Clinical Trial Nuedexta in Subjects With ALS

The Experimental Treatment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Nuedexta is effective in the treatment of symptoms (impaired speech, swallowing, and saliva control)associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Nuedexta; Drug: Matching Placebo

Detailed Description

Muscle weakness, the cardinal feature of ALS, leads to progressive loss of motor function affecting the limbs, tongue, respiratory and pharyngeal muscles. Symptomatic treatments such as the placement of a feeding tube, can compensate for the inability to swallow. Riluzole, the only approved treatment for ALS, may slow disease progression but no treatment is curative and none have improved function.

Unexpectedly, Nuedexta®, approved for the treatment of labile emotionality that occurs in association with ALS and other neurological disorders, has been observed to improve bulbar function, primarily speech and swallowing, in a number of neurological disorders, including ALS. The basis for this is conjectural but likely due to a direct effect of the drug on motor neurons in the part of the brain that controls speech and swallowing. The same part of the brain appears to modulate the expression of emotions and interestingly the site of action of the drug is the same as a site that has been implicated in a juvenile form of ALS.

This is a multicenter, randomized double-blind, placebo controlled, cross over study evaluating the palliative effect of Nuedexta® on bulbar dysfunction. It is expected that approximately 60 ALS patients from 7 clinical centers in the US will be enrolled.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 90
• Phase: Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • California
    • San Francisco, California, United States, 94115
      • California Pacific Medical Center
  • District of Columbia
    • Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States, 20007
      • Georgetown University Medical Center
  • Michigan
    • Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States, 49503
      • Saint Mary's Health Care
  • Minnesota
    • Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55415
      • Hennepin County Medical Center
  • Nebraska
    • Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68506
      • Neurology Associates, P.C.
  • Ohio
    • Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44195
      • The Cleveland Clinic
  • Oregon
    • Portland, Oregon, United States, 97213
      • Providence ALS Center

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• ALS diagnosed as possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite as defined by revised El Escorial criteria
• Age 18 years or older
• Exhibits bulbar dysfunction manifested by dysarthria and/or dysphagia, according to PI judgment, exhibits a score of 55 or above on the CNS-Bulbar Function Scale
• Capable of providing informed consent and following trial procedures
• Geographic accessibility to the site
• Women must not be able to become pregnant for the duration of the study and must be willing to be on two contraceptive therapies
• Slow vital capacity (SVC) measure ≥50% of predicted for gender, height, and age at the screening visit
• Must be able to swallow capsules throughout the course of the study, according to PI judgment
• Subjects must not have taken riluzole for at least 30 days or be on a 50mg BID dose of riluzole for at least 30 days prior to randomization (subjects how have never taken riluzole are permitted in the study)
• Subjects taking anti-sialorrhea medication(s) must be on a stable dose for at least 30 days prior to randomization (anti-sialorrhea naïve subjects are permitted in the study)
• Must be able to safely swallow at least 30 milliliters (mLs) of water for the water swallowing test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior use of Nuedexta®
• Current use of dextromethorphan, quinidine, quinine, mefloquine or opioids
• History of quinidine, quinine, or mefloquine-induced thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, or other hypersensitivity reactions
• History of known sensitivity or intolerability to dextromethorphan
• Use of an mono amine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI
• Prolonged QT interval, congenital long QT syndrome, history suggestive of torsades de pointes, or heart failure
• Complete atrioventricular (AV) block without implanted pacemaker, or subjects at high risk of complete AV block
• Concomitant use with drugs that both prolong QT interval and are metabolized by cytochrome P 2D6 (CYP2D6) (i.e., thioridazine or pimozide)
• Exposure to any other experimental agent (off-label use or investigational) within 30 days prior to Baseline Visit
• Invasive ventilator dependence, such as tracheostomy
• Any history of either substance abuse within the past year, unstable psychiatric disease, cognitive impairment, or dementia, according to PI judgment
• Placement and/or usage of feeding tube
• Pregnant women or women currently breastfeeding
• Unable to turn diaphragm pacing device off during swallowing tests
• Salivatory Botox within 90 days (3 months) of screening
• Salivatory radiation within 180 days (6 months) of screening

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Other: Nuedexta then Matching Placebo; Subjects in this arm will receive treatment with Nuedexta first for 28 days (±3 days) and then crossed over to receive treatment with matching placebo for 28 days (±3 days).	Drug: Nuedexta; Nuedexta PO (by mouth) for 28 ± 3 days; Other Names: dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate; Drug: Matching Placebo; matching placebo PO (by mouth) for 28 ± 3 days; Other Names: sugar pill
Other: Matching Placebo then Nuedexta; Subjects in this arm will receive treatment with matching placebo first for 28 days (±3 days) and then crossed over to receive treatment with Nuedexta for 28 days (±3 days).	Drug: Nuedexta; Nuedexta PO (by mouth) for 28 ± 3 days; Other Names: dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate; Drug: Matching Placebo; matching placebo PO (by mouth) for 28 ± 3 days; Other Names: sugar pill

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) Total Score	The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). [Range of score: 21-105] The scale was modeled on the Center for Neurologic Study Emotional Lability Scale (CNS-LS) that has been a robust endpoint in four clinical trials. The scale was validated in a large population of ALS patients (n=122) and detects impaired bulbar function at a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 0.97%. Test re-test correlation was 0.92% at six-months (n=53).	Average between Screening Visit to Visit 3
Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) Sialorrhea Score	The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the salivation (sialorrhea). There are 7 salivation (sialorrhea) questions, with a score range of 7 to 35.	Average between Screening Visit to Visit 3
Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) Speech Score	The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the speech. There are 7 speech questions, with a score range of 7 to 35.	Average between Screening Visit to Visit 3
Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) Swallowing Score	The Center for Neurologic Study-Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) is a 21-item self report scale that assesses three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation. Scores for each question range from 1 (does not apply) to 5 (applies most of the time). The higher the score, the worse the swallowing. There are 7 swallowing questions, with a score range of 7 to 35.	Average between Screening Visit to Visit 3

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Center for Neurologic Study - Lability Scale (CNS-LS) Total Score	The Center for Neurologic Study-Lability Scale (CNS-LS) is a 7-item self report scale that assesses pseudobulbar affect (PBA) by measuring the perceived frequency of PBA episodes (laughing or crying). Each item is scored using a 5-point Likert scale, from 1 (applies never) to 5 (applies most of the time). Scores range from 5-35. The higher the score, the worse the PBA.	Average between Screening Visit to Visit 3
ALS Functional Rating Scale- Revised (ALSFRS-R) Total Score	The ALSFRS-R is a quickly administered (5 min) ordinal rating scale used to determine a subject's assessment of their capability and independence in 12 functional activities. There are 12 questions, graded by the subject 0-4 (4 is normal). Score of 0 (worst) to 48 (best). Reflects speech and swallowing, fine motor skills, large motor skills, and breathing.	Average between Screening Visit to Visit 3
Visual Analog Scale - Speech Scores	Visual analog scales are useful for measuring complex clinical events and offer the advantage of self-administration and responsiveness to change over time. The scales designed for this study inventory three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). For each of these, subjects score themselves by indicating their level of function on a scale of 1 (severe impairment) to 10 (normal). Scores range from 1 to 10; the higher the score, the more normal the function.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Ashworth Spasticity Scale Score - Right Arm	This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Timed Reading of Test Paragraph Result	Subjects will be asked to read 'The Rainbow Passage' a commonly used test paragraph utilized by speech pathologists to assess speech rate (words/minute). Study staff will time the subject to determine how many words the subject reads per minute. It is used primarily because it contains every sound in the English language. Subjects will also be observed for loudness, nasality, and intelligibility.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Average Water Swallowing Test (WST)	The Water Swallowing Test (WST) estimates swallowing speed, a useful and reproducible measure. While sitting, subjects are asked to drink 30 milliliters (mL) of liquid. The time for subjects to complete this task is a sensitive measure for the detection of swallowing dysfunction and is a simple measure for serial assessment of subjects. The test will be completed three times, with the best two scores recorded to obtain an average score. Following completion of the WST, the subject's swallowing abilities (choking, spillage, and effort) will be observed.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Visual Analog Scale - Swallowing Score	Visual analog scales are useful for measuring complex clinical events and offer the advantage of self-administration and responsiveness to change over time. The scales designed for this study inventory three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). For each of these, subjects score themselves by indicating their level of function on a scale of 1 (severe impairment) to 10 (normal). Scores range from 1 to 10; the higher the score, the more normal the function.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Visual Analog Scale - Salivation (Sialorrhea) Score	Visual analog scales are useful for measuring complex clinical events and offer the advantage of self-administration and responsiveness to change over time. The scales designed for this study inventory three domains of bulbar function: speech, swallowing and salivation (sialorrhea). For each of these, subjects score themselves by indicating their level of function on a scale of 1 (severe impairment) to 10 (normal). Scores range from 1 to 10; the higher the score, the more normal the function.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Average Solids Swallowing Test	The Time Swallowing Test assesses the subject's ability to swallow solids. For this test, the subject will be asked to consume a tablespoon of cereal containing 5 cheerios. The subject will be instructed to close their mouth, chew and subsequently swallow the bolus. The time to complete this task will be recorded. The test will be completed three times to obtain an average score.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Ashworth Spasticity Scale Score - Left Arm	This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Ashworth Spasticity Scale Score - Right Leg	This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3
Ashworth Spasticity Scale Score - Left Leg	This is a standard measure for spasticity that has been used in numerous ALS clinical trials to assess spasticity due to upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Data is generated from the clinical exam and scored from 1-5, the lowest score indicating normal tone and the highest muscle rigidity.	Average between Baseline Visit to Visit 3

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Center for Neurologic Study, La Jolla, California,
• Collaborators: State University of New York - Upstate Medical University; ALS Association
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Jeremy Shefner, MD, PhD, Barrow Neurological Institute; Principal Investigator: Richard A Smith, MD, Center for Neurologic Study (CNS); Principal Investigator: Merit E Cudkowicz, MD, MSc, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

Publications and helpful links

Helpful Links

• Northeast ALS Consortium Website
• ALS Association Website

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: April 1, 2013
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 1, 2015
• Study Completion (Actual): March 1, 2015

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 5, 2013
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 6, 2013
• First Posted (Estimate): March 7, 2013

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 24, 2017
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 3, 2017
• Last Verified: February 1, 2017

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: ALS; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; motor neurons; Nuedexta; Bulbar function
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Metabolic Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Spinal Cord Diseases; TDP-43 Proteinopathies; Proteostasis Deficiencies; Sclerosis; Motor Neuron Disease; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Physiological Effects of Drugs; Adrenergic Antagonists; Adrenergic Agents; Neurotransmitter Agents; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Muscarinic Antagonists; Cholinergic Antagonists; Cholinergic Agents; Enzyme Inhibitors; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; Excitatory Amino Acid Agents; Membrane Transport Modulators; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors; Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Blockers; Sodium Channel Blockers; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 Inhibitors; Respiratory System Agents; Antiprotozoal Agents; Antiparasitic Agents; Antimalarials; Antitussive Agents; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Dextromethorphan; Quinidine
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2012P001274; 3FKVAD (Other Grant/Funding Number: ALSA)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: Undecided