MedPath

Study of DHT-Gel to Treat the Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men 55-80

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
Late Onset Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism
Low Testosterone
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT00163566
Lead Sponsor
ASCEND Therapeutics
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether DHT-Gel, when applied daily to the skin, can relieve the symptoms of low testosterone in men aged 55-80. These symptoms include reduced muscle strength, increase fat mass, low libido, feeling blue or moody

Detailed Description

Background - In the context of hypogonadism, androgen supplementation is clearly beneficial, particularly in younger males. The benefits of therapy in men with milder degrees of hypogonadism, and elderly males with testosterone deficiency, are less clear-cut. Several options are available for androgen replacement in adult men. Oral testosterone, intramuscular injections, subcutaneous implants and transdermal therapy have all been used. Each mode of delivery has advantages and drawbacks. Several alkylated derivatives of T are available for oral or sublingual use, including methyl testosterone and fluoxymesterone. However, they are not recommended for use as replacement therapy because of their associated adverse effects.

Study Design - This is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, randomized study of DHT-Gel versus placebo gel in male subjects ages 55-80 years inclusive with low serum testosterone and symptoms compatible with the clinical diagnosis of hypogonadism. Total enrollment for this study will be approximately 120 subjects (40 subjects for each treatment group). Subjects will be treated with 35 mg/day DHT, 70 mg/day DHT, or placebo gel for 6 months. All subjects will apply the gel once daily. Up to 9 months of study participation, including up to 2 months of screening and a 1-month follow-up period, will be required by the protocol.

The primary efficacy endpoint in this study is change in body composition as determined by DEXA scan. Secondary endpoints in this study include change in sexual libido, and overall function and mood, and normalization of serum androgen levels. A subset of sites will perform strength assessments, which will include handgrip dynamometry, and upper and lower body strength tests.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
128
Inclusion Criteria
  • Men aged 55-80 Serum Testosterone < 275 Symptoms of Hypogonadism as determined by AMS scale In good overall health
Exclusion Criteria
  • Abnormal Prostate Exam for age Prostate or Breast Cancer Significant illness Weight >300lbs Generalized skin disease Unstable sleep apnea

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
0.7% DHT gel, Dose 2Dihydrotestosterone (0.7%) in hydroalcoholic gel0.7% DHT gel twice per day, 70 mg/day
Placebo gelDihydrotestosterone (0.7%) in hydroalcoholic gelPlacebo gel twice per day
0.7% DHT gel, Dose 1Dihydrotestosterone (0.7%) in hydroalcoholic gel0.7% DHT gel twice per day, 35 mg/day
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Body Composition
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in sexual libido, and overall function and mood
Normalization of serum androgen levels

Trial Locations

Locations (16)

Pensacola Research Consultants

🇺🇸

Pensacola, Florida, United States

Bethesda Health Research

🇺🇸

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Genesis Research Consultants

🇺🇸

Longwood, Florida, United States

Oregon Health Sciences Center

🇺🇸

Portland, Oregon, United States

VA Medical Center

🇺🇸

Houston, Texas, United States

Harbor UCLA Medical Reserach and Education Institute

🇺🇸

Torrance, California, United States

North Indiana Research

🇺🇸

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

Johns Hopkins University

🇺🇸

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

University of Louisville

🇺🇸

Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Duke University Medical Center

🇺🇸

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Radiant Research - San Antonio

🇺🇸

San Antonio, Texas, United States

McGuire VA Medical Center

🇺🇸

Richmond, Virginia, United States

VA Puget Sound Health Care

🇺🇸

Seattle, Washington, United States

University of Utah School of Medicine

🇺🇸

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Malcom Randall VA Medical Center

🇺🇸

Gainesville, Florida, United States

Radiant Research - Phoenix

🇺🇸

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath