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A Two Part Study (306A/306B) to Assess Droxidopa in Treatment of NOH in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Phase 3
Completed
Conditions
Orthostatic Hypotension
Parkinson's Disease
Interventions
Other: Placebo
Registration Number
NCT01176240
Lead Sponsor
Chelsea Therapeutics
Brief Summary

This is a study to evaluate the effects of an investigational drug, Droxidopa, in participants with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH), associated with Parkinson's disease. Droxidopa is being studied to determine the effects on blood pressure changes upon standing up (orthostatic challenge). Symptoms and activity measurements, including patient reported falls, will be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the study drug.

Symptoms of NOH may include any of the following:

* Dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint or feeling like you may blackout

* Problems with vision (blurring, seeing spots, tunnel vision, etc.)

* Weakness

* Fatigue

* Trouble concentrating

* Head \& neck discomfort (the coat hanger syndrome)

* Difficulty standing for a short time or a long time

* Trouble walking for a short time or a long time

The study duration is a maximum of approximately 14 weeks including up to 2 weeks for screening, up to 2 weeks for proper dose finding, followed by an 8 week treatment period and a follow-up visit after 2 weeks. A sufficient number of patients will be screened to allow approximately 211 randomized patients. An extension study is also available to continue treatment if determined appropriate by the study doctor. This Study is NCT01132326 sponsored by Chelsea Therapeutics and is enrolling by invitation only.

Detailed Description

Systolic blood pressure is transiently and minimally decreased in healthy individuals upon standing. Normal physiologic feedback mechanisms work through neurally-mediated pathways to maintain the standing blood pressure, and thus maintain adequate cerebral perfusion. The compensatory mechanisms that regulate blood pressure upon standing are dysfunctional in subjects with orthostatic hypotension (OH), a condition that may lead to inadequate cerebral perfusion with accompanying symptoms of syncope, dizziness or lightheadedness, unsteadiness and blurred or impaired vision, among other symptoms.

Orthostatic hypotension may be a severely disabling condition which can seriously interfere with the quality of life of afflicted subjects. Currently available therapeutic options provide some symptomatic relief in a subset of subjects, but are relatively ineffective and are often accompanied by severe side effects that limit their usefulness. Support garments (tight-fitting leotard) may prove useful in some subjects, but is difficult to don without family or nursing assistance, especially for older subjects. Midodrine, fludrocortisone, methylphenidate, ephedrine, indomethacin and dihydroergotamine are among some of the pharmacological interventions that have been used to treat orthostatic hypotension, although only midodrine is specifically approved for this indication. The limitations of these currently available therapeutic options, and the incapacitating nature and often progressive downhill course of disease, point to the need for an improved therapeutic alternative.

Symptomatic OH in patients with Parkinson's disease is thought to be a consequence of norepinephrine depletion leading to low systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cerebral-hypoperfusion (reduced blood flow to the brain). Therapy with droxidopa results in increased levels of norepinephrine which should lead to improved SBP and cerebral perfusion thereby reducing the signs and symptoms of NOH. The present study will evaluate the clinical benefit in NOH patients with PD treated with droxidopa compared to those treated with placebo.

Participation in the study will last a maximum of 14 weeks consisting of a 2 week (maximum) screening/baseline period; a 2 week (maximum) double-blind dose titration; an 8 week double-blind placebo-controlled treatment period; and a 2 week follow-up period. An extension study is also available to continue treatment if determined appropriate by the study doctor. This Study is NCT01132326 sponsored by Chelsea Therapeutics and is enrolling by invitation only.

Droxidopa:

Droxidopa \[also, known as L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine, L-threo-DOPS, or L-DOPS\] is the International non-proprietary name (INN) for a synthetic amino acid precursor of norepinephrine (NE), which was originally developed by Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Limited, Japan. It has been approved for use in Japan since 1989. Droxidopa has been shown to improve symptoms of orthostatic hypotension that result from a variety of conditions including Shy Drager syndrome (Multiple System Atrophy), Pure Autonomic Failure, and Parkinson's disease. There are four stereoisomers of DOPS; however, only the L-threo-enantiomer (droxidopa) is biologically active. Stereoisomers and enantiomers are compounds that have the same chemical elements; however, they may react differently as the elements are positioned in different locations.

The exact mechanism of action of droxidopa in the treatment of symptomatic NOH has not been precisely defined; however, its NE replenishing properties with concomitant recovery of decreased noradrenergic activity are considered to be of major importance.

Droxidopa has been marketed in Japan since 1989. Data from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance programs conducted in Japan show that the most commonly reported adverse drug reactions with droxidopa are increased blood pressure, nausea, and headache. In clinical studies, the prevalence and severity of droxidopa adverse effects appear to be similar to those reported by the placebo control arm.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
225
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria
  1. Score of 23 or lower on the mini-mental state examination (MMSE)

  2. Concomitant use of vasoconstricting agents for the purpose of increasing blood pressure;

    • Patients taking vasoconstricting agents such as ephedrine, dihydroergotamine, or midodrine must stop taking these drugs at least 2 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to their baseline visit (Visit 2) and throughout the duration of the study
  3. Concomitant use of anti-hypertensive medication for the treatment of essential hypertension

  4. Have changed dose, frequency or type of prescribed medication, within two weeks of baseline visit (Visit 2) with the following exceptions:

    • Vasoconstricting agents such a ephedrine, dihydroergotamine, or midodrine
    • Short courses (less than 2 weeks) of medications or treatments that do not interfere with, or exacerbate the patient's condition under study (e.g. antibiotics)
  5. Known or suspected alcohol or substance abuse within the past 12 months (DSM-IV definition of alcohol or substance abuse)

  6. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

  7. Women of child bearing potential (WOCP) who are not using at least one method of contraception with their partner

  8. Male patients who are sexually active with a woman of child bearing potential (WOCP) and not using at least one method of contraception

  9. Untreated closed angle glaucoma, or treated closed angle glaucoma that, in the opinion of an ophthalmologist, might result in an increased risk to the patient

  10. Sustained severe hypertension (BP ≥ 180 mmHg systolic or ≥ 110 mmHg diastolic in the seated or supine position which is observed in 3 consecutive measurements over an hour)

  11. Any significant uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia

  12. History of myocardial infarction, within the past 2 years

  13. Current unstable angina

  14. Congestive heart failure (NYHA Class 3 or 4)

  15. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy

  16. History of cancer within the past 2 years other than a successfully treated, non-metastatic cutaneous squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma or cervical cancer in situ

  17. Gastrointestinal condition, which in the Investigator's judgment, may affect the absorption of study drug (e.g. ulcerative colitis, gastric bypass)

  18. Any major surgical procedure within 30 days of the baseline visit (Visit 2)

  19. Previously treated with droxidopa

  20. Currently receiving any investigational drug or have received an investigational drug within 30 days of the baseline visit (Visit 2)

  21. Any condition or laboratory test result, which in the Investigator's judgment, might result in an increased risk to the patient, or would affect their participation in the study. Additionally the Investigator has the ability to exclude a patient if for any reason they feel the subject is not a good candidate for the study or will not be able to follow study procedures.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PlaceboPlaceboPlacebo matched control
DroxidopaDroxidopadroxidopa active drug
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
306A Efficacy: Change in Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire Score (OHQ)Baseline, Week 8

The primary efficacy endpoint for 306A is the relative mean change in Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ) composite score from baseline to end of study. The OHQ is the average of two sub-scales, the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Scale (OHSA) and the Orthostatic Hypotension Daily Activities Scale (OHDAS). Each asks the patient to rate their symptoms or disease impact over the past week. The OHSA sub-scale is the average of six items: 1) Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint or feeling like you might black out; 2) Problems with vision; 3) Weakness; 4) Fatigue; 5) Trouble concentrating; and 6) Head/neck discomfort. The OHDAS sub-scale is the average of four items: 1) Standing for a short time; 2) Standing for a long time; 3) Walking for a short time; and 4) Walking for a long time. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe.

For the change from baseline, negative numbers represent improvement from baseline in OHQ score.

306B Efficacy: Change in Dizziness/Lightheadedness/Feeling Faint/Feeling Like You Might Black Out (OHSA Item 1)Baseline, Week1

OHSA item 1 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at Week 1 minus score at baseline. A negative score indicates an improvement in symptoms during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at baseline.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
306B Efficacy: Change in OHSA Item 1 From Baseline to Week 2 (Visit 5)Baseline, Week2

OHSA item 1 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at Week 2 minus score at baseline. A negative score indicates an improvement in symptoms during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at baseline.

306B Efficacy: Change in OHSA Item 1 From Baseline to Week 4 (Visit 6)Baseline, Week4

OHSA item 1 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at Week 4 minus score at baseline. A negative score indicates an improvement in symptoms during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at baseline.

306B Efficacy: Change in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Measurements Post Standing From Baseline to Week 1Baseline, Week 1

Measure: Lowest standing systolic blood pressure reading of immediately post standing and 3 minutes post standing. Change: standing systolic blood pressure at Week 1 (Visit 4) minus standing systolic blood pressure at baseline. A positive score indicates an improvement in standing systolic blood pressure during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at baseline.

306B Efficacy: Change in OHSA Item 1 From Baseline to Week 8 (Visit 7)Baseline, Week 8

OHSA item 1 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at Week 8 minus score at baseline. A negative score indicates an improvement in symptoms during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at baseline.

306B Efficacy: Rate of Patient Reported Fallsup to 10 weeks

The average number of patient reported falls per week.

306B Efficacy: Change in Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire Score (OHQ)Baseline, Week 8

The relative mean change in Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ) composite score from baseline to end of study. The OHQ is the average of two sub-scales, the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Scale (OHSA) and the Orthostatic Hypotension Daily Activities Scale (OHDAS). Each asks the patient to rate their symptoms or disease impact over the past week. The OHSA sub-scale is the average of six items: 1) Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint or feeling like you might black out; 2) Problems with vision; 3) Weakness; 4) Fatigue; 5) Trouble concentrating; and 6) Head/neck discomfort. The OHDAS sub-scale is the average of four items: 1) Standing for a short time; 2) Standing for a long time; 3) Walking for a short time; and 4) Walking for a long time. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe.

For the change from baseline, negative numbers represent improvement from baseline in OHQ score.

Trial Locations

Locations (60)

Northwest Neuro Specialists P.L.L.C.

🇺🇸

Tucson, Arizona, United States

Hartford Hospital

🇺🇸

Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Eastern Connecticut Neurology Specialists

🇺🇸

Manchester, Connecticut, United States

Shore Neurology

🇺🇸

Toms River, New Jersey, United States

Caring Clinical Research Incorporated

🇺🇸

Laguna Hills, California, United States

Sentara Neurology Specialists

🇺🇸

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

Center for Neurosciences

🇺🇸

Tucson, Arizona, United States

Neurosearch II, Inc.

🇺🇸

Ventura, California, United States

Alliance Clinical Research, LLC

🇺🇸

Poway, California, United States

Neurosearch, Inc.

🇺🇸

Reseda, California, United States

Neurological Physicians of Arizona

🇺🇸

Gilbert, Arizona, United States

David L. Kreitzman, M.D., PC

🇺🇸

Commack, New York, United States

Kingston Neurological Associates

🇺🇸

Kingston, New York, United States

Premiere Research Institute

🇺🇸

West Palm Beach, Florida, United States

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

🇺🇸

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Northern Michigan Neurology

🇺🇸

Traverse City, Michigan, United States

Gulf Coast Neurology Center, PLLC

🇺🇸

Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States

Beth Israel Medical Center

🇺🇸

New York, New York, United States

UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

🇺🇸

Dallas, Texas, United States

Neurological Associates, Inc.

🇺🇸

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Precise Clinical Research

🇺🇸

Topeka, Kansas, United States

Xenoscience

🇺🇸

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Tampa General University of South Florida

🇺🇸

Tampa, Florida, United States

Neurology Neurodiagnostic Lab

🇺🇸

Alabaster, Alabama, United States

Barrow Neurology Clinic

🇺🇸

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Banner Health

🇺🇸

Sun City, Arizona, United States

Hoag Memorial Hospital, Presbyterian

🇺🇸

Newport Beach, California, United States

Neurosearch - Pasadena

🇺🇸

Pasadena, California, United States

Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorder Disoder

🇺🇸

Boca Raton, Florida, United States

Associated Neurologist of Southern Connecticut, PC

🇺🇸

Fairfield, Connecticut, United States

Neurostudies Inc.

🇺🇸

Port Charlotte, Florida, United States

Pharmax Research Clinic, LLC

🇺🇸

Miami, Florida, United States

Neurology Associates of Ormond Beach

🇺🇸

Ormond Beach, Florida, United States

Parkinson's Disease Treatment Center of Southwest Florida

🇺🇸

Port Charlotte, Florida, United States

Lovelace Scientific Research

🇺🇸

Sarasota, Florida, United States

Prism Research Group

🇺🇸

Rome, Georgia, United States

Vero Neurology

🇺🇸

Vero Beach, Florida, United States

Alexian Brothers Hospital Network

🇺🇸

Elk Grove Village, Illinois, United States

North Oaks Health System

🇺🇸

Hammond, Louisiana, United States

Detroit Clinical Research Center

🇺🇸

Novi, Michigan, United States

Wellness and Research Center

🇺🇸

Belvidere, New Jersey, United States

University of Nevada School of Medicine

🇺🇸

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

AdvanceMed Research

🇺🇸

Lawrenceville, New Jersey, United States

Upstate Clinical Research, LLC

🇺🇸

Albany, New York, United States

Parker Jewish Institute For Health Care and Rehabilitation Foundation

🇺🇸

New Hyde Park, New York, United States

Asheville Neurology Specialists, PA

🇺🇸

Asheville, North Carolina, United States

New York University

🇺🇸

New York, New York, United States

Neurological Care of CNY

🇺🇸

Syracuse, New York, United States

Guilford Neurologic Associates

🇺🇸

Greensboro, North Carolina, United States

Ohio State University Medical Center

🇺🇸

Columbus, Ohio, United States

Community Research

🇺🇸

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Movement Disorder Clinic of Oklahoma PLLC

🇺🇸

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

University of Toledo

🇺🇸

Toledo, Ohio, United States

Clinical Trials Research Services LLC

🇺🇸

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Ilumina Clinical Associates

🇺🇸

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, United States

JM Neuroscience Research

🇺🇸

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Emory University

🇺🇸

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Neurology Specialists of Decatur Research Center

🇺🇸

Decatur, Georgia, United States

Clinical Trials of America Inc

🇺🇸

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

Neurology Consultants Medical Group

🇺🇸

Whittier, California, United States

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