- ICH GCP
- US Clinical Trials Registry
- Clinical Trial NCT04801303
Evaluation of the Effects of Calcitriol's in the Neurological Symptoms of Friedreich's Ataxia Patients (CalcitriolFA)
Pilot Trial About the Effects of Calcitriol's Treatment in the Neurological Function and Frataxin's Level in Friedreich's Ataxia Patients
Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease the mutation of which leads to a deficiency of a protein called frataxin, which is responsible for the symptoms of the disease. It is assumed that inducing an increase in the production of frataxin could reverse part of the disease's symptoms.
Several treatments with drugs that raise frataxin levels have been tested, but they have either have not given the expected result or have induced intolerable side effects. The IRBLleida (Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida Fundació Dr. Pifarré) team has shown that calcitriol can increase the production of frataxin up to 2.5 to 3 times, a higher proportion than any of the drugs previously tested. For that reason, the next step in our research would be to check the effects of this drug (Calcitriol 0.25mcg/24h for a year) in patients with FA. On the other hand, calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is a drug with a very low rate of adverse effects that has been used for decades. Therefore, it is a drug with a very well established tolerability. The results of the present study, if positive, would lead to the organization of trials at a larger scale, and they would allow the use of an effective treatment for patients with FA.
Study Overview
Status
Conditions
Detailed Description
Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) is a recessive hereditary disease due to GAA (Guanine-Adenosine-Adenosine) triplet repeats in the FXN (Frataxin) gene. This gene codifies for the frataxin protein, the lack of which produces the neurological and cardiac symptoms.
The exact mechanisms why the lack of frataxin produces the disease aren't well understood, but it is known that frataxin is located in the mitochondria. Calcitriol synthesis, a mitochondrial process, could be impaired in FA due the reduction of CYP27B1 (Cytochrome P450, family 27, subfamily B, member 1) and Fdx1.
Because of some studies have shown that Calcitriol (the active form of D Vitamin) could raise the frataxin levels, it could have a beneficial effect in patients with FA.
Description of the trial: to assess the effect of Calcitriol 0.25mcg/24h for a year in the neurological function of FA patients.
Main objective of the trial: to evaluate the effects of Calcitriol in the neurological symptoms of patients with FA.
The second objectives of the trial are:
- To evaluate the safety and the risk of hypercalcemia with the treatment with low dosis of Calcitriol (0.25mcg of Calcitriol every 24h) in patients with FA.
- To measure de change in the Frataxin's levels during the treatment with Calcitriol.
- To evaluate the effects of Calcitriol in the daily life activities and the life quality of the patients with FA.
Sample size: The number of participants needed to compleat the trial is 20. Duration: The duration of the trial is one year
Procedure:
- Before taking part in the study, it will be ensured that participants fulfill all the inclusion criteria with a detailed questionnaire.
- During the clinical trial the following test will be done: 4 electrocardiogram, 5 blood analysis to control de risk of hypercalcemia and to measure the frataxin's levels, and 3 full neurological examinations.
Post trial treatment details:
The patients who wish to continue with the treatment will be allowed to do so, at least until the results of the comparison of the basal neurological evaluation with the second and the final neurological evaluation are obtained.
If the results are positive, the treatment will be continued with regular blood tests controls.
If the results don't demonstrate a statistically significant effect, the treatment will be interrupted in all patients.
Study Type
Enrollment (Actual)
Phase
- Phase 4
Contacts and Locations
Study Locations
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Salt, Spain, 17190
- Hospital Santa Caterina/Parc Martí i Julià
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Participation Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Ages Eligible for Study
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Description
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients with Friedreich's Ataxia and confirmed genetic diagnosis with:
- Two pathological GAA triplet repeats in the gen FXN
- One pathological GAA triplet repeat and one point mutation in the gen FXN
- Patients between 16 and 65 years of age.
- To keep the walking ability, although an external aid is needed.
- Women with confirmed genetic diagnosis must use an effective contraceptive method during the trial.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Any neurological or other kind of disease that could interfere in the trial according to the investigator judgement.
- Severe visual loss.
- Severe auditory loss.
Cognitive decline*.
- Dementia or affective-cognitive cerebellar syndrome.
- Serious psychiatric illness during the six previous months of the trial inclusion.
- Substance abuse during the six previous months of the trial inclusion.
- Severe drug allergy.
Cardiac disease:
- Ejection fraction <40% [N: 50-70%]
- Heart failure > 2 from NYHA (New York Heart Association) criteria.
- Significant valvular heart disease.
- Symptomatic coronary artery disease.
- Cardiac arrhythmia with hemodynamic compromise (atrial fibrillation).
- Prolonged immobilisation
- Use of research drugs during the 30 previous days of the trial inclusion.
- Concomitant treatment with digoxin, thiazide diuretics, cholestyramine, corticoids, laxatives with magnesium, barbiturates and antiepileptic drugs. Use of Calcium or Vitamin D drugs during the 30 previous days of the trial inclusion.
- Legally or mentally incapacitated person.
In women:
- Positive pregnancy test.
- Maternal breastfeeding.
Blood test alteration:
- Hypercalcemia.
- Elevated creatinine.
Study Plan
How is the study designed?
Design Details
- Primary Purpose: Treatment
- Allocation: N/A
- Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
- Masking: None (Open Label)
Arms and Interventions
Participant Group / Arm |
Intervention / Treatment |
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Experimental: Friedreich's Ataxia patients
Friedreich's Ataxia patients that will receive treatment with Calcitrol 0.25mcg/24h for a year. During the clinical trial:
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Administration of Calcitrol 0.25mcg/24h for a year in Friedreich's Ataxia patients (n=20)
Other Names:
The control groups will be composed by:
Five blood analysis in Friedreich's Ataxia patients for monitoring the hypercalcemia risk (with measurement of Calcium, D Vitamin, renal function, albumin, protein, phosphate, sodium and potassium) Before starting the treatment, and after fifteen days, at 4 months, 8 months and 12 months of the treatment.
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What is the study measuring?
Primary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Measure Description |
Time Frame |
---|---|---|
Changes in the SARA scale (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) in FA patients after a one-year treatment with Calcitriol.
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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SARA is a scale which assesses a range of different impairments in cerebellar ataxia. The scale is made up of 8 items related to gait, stance, sitting, speech, finger-chase test, nose-finger test, fast alternating movements and heel-shin test. The eight categories have an accumulative score ranging from 0 (no ataxia) to 40 (most severe ataxia). When completing the outcome measure each category is assessed and scored accordingly. Scores for the eight items range as follows:
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At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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Changes in the 9-Hole Peg test in FA patients after a one-year treatment with Calcitriol.
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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The 9-Hole Peg test is a quantitative assessment used to measure fingir dexterity. It is administered by asking the participant to take de pegs from a container, one by one, and place them into the holes on the boward, as quickly as possible. Participants must then remove the pegs from the holes, one by one, and replace them back into the container. The board should be placed at the client's midline, with the container holding the pegs oriented towards the hand being tested. Only the hand being evaluated should perform the test. Hand not being evaluated is permitted to hold the edge of the board in order to provide stability. Both hands will be assessed. Scores are recorded in seconds and are based on the time taken to complete the test activity, scoring better when less seconds are required to complete de test. Stopwatch should be started from the moment the participant touches the first peg until the moment the last peg hits the container. |
At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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Changes in the 8 meters walking test in FA patients after one year treatment with Calcitriol.
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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The 8 meters waking test is used to asses walking speed in over a short distance of 8 meters. It is administered by asking the participant to walk through an 8 meteres lenght stright line as faster as posible. Scores are recorded in seconds and are based on the time taken to complete the test activity, scoring better when less seconds are required to complete de test. Stopwatch should be started from the moment the participant starts to walk until he reaches the final of the stright line. |
At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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Changes in the PATA rate test in FA patients after one year treatment with Calcitriol.
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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PATA Rate Task is a quantitative test used to measure the severity of dysarthria. Participants are invited to repeat the syllables "PA-TA" as quickly as possible during a 10 seconds interval. They will do the same test twice, being the final score the average of the two attempts. The score consists in the number of correct repetition of both syllables, scoring better when they are able to say more correct repetitions of the syllables. |
At the beginning, and at the 6th and 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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Changes in Barthel index for Activities of Daily Living in FA patients after one year treatment with Calcitriol.
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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Barthel index is an objective, standardized tool for measuring functional status. The individual is scored in a number of areas depending upon independence of performance. The ten variables measured in the Barthel scale are:
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At the beginning, and at the 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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Changes in SF36 questionnaire in FA patients after one year treatment with Calcitriol.
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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The SF-36 questionnaire is a qualitiy life teast to assess the quality of life. It contains 36 questions that address different aspects related to the daily life of the person who fills in the questionnaire. These questions are grouped and measured in 8 sections that are evaluated independently. The 8 dimensions included in each section are:
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At the beginning, and at the 12th month (one year) after the beginning of the trial.
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Changes in Frataxin's levels during Calcitriol treatment..
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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In FA patients will be done blood analysis to monitor de Frataxin's levels. To validate the Frataxin's levels measurement a blood analysis will also be done in two kind of controls for every FA patient:
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At the beginning, and at the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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Secondary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Measure Description |
Time Frame |
---|---|---|
Assessing the Calcitriol treatment's side effects with an hypercalcemia symptoms' questionnaire.
Time Frame: At the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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In the hypercalcemia symptom's questionnaire the following items are asked and answered with a "yes" or "no" answer:
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At the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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Assessing the Calcitriol treatment's hypercalcemia risk with an Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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The ECG is an electrical record of the function of the heart. It is used a 12-lead ECG, placed in the chest and arms and leds, that detect the small electrical changes that are a consequence of cardíac muscle depolarization followed by repolarization during each cardíac cycle (heartbeat). It is recorded the heartrate, the P wave lenght, the QRS complex lenght and form and the QT interval. The shortening of the QT interval, measured in seconds, indicates a electrocardiographyc alteration due an hypercalcemia. |
At the beginning, and at the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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Assessing the treatment's hypercalcemia risk with a blood test.
Time Frame: At the beginning, and at the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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The blood test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that usually is extracted from a vein in the arm using a hypodermic needle. Different measures can be obtained from a single blood test. In order to assess de hypercalcemia risk there are analyzed the levels of Calcium, 1-25-dihydroxi-Colecalciferol, Phosphorus, Albumin, Proteins, Creatinine, Urea, Sodium and Potassium. The measurament that indicates an hypercalcemia risk are:
The hypercalcemia risk is higher when coexists a renal insufficiency. The measuramenst that indicates a renal insufficiency are:
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At the beginning, and at the 15th day, 4th month, 8th month and 12th month after the beginning of the trial.
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Collaborators and Investigators
Sponsor
Collaborators
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Berta Alemany Perna, Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta/Hospital Santa Caterina, Girona/Salt, Spain
Publications and helpful links
Study record dates
Study Major Dates
Study Start (Actual)
Primary Completion (Actual)
Study Completion (Actual)
Study Registration Dates
First Submitted
First Submitted That Met QC Criteria
First Posted (Actual)
Study Record Updates
Last Update Posted (Actual)
Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria
Last Verified
More Information
Terms related to this study
Keywords
Additional Relevant MeSH Terms
- Metabolic Diseases
- Brain Diseases
- Central Nervous System Diseases
- Nervous System Diseases
- Neurologic Manifestations
- Genetic Diseases, Inborn
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Dyskinesias
- Spinal Cord Diseases
- Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System
- Mitochondrial Diseases
- Cerebellar Diseases
- Spinocerebellar Degenerations
- Ataxia
- Cerebellar Ataxia
- Friedreich Ataxia
- Physiological Effects of Drugs
- Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
- Micronutrients
- Membrane Transport Modulators
- Vitamins
- Bone Density Conservation Agents
- Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Agents
- Vasoconstrictor Agents
- Calcium Channel Agonists
- Calcitriol
Other Study ID Numbers
- IdIBGI
- 2020-001092-32 (EudraCT Number)
Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)
Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?
Drug and device information, study documents
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product
product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.
This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.
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