A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Pitolisant in Patients With Prader-Willi Syndrome, Followed by an Open Label Extension

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Pitolisant in Patients With Prader-Willi Syndrome, Followed by an Open Label Extension

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pitolisant compared with placebo in treating excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) ages 6 to 65 years.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Prader-Willi Syndrome
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Placebo oral tablet; Drug: Pitolisant oral tablets

Detailed Description

The study will consist of a Screening Period, an 11-week Double-Blind Treatment Phase (including a 3-week Titration Period and an 8-week Stable Dose Period), and an optional Open Label Extension (OLE) Phase. The OLE Phase will be multi-year in duration and will continue until the Sponsor elects to terminate the study.

Approximately 60 patients ages 6 to 65 years who meet all eligibility criteria will be randomized at the Baseline Visit in a 1:1:1 ratio to lower dose pitolisant, higher dose pitolisant, or matching placebo. In the Double-Blind Treatment Phase, patients will be titrated to their randomized stable dose of study drug during the 3-week Titration Period.

After completion of the 3-week Titration Period, patients will continue to take study drug at their randomized stable dose once daily in the morning upon wakening for an additional 8 weeks of blinded treatment (Stable Dose Period). The duration of the Double-Blind Treatment Phase will be 11 weeks.

Following the 11-week Double-Blind Treatment Phase, eligible patients will be given the opportunity to participate in an optional OLE Phase. During the OLE Phase, all eligible patients will receive treatment with open-label pitolisant and will undergo titration during a 3-week Titration Period to a maximum target dose as specified in the protocol. At the end of the 3-week Titration Period, patients will continue to take their target dose of pitolisant once daily in the morning upon wakening until the end of the study.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 65
• Phase: Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • California
    • San Diego, California, United States, 92123
      • Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego
    • San Ramon, California, United States, 94583
      • Sleep Medicine Specialists of California
    • Santa Monica, California, United States, 90404
      • Santa Monica Clinical Trials
  • Colorado
    • Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045
      • Children's Hospital Colorado
  • Delaware
    • Wilmington, Delaware, United States, 19803
      • Nemours Alfred I duPont Hospital for Children
  • Florida
    • Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32608
      • University of Florida College of Medicine
  • Illinois
    • Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611
      • Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital
  • Maryland
    • Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21205
      • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • Nebraska
    • Omaha, Nebraska, United States, 68114
      • University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Ohio
    • Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45212
      • CTI
  • Tennessee
    • Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37203
      • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Texas
    • Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
      • Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine
    • San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78249
      • Road Runner Research

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 4 years to 63 years (Child, Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Is able to provide voluntary, written informed consent (patient or parent[s]/legal guardian[s]) and, where applicable, voluntary, written assent (patient, as appropriate).
2. Has a diagnosis of PWS confirmed by genetic testing and/or patient medical records. Genetic testing will be provided by the Sponsor, if not confirmed based on the review of the patient's medical records.
3. Male or female patients ages 6 to 65 years at the time of enrollment.
4. Demonstrates adequate sleep duration via patient sleep diary during Screening, defined as at least 8 hours of sleep per night for patients ages 6 to <12 years, at least 7 hours for patients ages 12 to <18 years, or at least 6 hours for patients ages ≥18 years, based on the mean number of hours from up to 14 nights (at least 7 nights must be recorded for evaluation).
5. Has EDS as determined by Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) (parent/caregiver version) score of ≥12.
6. If taking hormone treatments (including growth hormone, testosterone, and estrogen supplements) and/or allowed chronic concomitant medication or supplements, patient must be on a stable dose of these medications for 3 months prior to randomization and for the duration of the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study; a 10% variability in hormone dose is allowed.
7. If taking a wake-promoting treatment that could affect EDS (including stimulants, modafinil, and armodafinil), must be on a stable dose for at least 28 days prior to Screening and remain on a stable dose during the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study (dose adjustments will be permitted in the OLE Phase) or agree to wash out of treatment for 5 half-lives or 14 days, whichever is longer.
8. If taking a chronically administered sedating medication for management of behavioral manifestations (e.g., hypnotics, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, alpha agonists, anticholinergics, and antidepressants) must be on a stable dose for at least 28 days prior to Screening and remain on a stable dose during the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study (dose adjustments will be permitted in the OLE Phase) or agree to wash out of treatment for 5 half-lives or 14 days, whichever is longer.
9. If using cannabidiol and/or tetrahydrocannabinol, patient must be on a stable dose for 28 days prior to randomization and agree to continue the stable dose for the duration of the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study (dose adjustments will be permitted in the OLE Phase).
10. If taking oxytocin or carbetocin, patient must be on a stable dose during the 28 days prior to randomization and agree to continue the stable dose for the duration of the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study (dose adjustments will be permitted in the OLE Phase) or agree to wash out of treatment for 5 half-lives or 14 days, whichever is longer.
11. A patient who is a female of child-bearing potential (FCBP) must have a negative serum pregnancy test at the Screening Visit and a negative urine pregnancy test at the Baseline Visit and agree to remain abstinent or use an effective method of nonhormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy for the duration of the study and for 21 days after final dose of study drug.
12. Has a consistent caregiver (preferably the same person throughout the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study) who is willing and able to complete the required assessments.
13. In the opinion of the Investigator, patient/parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is capable of understanding and complying with the requirements of the protocol and administration of oral study drug.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has a diagnosis of another genetic or chromosomal disorder distinct from PWS.
2. Has untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or is at high risk for OSA based on medical history and clinical assessment; or, has another relevant underlying sleep disorder that in the opinion of the Investigator is the primary contributing factor to the patient's EDS.
3. Consistently consumes >600 mg of caffeine per day and is unable/unwilling to reduce caffeine intake to <600 mg per day for the duration of the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study; caffeine intake should remain consistent during Screening and throughout the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study.
4. Does not agree to discontinue any prohibited medication or substance listed in the protocol.
5. Participation in an interventional research study involving another investigational medication or device in the 28 days prior to enrollment and for the duration of the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study, unless the Investigator consults with the Medical Monitor and obtains written approval for the patient to enroll; patients who complete a washout of an investigational medication of at least 5 half-lives or 14 days (whichever is longer) may be enrolled in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study. Patients considering participation in another interventional research study in the OLE Phase must consult with the Investigator who will consult with the Medical Monitor.
6. Has a primary psychiatric diagnosis with current active symptoms of psychosis or schizophrenia.
7. Has a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] of <15 mL/minute/1.73 m²) or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
8. Has a diagnosis of moderate or severe renal impairment (eGFR ≥15 to ≤59 mL/minute/1.73 m²) or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) at Screening or during the Double-Blind Treatment Phase.
9. Has abnormal laboratory values at Screening that are clinically significant as determined by the Investigator.
10. Has a known history of long QT syndrome or any significant history of a serious abnormality of the electrocardiogram (ECG; e.g., recent myocardial infarction, clinically significant arrhythmia) or QT interval corrected for heart rate according to Fridericia's formula (QTcF) >442 ms for patients ages 0 to <10 years and >439 ms for patients ages 10 to <20 years, regardless of gender, and >450 ms for male patients and >470 ms for female patients ages 20 to 65 years. (ECG QTcF = QT/3√ RR) (Mason et al 2007).
11. Has a family history of sudden/unexplained death, cardiac death, or death from a primary dysrhythmia potentially associated with QT prolongation in any family member.
12. If receiving any new or initiating a change in allied health therapies or interventions for symptoms of PWS, must be on a stable course of therapy for at least 28 days prior to randomization.
13. Has a current or recent (within one year) history of a substance use disorder or dependence disorder, including alcohol and caffeine use disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V).
14. Has planned surgery during the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study; planned surgery is permitted during the OLE Phase.
15. Is receiving a concomitant medication that is known to be a strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 inhibitor, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, or a centrally acting histamine 1 (H1) receptor antagonist; patients who complete a washout of these medications of at least 5 half-lives or 14 days (whichever is longer) can be enrolled in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase of the study. Use of strong CYP2D6 inhibitors and strong CYP3A4 inducers is allowed during the OLE Phase; however, adjustment of pitolisant dose is required. Although not prohibited during the OLE Phase of the study, use of H1 receptor antagonists should be avoided.
16. Is receiving a medication known to prolong the QT interval.
17. Has a significant risk of committing suicide based on history, routine psychiatric examination, Investigator's judgment, or an answer of "yes" on any question other than questions 1 to 3 on the Very Young Child/Cognitively Impaired-Lifetime Recent Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C SSRS).
18. Has a history of seizures that have recently (within 6 months) been treated with antiepileptic medications that are strong CYP3A4 inducers. Patients with a history of seizures must have a stable seizure history (e.g., frequency and severity) for at least 6 months prior to enrollment.
19. Is currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed over the course of the study. Lactating women must agree not to breastfeed for the duration of the study (Double-Blind Treatment Phase and OLE Phase) and for 21 days after final dose of study drug.
20. Based on the judgment of the Investigator, patient is unsuitable for the study for any reason, including but not limited to unstable or uncontrolled medical conditions (including psychiatric and neurological conditions) or a medical condition that might interfere with the conduct of the study, confound interpretation of study results, pose a health risk to the patient, or compromise the integrity of the study.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Triple

Number of Arms

4

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Double-Blind Treatment Phase Lower Dose Pitolisant; Pediatric patients (6 to less than 12 years of age): Week 1: 4.45 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Week 2: 8.9 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Weeks 3 through 11: 8.9 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning. Adolescent patients (12 to less than 18 years of age): Week 1: 4.45 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Week 2: 8.9 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Weeks 3 through 11: 13.35 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning. Adult patients (18 to 65 years of age): Week 1: 4.45 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Week 2: 8.9 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Weeks 3 through 11: 17.8 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning.	Drug: Pitolisant oral tablets; Pitolisant 4.45 mg or 17.8 mg tablets
Active Comparator: Double-Blind Treatment Phase Higher Dose Pitolisant; Pediatric patients (6 to less than 12 years of age): Week 1: 4.45 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Week 2: 8.9 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Weeks 3 through 11: 17.8 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning. Adolescent patients (12 to less than 18 years of age): Week 1: 8.9 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Week 2: 17.8 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Weeks 3 through 11: 26.7 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning. Adult patients (18 to 65 years of age): Week 1: 8.9 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Week 2: 17.8 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning; Weeks 3 through 11: 35.6 mg pitolisant administered once daily in the morning.	Drug: Pitolisant oral tablets; Pitolisant 4.45 mg or 17.8 mg tablets
Placebo Comparator: Double-Blind Treatment Phase Placebo; Pediatric patients (6 to less than 12 years of age): Week 1: Matching placebo tablets; Week 2: Matching placebo tablets; Weeks 3 through 11: Matching placebo tablets Adolescent patients (12 to less than 18 years of age): Week 1: Matching placebo tablets; Week 2: Matching placebo tablets; Weeks 3 through 11: Matching placebo tablets Adult patients (18 to 65 years of age): Week 1: Matching placebo tablets; Week 2: Matching placebo tablets; Weeks 3 through 11: Matching placebo tablets	Drug: Placebo oral tablet; Matching placebo tablets
Other: Open-Label Pitolisant; Age-based dosing (prior to implementation of amendment 6) with maximum once daily doses of 17.8 mg for pediatric patients (6 to <12 years), 26.7 mg for adolescent patients (12 to <18 years), or 35.6 mg for adult patients (18 to 65 years). Weight-based dosing (after implementation of amendment 6) with maximum once daily doses of 17.8 mg for patients ≤40 kg, 35.6 mg for patients >40 to ≤80 kg, and 44.5 mg for patients >80 kg.	Drug: Pitolisant oral tablets; Pitolisant 4.45 mg or 17.8 mg tablets

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness	Change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) (parent/caregiver version) score from Baseline to Week 11 for pitolisant compared with placebo. The score of the ESS-CHAD ranges from 0 to 24. A decrease in score represents an improvement in excessive daytime sleepiness.	Baseline to Week 11

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Psychomotor Function	Change in Cogstate Detection Test. The Cogstate Detection Test is a computerized test. Accuracy with a faster speed represents an improvement in psychomotor test performance.	Baseline to Week 11
Attention	Change in Cogstate Identification Test. The Cogstate Identification Test is a computerized test. Accuracy with a faster speed represents an improvement in attention test performance.	Baseline to Week 11
Working Memory	Change in Cogstate One Back Test. The Cogstate One Back Test is a computerized test. Accuracy with a faster speed represents a better working memory test performance.	Baseline to Week 11
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness	Change in Caregiver Global Impression of Severity for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. The Caregiver Global Impression of Severity for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a five-item scale that ranges from "not at all" to "very high likelihood." An assessment of being less likely to fall asleep represents an improvement in the caregiver's overall impression of the patient's excessive daytime sleepiness.	Baseline to Week 11
Clinical Symptoms	Change in Clinical Global Impression of Severity of Overall Clinical Status. The Clinical Global Impression of Severity of Overall Clinical Status is a four-item scale that ranges from "normal" to "severely symptomatic." An assessment of less severe symptoms represents an improvement in the clinician's perception of the overall clinical status related to PWS.	Baseline to Week 11
Behavior	Change in Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Second Edition. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community, Second Edition, rates 58 specific symptoms on a four-item scale ranging from "not at all a problem" to "the problem is severe in degree." A decrease in score represents an improvement in the caregiver's impression in the patient's problematic behavior.	Baseline to Week 11
Behavioral and Cognitive Rigidity	Change in Montefiore-Einstein Rigidity Scale - Prader-Willi Syndrome (MERS-R-PWS). The MERS-R-PWS is a clinician-rated, semi-structured interview conducted with both the patient with PWS and caregiver present. The MERS-R-PWS measures three domains of rigid behavior - behavior, cognitive, and protest. Within each domain, four items are rated on a scale ranging from 0 to 4. A decrease in score represents an improvement in rigid behavior.	Baseline to Week 11
Caregiver Burden	Change in 22-Item Zarit Burden Interview. The Zarit Burden Interview is a self-reported questionnaire in which caregivers are asked to rate their experience on a five-item scale (0 = "never" and 4 = "nearly always") for 22 questions related to caregiver health and psychological well-being, finances, impact on social life, and relationship with the patient with PWS. A decrease in score represents an improvement in the caregiver's perceived burden.	Baseline to Week 11

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Ghrelin levels	Change in acylated and unacylated ghrelin levels. Ghrelin levels are measured in a sample of the patient's blood. A decrease in ghrelin levels may be associated with an improvement in feelings of excessive hunger.	Baseline to Week 11
Hyperphagia	Change in total score of the Hyperphagia Questionnaire for Clinical Trials (HQ-CT) in conjunction with the Food Safety Zone Questionnaire (FSZQ). The HQ-CT is a nine-item questionnaire that measures food-related issues with patients with PWS. The questionnaire is completed by caregivers who report on the patient's symptoms of excessive hunger. A decrease in score represents an improvement in the patient's symptoms of excessive hunger. The FSZQ is a twenty-item questionnaire that measures the controls needed to manage the patient's excessive hunger. The questionnaire is completed by caregivers and includes four factors: supervision, restricting, avoiding, and checking. The rating for each item ranges from "0 = none of the time" to "4 = all of the time." A decrease in score represents an improvement in the amount of control that is needed.	Baseline to Week 11

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Harmony Biosciences, LLC

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 9, 2020
• Primary Completion (Actual): August 17, 2022
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 7, 2028

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 29, 2020
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 4, 2020
• First Posted (Actual): February 6, 2020

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): September 14, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 8, 2023
• Last Verified: September 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: PWS
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Nervous System Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Neurobehavioral Manifestations; Disease; Congenital Abnormalities; Overnutrition; Nutrition Disorders; Overweight; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Intellectual Disability; Abnormalities, Multiple; Chromosome Disorders; Obesity; Syndrome; Prader-Willi Syndrome
• Other Study ID Numbers: HBS-101-CL-002

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No