeated-dose i.v. toxicity study. 
 
All relevant nonclinical studies conducted with ALX-0061 are described in the 
Investigator’s Brochure. The nonclinical data revealed no specific safety risks, 
based on the available safety pharmacology data, and local and systemic 
tolerability assessment. 
 
1.2.4. 
EFFECTS IN HUMANS 
 
A combined Phase I/II study in subjects with moderately to severely active RA, on a 
stable background of MTX, has been completed (study ALX-0061-1.1/10). This 
placebo-controlled study included 28 subjects in an initial single ascending dose 
(SAD) part where single i.v. doses of 0.3, 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg were administered. In a 
subsequent multiple ascending dose (MAD) part, 37 subjects received multiple i.v. 
doses of 1 or 3 mg/kg every 4 weeks (q4w), or 6 mg/kg every 8 weeks, for 
24 weeks in total. 
 
A Phase I study (Study ALX0061-C102) assessing the bioavailability of single doses 
of ALX-0061, administered s.c. at 3 dose levels, using 2 corresponding single i.v. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 29/103 
dose levels as reference, in healthy adult volunteers, has been completed. This 
study included 70 subjects and studied doses of 50 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg. The 
PK and PD results were used to bridge from i.v. to s.c. administration, and to 
determine the appropriate doses for the current Phase II study. 
 
1.2.4.1. STUDY ALX-0061-1.1/10 IN 
SUBJECTS WITH MODERATELY TO 
SEVERELY ACTIVE RHEUMATOID 
ARTHRITIS  
 
The results of the SAD and MAD parts of this study are discussed in detail in the 
Investigator’s Brochure, and are briefly summarized below.  
 
Efficacy in the MAD part 
In the MAD part of the study, all ALX-0061 treatment combinations showed rapid 
and long-lasting improvements in disease activity (as measured by ACR, EULAR, 
Disease Activity Score using 28 joint counts (DAS28) [CRP], Clinical Disease 
Activity Index (CDAI), and Boolean remission responses). There were high numbers 
of responders in all ALX-0061 treatment groups, with DAS28 remission observed in 
63% of ALX-0061-treated subjects at Week 24, and none of the ALX-0061-treated 
subjects showed worsening of disease activity during the study period. Overall, the 
efficacy profile obtained at Week 12 continued to improve during the subsequent 
12 weeks of ALX-0061 treatment. 
 
Pharmacokinetics 
The pharmacokinetics of ALX-0061 appear dose-dependent, suggesting target-
mediated disposition of the drug. A 2-compartment disposition model with parallel 
first-order (linear total body clearance [CL]) and Michaelis-Menten elimination 
(nonlinear or concentration-dependent CL) describes well the PK behavior of the 
drug, and is consistent with the more than proportional increase of exposure and 
half-life of the drug with the increase of the dose. Similar to monoclonal antibodies, 
the Nanobody has a limited volume of distribution, corresponding to the plasma 
volume. As the PK of ALX-0061 is dose-dependent due to a different contribution of 
the non-linear clearance at different serum concentrations, also the terminal half-
life (t1/2) is dose-dependent. At high concentrations, when non-linear clearance 
becomes negligible, the apparent t1/2 estimated from the linear clearance term only, 
is estimated at approximately 15 days. 
 
Pharmacodynamics 
• All ALX-0061 groups received biologically effective doses: rapid and long-lasting 
increases in IL-6 and sIL-6R concentrations were observed across all ALX-0061 
dose groups. The PD results confirmed that sIL-6R (and IL-6) concentrations can 
be used as a biomarker for target engagement by ALX-0061. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 30/103 
• Dosing q4w at 3 mg/kg yielded the highest exposure, as indicated by the 
observed average trough levels (~ 10 µg/mL), strongest biomarker response 
(based on sIL-6R profile), and the highest clinical remission rates. 
 
Safety 
• Single and repeated administration of ALX-0061 was well tolerated in all 
treatment groups, with a manageable and consistent safety profile for all 
ALX-0061 dose combinations.  
• In the MAD part, the most commonly reported AEs observed after intake of 
ALX-0061 included headache, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and 
aspartate aminotransferase (AST), arthralgia, back pain, and joint swelling. Most 
of the events were mild or moderate and resolved during the treatment period. 
• There were no clear trends in the occurrence or type of treatment-related AEs 
when comparing the individual ALX-0061 treatment groups, and there was no 
evidence to suggest that a maximum tolerated dose was reached. 
• 3 subjects reported SAEs. 
- In the SAD part, 1 subject (3 mg/kg ALX-0061) experienced an acute 
hypersensitivity during the first infusion of ALX-0061, which was stopped 
immediately. The subject was successfully treated in the hospital with anti-
histaminic drugs, prednisone, and salbutamol.  
- In the MAD part of the study, 1 subject (3 mg/kg q4w ALX-0061) experienced 
an SAE of cerebrovascular accident after having received 2 infusions of 
ALX-0061 in total. Although the subject recovered from the initial event, a 
second, more severe SAE of cerebrovascular accident occurred several days 
later and the subject died. Both events were considered remotely relateda to 
study treatment by the Investigator.  
- One other subject with a confirmed Helicobacter pylori gastritis and history of 
short NSAID intake experienced an SAE of hemorrhagic gastritis (not related) 
and a linked SAE of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (remotely related). 
Both SAEs resolved before the end of the study. 
• Four subjects reported treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) leading to withdrawal of 
study drug in the MAD part of the study: 1 subject with the SAE cerebrovascular 
accident (described above), 1 subject with rash and non-immunoglobulin (Ig) E 
mediated hypersensitivity reaction (probably related to the study drug), 
1 subject with uncontrolled hypertension (remotely related to the study drug), 
and 1 subject with infected dermal cyst (remotely related to the study drug). 
• Regarding laboratory abnormalities, a rapid and reversible decrease in 
neutrophils and platelets was seen in the majority of subjects after 
administration of ALX-0061. These decreases in neutrophil and platelet count 
seemed to be dose-related but did not reach clinically relevant levels. No AEs 
                                           
a The relationship between AEs and study medication was to be indicated as “none”, “remote”, 
“possible”, “probable” or “definite”. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 31/103 
related to the decreases in neutrophil and platelet count (or other hematology 
parameters) were reported, except for 1 subject with mild leukopenia (without 
neutropenia).  
• With the exception of individual subjects showing increases in liver parameters 
(mainly AST and/or ALT) beyond the normal range, there were no clinically 
relevant trends in mean liver or other safety-related biochemistry parameters 
(including lipids) across dose levels.  
 
1.2.4.2. STUDY ALX0061-C102 IN HEALTHY 
VOLUNTEERS 
 
Overall, a single s.c. dose of ALX-0061 in the dose range of 50 to 300 mg was safe 
and well-tolerated in a group of 70 healthy male and female subjects. The s.c. 
bioavailability of ALX-0061 was 82.3% as estimated by the population PK model.  
 
There were no severe AEs, deaths, other SAEs or AEs that resulted in study drug 
discontinuation. 
 
In the s.c. treatment groups, the majority of possibly related AEs were injection site 
reactions (mainly pain and erythema), which appeared to be dose-dependent 
across the dose range tested (50 mg to 300 mg). All injection site reactions were 
transient and of mild intensity and apart from these reactions, no specific AEs were 
reported very frequently or showed a dose relationship. No differences were 
observed compared to the i.v. administration groups.  
 
As expected from the mechanism of action, a mild transient decrease in fibrinogen, 
neutrophils and high sensitivity CRP levels was observed following administration of 
ALX-0061. One subject in the 300 mg i.v. group showed a clinically non-significant 
increase in ALT levels starting at 168 h post-dose up to a maximum of 150 U/L at 
1080 h post dose. This was accompanied by a mild rise in AST and no rise in 
bilirubin. The ALT level had returned to baseline at follow-up. 
 
The PK and PD results were used to determine the appropriate doses for the current 
Phase II study and are summarized in the Investigator’s Brochure. 
 
1.2.5. 
BENEFITS AND RISK ASSESSMENT 
 
Although a number of treatment options are available for RA, there remains a clear 
need for novel therapeutics. Many patients do not benefit optimally from the 
available small molecule and biologic drugs, leaving opportunity for differentiated 
drugs with new modes of action and an improved safety profile.  
 
Considering the importance of IL-6 in chronic inflammatory diseases, several 
companies are developing drugs that target this pathway, and multiple clinical 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 32/103 
studies have demonstrated that treatment with IL-6 pathway inhibitors can improve 
manifestations of RA. ALX-0061, administered i.v. and in combination with MTX, 
has been shown to be effective in reducing signs and symptoms for the treatment 
of subjects with active RA.  
 
The current study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ALX-0061, 
administered s.c. in subjects with moderate to severe active RA. Potential 
candidates for this study are required to have objective evidence of active disease, 
and have had an inadequate response to methotrexate.  
 
The Sponsor is studying s.c. administration in an effort to develop a route of 
administration which will offer an alternative and more convenient option for 
administration, while maintaining its clinical efficacy and safety profile. Details on 
the design of, and rationale for, the current study are available in section 3.1.1 of 
the protocol.  
 
An assessment of potential risks associated with inhibition of the IL-6 pathway, or 
inherent to the administration of therapeutic proteins, is described  below. IL-6 is a 
pleiotropic cytokine with an important role in a broad spectrum of biological events, 
therefore, potential risks related to inhibition of the IL-6 pathway, as well as 
potential risks inherent to the administration of therapeutic proteins, are 
considered. 
 
• Inhibition of the IL-6 pathway has immunomodulatory effects, and has been 
reported to increase the risk for infection [15, 16]. So far, serious infections 
have not been reported for ALX-0061.  
 
• Suppression of IL-6 activity is known to reduce the levels of acute phase proteins 
such as CRP, SAA and fibrinogen [17, 18].  
- Rapid and long-lasting decreases in CRP, ESR, fibrinogen and SAA were 
observed across all ALX-0061 dose groups in study ALX-0061-1.1/10. In 
general, these pharmacological effects were reversible and associated with 
clinical response in signs and symptoms of RA. 
- In study ALX0061-C102, results indicate a trend towards a minor decrease in 
fibrinogen and (hs)CRP levels following administration of ALX-0061 in most 
subjects.  
 
• Suppression of IL-6 signaling has been shown to lead to decreases in neutrophil 
and platelet counts [19].  
- In study ALX-0061-1.1/10, a rapid and reversible decrease in neutrophils and 
platelets was seen in the majority of subjects after administration of 
ALX-0061. No TEAEs related to the decreases in neutrophil and platelet count 
(or other hematology parameters) were reported, except for 1 subject with 
mild leukopenia (without neutropenia; MAD part of the study). 
- In study ALX0061-C102, the results show a tendency towards a transient and 
mild decrease neutrophil count. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 33/103 
• Increased transaminase levels (AST/ALT) in serum and increased cholesterol 
(HDL, LDL and triglycerides) levels have been reported following pharmacological 
inhibition of the IL-6 pathway [20]. With the exception of individual subjects 
showing increases beyond the normal range, there were no clinically relevant 
trends in mean liver (ALT/AST/GGT/LDH/bilirubin) parameters, mean lipid 
concentrations, or other safety-related biochemistry parameters across dose 
levels in study ALX-0061-1.1/10 or ALX0061-C102. 
 
• Recent data indicate that RA subjects have a generally increased rate of 
gastrointestinal (GI) perforation [21]. At this time, it is not clear whether IL-6 
inhibitors further increase the risk of this complication beyond that observed in 
the general RA population. To date, no cases of GI perforation have been 
observed following ALX-0061 administration. 
 
• As with all therapeutic proteins used in humans, infusion reactions (e.g., either 
anaphylactic or anaphylactoid) cannot be excluded.  
- In study ALX-0061-1.1/10, two hypersensitivity reactions were reported (one 
serious and one moderate). For additional details, please refer to the 
Investigator’s Brochure. 
- In study ALX0061-C102, no hypersensitivity reactions were reported. 
 
• Administration of any protein therapeutic can lead to the development of ADA 
[22]. The currently available immunogenicity (ADA) results after i.v. and s.c. 
administration of ALX-0061 do not indicate meaningful risks related to pre-
existing or treatment-emergent antibodies to ALX-0061. 
 
In view of the early stage of development, it is not established whether the above 
mentioned effects would constitute clinically meaningful risks for administration of 
ALX-0061; additional clinical studies are needed for further evaluation. In general, 
the pharmacological effects reported during Study ALX-0061-1.1/10 were reversible 
and associated with clinical response in signs and symptoms of RA. For additional 
and more detailed information regarding ALX-0061, the investigator is referred to 
the current Investigator's Brochure. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 34/103 
2. OBJECTIVES 
 
Primary objective: 
• To assess the efficacy and safety of dose regimens of ALX-0061 administered 
s.c. in combination with MTX to subjects with active RA despite MTX therapy 
compared with placebo.   
 
Secondary objective: 
• To assess the effects of ALX-0061 on quality of life, PK, PD, and immunogenicity 
of ALX-0061, and to define the optimal dose regimen for ALX-0061, based on 
safety and efficacy, for further clinical development. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 35/103 
3. STUDY DESIGN 
 
3.1. OVERALL STUDY DESIGN  
 
3.1.1. 
STUDY OVERVIEW 
 
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-range finding 
Phase IIb study, is being conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ALX-0061 
administered s.c. in combination with MTX, in subjects with active RA despite MTX 
therapy. Approximately 330 subjects will be enrolled. An overview of the study 
design is included in Figure 1. 
 
Figure 1: Overview of the design of Study ALX0061-C201 
 
 
* At Weeks 12, 16 or 20 patients with < 20% improvement in both TJC and SJC from baseline will discontinue from the 
trial but remain blinded to study drug assignment.  
 
 
MTX: methotrexate; OLE: open-label extension study ALX0061-C203 (in countries where study 
ALX0061-C203 is approved, eligible subjects who complete the 24-week assessment period of the 
current study will be invited to roll-over). q2w: every 2 weeks, q4w: every 4 weeks. 
 
Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive ALX-0061 and/or placebo s.c. 
injections at Week 0 and every 2 weeks (q2w) thereafter, on top of their stable 
dose of MTX, up to and including Week 22.  
 
The dosing regimens have been determined based on: 
 
• Expected DAS28 response, ensuring characterization of the exposure-response 
curve (PK/PD modelling approach). 
• Safety margins calculated by using the relevant observed exposure in nonclinical 
studies (cynomolgus monkey) versus the model-predicted human exposure of 
the selected dosing regimens for the clinical studies. 
• Operational feasibility aspects for the study. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 36/103 
A PK-PD model, developed based on data pooled from Studies ALX-0061-1.1/10 
and ALX0061-C102, was used to predict the response (in terms of DAS28) at 
different dose levels/regimens. The s.c. dose regimens 75 mg q4w, 150 mg q4w, 
150 mg q2w and 225 mg q2w were selected as these are expected to be spread 
over the different levels of effect (low, medium, high), based on  exposure-
response modelling (PK-DAS28) of ALX-0061. Moreover, these regimens are 
covered by adequate safety margins when comparing the model predicted human 
exposure with the observed exposure in the toxicity studies. 
 
In view of the availability of effective RA therapies and the current focus on early 
control of disease activity, prolonged treatment with placebo or ineffective 
therapies is considered unethical. Therefore, the proposed study includes provisions 
for study drug discontinuation for non-responding subjects at Week 12, 16, or 20. 
Subjects with < 20% improvement over baseline in both swollen joint count (SJC) 
and tender joint count (TJC) (66/68 counts) will discontinue from the trial but 
remain blinded to study drug assignment. Any future care will then be provided 
(outside of the study) at the discretion of the physician as part of usual clinical 
practice.   
  
Subjects will have visits at the site q2w up to and including Week 24 (or early 
termination). A Follow-up Visit will be planned 12 weeks after last study drug 
administration. Note that for subjects who withdrew for reasons of lost to follow-up, 
informed consent withdrawal, or death will not have any follow-up assessments.   
 
The ACR20 response was chosen as the primary endpoint since this is a broadly 
accepted clinical response measure to demonstrate reduction in RA signs and 
symptoms and sensitive enough to differentiate from placebo effects. For details on 
primary statistical analysis in this study, please refer to section 3.6.4.1. 
 
Note that higher levels of response, as measured by ACR50 and ACR70 response 
rates, and measures of remission using the DAS28, CDAI, SDAI, as well as the 
Boolean remission definition, will be used as supportive evidence of efficacy. In 
addition, endpoints, including ACR responses and disease activity scores, will be 
documented over time, including earlier time points, before the therapeutic plateau 
is expected. This will allow evaluation of potential differences in early clinical 
efficacy between the doses. Other RA domains, such as improvement in physical 
function and health-related quality of life, will be evaluated using the HAQ-DI, 
FACIT-Fatigue scale and the SF-36 questionnaires. 
 
Safety and tolerability assessments will include evaluation of AEs (including serious 
adverse events, infections, injection site and hypersensitivity reactions), laboratory 
assessment, urinalysis, vital signs, and physical examination. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 37/103 
Additional planned assessments include the determination of ALX-0061 levels in 
serum, and PD biomarkers (including sIL-6R) in blood. To assess immunogenicity, 
the presence of ADA will be measured in serum until the Follow-up Visit, with 
potentially further characterization by modified ADA assay (mADA) and neutralizing 
antibody assay (nAb). 
 
Study Treatment Allocation  
At the Screening Visit, informed consent will be obtained from all subjects who are 
deemed potentially eligible for the study, according to the protocol-specified 
inclusion and exclusion criteria. At randomization, subjects will be reassessed and, 
if they meet all specified entry criteria, randomized to receive either ALX-0061 or 
placebo, as described below (also see section 3.3.8 for additional information on 
randomization). 
 
Eligible subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio to 1 of the 
treatment groups listed below. As the highest dose of ALX-0061 will be 
administered via 2 injections q2w, subjects in Groups 1-4 will also be administered 
2 injections q2w with 1 or both syringes containing placebo depending on the 
assigned treatment group to maintain the blind (see section 3.1.2): 
 
Group 1 (N=66) 
Placebo  
Placebo s.c. injections (2 syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q2w thereafter up to and including Week 22  
 
Group 2 (N=66) 
75 mg q4w 
ALX-0061 75 mg s.c. injections (1 syringe [0.5 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q4w thereafter up to and including Week 20. To 
maintain the blind, subjects in this group will also receive 
placebo s.c. up to and including Week 22 (1 placebo syringe 
[1.0 mL] at Week 0 and q4w thereafter in combination with 
the ALX-0061 injection; 2 placebo syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL] 
at Week 2 and q4w thereafter).  
 
Group 3 (N=66) 
150 mg q4w 
ALX-0061 150 mg s.c. injections (1 syringe [1.0 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q4w thereafter up to and including Week 20. To 
maintain the blind, subjects in this group will also receive 
placebo s.c. up to and including Week 22 (1 placebo syringe 
[0.5 mL] at Week 0 and q4w thereafter in combination with 
the ALX-0061 injection; 2 placebo syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL] 
at Week 2 and q4w thereafter).  
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 38/103 
Group 4 (N=66) 
150 mg q2w 
ALX-0061 150 mg s.c. injections (1 syringe [1.0 mL]) at 
Week 0 and q2w thereafter up to and including Week 22. To 
maintain the blind, subjects in this group will also receive 
placebo 
s.c. 
q2w 
up 
to 
and 
including 
Week 22 
(1 
placebo syringe [0.5 mL]).  
 
Group 5 (N=66) 
225 mg q2w 
ALX-0061 225 mg s.c. injections (2 syringes [0.5 and 1.0 mL]) 
at Week 0 and q2w thereafter up to and including Week 22. 
These subjects will not receive placebo injections.  
 
Efficacy Discontinuation Criteria at Week 12, 16, or 20 
Any subject with < 20% improvement from baseline in both SJC and TJC (66/68 
counts) at any of the visits at week 12, 16 or 20 will discontinue from the trial, but 
remain blinded to study drug assignment. The visit at which subjects will meet the 
efficacy discontinuation criteria, is defined as the Early Termination Visit for these 
patients. Following this Early Termination Visit, any future care will then be 
provided (outside of the study) at the discretion of the treating physician as part of 
usual clinical practice.   
 
The blind will be maintained until the last enrolled subject completes the final 
evaluations and the database is locked. 
 
At all visits, study drug is to be administered under supervision while the subject is 
at the study site. 
 
In countries where open-label extension (OLE) study ALX0061-C203 is approved, 
subjects who complete the 24-week assessment period of the current study will be 
invited to roll-over. Details on the open-label extension (OLE) study are described 
in Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C203. 
  
Each subject will stay in the study for approximately 37 weeks (up to 3 weeks of 
screening and 34 weeks after randomization). The end of the study is defined as 
the time of the last visit of the last subject participating in the study. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 39/103 
3.1.2. 
BLINDING 
 
On the day of the Week 0 study drug injection, the IWRS will assign each subject 
by means of the randomization list to a treatment group in a blinded way. See 
IWRS Manual for further details. 
 
All subjects are to receive 2 injections (Syringe A and Syringe B) in succession at 
each dosing day. Since the 225 mg dose of ALX-0061 exceeds the volume that can 
be administered in a single injection, the placebo and ALX-0061 groups will have 
2 different combinations of dosing to ensure the double-blinded design. See Study 
Drug Manual for further details. 
 
Therefore, there will be a total of 5 dosing combinations in the study, with 
4 possible dose levels. These dosing combinations are shown below: 
 
Syringes A and B contain 1 mL and 0.5 mL, respectively. 
 
Placebo 
Syringe A with placebo at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
Syringe B with placebo at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
 
75 mg q4w 
Syringe A with placebo at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
Syringe B with ALX-0061 at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20, and syringe B with 
placebo at Weeks 2, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22. 
 
150 mg q4w 
Syringe A with ALX-0061 at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20, and syringe A with 
placebo at Weeks 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22. 
Syringe B with placebo at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
 
150 mg q2w 
Syringe A with ALX-0061 at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
Syringe B with placebo at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
 
225 mg q2w 
Syringe A with ALX-0061 at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
Syringe B with ALX-0061 at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. 
 
In order to protect the integrity of the data, treatment assignment will be kept 
blinded for investigative sites, site monitors, subjects, Sponsor, and CRO until the 
final database lock (including the Follow-up Visit 12 weeks after the last dosing). 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 40/103 
Identification of Sponsor and CRO personnel who will have access to the unblinded 
data of the Week 24 database lock will be documented prior to unblinding. The 
number of Sponsor personnel having access to the data will be limited. 
 
All clinical laboratory samples will be analyzed by a central laboratory, except for 
ESR that will be measured via the local laboratory, by an independent laboratory 
representative who is not directly involved in the study. 
 
Given the pronounced effect of an anti-IL-6 compound on the acute phase 
reactants, the results of CRP, ESR and fibrinogen tests will not be communicated to 
the investigational sites and CRO/sponsor (unless in case of an alert for CRP or 
fibrinogen), with the exception of the CRP and fibrinogen results at screening, 
which are needed for assessing the subject’s eligibility for randomization.  
 
Except for ESR, CRP, and fibrinogen, laboratory values outside the normal range 
will be flagged and clinical relevance will be assessed by the Investigator. If clinical 
signs and symptoms are present for which the Investigator needs to know the 
values of ESR, CRP or fibrinogen for medical care, he can request this information.  
 
Emergency Unblinding Procedure 
Code-breaking and unblinding in the event of medical emergencies can be done by 
the Investigator via the IWRS, which will be accessible 24 hours per day/7 days per 
week. 
 
Unblinding by the Investigator should occur only in the event of AE for which it is 
necessary to know the study treatment to determine an appropriate course of 
therapy for the subject. If the Investigator must identify the treatment assignment 
of an individual subject, the Investigator or qualified designee is to contact the 
IWRS. Unblinding performed by the IWRS at the request of the Investigator is to be 
reported to the Sponsor. When possible the Investigator must first discuss options 
with the medical monitor prior to unblinding. 
 
Subjects for whom the code has been broken by the Investigator will be withdrawn 
from the study. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 41/103 
3.2. SELECTION OF STUDY 
POPULATION 
 
Up to approximately 330 subjects (i.e., 66 subjects per treatment arm) are planned 
to be included in the study. 
 
3.2.1. INCLUSION CRITERIA 
 
Each potential subject must satisfy all of the following criteria to be enrolled in the 
study: 
1. 
Man or woman ≥ 18 years and < 75 years of age at the time of signing the 
informed consent form (ICF). 
2. 
Diagnosis of RA (according to the 2010 EULAR/ACR classification criteria) for at 
least 6 months prior to screening, and ACR functional class I-III. 
3. 
Treated with and tolerating MTX according to the following criteria:  
a. Minimum treatment duration of 4 months prior to screening. 
b. Stable dose of MTX of ≥ 12.5 mg/week to ≤ 25 mg/week for at least 
6 consecutive weeks prior to screening.  
c. Expected to maintain that stable dose throughout the study as described in 
section “Concomitant Medication”.  
4. 
Active RA as defined, for the purpose of this study, by persistent disease 
activity with at least 6 swollen and 6 tender joints (66/68-joint count), at the 
time of screening and baseline, and CRP > 1.0 x upper limit of normal (ULN) at 
screening.  
5. 
If using NSAIDs or other analgesics for RA, must be on a stable dose for at 
least 2 weeks prior to screening.  
6. 
If using oral corticosteroids, must be on a stable dose equivalent to ≤ 10 mg of 
prednisone/day equivalent for at least 2 consecutive weeks prior to screening. 
If 
currently 
not 
using 
corticosteroids, 
must 
have 
not 
received 
oral 
corticosteroids for at least 2 weeks prior to first administration of study drug.  
7. 
Chest radiograph must have been performed within 12 weeks prior to the 
Screening Visit or during the screening period documenting no evidence of 
malignancy, infection (including Histoplasmosis), or abnormalities suggestive of 
TB (report must be obtained and available in the subject’s study file prior to 
baseline). 
8. 
Subject is considered eligible according to the following TB screening criteria: 
a. Have no history of latent or active TB on or prior to screening. An exception 
is made for subjects with a history of latent TB and documentation of having 
completed 
appropriate 
treatment 
for 
latent 
TB 
prior 
to 
the 
first 
administration of study drug. It is the responsibility of the Investigator to 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 42/103 
verify the adequacy of previous anti-TB treatment and provide appropriate 
documentation. 
b. Have no signs or symptoms suggestive of active TB upon medical history 
and/or physical examination during screening. 
c. Have had no recent close contact with a person with active TB or, if there 
has been such contact, will be referred to a physician specializing in TB to 
undergo additional evaluation and, if warranted, receive and complete 
appropriate treatment. 
d. Subject should have a negative IGRA test result at screening. A subject 
whose initial IGRA test result is indeterminate and who has no other risk 
factors, radiologic findings, or physical evidence supporting latent or active 
TB, should have the test repeated. In case the test result is again 
indeterminate (or positive) the subject will be excluded from the study. An 
exception is made for subjects who have documentation of having 
completed appropriate treatment for latent TB prior to randomization and do 
not have other risk factors, radiologic findings, or physical evidence 
supporting latent or active TB. 
e. Have a chest radiograph, read by a qualified radiologist, whose diagnostic 
assessment is consistent with no evidence of current active TB or old 
inactive TB, and taken within 12 weeks prior to screening. 
Note: If no chest radiograph has been performed within 12 weeks prior to 
screening, the assessment is to be performed during the screening period 
and the outcome is to be known by the time of the Baseline Visit.   
9. 
Female subjects of childbearing potential (excluding postmenopausal women, 
sterilized, ovariectomized, and hysterectomized women) should have a 
negative pregnancy test at screening and baseline and must agree to use 
2 generally accepted adequate contraceptive methods of which 1 is a barrier 
method (e.g., hormonal contraception stabilized for at least 1 month [oral, 
patch, depot, injectable, vaginal ring] in combination with condom by partner) 
or should agree upon continuous abstinence from heterosexual contact from 
screening until at least 6 months after last dosing. 
Male subjects must use condoms for the duration of the study and for at least 
6 months after last administration of study drug. 
10. Ability to comprehend and willingness to sign the informed consent form (ICF). 
11. An understanding of and ability and willingness to adhere to the study visit 
schedule and other protocol requirements. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 43/103 
3.2.2. EXCLUSION CRITERIA 
 
Subjects meeting any of the following criteria may not be enrolled in the study: 
1. 
Have inflammatory diseases other than RA, including but not limited to 
psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, SLE, sarcoidosis, or Lyme disease. 
2. 
Presence of active infection at screening, or history of serious infection 
(requiring parenteral antibiotic and/or hospitalization) within 4 weeks of 
Baseline Visit. Minor fungal infections (for example minor fungal nail infections) 
will be allowed. 
3. 
Any recurrent viral infection that based on the Investigator´s clinical 
assessment 
make 
the 
subject 
unsuitable 
for 
the 
study, 
including 
recurrent/disseminated herpes zoster. 
4. 
Have a history of, or current, congestive heart failure (CHF) class III or IV as 
defined by the New York Heart Association; history of unstable angina pectoris, 
myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident within 12 months before 
screening. 
5. 
Have a history of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis or optic 
neuritis. 
6. 
Have diverticulitis, complications of diverticulitis, a history of diverticulitis, or 
have symptoms potentially indicative of diverticulitis, such as gastro-intestinal 
hemorrhage and/or abdominal pain or unexplained change in bowel habits with 
fever. Diverticulosis without a history of diverticulitis or other complications is 
not an exclusion criterion. 
7. 
Any history of malignancy or lymphoproliferative disease at any time, except 
curative treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer or resected carcinoma in 
situ. 
8. 
Have a transplanted organ/tissue or stem cell transplantation. 
9. 
Have a history of an infected joint prosthesis, or have received antibiotics for 
suspected infection of a joint prosthesis, if that prosthesis has not been 
removed or replaced. 
10. Major surgery (including joint surgery) within 8 weeks prior to screening or 
planned major surgery during study or within 3 months after the subject’s last 
visit. Hospitalization for a clinically relevant event within the 4 weeks prior 
to screening. 
11. Have been treated with DMARDs/systemic immunosuppressives (e.g., oral or 
parenteral gold, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate 
mofetil, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine) other than MTX, during the 4 weeks 
or 12 weeks for leflunomide (except when an adequate wash-out procedure for 
leflunomide was completed), prior to first administration of study drug.  
12. Have received intra-articular (i.a.), intramuscular (i.m.), or i.v. corticosteroids 
during the 4 weeks prior to screening. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 44/103 
13. Have received approved or investigational biological or targeted synthetic 
DMARD therapies for RA (including TNF α inhibitors, abatacept, rituximab, or 
Janus kinase [JAK]-inhibitors) less than 6 months prior to screening. For 
subjects who received prior rituximab, subjects with an inadequate recovery of 
B cells should be excluded regardless of when they received rituximab. 
14. Have a history of toxicity, non-tolerance, primary non-response or inadequate 
response to a biological therapy, or targeted synthetic DMARDs (including JAK 
inhibitors), for RA.   
15. Have received prior therapy blocking the IL-6 pathway, such as but not limited 
to ALX-0061, sirukumab, sarilumab, clazakizumab, olokizumab, tocilizumab 
(TCZ) at any time, will be excluded. 
16. Have a known hypersensitivity to the active product or any excipient of the 
study drug. 
17. Abnormality in screening laboratory test results:  
a. ALT and/or AST levels ≥ 1.5 times the ULN. 
b. Hemoglobin levels ≤ 85 g/L (8.5 g/dL). 
c. Platelet count ≤ 125 x 109/L (125,000 cells/mm³). 
d. White blood cell count ≤ 3.5 x 109/L (3,500 cells/ mm³); neutrophils: 
≤ 2 x 109/L. 
e. Serum creatinine levels ≥ 1.5 mg/dL (133 µmol/L). 
f. Any other clinically significant abnormal screening laboratory results as 
evaluated by the Investigator. 
18. Positive screening for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.  
19. At the discretion of the treating physician, subjects with impaired cellular or 
humoral immunodeficient (i.e., Ig deficiency, IgA, IgG etc.) disorders should be 
excluded. 
20. History or presence of alcohol or drug abuse. 
21. Blood donation (> 500 mL) or a blood loss of comparable volume within 
3 months prior to first dosing.  
22. Planned donation of germ cells, blood, organs, bone marrow during the course 
of the study or within 6 months thereafter. 
23. Male with female partner who is planning to become pregnant within 6 months 
of last dosing. 
24. Pregnant women or female subjects who are breastfeeding. 
25. History of anaphylactic reaction. 
26. Administration of a live, attenuated vaccine within 3 months before dosing with 
ALX-0061, or anticipation that such a live attenuated vaccine will be required 
during the study or within 6 months after last dosing. 
27. Screening 12-lead ECG that demonstrates clinically relevant abnormalities. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 45/103 
28. Subject is considered by the Investigator, for any reason, to be an unsuitable 
candidate for the study.  
 
3.2.3. REMOVAL OF SUBJECTS FROM 
THERAPY OR ASSESSMENT 
 
3.2.3.1. CRITERIA FOR WITHDRAWAL OF 
SUBJECTS FROM STUDY 
 
Participation in the study is strictly voluntary. A subject has the right to withdraw 
from the study at any time, for any reason. 
 
Subjects who terminate study participation for reasons of lost to follow-up, 
informed consent withdrawal, or death will not have any follow-up assessments. 
 
In the event a subject is discontinued from the study, the study monitor and the 
Sponsor will be informed immediately. 
 
3.2.3.2. SUBJECT DISCONTINUATION 
CRITERIA 
 
The subject discontinuation criteria are described below: 
 
Efficacy discontinuation criteria at a Week 12, 16 or 20: 
Any subject with < 20% improvement from baseline in both swollen and tender 
joint count (SJC and TJC; 66/68 counts) at any of the visits at week 12, 16 or 20 
will discontinue from the trial, but remain blinded to study drug assignment. The 
visit at which subjects will meet the efficacy discontinuation criteria, is defined as 
the Early Termination Visit for these patients. Subjects who have to discontinue 
study drug but are not withdrawing consent for post-treatment follow-up, should 
return for the Follow-up Visit, planned 12 weeks after the last study drug 
administration, according to section 3.4.1.3. 
 
Study drug must also be permanently discontinued if any of the following 
occurs:   
 
• Serious hypersensitivity reaction. 
• Following abnormalities in laboratory test results: ALT and/or AST elevations 
between > 3 and ≤5 x ULN (confirmed by repeat testing on 2 consecutive visits), 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 46/103 
ALT or AST elevations > 5 x ULN, absolute neutrophil count < 1 x 109/L, or a 
platelet count < 50 x 103/μL.  
• Diagnosis of or suspicion of a serious  infection (requiring parenteral antibiotic 
and/or hospitalization) or TB. 
• Malignancy. 
• Pregnancy or pregnancy planned within the study period. 
• Demyelinating disease. 
• The initiation of protocol-prohibited medications (see section 3.3.6).  
• Congestive heart failure (CHF) class III or IV as defined by the New York Heart 
Association, unstable angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular 
accident. 
• In case of interruption of study drug administration for 2 consecutive doses. 
• The randomization code is broken prematurely by the Investigator or his/her 
staff. 
• The Investigator or the Sponsor’s medical monitor deems it is in the subject’s 
best interest. 
 
Discontinuation of study drug must be considered for subjects who develop a 
severe study drug injection-site reaction or a severe hypersensitivity reaction. 
 
Subjects who have to discontinue according to these criteria but are not 
withdrawing consent for post-treatment follow-up should return for the Early 
Termination Visit planned 2 weeks after the last study drug administration (unless 
they discontinue during a study visit, in which case that becomes their Early 
Termination Visit). Subjects should also have a Follow-up Visit planned 12 weeks 
after the last study drug administration, according to section 3.4.1.3. 
 
A description of assessments to be performed for subjects who discontinue from the 
study is provided in section 3.4.1.3 (also see Early Termination Visit in the 
Schedule of Assessments).   
 
For all subjects, every effort should be made to contact the medical monitor prior to 
discontinuing study drug, where medically feasible. If there is a medical reason for 
discontinuation, the subject will remain under the supervision of the Investigator 
until satisfactory health has returned unless the subject withdraws his consent and 
is no longer willing to come to the visits. Subjects who discontinue will not be 
replaced.  
 
3.2.3.3. STUDY TERMINATION  
 
If the Sponsor abandons the study prior to commencement of any protocol 
activities, and after IEC/IRB and Competent Authority (CA) approvals have been 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 47/103 
received, the Investigator or Sponsor must notify the IEC/IRB and CA by letter 
outlining the reasons for abandonment of the study. 
 
At any time during the study, the Sponsor may suspend or terminate the study or 
part of the study for any reason. If the Investigator suspends or terminates 
participation in the study, the Investigator will promptly inform the Sponsor and the 
IEC/IRB and provide them with a detailed written explanation. The Investigator will 
also return all study drug, study drug containers, and other study materials to the 
sponsor.  
 
Upon study completion, the Sponsor will provide the Investigator, IEC/IRB, and CA 
with final reports and summaries as required by regulations.  
 
In case of suspension or halt due to safety reasons, the CA and IEC/IRB will be 
notified immediately and at the latest within 15 days after the study is halted, 
clearly explaining the reasons, and describe follow-up measures if any, taken for 
safety reasons. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 48/103 
3.3. TREATMENT OF SUBJECTS 
 
For an overview of the treatments to be administered, please refer to section 3.1. 
 
3.3.1. IDENTITY OF STUDY DRUG 
 
• Study drug:  
- Active substance: ALX-0061 Nanobody. 
- Activity: ALX-0061 Nanobody binds to the IL-6R and inhibits the interaction 
between the IL-6 ligand and the receptor subunit, thereby preventing receptor 
signaling. 
- Pharmaceutical formulation: 
 
 
 
 
ALX-0061 will be supplied as a sterile liquid for s.c. 
injection at a volume of 0.5 mL or 1.0 mL in pre-filled single-use syringes. No 
preservatives are present. 
- Route and volume of administration: s.c. injections at a volume of 0.5 mL 
and/or 1.0 mL. 
 
• Placebo:  
- Substance: placebo. 
- Activity: none. 
- Pharmaceutical formulation: 
 
 
 
 Placebo will be supplied as a sterile liquid for s.c. 
injection at a volume of 0.5 mL or 1.0 mL in pre-filled single-use syringes. No 
preservatives are present. 
- Route and volume of administration: s.c. injections at a volume of 0.5 mL 
and/or 1.0 mL. 
 
The sponsor will be providing adequate supplies of ALX-0061 and placebo for this 
study. 
 
Details on study drug allocation and dosing are provided in section 3.1.1.   
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 49/103 
3.3.2. OTHER MEDICATION ADMINISTERED 
IN THE STUDY 
 
Stable dose and route of MTX (12.5-25 mg weekly) maintained during the 
6 consecutive weeks prior to screening and for the duration of the study. The 
concomitant medication dose may be reduced or temporarily discontinued because 
of abnormal laboratory values, side effects, concurrent illness, or the performance 
of a surgical procedure, but the change and reason for the medication should be 
clearly documented in the subject’s medical record and in the electronic case report 
form ([e]CRF). 
 
Commercially available MTX will be used in this study and will not be provided by 
the Sponsor. 
 
It is mandatory that all subjects should receive at least 5 mg oral folic acid or oral 
folinic acid weekly. 
 
Subjects who will meet the efficacy discontinuation criteria (see section 3.2.3.2) will 
discontinue from the trial and any future care will then be provided (outside of the 
study) at the discretion of the treating physician as part of usual clinical practice. 
 
3.3.3. DRUG ACCOUNTABILITY 
 
The Pharmacist or his/her designee is responsible for acknowledge receipt of each 
shipment of study drug and will verify the condition and quantity of the study drug. 
 
The study drug will be kept in a locked and secured storage facility accessible only 
to those authorized by the Investigator to dispense the study drug. 
 
The responsible person will keep an inventory. This will include a description of the 
formulation and the quantity of study drug received for the study and a record of 
the materials that are dispensed, to whom and when. 
 
On termination of the study, the pharmacist, the Investigator and/or designated 
personnel will conduct a final inventory of the study drug supply and will record the 
results of this inventory in the Drug Accountability Form. All study drug supplies will 
be returned to and destroyed by a vendor upon Sponsor approval, or will be locally 
destroyed according to site procedure upon Sponsor approval. 
 
Instructions for drug accountability are available in the Study Drug Manual and the 
IWRS Instruction Manual.   
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 50/103 
3.3.4. STUDY DRUG HANDLING 
 
Instructions for study drug administration, handling, and storage, are available in 
the Study Drug Manual and the IWRS Instruction Manual.  
 
Packaging and Labeling 
The study drug will be labeled in accordance with local regulations. Each label will 
contain but will not be limited to, study number, storage conditions, dosing 
instructions, sponsor’s name, address, and telephone number. 
 
One kit will contain 2 syringes. A randomization system will assign each of the 
treatment kits to a subject. The content of each treatment kit will be determined 
according to the randomization schedule. 
 
Storage  
Study drug will be provided under refrigerated conditions and must be stored in a 
secure, limited-access location under the storage conditions specified by the 
Sponsor.  
 
Active ALX-0061 and placebo must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (35.6 °F to 
46.4 °F), and should be stored in the secondary packaging until administration. It 
should not be frozen or shaken.  
 
Site storage conditions should be monitored by the site personnel and reviewed by 
the monitor during site visits. Deviations from the storage requirements must be 
documented and reported to the Sponsor, according to the instructions provided in 
the Study Drug Manual. 
 
Dispensing 
The Investigator or qualified designee(s) will dispense study drug to subjects who 
have met the entry criteria. Clinical supplies may not be used for any purpose other 
than that which is stated in this protocol. 
 
Product Quality Complaint 
Any malfunctioning pre-filled syringe has to be communicated (written or 
electronically) and returned to the Sponsor or its designee.  
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 51/103 
3.3.5. STUDY DRUG INJECTIONS 
 
ALX-0061 s.c. or placebo s.c. injections, as applicable, will be administered using 
the single-use pre-filled syringe at the site under the supervision of an appropriate 
licensed and authorized health professional at all visits.  
 
All subjects are to receive 2 injections in the abdominal region in succession at each 
dosing day. Each injection should be given at a different quadrant in the abdominal 
region. As injections are to be performed q2w, all injections can be performed in an 
abdominal quadrant of choice. However, note that the area of administration needs 
to be evaluable for local skin reaction (normal skin without skin burns, scars, or 
large tattoos in the area of administration). The abdominal regions used for the 
administrations will be recorded in the (e)CRF. All subjects will remain at the site 
for 60 minutes after the injection in order to assess potential adverse reactions.  
 
Detailed instructions for study drug administration are available in the Study Drug 
Manual.  
 
No constraints with regard to timing of study drug administration during the day of 
dosing are to be taken into account. The exact times of study drug dosing at the 
clinical site will be recorded in the (e)CRF. 
 
3.3.6. PRIOR AND CONCOMITANT THERAPY 
 
Prior and concomitant medication are documented throughout the study. 
 
Prior medications as per in- and exclusion criteria are detailed in section 3.2.   
 
During the screening and 24-week treatment and assessment period of the study, 
subjects are not allowed to initiate DMARDs other than MTX for RA (see permitted 
and prohibited medication below).  
 
Permitted Medication 
Stable dose and route of MTX (12.5-25 mg weekly) maintained during the 
6 consecutive weeks prior to screening and for the duration of the study. The 
concomitant medication dose may be reduced or temporarily discontinued because 
of abnormal laboratory values, side effects, concurrent illness, or the performance 
of a surgical procedure, but the change and reason for the medication should be 
clearly documented in the subject’s medical record and in the (e)CRF. 
 
Subjects treated with NSAIDs (including aspirin and selective cyclooxygenase 2 
inhibitors) and other analgesics (except high-potency opioid analgesics, such as 
World Health Organization [WHO] class IV drugs [e.g., morphine; see prohibited 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 52/103 
medication]) should receive the usual marketed doses approved in the country in 
which the study is being conducted and should be on a stable dose from at least 
2 weeks prior to screening until the Week 24 Visit, or until the Early Termination 
Visit. Changes in the dose may be done at the discretion of the Investigator if the 
subject develops unacceptable side effects. Whenever possible, short-acting 
NSAIDs and other analgesics should not be administered within 6 hours before 
study assessments. Long-acting ones can be maintained at their usual dosing 
intervals before study assessments. 
 
Subjects treated with oral corticosteroids should receive a stable dose equivalent to 
≤ 10 mg of prednisone/day, for at least 2 consecutive weeks prior to screening, 
and continue this dose up to and including Week 24, or until the Early Termination 
Visit. The dose of oral corticosteroid may be decreased at the discretion of the 
Investigator only if the subject develops unacceptable side effects.  
 
The number of intra-articular corticosteroid injections is limited to 2 injections over 
a 24-week period. Intra-articular injections may not be given from Week 8 until 
Week 12. The joint(s) affected by the procedure(s) will be considered as swollen 
and tender for 28 days/4 weeks in the data analyses from the date of the procedure 
onward. 
 
The expression of hepatic CYP450 enzymes is suppressed by IL-6. IL-6 blocking 
might therefore influence (normalize) CYP450 expression and products that are 
substrates for CYP450 enzymes (e.g., statins, warfarin, theophylline, oral 
contraceptives, calcium antagonists, phenytoin, cyclosporine, benzodiazepines) 
could be metabolized faster. Subjects taking medicinal products which are 
metabolized via CYP450 3A4, should be closely monitored and their treatment 
might have to be adapted if necessary in order to maintain therapeutic efficacy. 
Subjects on warfarin will be monitored by assessment of INR (See Schedule of 
Assessments); the lipid levels will be evaluated which will be of help to monitor the 
subjects on statins (See Schedule of Assessments). If needed, the Investigator or 
the relevant treating physician should adapt the treatment of the concerned subject 
(unscheduled visits can be planned upon the discretion of the treating physician). 
Given the long half-life of ALX-0061, the influence on the hepatic enzymes can 
persist for several weeks.  
 
Other medication (e.g., to treat AEs) may only be prescribed after consultation with 
the Investigator, unless in case of an emergency situation that does not allow 
discussion. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 53/103 
Prohibited Medication 
 
The following medications are prohibited during the study (up to and including 
Week 24 or Early Termination Visit): 
 
• DMARDs other than a stable background dose of MTX. 
• i.m or i.v.  administration of corticosteroids for the treatment of RA. Any 
increase in oral corticosteroids above the baseline. For intra-articular dosing see 
“permitted medication”. 
• High-potency opioid analgesics, including but not limited to hydrocodone, 
metopon, oxycodone, clonitazene, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, morphine, 
fentanyl, levorphanol, buprenorphine, methadone, meperdine. 
• Use of any biologic DMARD, targeted synthetic DMARD (such as tofacitinib), or 
investigational drugs. 
• Use of any live attenuated vaccine. 
 
Contraceptives 
Female subjects of childbearing potential (excluding postmenopausal women, 
sterilized, ovariectomized, and hysterectomized women) must agree to use 
2 generally accepted adequate contraceptive methods of which 1 is a barrier 
method (e.g., hormonal contraception stabilized for at least 1 month [oral, patch, 
depot, injectable, vaginal ring] in combination with condom by partner) or should 
agree upon continuous abstinence from heterosexual contact from screening until 
at least 6 months after last dosing.  
 
No additional contraceptive method is needed in case of surgical sterilization (at 
least 3 months prior to screening), hysterectomy, or a partner who has been 
vasectomized (at least 3 months prior to screening).  
 
Male subjects should use condoms for the duration of the study and for at least 
6 months after last administration of study drug. 
 
Other 
During the study, no alcohol abuse or drug abuse is allowed. 
 
3.3.7. TREATMENT COMPLIANCE 
 
To ensure treatment compliance, medication dosing will be supervised by the 
Investigator or his/her designee at all visits. 
 
The exact times of study drug dosing at the clinical site will be recorded in the 
(e)CRF. Compliance will be further confirmed by bioanalytical assessment of 
ALX-0061 in serum samples. Treatments that are administered outside of the 
scheduled windows, as well as missed visits, will be recorded on the (e)CRF. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 54/103 
 
All subjects’ (e)CRFs will be monitored by a site monitor (also see section 5.2.4).  
 
3.3.8. RANDOMIZATION 
 
After obtaining oral and written informed consent, subjects will be screened 
according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and will receive a unique subject 
identification (ID) number, assigned by IWRS. The site will contact IWRS, provide 
details of the site and the subject, and receive a subject ID number for the subject. 
 
At randomization, subjects will be reassessed and, if they meet the specified entry 
criteria, subjects will be randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups in a 
1:1:1:1:1 ratio, and will receive a randomization number just prior to dosing 
according to the randomization scheme.  
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 55/103 
3.4. ASSESSMENTS 
 
3.4.1. TIMING OF ASSESSMENTS 
 
Written informed consent will be obtained before the first study-related procedure. 
 
After informed consent has been obtained, each subject will be assigned a unique 
subject ID number. 
 
AEs and previous/concomitant medications will be recorded from the study inclusion 
date (ICF signed) to the subject’s last visit. 
 
3.4.1.1. ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES 
 
At screening, which will take place within 21 to 1 day before the first administration 
of study drug, subjects will be asked to attend the clinical site to be screened 
according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria (section 3.2) and to have other 
assessments performed as specified in the Schedule of Assessments.  
 
Subjects who signed an informed consent form, but do not meet the eligibility 
criteria and are not randomized, will be designated a screen failure. Subjects who 
meet all eligibility criteria but discontinue from the study for other reasons (eg, 
subject request) will not be considered screen failures. 
 
Data of all subjects screened will be collected in the (e)CRF in order to assess the 
numbers and characteristics of the excluded subjects, and the reasons for their 
exclusion. 
 
The results from the screening procedures needed to evaluate eligibility must be 
available prior to the first administration of the study drug. Sites will use the central 
laboratory selected for the study to analyze screening samples and to use these 
reported values to determine eligibility.  
 
Unscheduled visits may be planned to assess, confirm, and follow up on clinically 
relevant AEs or laboratory abnormalities. Findings made during these unscheduled 
visits should be reported in the designated sections of the (e)CRF. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 56/103 
3.4.1.2. TREATMENT AND ASSESSMENT 
PERIOD 
 
Week 0 (Baseline) 
For details with regard to randomization, please refer to section 3.3.8. 
 
On Week 0/Day 0, assessments and procedures should be performed as outlined in 
the Schedule of Assessments. 
 
Post-Randomization Assessments 
Eligible subjects will receive treatment from Week 0 up to and including Week 22. 
Subjects will return for 13 ambulatory visits planned at Weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and Week 24.  
 
An End of Treatment Visit will be performed at Week 24.  
For subjects who discontinue due to fulfilling the efficacy discontinuation criteria 
(see section 3.2.3.2) at weeks 12, 16, or 20, the visit at which they meet these 
discontinuation criteria is defined as the Early Termination Visit.  
Subjects who discontinue early for reasons other than the efficacy discontinuation 
criteria should have an Early Termination Visit 2 weeks after the last study drug 
administration (unless they discontinue during a study visit in which case that visit 
becomes their Early Termination Visit).  
 
All assessments will be performed at the visits as indicated in the Schedule of 
Assessments.  
 
All post-baseline visits may occur at the indicated week ± 3 days throughout the 
study versus the date of the Baseline Visit.  
 
At Week 12, 16, or 20, any subject with < 20% improvement in both SJC and TJC 
(66/68 counts) will have to discontinue from the trial but remain blinded to study 
drug assignment. The IWRS will be used to qualify subjects for study drug 
discontinuation based on non-response defined as < 20% improvement in both SJC 
and TJC.   
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 57/103 
Missed visits: 
• If a subject misses a visit but a new visit can be performed within 1 week of the 
originally planned missed visit (i.e., within 3 weeks of the previous visit), then all 
assessments per missed visit should be performed at this new visit and the study 
staff should administer the study drug to the subject and maintain the subject’s 
original injection schedule. In case of rescheduling of missed visits, total duration 
of the assessment period should remain 24 weeks. 
- 
For example, if a subject receives the first dose of study drug on January 
1st, that is considered “Day 0 (Week 0) of the study”; the next target day of 
administration will be January 15th. 
- 
If the subject misses this second visit and comes in on January 19th (i.e. 
within 3 weeks of the previous visit), then the study staff should administer 
the study drug on that day. The next visit should be scheduled for January 
29th (i.e. 4 weeks after January 1st). 
• If a subject misses a visit and the visit can only be performed later than 3 weeks 
of the previous visit, the site should contact the CRO. 
• If a subject misses a dose of MTX on their regularly scheduled dosing date, they 
should take the forgotten dose as soon as they remember; however, if more 
than 72 hours have elapsed since the missed dose, the subject should contact 
the Investigator for further dosing instructions. 
 
For all subjects, injections should not occur less than 1 week apart. The 
CRO/Sponsor should be contacted if this cannot be respected. In case of 
interruption of 2 consecutive drug administrations, the subject should be 
discontinued from the study. 
 
3.4.1.3. END OF TREATMENT VISIT AND 
FOLLOW-UP 
 
Subjects who are eligible to participate in the OLE study, will have the End of 
Treatment Visit at Week 24, and no further Follow-up Visit.  
 
Subjects who are not eligible to participate in the OLE study and who received all 
study drug up to and including Week 22, should return for the Week 24 End of 
Treatment Visit, and for the Follow-up Visit approximately 12 weeks after the last 
study drug administration. 
 
Discontinuation of Study Drug Administration 
For subjects who discontinue study participation for fulfilling the efficacy 
discontinuation criteria (see section 3.2.3.2) at weeks 12, 16, or 20, the visit at 
which subjects will meet these discontinuation criteria, is defined as the Early 
Termination Visit for these patients. These subjects and those who are not 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 58/103 
withdrawing consent for post-treatment follow-up should return for a Follow-up 
Visit 12 weeks after last study drug administration to undergo the assessments as 
specified in the Schedule of Assessments. 
 
Subjects who discontinue early for reasons other than the efficacy discontinuation 
criteria but are not withdrawing consent for post-treatment follow-up should return 
for an Early Termination Visit 2 weeks after the last study drug administration, 
unless they discontinue during a study visit in which case that visit becomes their 
Early Termination Visit. Subjects should also return for a Follow-up Visit 12 weeks 
after last study drug administration to undergo the assessments as specified in the 
Schedule of Assessments.  
 
Termination of Study Participation 
Subjects who terminate study participation for reasons of lost to follow-up, 
informed consent withdrawal, or death should not return for the Early Termination 
Visit or for the Follow-up Visit.  
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 59/103 
3.4.2. ASSESSMENTS OF EFFICACY 
 
3.4.2.1. PHYSICIAN’S ASSESSMENT OF 
TENDER/PAINFUL AND SWOLLEN 
JOINT COUNT  
 
To be performed as part of efficacy measurements (for more detail see 
sections 3.4.2.11 to 3.4.2.18) at visits as indicated in the Schedule of Assessments. 
 
All joints listed are used in the determination of the ACR response, where 68 joints 
are assessed for tenderness and 66 joints are assessed for swelling (see 
Appendix 9). The 28 joints indicated in the grey-shaded fields are used to 
determine the DAS28, EULAR response, CDAI, SDAI, and Boolean score. 
 
If tenderness or swelling is noted, enter a ”1” for that joint in the appropriate field. 
If tenderness or swelling is absent, enter a “0” for that joint in the appropriate field. 
 
Joints that undergo intra-articular corticosteroid injection will be considered as 
swollen and tender for 28 days/4 weeks in the data analyses from the date of the 
procedure onward.  
 
An independent joint assessor (and backup independent joint assessor) will be 
designated at each study center to perform all joint assessments during the 
24-weeks assessment period of the study. This individual should have at least 
1 year of experience in performing joint assessments. The proposed assessors 
having less than 1 year of experience will need to be approved by the Sponsor. The 
independent joint assessor will perform only the joint assessment; this individual 
will not perform or assist in any other assessments in this study. 
 
The CRO will provide training to an independent assessor from each site prior to the 
start of subject enrollment. In case the independent assessor cannot attend, the 
CRO will provide training to the Investigator who will then train the assessor. If 
possible, the independent assessor for the study should not be changed during the 
study. However, the independent assessors from each site may train additional 
assessors at the site for coverage during their absences. If more than 1 blinded 
assessor at a site performs joint assessments during the study, the names of the 
joint assessor performing the joint evaluation must be listed in the ”Investigator 
Site File” and be documented in the source document at each visit. 
 
It is recommended that the independent joint assessor who performed the 
baseline joint assessments for a subject should also perform the joint 
assessments for that subject for all subsequent visits during the 24-week 
assessment period of the study.   
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 60/103 
3.4.2.2. DURATION OF MORNING STIFFNESS 
 
The average duration of morning stiffness during the previous week in minutes will 
be assessed at visits as indicated in the Schedule of Assessments. If a subject has 
stiffness that lasts the entire day, this should be recorded as 1440 minutes of 
morning stiffness. 
 
3.4.2.3. PATIENT’S ASSESSMENT OF PAIN 
(100 MM-VAS) 
 
To be performed as part of ACR response and prior to the joint count assessments 
at visits as indicated in the Schedule of Assessments. 
 
The subject will be asked “How much pain have you had because of your illness in 
the past week?” and then instructed to place a mark between 0 (“no pain”) and 100 
mm (“severe pain”) on the VAS. 
 
3.4.2.4. PATIENT’S GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF 
DISEASE ACTIVITY (VASPA) 
(100 MM-VAS) 
 
To be performed as part of ACR response, DAS28 score, EULAR response, SDAI, 
CDAI, and Boolean remission at visits as indicated in the Schedule of Assessments.  
 
The subject must complete the patient’s global assessment independently of the 
physician when completing the physician global assessment (see section 3.4.2.5).  
 
The subject will be instructed “Considering all the ways that your arthritis affects 
you, rate how you are doing on the following scale” and will be asked to place a 
mark between 0 (“very well”) and 100 mm (“very poor”) on the VAS. 
 
3.4.2.5. PHYSICIAN’S GLOBAL ASSESSMENT 
OF DISEASE ACTIVITY (VASPHA) 
(100 MM-VAS) 
 
To be performed as part of ACR response, SDAI, and CDAI at visits as indicated in 
the Schedule of Assessments.  
 
The physician must complete the physician’s global assessment independently of 
the subject when completing the patient’s global assessment (see section 3.4.2.4). 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 61/103 
The same physician should preferably be performing the assessment at each visit 
for each subject. The physician performing the assessment of the disease activity 
cannot be the independent joint assessor as described in section 3.4.2.1. The 
results of the joint assessment will be available to the physician performing the 
assessment of the disease. 
 
The physician will make a mark between 0 (“no disease”) and 100 mm (“severe 
disease”) on the VAS to indicate the patient’s current disease activity (independent 
of the subject’s self-assessment). 
 
3.4.2.6. C-REACTIVE PROTEIN  
 
To be measured as part of ACR response, DAS28 score, SDAI, Boolean remission, 
and EULAR Response at visits as indicated in the Schedule of Assessments. 
 
The CRP concentration is to be provided in mg/dL. 
 
3.4.2.7. ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION 
RATE  
 
To be measured as part of DAS28 score and EULAR Response at visits as indicated 
in the Schedule of Assessments. This will be measured via the local laboratory, by 
an independent laboratory-representative, or at the site by a designated 
independent unblinded ESR person, to maintain blinding. 
 
The ESR result is to be provided in mm/h. 
 
ESR results are to be maintained in a secure fashion, to prevent unblinding of 
blinded study personnel. ESR results will be transmitted by the site’s designated 
unblinded person (at site or at local laboratory) to the central laboratory. 
 
The designated unblinded ESR person at the site may only perform ESR 
assessments; this individual will not perform or assist in any other assessments in 
the study aside from collection of blood for other laboratory samples, if needed. 
 
3.4.2.8. HEALTH ASSESSMENT 
QUESTIONNAIRE-DISABILITY INDEX 
 
To be performed as part of ACR response and on its own at visits as indicated in the 
Schedule of Assessments. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 62/103 
The HAQ-DI is a 20-question instrument which assesses the degree of difficulty the 
subject had in accomplishing tasks in 8 functional areas over the previous week 
[23]. 
 
The HAQ-DI will be provided to the subject during a visit and the subject will be 
asked to complete the questionnaire while at the study site.  
 
The HAQ-DI is composed of 20 items in 8 categories: 
• Dressing and grooming. 
• Hygiene. 
• Arising. 
• Reach. 
• Eating. 
• Grip. 
• Walking. 
• Common daily activities. 
 
Each category has at least 2 sub-category questions. Within each category, 
subjects report the amount of difficulty they have in performing the specific sub-
category items. There are 4 response options ranging from: 
• 0 = No Difficulty. 
• 1 = With Some Difficulty. 
• 2 = With Much Difficulty. 
• 3 = Unable to Do. 
 
3.4.2.9. SF-36  
 
The SF-36 will be completed at visits as indicated in the Schedule of Assessments.   
 
The SF-36 consists of 36 items that can be summarized into 8 domains: physical 
functioning, role limitations due to physical health problems (role-physical), bodily 
pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional 
problems (role-emotional), and mental health. Two summary measures, the 
physical component summary and the mental component summary, can be derived 
based on these domain scores.  
 
The concepts measured by the SF-36 are not specific to any disease, allowing 
comparison of relative burden of different diseases, in addition to the relative 
benefit of different treatments. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 63/103 
3.4.2.10. FACIT-FATIGUE 
 
The FACIT-fatigue scale will be completed at visits as indicated in the Schedule of 
Assessments. 
 
The FACIT Measurement System is a collection of health-related quality of life 
questionnaires that assess multidimensional health status in people with various 
chronic illnesses, including RA. 
3.4.2.11. ACR RESPONSE 
 
ACR responses are presented as the numerical measurement of improvement in 
multiple disease assessment criteria. 
 
ACR20/50/70 responses are defined as below: 
• ≥ 20/50/70% improvement in tender/painful joint count (68 joints) relative to 
baseline AND 
• ≥ 20/50/70% improvement in swollen joint count (66 joints) relative to baseline 
AND 
• ≥ 20/50/70% improvement in 3 of the following 5 areas relative to baseline: 
- Patient’s Assessment of Pain (100 mm-VAS). 
- Patient’s Global Assessment of Disease Activity (100 mm-VASPA). 
- Physician’s Global Assessment of Disease Activity (100 mm-VASPHA). 
- Patient’s assessment of physical function as measured by HAQ-DI. 
- CRP. 
 
The ACR-N Index of Improvement [24, 25] is defined as the minimum of the 
following 3 criteria: 
• The percent improvement from baseline in TJCs. 
• The percent improvement from baseline in SJCs. 
• The median percent improvement from baseline for the following 5 assessments: 
- Patient’s assessment of pain (VAS). 
- Patient’s global assessment of disease activity (VASPA). 
- Physician’s global assessment of disease activity (VASPHA). 
- Patient’s assessment of physical function as measured by the HAQ-DI. 
- CRP. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 64/103 
3.4.2.12. DAS28 SCORE USING ESR 
 
The DAS28 based on ESR is a statistically derived index combining TJC (28 joints), 
SJC (28 joints), ESR, and VASPA [26]. It is a continuous parameter and is defined 
as specified in Figure 2 [27]: 
 
Figure 2: Calculation of DAS28 (ESR) score 
DAS28 (ESR) = ൫0.56 × ඥ𝑇𝑇𝑇28 ൯+ ൫0.28 × ඥ𝑆𝑆𝑆28൯+ (0.70 × Ln[ESR]) + (0.014 × VASPA) 
VASPA = GH 
  
As the results of ESR will be blinded to the investigative sites, the DAS28 will not be 
calculated on site but during the statistical analysis by the Biometrics-CRO. 
3.4.2.13. DAS28 SCORE USING CRP 
 
CRP will be used in addition to ESR in the calculation of DAS28, using the formula 
below. CRP is a more direct measure of inflammation than ESR, and it is more 
sensitive to short-term changes [28]. CRP is considered at least as valid as ESR to 
measure RA disease activity [29]. 
 
The DAS28 using CRP is a statistically derived index combining TJC (28 joints), SJC 
(28 joints), CRP (mg/L), and VASPA. The DAS28 is a continuous parameter and is 
defined as specified in Figure 3 [27]:  
 
Figure 3: Calculation of DAS28 (CRP) score 
DAS28 (CRP) = ൫0.56 × ඥ𝑇𝑇𝑇28 ൯+ ൫0.28 × ඥ𝑆𝑆𝑆28൯+ (0.36 × Ln[CRP + 1]) + (0.014 × VASPA)
+ 0.96 
VASPA = GH 
 
As the results of CRP will be blinded to the investigative sites, the DAS28 will not be 
calculated on site but during the statistical analysis by the Biometrics-CRO. 
 
3.4.2.14. EULAR RESPONSE 
 
By comparing a subject’s DAS28 score (using CRP and ESR) relative to baseline, 
you can substantiate his/her improvement or response. The EULAR response 
criteria are defined in Table 1 [27]. 
 
As the results of ESR and CRP will be blinded to the investigative sites, the EULAR 
response will not be calculated on site but during the statistical analysis by the 
Biometrics-CRO. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 65/103 
Table 1: EULAR Response 
Present DAS28 
Improvement in DAS28 Relative to Baseline 
 
> 1.2 
 > 0.6 and ≤ 1.2 
≤ 0.6 
≤ 3.2 
good response 
moderate response 
no response 
>3.2 and ≤ 5.1 
moderate response 
moderate response 
no response 
> 5.1 
moderate response 
no response 
no response 
 
3.4.2.15. CUT-OFF POINTS TO DEFINE 
DISEASE ACTIVITY 
 
Cut-off points for DAS28 to define if a subject is in clinical remission or in a state of 
high, moderate, or low disease activity have been defined [27]: 
 
High disease activity 
DAS28 > 5.1 
Moderate disease activity 
3.2 < DAS28 ≤ 5.1 
Low disease activity 
2.6 ≤ DAS28 ≤ 3.2 
Remission  
DAS28 (ESR) < 2.6 
 
As the results of ESR and CRP will be blinded to the investigative sites, the cut-off 
points will not be calculated on site but during the statistical analysis by the 
Biometrics-CRO. 
 
3.4.2.16. BOOLEAN REMISSION 
Boolean remission will be determined according to the criteria shown in Figure 4 
[30]. 
 
As the results of CRP will be blinded to the investigative sites, the Boolean 
remission will not be calculated on site but during the statistical analysis by the 
Biometrics-CRO. 
 
Figure 4: Calculation of Boolean Remission 
If TJC28 ≤ 1 and SJC28 ≤ 1 and VASPA (cm) ≤ 1 and CRP (mg/dL) ≤ 1 
Then remission = “yes” 
Else remission = “no” 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 66/103 
3.4.2.17. CDAI SCORE  
 
The CDAI clinical score is determined as specified in Figure 5 and Figure 6 [30, 31]. 
 
Figure 5: Calculation of CDAI Score 
CDAI = TJC28 + SJC28 + VASPA + VASPHA  
 
Figure 6: Classification of CDAI Score 
CDAI Score 
CDAI ≤ 2.8 
2.8 < CDAI ≤ 10 
10 < CDAI ≤ 22 
22 < CDAI 
Disease Activity 
remission 
low disease activity 
moderate disease 
activity 
high disease activity 
 
3.4.2.18. SDAI SCORE 
 
The SDAI clinical score is determined as specified in Figure 7 and Figure 8 [31]. 
 
As the results of CRP will be blinded to the investigative sites, the SDAI will not be 
calculated on site but during the statistical analysis by the Biometrics-CRO. 
 
Figure 7: Calculation of SDAI Score 
SDAI = TJC28 + SJC28 + VASPA + VASPHA + CRP (mg/dL) 
 
Figure 8: Classification of SDAI Score 
SDAI Score 
SDAI ≤ 3.3 
3.3 < SDAI ≤ 11.0 
11.0 < SDAI ≤ 26.0 
SDAI > 26.0 
Disease Activity 
remission 
low disease activity 
moderate disease 
activity 
high disease activity 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 67/103 
3.4.3. 
PHARMACOKINETIC ASSESSMENTS 
 
3.4.3.1. SAMPLE COLLECTION AND 
HANDLING 
 
Throughout the study, blood samples of approximately 3.5 mL will be taken for 
analysis of ALX-0061 in serum, according to the time points defined in the Schedule 
of Assessments.  
 
The exact times of blood sampling will be recorded. Of note, the day and 
approximate time of administration of the last dose of study drug will be available 
in the (e)CRF. 
 
The blood samples will be collected via an indwelling i.v. catheter or by direct 
venipuncture. For further details on sample collection, shipment, storage and 
processing, please refer to a separate Lab Manual.  
 
Samples that remain after protocol-specific assessments have been performed may 
be used by the Sponsor for further exploratory work on PK, PD, immunogenicity, 
metabolites, plasma protein binding, protein analysis, potency, and biochemistry. 
No human DNA or RNA analysis will be performed. 
 
3.4.3.2. BIOANALYSIS 
 
Concentrations of ALX-0061 in serum will be determined by a validated ligand-
binding assay method according to bioanalytical methodology and procedures 
described in a separate Bioanalytical Analysis Plan. Results will be presented in the 
Bioanalytical Analysis Report and will be included in the Clinical Study Report. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 68/103 
3.4.4. 
PHARMACODYNAMIC ASSESSMENTS 
 
3.4.4.1. SAMPLE COLLECTION AND 
HANDLING 
 
Throughout the study, blood samples will be taken for analysis of soluble IL-6R, 
MMP-3, and CXCL13, according to the time points defined in the Schedule of 
Assessments.  
• For determination of serum MMP-3 and CXCL13, blood samples of approximately 
6 mL will be collected and aliquoted.  
• For determination of plasma sIL-6R, blood samples of approximately 1.8 mL will 
be collected and aliquoted.  
 
For more details on PD parameters CRP, ESR and fibrinogen, please refer to 
section 3.4.5.2. 
 
The exact times of blood sampling will be recorded. 
 
All PD blood samples will be taken via an indwelling i.v. catheter or by direct 
venipuncture. For further details on sample collection, shipment, storage and 
processing, please refer to a separate Lab Manual.  
 
Samples that remain after protocol-specific assessments have been performed may 
be used by the Sponsor for further exploratory work on PK, PD, immunogenicity, 
metabolites, plasma protein binding, protein analysis, potency, and biochemistry. 
No human DNA or RNA analysis will be performed. 
 
3.4.4.2. BIOANALYSIS 
 
Concentrations of sIL-6R in plasma will be determined by a validated enzyme-linked 
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and concentrations of MMP-3 and CXCL13 in 
serum will be determined by qualified ELISA methods. All biomarkers will be 
measured according to bioanalytical methodology and procedures described in a 
separate Bioanalytical Analysis Plan. Results will be presented in the Bioanalytical 
Analysis Report and will be included in the Clinical Study Report.  
 
Information on CRP, ESR and fibrinogen is specified in section 3.4.5.2. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 69/103 
3.4.5. 
ASSESSMENTS OF SAFETY 
 
Safety and tolerability assessments consist of AEs (including injection site 
reactions), as well as laboratory assessments, urinalysis, vital signs, 12-lead ECG 
(at screening only), and physical examinations. The time points are defined in the 
Schedule of Assessments. 
 
In case of acute or delayed severe/serious hypersensitivity reactions, an additional 
serum sample should be collected as soon as possible after the start of the event 
(blood volume: 5 mL) to characterize the cause of hypersensitivity by 
immunogenicity testing and/or protein analysis. No human DNA or RNA analysis will 
be performed. 
 
Independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) 
The DSMB will be an independent committee. None of the members will be 
participating in the study. The major function of this committee will be to monitor 
the safety of the subjects participating in the ALX-0061 clinical program.  
 
Prior to any DSMB review, the DSMB charter will define and document the content 
of the safety summaries, the DSMB’s role and responsibilities, and the general 
procedures (including communications). 
 
3.4.5.1. ADVERSE EVENTS 
 
General information on evaluation and reporting of AEs is provided in section 3.5. 
 
All AEs occurring during the clinical investigation must be documented in the source 
documents and the (e)CRF. 
 
Criteria for determining whether an abnormal objective test finding (e.g., 
laboratory, vital signs), a complication of a protocol mandated procedure (e.g., 
blood draw, injection of study drug) or a change in physical examination findings 
should be reported as an AE are as follows, but not limited to: 
 
1. 
Result/finding is associated with accompanying clinical signs and symptoms, 
and/or 
2. 
Result/finding requires extra diagnostic testing (other than diagnostic exclusion 
tests) or medical/surgical intervention, and/or 
3. 
Result/finding would require a change in study drug dosing or discontinuation 
from the study, significant additional concomitant drug treatment or other 
therapy, and/or 
4. 
Result/finding leads to any of the outcomes included in the definition of an SAE, 
and/or 
5. 
Result/finding is considered to be an AE by the Investigator. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 70/103 
Any abnormal test result that is determined to be an error and merely repeating an 
abnormal test does not require reporting as an AE. 
 
The Investigator will also need to indicate whether the AE is a serious infection.  
 
A “serious infection” is any infection that meets the criteria for an SAE: 
• requires hospitalization and/or  
• requires i.v. antibiotics and/or  
• results in death. 
 
All serious infections should be reported as SAE.  
 
3.4.5.2. LABORATORY ASSESSMENTS 
 
Blood samples for routine and extended (including fasting serum lipids) clinical 
laboratory analyses will be collected at time points as indicated in the Schedule of 
Assessments.  
 
In general, blood samples will be collected via an indwelling i.v. catheter or by 
direct venipuncture. Details on method, sampling and processing procedures will be 
provided in a separate Lab Manual. 
 
The following tests will be included in the routine clinical laboratory analysis: 
• Biochemistry: total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, 
AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, 
glucose, inorganic phosphate, sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride.  
• Hematology: leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, thrombocytes, 
partial 
automated 
differentiation 
(lymphocytes, 
monocytes, 
eosinophils, 
basophils, 
neutrophils), 
mean 
corpuscular 
volume, 
mean 
corpuscular 
hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. 
• Acute phase proteins: fibrinogen, CRP, and ESR. 
• Urinalysis: erythrocytes/blood, urobilinogen, ketones, glucose, protein, pH, and 
leukocytes. 
• Coagulation: activated partial prothrombin time, prothrombin time, and INR (the 
latter for subjects on warfarin only). 
 
The following additional tests will be included in the extended clinical laboratory 
analysis: 
• Biochemistry: 
total 
cholesterol, 
HDL-cholesterol, 
LDL-cholesterol, 
and 
triglycerides (i.e., fasting serum lipids).  
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 71/103 
Note that at visits when extended clinical laboratory analysis samples are planned 
to be taken, samples should be taken predose after the subject has been fasting for 
at least 10 h. 
 
In females of childbearing potential, a blood pregnancy test will be performed at 
time points as indicated in the Schedule of Assessments. Of note, additional 
pregnancy testing is allowed according to local guidelines; however, this additional 
pregnancy testing is not part of and cannot replace the protocol specific procedures. 
 
At screening, seropositivity for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, anti-HIV1 and anti-HIV2 will 
be tested and the levels of Rheumatoid Factor and anti-CCP antibodies will be 
determined. 
 
In addition, an IGRA test to detect latent or active TB and a chest radiograph 
(performed within 12 weeks prior to the screening visit or performed during the 
screening period) to detect evidence of malignancy, infection, or abnormalities 
suggestive of TB will be performed at screening and at any time during the study if 
TB is suspected. 
 
All samples will be analyzed by a central laboratory, except for ESR that will be 
measured via the local laboratory, by an independent laboratory representative. 
 
Except for ESR, CRP, and fibrinogen, laboratory values outside the normal range 
will be flagged and clinical relevance will be assessed by the Investigator. The 
results of CRP, ESR and fibrinogen tests will not be communicated to the 
investigational sites and CRO/Sponsor (unless in case of an alert for CRP or 
fibrinogen), with the exception of the CRP and fibrinogen results at screening which 
are needed for assessing the subject’s eligibility for randomization.  
If clinical signs and symptoms are present for which the Investigator needs to know 
values of ESR, CRP, or fibrinogen for medical care, he can request this information.  
 
All clinically significant abnormal laboratory findings will be recorded as AEs in the 
(e)CRF (also see section 3.4.5.1). 
 
In the event of unexplained or unexpected clinical laboratory test values, the 
test(s) will be repeated and followed up until the results have returned to the 
normal range and/or an adequate explanation for the abnormality is found.  
 
During the screening period, subjects with an abnormal clinical laboratory value 
(i.e., biochemistry, hematology, urinalysis, fibrinogen, or coagulation) may have 
one laboratory analysis repeated if the Investigator considers the result to be 
inconsistent with prior determination and/or not representative of the subject’s 
clinical condition at screening. Only the clinical laboratory test not meeting entry 
criterion should be repeated (not the entire panel). 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 72/103 
 
To this note, the site is allowed to repeat the CRP test once during the screening 
period if the result would be considered as an occasional finding and/or inconsistent 
with prior determinations and/or the patient’s clinical status in the opinion of the 
Investigator.  
 
In case any test is repeated, it should be performed as an unscheduled lab test and 
the last laboratory result should be used as the final screening value.  
 
Repeat testing of the serology (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV) is not allowed. Repeat 
testing of the Quantiferon is only allowed if the result is indeterminate (see 
inclusion criterion 8). 
 
Samples that remain after protocol-specific assessments have been performed may 
be used by the Sponsor for further exploratory work on PK, PD, immunogenicity, 
metabolites, plasma protein binding, protein analysis, potency, and biochemistry. 
No human DNA or RNA analysis will be performed. 
 
3.4.5.3. VITAL SIGNS 
 
Vital signs parameters (assessed after 5 min in supine position) will be measured at 
the time points indicated in the Schedule of Assessments. These observations will 
be made using an automated device. All parameters will be recorded in the (e)CRF. 
 
The following vital signs parameters will be assessed: height, weight, blood 
pressure, pulse, and temperature (such as oral, axillar, or tympanic). 
 
To obtain the actual body weight, subjects must be weighed lightly clothed. The 
height should be measured barefoot at the Screening Visit. 
 
Clinically relevant abnormalities occurring during the study should be recorded as 
AE in the (e)CRF.  
 
3.4.5.4. ELECTROCARDIOGRAM 
 
12-lead ECGs assessed after 5 min in supine position will be recorded at the 
screening visit only.  
 
The following ECG parameters will be recorded: heart rate, RR interval, PR interval, 
QRS-duration, QT interval, QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) (corrected 
according to Bazzet’s and Fridericia’s formula [QTcB and QTcF]) and Investigator’s 
conclusion on the ECG profile. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 73/103 
3.4.5.5. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION 
 
A complete physical examination will be performed at the time points indicated in 
the Schedule of Assessments. Of note, additional physical examinations may be 
performed upon the discretion of the Investigator (e.g., in case of AEs). 
 
Physical examination will be recorded as “normal”, “abnormal, not clinically 
significant” or “abnormal, clinically significant” at every assessment. A new finding 
or a change of a finding that is judged as an undesirable medical event (including 
all findings recorded as “abnormal, clinically significant”) shall be reported as an AE. 
 
The physical examination will include at least: 
• Head, eyes, ears, nose, throat. 
• Respiratory system. 
• Cardiovascular system. 
• Gastrointestinal system. 
• Musculoskeletal system. 
• Central and peripheral nervous system. 
• Skin. 
• Lymph node palpation. 
• Urogenital system (kidneys). 
• General appearance. 
  
Any clinically relevant changes occurring during the study must be recorded in the 
(e)CRF and any clinically significant abnormalities persisting at the end of the study 
will be followed by the Investigator until resolution or until reaching a clinically 
stable endpoint. 
 
3.4.6. 
OTHER ASSESSMENTS 
 
3.4.6.1. IMMUNOGENICITY 
 
To assess systemic immunogenicity of ALX-0061, blood samples of approximately 
7 mL will be collected at the time points defined in the Schedule of Assessments. 
 
Blood samples will be taken via an indwelling i.v. catheter or by direct 
venipuncture. The exact times of blood sampling will be recorded. For further 
details on sample collection, shipment, storage and processing, please refer to a 
separate Lab Manual. 
 
Anti-ALX-0061 antibodies (ADA) will be determined, potentially with further 
characterization by mADA and nAb assay. The immunogenicity data will be 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 74/103 
processed according to a separate analytical plan, and the results from this analysis 
will be included in the Clinical Study Report.  
 
As described previously, in case of acute or delayed severe/serious hypersensitivity 
reactions, an additional serum sample should be collected as soon as possible after 
the start of the event (blood volume: 5 mL) to characterize the cause of 
hypersensitivity by immunogenicity testing and/or protein analysis. No human DNA 
or RNA analysis will be performed. 
 
Samples that remain after protocol-specific assessments have been performed may 
be used by the Sponsor for further exploratory work on PK, PD, immunogenicity, 
metabolites, plasma protein binding, protein analysis, potency, and biochemistry. 
No human DNA or RNA analysis will be performed. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 75/103 
3.4.7. 
TOTAL BLOOD VOLUME 
 
The estimated number and volume of blood samples and the total volume of blood 
that will be collected per subject throughout the study are provided in Table 2. 
 
If necessary, in order to obtain additional information to ensure safety to the 
subject, additional blood (and urine) samples may be taken at the discretion of the 
Investigator. Due to this possibility, the blood volumes presented in the following 
table are provided as best estimations. 
 
The total volume of blood taken during the study will be approximately 233.7 mL. 
Table 2: 
Estimated Number and Volume of Blood Samples to be Obtained 
During the Study 
Assessments 
# samples 
Volume (mL) 
/sample 
Volume (mL) 
Pharmacokinetics 
10 
3.5 
35 
Pharmacodynamics: sIL-6R 
9 
1.8 
16.2 
Pharmacodynamics: MMP-3, CXCL13 
6 
6 
36 
Routine clinical laboratory  
5 
6.5 
32.5 
Extended clinical laboratory, including 
fasting lipids 
8 
6.5 
52 
Serology (at screening only) 
1 
5 
5 
Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP 
antibodies 
1 
5 
5 
Immunogenicity  
Quantiferon test 
7 
1 
7 
3 
49 
3 
Total 
 
 
233.7 a 
a  In case of acute or delayed severe/serious hypersensitivity reactions, an additional serum sample 
should be collected as soon as possible after the start of the event (blood volume: 5 mL) 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 76/103 
3.4.8. 
APPROPRIATENESS AND TIMING OF 
MEASUREMENTS 
 
The assessments which will be made in this study are standard and generally 
recognized as reliable, accurate, and relevant. 
 
The timing of all assessments is detailed in the Schedule of Assessments. 
 
All visits should occur in the specified week (± allowed time window) without 
further specification of the timing (visit may be planned at the time most 
appropriate for the subject). Of note, at baseline and at Weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 22 
and 24, or at the Early Termination Visit, blood samples should be taken after at 
least 10 hours of fasting. 
 
For PK, PD, immunogenicity and safety, predose samples will be obtained between 
waking up and dosing. 
 
If assessments are planned at the same time, the order of the assessments should 
be arranged according to the following principles: 
1. Vital signs should be assessed prior to blood sampling,  
2. Patient reported outcomes should occur prior to the physician’s joint evaluation, 
and  
3. Study drug should be dosed after all other assessments have been performed. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 77/103 
3.5. ADVERSE EVENT EVALUATION 
AND REPORTING 
 
3.5.1. 
ADVERSE EVENTS 
 
AE definitions will be followed as stated in the “Note for Guidance on clinical safety 
data management: definitions and standards for expedited reporting” (International 
Conference on Harmonization [ICH] topic E2A). 
 
An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study subject administered a 
medicinal (investigational or non-investigational) product. An AE does not 
necessarily have a causal relationship with the treatment. An AE can therefore be 
any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an abnormal finding), symptom, or 
disease temporally associated with the use of a medicinal (investigational or 
non-investigational) product, whether or not considered related to that medicinal 
(investigational or non-investigational) product. 
 
This includes any occurrence that is new in onset or aggravated in severity or 
frequency from the baseline condition, or abnormal results of diagnostic 
procedures, including laboratory test abnormalities. 
 
In the differentiating between medical history and AEs, the following points will be 
considered. 
• Conditions that started before signing of informed consent and for which no 
symptoms or treatment are present up to the timing of signing of the informed 
consent are recorded as medical history (e.g., seasonal allergy without acute 
complaints). 
• Conditions that started before signing of informed consent and for which 
symptoms or treatment are present after signing of informed consent, but with 
unchanged severity, are recorded as medical history (e.g., allergic pollinosis). 
• Conditions that started or deteriorated after signing of informed consent will be 
documented as AEs. 
 
All AEs will be reported from the time a signed and dated ICF is obtained until 
completion of the subject’s last visit. 
 
A TEAE is any AE temporally associated with the use of study drug, whether 
considered related to the study drug or not. TEAEs are recorded from the start of 
study drug administration, until completion of the subject’s last visit. 
 
It is the responsibility of the Investigator to collect all AEs (both serious and 
non-serious) derived by spontaneous, unsolicited reports of subjects, by 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 78/103 
observation, and by routine open questioning (e.g., “How have you felt since I saw 
you last?”; “Is there anything new that you wish to discuss?”).  
 
All AEs will be assessed by the Investigator and recorded on the AE (e)CRF page. 
AE entry should indicate time of onset and end time and rating of the seriousness 
(see 
section 
3.5.2), 
severity 
(see 
section 
3.5.1.1), 
and 
outcome 
(see 
section 3.5.1.2) of the AEs, and relationship to study drug and study procedures 
(see section 3.5.1.3), action taken regarding study drug (see section 3.5.1.4), and 
concomitant therapy taken for the AE. 
 
The Investigator will judge upon the severity of the AEs and relation to study drug 
and study procedures.  
 
3.5.1.1. AE SEVERITY 
 
The severity of AEs will be rated on a 3-point scale according to the Common 
Terminology Criteria for AEs (CTCAE v4.0):  
 
• Mild: discomfort noticed but no disruption of normal daily activity (signified by 
grade 1 of CTCAE v4.0).  
• Moderate: discomfort sufficient to reduce or affect normal daily activity (signified 
by grade 2 of CTCAE v4.0). 
• Severe: incapacitating with inability to work or perform normal daily activity, 
(signified by grade 3 or 4 or 5 of CTCAE v4.0). 
 
It is emphasized that the term severe is a measure of intensity: a severe AE is not 
necessarily serious.  
 
Please refer to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.0) 
for assessment of severity of AEs related to laboratory abnormalities. 
 
3.5.1.2. OUTCOME 
 
The outcome of the AE is to be documented as follows: 
• Recovered / resolved. 
• Recovering / resolving. 
• Recovered / resolved with sequelae. 
• Not recovered / not resolved. 
• Fatal. 
• Unknown. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 79/103 
3.5.1.3. RELATION TO STUDY DRUG OR 
STUDY PROCEDURES 
 
The assessment of the causal relationship between an AE and the administration of 
treatment is a clinical decision based on all available information at the time of the 
completion of the (e)CRF. 
 
The assessment is based on the question whether there was a “reasonable causal 
relationship” to the study treatment in question. Possible answers are: 
• Unlikely/Not related. 
• Possibly related. 
• Related. 
• Not applicable. 
 
If the causal relationship to the study drug is unknown, the answer is defined as 
“related”. 
 
Note that only AEs starting after administration of study drug can be assigned a 
causal relationship between the AE and study drug administration. For AEs starting 
prior to study drug administration, causal relationship between the AE and study 
drug should be not applicable. 
 
Assessment of causal relationship of any AE to protocol-required procedures can be 
completed with: 
• Yes (specify). 
• No. 
 
3.5.1.4. ACTION TAKEN REGARDING STUDY 
DRUG  
 
Any action taken regarding study drug due to an AE is to be documented using 
following categories: 
• Dose not changed. 
• Drug interrupted. 
• Drug withdrawn. 
• Not applicable. 
• Unknown. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 80/103 
3.5.2. 
SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS 
 
An SAE is any untoward medical occurrence that at any dose meets any of the 
following conditions: 
• Results in death. 
• Is life-threatening: the subject is at risk of death at the time of the event. It 
does not refer to an event that hypothetically might cause death if it were more 
severe. 
• Requires in-subject hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization; 
an AE associated with a hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization will not 
be regarded as an SAE if at least one of the following exceptions is met: 
- The admission results in a hospital stay of less than 12 hours. 
- The admission is pre-planned (i.e., elective or scheduled surgery arranged 
prior to the start of the study). 
- The admission is not associated with an AE (e.g., social hospitalization for 
purposes of respite care). 
However, it should be noted that invasive treatment during any hospitalization 
may fulfill the criterion of “medically important” and as such may be reportable 
as an SAE dependent on clinical judgment. In addition, where local regulatory 
authorities specifically require a more stringent definition, the local regulation 
takes precedence. 
• Results in persistent or significant disability/incapacity. Disability means a 
substantial disruption of a person’s ability to conduct normal life’s functions. 
• Results in a congenital anomaly/birth defect. 
• Is another medically important serious event as judged by the Investigator, or is 
defined as requiring intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed in the 
definition above (including suspected transmission of an infectious agent by a 
medicinal product should be reported as an SAE). Other examples of such events 
are intensive treatment in an emergency room or at home for allergic 
bronchospasm; blood dyscrasias or convulsions that do not result in 
hospitalization; or development of drug dependency or drug abuse. Any AE is 
considered an SAE if it is associated with clinical signs or symptoms judged by 
the Investigator to have a significant clinical impact. 
 
All serious infections should be reported as SAE. 
 
A treatment-emergent SAE is any SAE temporally associated with the use of study 
drug, whether considered related to the study drug or not.  
 
The Investigator or clinical site personnel should notify the CRO of all SAEs, 
regardless of relationship to the study drug, within 24 hours of clinical site 
personnel becoming aware of the event (see Investigator Site File).  
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 81/103 
The Investigator will provide the initial notification by faxing a completed “SAE 
Notification Form”, which must include the Investigator’s assessment of the 
relationship of the event to study drug, and must be signed by the Investigator.  
 
The first report of an SAE may also be made by telephone. The Reporter must 
provide the minimal information: i.e., reporter identification, study number, year of 
birth, medication code number, period of intake, nature of the AE, and relation to 
study drug. 
 
This report of an SAE by telephone must always be confirmed by a written, more 
detailed report (the SAE Form) to be completed and signed by the Investigator.  
 
Follow-up information, or new information regarding an ongoing SAE, must be 
provided promptly to the contacts provided in the Investigator Site File. 
 
The SAE should also be recorded in the (e)CRF. Any medications necessary for the 
treatment of the SAE must be recorded on the concomitant medication section of 
the (e)CRF. 
 
SAEs that begin after the subject’s participation in the study is complete, but that 
the Investigator considers to be related to study drug, should be reported to the 
CRO/Sponsor at any time. 
 
3.5.3. 
SUSPECTED UNEXPECTED SERIOUS 
ADVERSE REACTIONS (SUSAR) 
 
Unexpected adverse reactions are adverse reactions of which the nature or severity 
is not consistent with the applicable product information (as described in the 
Reference Safety Information, provided in the Investigator’s Brochure). 
 
The CRO will report expedited the following SUSARs to the IEC/IRB on behalf of the 
Sponsor: 
• SUSARs that have arisen in the current clinical study that was assessed by the 
IEC/IRB. 
• SUSARs that have arisen in other clinical studies of the same Sponsor and with 
the same study drug and that could have consequences for the safety of the 
subjects involved in the current clinical study that was assessed by the IEC/IRB. 
 
The CRO will report expedited all SUSARs to the relevant CA on behalf of the 
Sponsor. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 82/103 
The Sponsor (or CRO on behalf of the Sponsor) will also report to all concerned 
Investigators all SAEs that are unlisted (unexpected) and associated with the use of 
the drug. 
 
SUSARs that are already present in the European Medicines Agency Eudravigilance 
database do not have to be once again reported to the CA because they have direct 
access to the Eudravigilance database. 
 
The expedited reporting will occur no later than 15 calendar days after the Sponsor 
(or the CRO on behalf of the Sponsor) has first knowledge of the adverse reactions.  
 
For fatal or life-threatening cases the term will be maximal 7 calendar days for a 
preliminary report with another 8 days for completion of the report. 
 
3.5.4. 
REPORTING OF ADVERSE EVENTS 
 
AE reporting, including SUSARs, will be carried out in accordance with applicable 
local regulations. For reported deaths, the Investigator should supply the Sponsor 
and the IEC/IRB with any additional requested information (e.g., autopsy reports 
and terminal medical reports). 
 
After termination of the clinical study (last subject last visit in the study), any 
unexpected safety issue that changes the risks benefit analysis and is likely to have 
an impact on the subjects who have participated in it, will be reported by the 
Sponsor as soon as possible to the competent authority(ies) concerned together 
with proposed actions. 
 
3.5.5. 
FOLLOW-UP OF ADVERSE EVENTS 
 
AEs will be handled according to common clinical practice. If necessary, in order to 
obtain additional information to ensure safety to the subject, additional blood and 
urine samples may be taken at the discretion of the Investigator. Information 
relative to other means of investigational diagnostics used in relation to the AE will 
also be communicated. 
 
AEs are recorded from signing the ICF until completion of the subject’s last visit. 
TEAEs are recorded from the start of study drug administration, until the subject’s 
last visit.  
 
All AEs occurring at any time during the study (including the follow-up period) will 
be followed until satisfactory outcome.  
 
For subjects that are considered lost to follow-up, reasonable attempts must be 
made to obtain information on the final status of the subject. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 83/103 
3.5.6. 
OTHER REPORTABLE INFORMATION 
 
3.5.6.1. 
PREGNANCY 
 
The Investigator must report to the Sponsor any pregnancy occurring in a study 
subject, or in his partner, during the subject’s participation in this study and until 
6 months after last study drug dose. The report should be submitted within the 
same timelines as an SAE, although a pregnancy per se is not considered an SAE.  
 
For a study subject, the outcome of the pregnancy should be followed up carefully, 
and any abnormal outcome of the mother or the child should be reported. 
 
For the pregnancy of a study subject’s partner, all efforts should be made to obtain 
similar information on course and outcome. 
 
All pregnancies including study subjects and female partners should be reported 
using the pregnancy form. 
 
Note that as indicated in section 3.2.3.2, subjects who get pregnant during the 
study should be withdrawn from the study.   
 
3.5.6.2. 
MEDICATION ERROR 
 
Medication errors include, but are not limited to, the following: 
• Administration of the wrong dosage (including overdose) to the subject.  
• Administration of the study drug that has not been assigned to the subject. 
• Administration of expired study drug.  
• Administration by a route (e.g., i.m.) other than s.c. 
• Deviations to the study drug storage conditions only when administered to the 
subject. 
 
Medication errors with signs and symptoms need to be reported as an AE/SAE. 
 
Medication errors that occur during the study should be documented and reported 
to the Sponsor or designee whether or not it results in an AE/SAE.  
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 84/103 
3.6. STATISTICS 
 
3.6.1. 
STUDY POPULATIONS 
 
The following populations will be considered for analysis: 
• Intent-to-treat (ITT) Population: All randomized subjects. 
• Safety Population: All subjects who received at least 1 administration of study 
drug, as treated. 
• PK Population: consists of a subset of the Safety Population, for whom the 
primary PK data are considered to be sufficient and interpretable. 
• Per Protocol (PP) Population: consists of a subset of the ITT population, and 
excludes those subjects who have had a major protocol violation or deviation. All 
violations and deviations will be reviewed prior to database lock and classified as 
major or minor. 
 
Unless otherwise specified, the ITT Population will be used for the analysis of 
efficacy, the Safety Population for analysis of safety, PD, and immunogenicity data, 
while the PK Population will be used for analysis of the PK variables. 
 
3.6.2. 
STATISTICAL AND ANALYTICAL PLAN 
 
The statistical analysis plan (SAP), will be generated under responsibility of the 
Sponsor. The SAP will be finalized prior to the Week 24 database lock. Any 
deviation from the reporting and analysis plan will be reported in the section 
“Changes in the planned analysis” in the Clinical Study Report. 
 
Data analysis will start after all subjects completed the Week 24 Visit. Efficacy will 
be analyzed at the time of this Week 24 database lock only.  
 
Analysis of safety, PD, Modelling and Simulations, and immunogenicity will be 
initiated or repeated at the time of final database lock, i.e., after the last subject 
completed the Follow-up Visit (i.e., 12 weeks after the last dosing). Details of the 
data analyses will be specified in the SAP. 
 
3.6.3. 
INITIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 
SUBJECT SAMPLE 
 
The statistical evaluation will be descriptive and by treatment (including mean, 
standard deviation, median, maximum, and minimum) for continuous variables and 
counts and percentages for categorical variables. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 85/103 
3.6.4. 
EVALUATION OF EFFICACY 
PARAMETERS 
 
The primary endpoint is the reduction of signs and symptoms of RA evaluated by 
calculating the proportion of subjects achieving an ACR20 response at Week 12. 
 
The following efficacy analyses will be performed in addition to the primary 
analysis: 
• The proportion of subjects achieving an ACR response of 20, 50, and 70 over 
time will be summarized by treatment group. 
• ACR-N index of improvement over time will be summarized by treatment group. 
• The DAS28 (using CRP and ESR) score over time will be summarized by 
treatment group. 
• The proportion of subjects with EULAR response over time will be summarized by 
treatment group. 
• The change from baseline (absolute change) in disease activity over time will be 
summarized by treatment group. The following disease activity scores will be 
used: 
- DAS28 (CRP and ESR) 
- SDAI  
- CDAI 
• The proportion of subjects in remission over time will be summarized by 
treatment group and compared between the groups. The proportion of subjects 
who maintained in remission at consecutive time points; i.e., at Weeks 12, 16, 
20, 24 will be summarized by treatment group. 
The following disease remission definitions will be used: 
- DAS28 (ESR) < 2.6 
- SDAI ≤ 3.3 
- CDAI ≤ 2.8 
- Boolean: TJC ≤1, SJC ≤ 1, CRP ≤1 mg/dL, VASPA ≤1 (on a 0-10 scale) 
• The change from baseline (absolute change) in HAQ-DI over time will be 
summarized by treatment group. 
• The proportion of HAQ-DI responders (i.e., those who have a clinically 
meaningful improvement from baseline of ≥ 0.25 [absolute change] in HAQ-DI) 
over time will be summarized by treatment group.  
• The proportion of subjects with HAQ-DI ≤ 0.5, defining normal physical function, 
over time will be summarized by treatment group. 
• The proportion of subjects with HAQ-DI ≤ 0.5 (normal physical function) with or 
without remission (DAS28, SDAI, CDAI, and Boolean) at Week 24 will be 
summarized by treatment group. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 86/103 
• The changes from baseline (absolute change) in the physical and mental 
component scores of the SF-36 at Week 12 and at Week 24 will be summarized 
by treatment group. 
• The change from baseline (absolute change) in SF-36 scales at Week 12 and at 
Week 24 will be summarized by treatment group. 
• The change from baseline (absolute change) in FACIT-Fatigue at Week 12 and at 
Week 24 will be summarized by treatment group. 
• The duration of morning stiffness at Week 24 will be summarized by treatment 
group. 
 
Primary and secondary efficacy endpoints will be analyzed according to the ITT 
principle. Summary statistics for continuous efficacy endpoints include mean (and 
associated 95% confidence interval), standard deviation, median, minimum and 
maximum. For categorical efficacy endpoints frequency and proportion or 
percentage (together with 95% confidence interval) will be calculated. Analysis on 
the primary endpoint will be repeated for the PP population, as a sensitivity 
analysis. 
 
Subgroup analyses will be performed to evaluate consistency of the primary and 
secondary efficacy endpoints over covariates including demographics (including 
weight and region), baseline disease characteristics (including disease duration, RF 
category and anti-CCP category), baseline and prior medications, and site. 
 
Unless specified otherwise, non-responder imputation for missing binary efficacy 
endpoints will be applied, whereas missing continuous efficacy endpoints will be 
imputed by last observation carried forward.  
 
3.6.4.1. PRIMARY EFFICACY ENDPOINT 
 
Under the assumption of monotonicity, a trend test will be performed as primary 
efficacy analysis. For small deviations from monotonicity (comprised in standard 
variation on ACR20 response rate), the power of the trend test remains sufficiently 
high. For the descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) and trend test on the 
primary efficacy endpoint, data will be analyzed according to the ITT principle; 
thus, subjects will be analyzed according to the treatment to which they were 
assigned. Subjects with missing ACR20 response at Week 12 will be treated as non-
responders (non-responder imputation approach).  
 
Additionally, each dose group will be tested separately against placebo using a Chi² 
or Fisher exact test (or other test if deemed more relevant). The study is only 
powered for testing the trend of the primary endpoint. All other p-values are 
exploratory and no correction for multiple testing is foreseen. 
If ACR20 cannot be calculated at Week 12, such subjects will be considered to not 
have achieved an ACR20 response.  
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 87/103 
 
Subjects who meet any of the following treatment failure criteria will be considered 
nonresponder for the primary endpoint analysis: 
• Initiate 
treatment 
with 
DMARDs 
(other 
than 
MTX), 
systemic 
immunosuppressives, and/or biologics for RA prior to Week 12. 
• Increase dose of MTX above the baseline dose for RA prior to Week 12. 
• Initiate treatment with oral corticosteroids for RA, increase the dose of oral 
corticosteroids for RA above the baseline dose, or receive i.v. or i.m. 
administration of corticosteroids for RA prior to Week 12. 
• Treatment with intra-articular corticosteroids between Week 8 and Week 12. 
 
3.6.4.2. SECONDARY EFFICACY ENDPOINTS 
 
For secondary efficacy endpoint evaluation summary statistics will be calculated as 
appropriate over time and by treatment group.  
 
3.6.5. 
EVALUATION OF PHARMACOKINETIC 
PARAMETERS 
 
The procedures for obtaining ALX-0061 serum concentrations are found in 
section 3.4.3. 
 
Evaluation of Pharmacokinetics  
PK analysis will be performed on the PK population. 
 
Individual study drug concentrations will be listed. In addition a listing of the actual 
sampling times relative to the study drug administration times will be presented.  
 
Drug concentrations will be summarized by treatment group and scheduled 
sampling time.  
 
The descriptive statistics on drug concentrations will be performed under the 
responsibility of Ablynx NV. 
 
Pharmacokinetic Model 
ALX-0061 serum concentrations obtained from all subjects in the study will be 
pooled together with available data collected so far in previous studies. 
A population PK analysis will be conducted to describe the population mean and 
variability of ALX-0061 exposure in the study population based on pharmaco-
statistical nonlinear mixed effect models.  
 
PK Modelling will be performed under the responsibility of Ablynx NV. Results will be 
provided in a separate Modelling and Simulation report. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 88/103 
3.6.6. 
EVALUATION OF PHARMACODYNAMIC 
PARAMETERS 
 
All PD data will be summarized using descriptive statistics and will be listed and 
summarized in tabular and/or graphical form. Additional exploratory modelling 
(e.g., predictive analysis of specific biomarkers) may be performed. 
 
Exposure-response Model(s) 
An Exposure-Response analysis will be performed to determine the relationship 
between ALX-0061 serum exposure and PD and efficacy endpoints i.e., DAS28 and 
ACR20 using nonlinear mixed effects modelling.  
 
Details on the exposure-response modelling will be included in a separate Data 
Analysis Plan, and will be performed under the responsibility of Ablynx NV. Results 
of this analysis will be provided in a separate Modelling and Simulation report. 
 
3.6.7. 
EVALUATION OF SAFETY 
PARAMETERS 
 
The DSMB will evaluate the safety data periodically (see section 3.4.5). 
 
The following analyses will be performed to assess the safety of subjects in this 
study. 
• The incidence and type of AEs. 
• The incidence and type of SAEs. 
• The incidence and type of related AEs (including study drug injection-site 
reactions and hypersensitivity reactions). 
• The laboratory parameters and change from baseline in these laboratory 
parameters. 
• The incidence of antibodies to ALX-0061. 
 
All safety, PD and immunogenicity analyses will be performed using the Safety 
Population of all subjects who received at least 1 dose of study drug. Analyses will 
be performed using the treatment that the subject actually received.  
 
In addition, subgroup analyses will be performed to evaluate consistency of safety 
over covariates including demographics (including weight), and concomitant 
medication (including immunosuppressants and corticosteroids). 
 
AEs will be fully described and coded according to the Medical Dictionary for 
regulatory Activities. A treatment-emergent analysis of AEs will be done. Frequency 
of subjects presenting AEs, AEs leading to withdrawal, adverse drug reactions, and 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 89/103 
SAEs will be tabulated for each treatment group by system organ class and 
preferred term. 
 
For laboratory parameters, descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard 
deviation, minimum, and maximum) will be computed on the actual values and the 
change from baseline (absolute) for each parameter. All laboratory values will be 
categorized according to their normal ranges as below, within or above normal. A 
shift table versus baseline (including final value versus baseline and worst value 
versus baseline) will be created.  
 
Vital signs variables will be fully depicted using descriptive statistics (for actual 
values and changes from baseline) and shift tables according to their normal 
ranges. Screening ECG values will be assessed through listing of individual results 
by subject and summary tables. 
 
Abnormal findings in physical examinations will be listed. 
 
Immunogenicity will be assessed through listing of individual results by subject and 
summary tables. 
 
3.6.8. 
DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE 
 
Simulations were performed to evaluate the power for detecting a significant trend 
effect in the different ALX-0061 doses versus placebo. Assuming ACR20 response 
rates of 25%, 30%, 45%, 55%, and 55% for placebo, ALX-0061 75 mg q4w, 
ALX-0061 150 mg q4w, ALX-0061 150 mg q2w, and ALX-0061 225 mg q2w 
respectively, a sample size of 66 subjects per arm will provide more than 90% 
power using the Cochran Armitage test for trend at significance level of 0.05 
(2-sided). 
 
Drop-out rate is assumed to be low (i.e., between 5 and 15%) and considered 
equally distributed between subjects receiving placebo and ALX-0061. Subjects who 
drop-out are considered as non-responders (non-responder imputation approach). 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 90/103 
3.7. 
DATA QUALITY ASSURANCE 
AND DIRECT ACCESS TO 
SOURCE DATA/DOCUMENTS 
 
An audit may be conducted to evaluate systems, processes, and expertise for the 
subcontracted activities and to assess compliance with the contractual agreements, 
the 
protocol, 
applicable 
Standard 
Operating 
Procedures, 
and 
regulatory 
requirements. During or after the conduct of the study, process-related audits may 
be performed as well. When performed, an audit certificate will be provided in 
appendix of the final study report, outlining the audit performed.  
 
The clinical research facility will be monitored by the study monitor, to ensure 
correct performance of the study procedures and to assure that the study is 
conducted according to the relevant regulatory requirements. 
 
Regulatory authorities, the IEC/IRB, and/or the Sponsor representative may 
request access to all source documents, (e)CRFs and other study documentation for 
on-site audit or inspection. Direct access to these documents must be guaranteed 
by the Investigator, who must provide support at all times for these activities. 
 
Quality control principles will be applied throughout the performance of this study 
i.e., to collect full date of birth and subject initials is NOT allowed. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 91/103 
3.8. 
DATA PROTECTION 
 
During this clinical study, all clinical data will be identified only through an ID 
number in order to protect the rights of the subjects to privacy and to the 
protection of their personal data in accordance with the European Data Protection 
Directive 95/46/EC. Global principles and standards for Processing Personal Data 
and for meeting Data Transfer Obligations will be applied. If local requirements are 
more specific or expansive, Ablynx NV and subcontractors will abide to the 
strongest requirements. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 92/103 
4. ETHICS 
 
4.1. ETHICS COMMITTEES AND 
COMPETENT AUTHORITIES 
 
The Clinical Study Protocol(s) and the ICF(s) will be submitted for review and 
approval by the IEC/IRB prior to the eligibility screening. The composition of the 
IEC/IRB is in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO, the ICH E6 
Guideline for GCP, and the European Union Clinical Trial Directive (CTD) (Directive 
2001/20/EC).  
 
The Investigator will keep the IEC/IRB informed about the progress of the study. All 
changes in research activities and all unanticipated problems involving risks to 
human subjects will be immediately reported to the responsible persons. The study 
may be suspended pending further review by the IEC/IRB, unless suspension would 
jeopardize the subject’s health. The Investigator will take care that all subjects are 
kept informed.  
 
No substantial amendments will be made to the study without prior IEC/IRB 
approval and CA approval (if applicable according to local regulations), except when 
required to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to human subjects. 
 
Notification of the end of the study will be sent to the CA and to the IEC/IRB, within 
90 days after completion of follow-up for the last subject. In case the study has 
ended prematurely, the IEC/IRB and the CA will be notified within 15 days, 
including the reasons for the premature termination. A summary of the results of 
the study will be sent to the CA and the IEC/IRB within 1 year after the end of the 
study. 
 
4.2. ETHICAL CONDUCT OF THE 
STUDY 
 
This study will be conducted in compliance with the ICH Guidance for Industry E6 
GCP (including archiving of essential study documents), the Declaration of Helsinki, 
the applicable regulations of the country(ies) in which the study is conducted, and 
with the European Commission Directives 2001/20/EC and 2005/28/EC. 
 
ICH-adopted 
guidelines 
and 
other 
relevant 
international 
guidelines, 
recommendations, and requirements will be taken into account as comprehensively 
as possible, as long as they do not violate Local laws. 
 
The Investigator will be responsible for the care of the subjects throughout the 
study. If the Investigator is not present at the study site, he/she will leave 
instructions for the staff and a telephone number where he/she can be reached. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 93/103 
 In the event a subject refuses to follow the instructions of the Investigator, the 
latter is released from any legal responsibility. 
 
4.3. SUBJECT INFORMATION AND 
CONSENT 
 
Each subject must give written consent according to local requirements after the 
nature of the study has been fully explained. The consent form must be signed 
before performance of any study-related activity. The consent form that is used 
must be approved by both the Sponsor or designee and by the reviewing IEC/IRB. 
The informed consent should be in accordance with principles that originated in the 
Declaration of Helsinki, current ICH and GCP guidelines, applicable regulatory 
requirements, and Sponsor policy. 
 
Before undertaking any study-related procedure in the study, the Investigator or an 
authorized member of the investigational staff must explain to potential subjects 
the aims, methods, objectives, no intended clinical benefits, and potential hazards 
of the study, and any discomfort participation in the study may entail. Subjects will 
be informed that their participation is voluntary and that the subject may refuse to 
participate or withdraw from the study, at any time, without penalty or loss of 
benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled and that all data collected up to 
the point of withdrawal will be used and reported in an anonymous way. Finally, 
they will be told that the Investigator will maintain a subject identification register 
for the purposes of long-term follow-up if needed and that their records may be 
accessed 
by 
health 
authorities, 
authorized 
Sponsor 
staff, 
and 
Sponsor 
representative without violating the confidentiality of the subject, to the extent 
permitted by the applicable law(s) or regulations. By signing the ICF the subject is 
authorizing such access, and agrees to allow his study physician to recontact the 
subject for the purpose of obtaining consent for additional safety evaluations, if 
needed. 
 
The language used in the oral and written information about the study, including 
the ICF, should be as nontechnical as practical and should be understandable to the 
subject (i.e., lay terminology). The subject will be given sufficient time to read the 
ICF and given the opportunity to ask questions. After this explanation and before 
entry into the study, consent should be appropriately recorded by means of the 
subject's personally dated signature and by the Investigator (or an authorized 
person) who conducted the ICF discussion. After having obtained the consent, a 
copy of the signed ICF must be given to the subject. The original of the ICF will be 
retained by the Investigator in the “Investigator Site File”. 
  
In addition, insurance coverage provided during the study is explained. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 94/103 
4.4. PRIVACY 
 
The collection and processing of personal data from subjects enrolled in this study 
will be limited to those data that are necessary to investigate the safety, quality, 
and utility of the study drug(s) used in this study. 
 
These data must be collected and processed with adequate precautions to ensure 
confidentiality and compliance with applicable data privacy protection laws and 
regulations. Appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the 
personal data against unauthorized disclosures or access, accidental or unlawful 
destruction, or accidental loss or alteration must be put in place. Sponsor personnel 
whose responsibilities require access to personal data agree to keep the identity of 
study subjects confidential. Subjects will be identified by his/her assigned unique 
subject number or subject ID number and his/her date of birth (when allowed by 
local regulations). Personal data will only be collected and processed using these 
unique identification items. 
 
The informed consent obtained from the subject includes explicit consent for the 
processing of personal data and for the Investigator to allow direct access to his 
original medical records for study-related monitoring, audit, IEC/IRB review, and 
regulatory inspection. This consent also addresses the transfer of the data to other 
entities and to other countries. 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 95/103 
5. 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORD 
KEEPING  
 
5.1. DISTRIBUTION OF ACTIVITIES 
 
Contact details of the Sponsor and third parties are available in the “Investigator 
Site File”. 
 
5.2. DOCUMENTATION 
 
Study documentation required for study start (as specified in the ICH E6 Guideline 
for GCP (CPMP/ICH/135/95) shall be exchanged between Ablynx NV and CRO prior 
to the administration of study drug. 
 
5.2.1. 
CASE REPORT FORM COMPLETION 
 
Case report forms are provided for each subject (including screen failures).  
 
The Investigator will ensure that data are recorded on the (e)CRF as specified in 
the Clinical Study Protocol and in accordance with the instructions in the (e)CRF. 
The Investigator will ensure the accuracy, completeness, legibility, and timeliness 
of the data recorded in the (e)CRF, and of the provision of answers to data queries 
according to the Clinical Study Agreement. All (e)CRF entries, corrections, and 
alterations must be made by the Investigator or other authorized study-site 
personnel. The Investigator will sign the completed (e)CRF. A copy of the 
completed (e)CRF will be archived at the study site. 
 
5.2.2. 
SOURCE DOCUMENTATION 
 
At a minimum, source documentation must be available for the following: medical 
history, subject identification, eligibility, and study identification; date of informed 
consent; dates of visits; results of all efficacy evaluations; results of safety 
parameters as required by the protocol; record of all AEs; and follow-up of AEs; 
prior and concomitant medication; study drug receipt records; study drug 
administration information; any medical notes (original documents, data and 
records, e.g., laboratory data, ECG printouts); date of study completion, and 
reason for early discontinuation of study procedures or withdrawal from the study, 
if applicable. 
 
In addition, the author of an entry in the source documents should be identifiable. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 96/103 
At a minimum, the type and level of detail of source data available for a study 
subject should be consistent with that commonly recorded at the site as a basis for 
standard medical care (Patient’s Medical File). 
 
Following the ICH-GCP guidelines, direct access to source documentation (medical 
records) must be allowed. 
 
5.2.3. 
RECORD RETENTION 
 
In compliance with the ICH/GCP guidelines, the Investigator/Institution will 
maintain all (e)CRFs and all source documents that support the data collected from 
each subject, as well as all study documents as specified in ICH/GCP section 8, 
Essential Documents for the Conduct of a Clinical Study, and all study documents 
as 
specified 
by 
the 
applicable 
regulatory 
requirement(s). 
The 
Investigator/Institution will take measures to prevent accidental or premature 
destruction of these documents. 
 
Essential documents must be retained until at least 10 years after completion of the 
study, at least 2 years after the last approval of a marketing application in an ICH 
region, and until there are no pending or contemplated marketing applications in an 
ICH region or until at least 2 years have elapsed since the formal discontinuation of 
clinical development of the study drug. These documents will be retained for a 
longer period if required by the applicable regulatory requirements or by an 
agreement with the Sponsor. It is the responsibility of the Sponsor to inform the 
Investigator/Institution as to when these documents no longer need to be retained. 
The Sponsor will receive the original (e)CRFs and study-related documents. 
 
If the responsible Investigator retires, relocates, or for other reasons withdraws 
from the responsibility of keeping the study records, custody must be transferred to 
a person who will accept the responsibility. The Sponsor must be notified in writing 
of the name and address of the new custodian. Under no circumstance shall the 
Investigator relocate or dispose of any study documents before having obtained 
written approval from the Sponsor. 
 
The Investigator should take measures to prevent accidental or premature 
destruction of study documents.   
 
If it becomes necessary for the Sponsor or the appropriate regulatory authority to 
review any documentation relating to this study, the Investigator must permit 
access to such reports. 
 
The CRO is responsible for organizing and maintaining a clear documentation of the 
course of the study. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 97/103 
The Trial Master File maintained during the study by the responsible persons of CRO 
will be sent back to the Sponsor upon Sponsor approval. 
 
Patients medical files, consent forms, and identification codes if relevant, will be 
kept by the Investigator in his/her personal files during the timeframe specified in 
local regulations or until the Sponsor decides that these documents no longer need 
to be retained (CPMP/ICH/135/95 § 4.95). 
 
5.2.4. 
MONITORING 
 
The monitor will perform on-site monitoring visits as specified in a monitoring plan 
to ensure that all aspects of the protocol, contractual agreements, and regulatory 
requirements are followed and that subject’s human rights, safety, and well-being 
are protected. The monitor will record dates of monitoring in a study center visit log 
that will be kept at the site. At these visits, the monitor will perform source data 
verification and check the data entered into the (e)CRF for completeness and 
accuracy. The nature and location of all source documents will be identified to 
ensure that all sources of original data required to complete the (e)CRF are known 
to the Sponsor and investigational staff and are accessible for verification by the 
Sponsor site contact. If electronic records are maintained at the investigational site, 
the method of verification must be discussed with the investigational staff.  
 
Direct access to source documentation ([electronic] medical records) must be 
allowed at any time. Findings from this review of captured data will be discussed 
with the investigational staff. The Sponsor expects that, during on-site monitoring 
visits, the relevant investigational staff will be available, the source documentation 
will be accessible, and a suitable environment will be provided for review of study-
related documents. The monitor will meet with the Investigator on a regular basis 
during the study to provide feedback on the study conduct. The Investigator agrees 
to cooperate with the monitor to ensure that any problems detected in the course 
of these monitoring visits will be resolved. 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 98/103 
6. FINANCING AND INSURANCE 
 
Ablynx NV holds and will maintain an adequate insurance policy covering damages 
arising out of Ablynx-sponsored clinical research studies. 
 
Ablynx NV will indemnify the Investigator and hold him/her harmless for claims for 
damages arising out of the investigation in excess of those covered by his/her own 
professional liability insurance providing that the drug was administered under 
his/her or deputy’s supervision and in strict accordance with accepted medical 
practice and the study protocol. 
 
The Investigator must notify Ablynx NV immediately upon notice of any claims or 
lawsuits. 
 
Participants in this study are covered by an Insurance Policy. This insurance covers 
any damage as a result of death or injury caused by participation in the study. The 
damage is considered having become apparent after notice has been given to the 
insurance company.  
 
Any identified Investigator or subinvestigator directly involved in the treatment or 
evaluation of research subjects will disclose for the time period during which the 
Investigator is participating in the study and for 1 year following completion of the 
study that he/she entered a financial arrangement between the Sponsor and the 
Investigator. The Investigator should promptly update this information if any 
relevant changes occur during this period. 
 
The subjects will be compensated for reasonable expenses made related to the 
study such as travel costs to visit the study center for assessments related to the 
study.   
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 99/103 
7. USE OF INFORMATION AND 
PUBLICATION  
 
By signing this protocol, the Investigator reaffirms to the Sponsor that he or she 
will maintain in confidence all information furnished to him, or resulting from this 
study. He or she will only divulge such information as may be necessary to the IEC 
and the members of the staff and the subjects who are involved in this study.  
 
All data and records provided by the Sponsor or generated during the study (other 
than subject’s medical records) and all data and inventions covered in the course of 
conducting the study, whether patentable or not, are the sole and exclusive 
property of the Sponsor. 
 
The Investigator and all other study team members at any service provider 
involved will keep strictly confidential all information provided by the Sponsor 
related to this study and all data and records generated in the course of the study. 
They will not use the information, data, or records for any other purpose than 
conducting the study without prior written approval of the Sponsor. 
 
Publication of any results from this study will be according to the principles of the 
Declaration of Helsinki, in particular point 30, and will require prior review and 
written agreement of the Sponsor. 
  
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 100/103 
8. REFERENCES 
 
 
1. 
Emery, P., New biologic for treating rheumatoid arthritis: clinical trial 
experience with tocilizumab. Int J Clin Rheum, 2010. 5(1): p. 17-24. 
2. 
Firestein GS, et al., Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology Elsevier, 8th edition, 
pg 1119-1143, 2009. 
3. 
Smolen, J.S., et al., EULAR recommendations for the management of 
rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying anti-
rheumatic drugs: 2013 update. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 2014. 
73(3): p. 492-509. 
4. 
Hetland, M.L., et al., Do changes in prescription practice in patients with 
rheumatoid arthritis treated with biological agents affect treatment response 
and adherence to therapy? Results from the nationwide Danish DANBIO 
Registry. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 2008. 67(7): p. 1023-6. 
5. 
Jones, S.A., J. Scheller, and S. Rose-John, Therapeutic strategies for the 
clinical blockade of IL-6/gp130 signaling. The Journal of clinical investigation, 
2011. 121(9): p. 3375-83. 
6. 
Waetzig, G.H. and S. Rose-John, Hitting a complex target: an update on 
interleukin-6 trans-signalling. Expert opinion on therapeutic targets, 2012. 
16(2): p. 225-36. 
7. 
Taga, T. and T. Kishimoto, Gp130 and the interleukin-6 family of cytokines. 
Annual review of immunology, 1997. 15: p. 797-819. 
8. 
Kishimoto, T., Interleukin-6: discovery of a pleiotropic cytokine. Arthritis 
research & therapy, 2006. 8 Suppl 2: p. S2. 
9. 
Ferraccioli, G., et al., Interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 in arthritis animal 
models: roles in the early phase of transition from acute to chronic 
inflammation and relevance for human rheumatoid arthritis. Molecular 
medicine, 2010. 16(11-12): p. 552-7. 
10. Mimata, Y., et al., Interleukin-6 upregulates expression of ADAMTS-4 in 
fibroblast-like 
synoviocytes 
from 
patients 
with 
rheumatoid 
arthritis. 
International journal of rheumatic diseases, 2012. 15(1): p. 36-44. 
11. Uchiyama, Y., et al., Tocilizumab, a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor 
antibody, ameliorates joint swelling in established monkey collagen-induced 
arthritis. Biol.Pharm.Bull., 2008. 31(6): p. 1159-1163. 
12. Dayer, J.M. and E. Choy, Therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis: the 
interleukin-6 receptor. Rheumatology, 2010. 49(1): p. 15-24. 
13. Hashizume, M. and M. Mihara, The roles of interleukin-6 in the pathogenesis 
of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis, 2011. 2011: p. 765624. 
14. Dennis, M.S., et al., Albumin binding as a general strategy for improving the 
pharmacokinetics of proteins. J.Biol.Chem., 2002. 277(38): p. 35035-35043. 
15. Lang, V.R., et al., Risk of infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated 
with tocilizumab. Rheumatology, 2012. 51(5): p. 852-7. 
16. Edwards, C.J., IL-6 inhibition and infection: treating patients with tocilizumab. 
Rheumatology, 2012. 51(5): p. 769-70. 
17. Kishimoto, T., IL-6: from its discovery to clinical applications. International 
immunology, 2010. 22(5): p. 347-52. 
18. Gruys, E., et al., Acute phase reaction and acute phase proteins. Journal of 
Zhejiang University. Science. B, 2005. 6(11): p. 1045-56. 
19. Gibiansky, L. and N. Frey, Linking interleukin-6 receptor blockade with 
tocilizumab and its hematological effects using a modeling approach. Journal 
of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, 2012. 39(1): p. 5-16. 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 101/103 
20. Hennigan, S. and A. Kavanaugh, Interleukin-6 inhibitors in the treatment of 
rheumatoid arthritis. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 2008. 4(4): 
p. 767-75. 
21. Curtis, J.R., et al., Factors associated with gastrointestinal perforation in a 
cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis care & research, 2012. 
64(12): p. 1819-28. 
22. Shankar, G., C. Pendley, and K.E. Stein, A risk-based bioanalytical strategy for 
the assessment of antibody immune responses against biological drugs. 
Nature biotechnology, 2007. 25(5): p. 555-61. 
23. Fries, J.F., et al., Measurement of patient outcome in arthritis. Arthritis and 
rheumatism, 1980. 23(2): p. 137-45. 
24. Bathon, J.M., et al., A comparison of etanercept and methotrexate in patients 
with early rheumatoid arthritis. The New England journal of medicine, 2000. 
343(22): p. 1586-93. 
25. Siegel, J.N. and B.G. Zhen, Use of the American College of Rheumatology N 
(ACR-N) index of improvement in rheumatoid arthritis: argument in favor. 
Arthritis and rheumatism, 2005. 52(6): p. 1637-41. 
26. Prevoo, M.L., et al., Modified disease activity scores that include twenty-eight-
joint counts. Development and validation in a prospective longitudinal study of 
patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis and rheumatism, 1995. 38(1): p. 
44-8. 
27. Fransen, J. and P.L. van Riel, The Disease Activity Score and the EULAR 
response criteria. Clinical and experimental rheumatology, 2005. 23(5 Suppl 
39): p. S93-9. 
28. van Leeuwen, M.A. and M.H. van Rijswijk, Acute phase proteins in the 
monitoring of inflammatory disorders. Bailliere's clinical rheumatology, 1994. 
8(3): p. 531-52. 
29. Wells, G., et al., Validation of the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and 
European League Against Rheumatism response criteria based on C-reactive 
protein against disease progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 
comparison with the DAS28 based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Annals 
of the rheumatic diseases, 2009. 68(6): p. 954-60. 
30. Felson, D.T., et al., American College of Rheumatology/European League 
against Rheumatism provisional definition of remission in rheumatoid arthritis 
for clinical trials. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 2011. 70(3): p. 404-13. 
31. Aletaha, D. and J.S. Smolen, The Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and 
Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) to monitor patients in standard clinical 
care. Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology, 2007. 21(4): p. 663-75. 
 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 102/103 
9. APPENDIX: TENDER AND 
SWOLLEN JOINT COUNT 
 
Tender and swollen joint count (TJC 68/ SJC 66) 
 
Joint 
Patient Right 
Patient Left 
 
 
Tender 
Swollen 
Tender 
Swollen 
1 
TMJ 
 
 
 
 
2 
SC 
 
 
 
 
3 
AC 
 
 
 
 
4 
Shoulder 
 
 
 
 
5 
Elbow 
 
 
 
 
6 
Wrist 
 
 
 
 
7 
MCP I 
 
 
 
 
8 
MCP II 
 
 
 
 
9 
MCP III 
 
 
 
 
10 
MCP IV 
 
 
 
 
11 
MCP V 
 
 
 
 
12 
Thumb Interphalangeal 
 
 
 
 
13 
PIP II 
 
 
 
 
14 
PIP III 
 
 
 
 
15 
PIP IV 
 
 
 
 
16 
PIP V 
 
 
 
 
17 
DIP II 
 
 
 
 
18 
DIP III 
 
 
 
 
19 
DIP IV 
 
 
 
 
20 
DIP V 
 
 
 
 
21 
Hip 
 
N.A. 
 
N.A. 
22 
Knee 
 
 
 
 
23 
Ankle 
 
 
 
 
24 
Subtalar / tarsus 
 
 
 
 
25 
MTP I 
 
 
 
 
26 
MTP II 
 
 
 
 
27 
MTP III 
 
 
 
 
28 
MTP IV 
 
 
 
 
29 
MTP V 
 
 
 
 
30 
IP I 
 
 
 
 
31 
IP II 
 
 
 
 
32 
IP III 
 
 
 
 
33 
IP IV 
 
 
 
 
34 
IP V 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL (ACR) 
 
 
 
 
 
ACR TOTAL Tender Joint Count (for 68 joints): 
 
ACR TOTAL Swollen Joint Count (for 66 joints): 
 
TOTAL (for DAS28 score –  
shaded joints only ) 
 
 
 
 
 
DAS28 TOTAL Tender Joint Count (for 28 joints): 
 
DAS28 TOTAL Swollen Joint Count (for 28 joints): 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Ablynx NV 
Clinical Study Protocol ALX0061-C201 
 
 
Final version 2.0 
 
July 9, 2015 
CONFIDENTIAL 
Page 103/103 
AC=acriomioclavicular; ACR=American College of Rheumatology; DAS28=Disease Activity Score using 
28 
joint 
counts; 
DIP=distal 
intraphalangeal; 
IP=interphalangeal; 
MCP=metacarpophalangeal; 
MTP=metatarsophalangeal; 
PIP=proximal 
interphalangeal; 
TMJ=temporal 
mandibular 
joint; 
SC=sternoclavicular; SJC=swollen joint count; TJC=tender joint count 
 
 
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015


Signature Page 
This is a representation of an electronic record that was signed electronically in Livelink. 
This page is the manifestation of the electronic signature(s) used in compliance with the organizations 
electronic signature policies and procedures. 
 
Date: Friday, 17 July 2015, 16:19   Romance Daylight Time 
Meaning: Approved 
================================================
Document ID: 25_A0006_14_0136          ADMS Version Number: 2.0          Printing Date: 17/Jul/2015