Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Hydroxychloroquine

STUDY BASICS

Do you suffer from mild to moderate hidradenitis suppurativa (a skin condition that causes painful, recurring boils in the armpits and groin)? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to find out if a drug called hydroxychloroquine is a reasonable treatment for the disease.

STUDY PURPOSE

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes painful, recurring lumps on the skin that look like pimples or boils. HS is an under-recognized disease that significantly impacts a person’s quality of life and sometimes leads to chronic wounds and disability. The cause of HS is not known, and standard treatments are not always effective. The purpose of this study is to help researchers find out if hydroxychloroquine—a medication that has been safely used to treat a variety of diseases—is a reasonable treatment for HS patients. Hydroxychloroquine is FDA-approved to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria, but it is not FDA-approved to treat HS.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18 and up
• Diagnosed with mild-to-moderate hidradenitis suppurativa
• If female, not pregnant or trying to get pregnant

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

After having screening tests to check blood counts and liver and kidney function, eligible participants will be asked to take a 200 mg hydroxychloroquine pill twice a day for 6 months. During this time, participants will also answer questionnaires and be evaluated for any side effects by telephone at 1 month, and then during in-person follow-up appointments at 3 and 6 months. You will also need to have a baseline eye exam within the first year of treatment. For participants who agree, there is an optional research blood draw at the beginning of the study and after 6 months of study treatment. Your time in this study is expected to last no longer than 13 months (including follow up telephone calls).