🩸 Updated March 2026

Vasculitis
Clinical Trials

Trials for ANCA-associated vasculitis, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, and other vasculitides are actively recruiting. Many offer access to steroid-sparing therapies years before FDA approval. Search below for studies near you.

150+
Vasculitis trials currently recruiting
$0
Cost to participants in most trials
GCA
Giant cell arteritis trials very active
Live from ClinicalTrials.gov
Find Vasculitis Trials Near You

Who Is Eligible for Vasculitis Clinical Trials?

Vasculitis trials span several distinct diseases, each with separate eligibility criteria. ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) trials — covering GPA, MPA, and EGPA — typically require a confirmed diagnosis per 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria and active disease defined by a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) above a threshold. GCA trials require biopsy or imaging confirmation and active disease or steroid-dependence. Many vasculitis trials recruit specifically for remission maintenance — patients who have achieved induction remission but need long-term therapy to stay in remission.

What Treatments Are Being Tested?

Drug ClassHow It WorksWho It Is For
Avacopan (complement C5aR inhibitor) FDA-approved for ANCA vasculitis — new trials testing in maintenance and combination GPA/MPA, steroid-sparing protocols
CD20 depletors (new generation) Next-gen anti-CD20 agents for AAV remission induction and maintenance Active GPA/MPA, PR3+ patients
IL-6 inhibitors Block IL-6 driving GCA inflammation — tocilizumab already approved, new agents in trials GCA and TAK, steroid-dependent disease
IL-12/23 inhibitors Emerging data in EGPA and eosinophilic vasculitis EGPA with eosinophilic involvement
JAK inhibitors Oral agents for GCA and TAK — potentially replacing or reducing steroids GCA and TAK, steroid-sparing

What to Expect as a Trial Participant

Vasculitis trials vary by disease type. AAV trials use BVAS to measure activity. GCA trials use symptom scores and imaging (PET/CT or MRI). Most aim for steroid-sparing as a key endpoint alongside disease control.

Related Tool
2022 ACR/EULAR GPA Classification Calculator
Check whether your symptoms and labs meet the formal criteria for GPA — the same criteria used in most ANCA vasculitis trials for enrollment confirmation.
Open Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility depends on the specific vasculitis type. AAV trials (GPA, MPA, EGPA) require confirmed diagnosis per 2022 ACR/EULAR criteria and active disease by BVAS. GCA trials require biopsy or imaging confirmation. Many trials recruit patients in both active disease and remission-maintenance phases. The trial coordinator will determine eligibility at screening.
Yes. GCA is one of the most actively researched vasculitides. Trials are testing IL-6 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and other steroid-sparing agents. Many specifically recruit steroid-dependent patients — those who flare when steroids are tapered. These trials offer a path off steroids for patients who have struggled with long-term prednisone side effects.
Not always. Many trials recruit patients in remission who need maintenance therapy. Remission-maintenance trials are designed to prevent relapse in patients who have already responded to induction. Both active disease and remission cohorts are important in vasculitis research.
Yes. Mepolizumab is already approved for EGPA, and trials are testing other anti-eosinophil agents and combination approaches. EGPA trials require confirmed diagnosis and typically active disease with eosinophilia.
Phase 3 vasculitis trials have completed earlier safety phases. For severe vasculitis, trials often provide access to treatments not yet available outside of research settings. Standard-of-care induction therapy is often continued during trials. All require IRB approval and FDA oversight.
Trials for Takayasu arteritis are actively recruiting, particularly for IL-6 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors as steroid-sparing options. PAN trials are less common due to the rarity of the disease but do exist. Search above using the specific disease name for the most current results.

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Trial data sourced live from ClinicalTrials.gov. Content reviewed by Mahiar Rabie, MS, MD. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Eligibility for any specific trial must be confirmed with the trial coordinator.