Phenylbutyrate for Monogenetic Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy

This study is to evaluate the use of glycerol phenylbutyrate for monogenetic developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). DEEs are characterized by epilepsy and developmental delay in early life.

Two examples of DEEs are STXBP1 and SLC6A1, though there are dozens of others.

STXBP1 Encephalopathy is a severe disease that can cause seizures and developmental delays in infants and children. SLC6A1 neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by developmental delay and often epilepsy. Both STXBP1 encephalopathy and SLC6A1 neurodevelopmental disorder cause symptoms because there are not enough working proteins made by these genes.

It is possible that a medication called phenylbutyrate may help the the remaining proteins work better for STXBP1, SLC6A1, and/or other similar DEEs caused by single genes (i.e. "monogenetic"). This study is to test if glycerol phenylbutyrate is safe and well tolerated in children with monogenetic DEE.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy; STXBP1 Encephalopathy With Epilepsy, SLC6A1 Neurodevelopmental Disorder
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Glycerol Phenylbutyrate 1100 MG/ML [Ravicti]

Detailed Description

STXBP1 encephalopathy (STXBP1-E) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that often begins in infancy. Intellectual disability is a core feature, often severe to profound. Nearly all have epilepsy (95% in the largest series). The epilepsy is clinically heterogeneous, and may present as a well-defined epilepsy syndrome (e.g., early infantile epileptic encephalopathy, infantile spasms, epilepsy of infancy migrating focal seizure, or Dravet syndrome) or as non-syndromic epilepsy. Seizures are refractory to medications in one third. Affected individuals may have autistic features (1 in 5), low tone, movement disorders (including ataxia and bruxism), abnormal EEGs (> 60% with focal or multifocal epileptiform discharges), and/or abnormal MRI brain imaging (atrophy, thin corpus callosum, delayed myelination). The clinical spectrum is broad -- some individuals are profoundly impaired with seizures that begin in the first days of life; whereas others may have a few seizures in late infancy and mild learning difficulties.

STXBP1 knockout mice show normal early brain assembly with subsequent degeneration, decreased neurite outgrowth, and completely abolished neurotransmitter release These mice die shortly after birth. Heterozygous STXBP1 mice are similar to wild-type, except they have abnormal behaviors during sleep (twitches and jumps) and EEG abnormalities. Thus, heterozygous STXBP1 mice recapitulate some aspects of the human disease, though they have neither seizures nor overt behavioral abnormalities. Human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons engineered for STXBP1 loss of function exhibit normal initial synaptogenesis, synapse size, and soma size; however, heterozygotes show decreased neurotransmitter release corresponding to decreased STXBP1 levels, while homozygous loss of function causes significant neural degeneration. Published experiments on neuronal lines derived from affected patients show decreased STXBP1 protein, STXBP1 protein mislocalization, and decreased neurite outgrowth. Early work in heterologous cell lines demonstrated STXBP1 mutations cause protein misfolding that leads to aggregation of the mutant protein with wild-type STXBP1.

In laboratory settings, stabilizing protein folding of the STXBP1 protein product with chemical chaperones rescued molecular and functional deficits in all tested models, using any of three chemical chaperones: sorbitol, trehalose, and 4-phenylbutyrate. Sorbitol and trehalose are sugars, and would be metabolized in the gut. 4-phenylbutyrate, however, is available as an FDA approved medication, either via sodium phenylbutyrate or glycerol phenylbutyrate. The glycerol formulation is better tolerated, thus this trial.

SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorder (SLC6A1-NDD) begins in early childhood and is characterized by epilepsy (~91%, typically generalized) and developmental delay (~82%). The epilepsy is typically generalized (absence, atonic, myoclonic, generalized tonic-clonic) though is sometimes focal. Substantial minorities have an autism spectrum disorder, movement disorder, or problems with attention or aggression.

The protein product of SLC6A1 is GABA transporter protein type 1 (GAT-1), which is important for GABA homeostasis in the brain. Pathogenic mutations in SLC6A1 lead to loss of function and haploinsufficiency. Preliminary data suggests a dramatic impairment in GABA uptake in cells with homozygous variants in the GAT-1 protein, which improves with administration of phenylbutyrate.

The investigators began studying phenylbutyrate for STXBP1-E and SLC6A1-NDD with a pilot study (i.e. Phase 1 study) in order to (a) understand safety and tolerability of the medication in children with STXBP1-E and SLC6A1-NDD, (b) understand the peak plasma concentrations in order to estimate CSF levels, and (c) generate exploratory information about clinical outcomes as a means to estimate effect sizes and pilot a battery of clinical testing for STXBP1-E and SLC6A1-NDD for future trials.

Based on additional publications and ongoing research, the study the study has expanded in scope to (a) follow enrolled children for a longer time and (b) broaden the enrollment criteria to include monogenetic DEEs.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 50
• Phase: Early Phase 1

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Colorado
    • Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045
      • Children's Hospital Colorado
  • New York
    • New York, New York, United States, 10065
      • Weill Cornell Medicine

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 2 months to 17 years (Child)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

###### STXBP1 / SLC6A1 ARM

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with STXBP1-E or SLC6A1-NDD; confirmed by laboratory report (i.e., a genetic test with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation of STXBP1 or SLC6A1-NDD and a clinical picture consistent with the disorder, as determined by the Investigator). Patients with the appropriate clinical picture, a de novo variant of uncertain significance in STXBP1 or SLC6A1-NDD will also be eligible for enrollment, at the discretion of the Investigator.
• Is between 2 months and 17 years of age, inclusive.
• For children with STXBP1-E, the child must have had at least one seizure in the past 30 days prior to enrollment. If there is high demand for the study and we have several subjects to choose, we will prefer to enroll children with a high number of seizures in the past month.
• For SLC6A1-NDD, seizures occur later in the course (typically middle of 1st decade) and so seizures will not be an entry criteria.
• Is in general good health, aside from neurological consequences of STXBP1-E or SLC6A1-NDD, as determined by having no concurrent medical illness, in the opinion of the site investigator, that places the subject at increased risk of adverse drug reactions or that will interfere with study follow-up.
• Has normal laboratory test results (≤ 1.5 × upper limit of normal [ULN]) for serum aminotransferase (aspartate aminotransferas [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) concentrations and ammonia at Screening.
• Has normal renal function, with estimated glomerular filtration rate > 90 mL/minute/1.73 m2 at Screening (using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation).
• Has a platelet count > 150 × 103/μL at Screening.
• Has a QT interval corrected with Fridericia's formula (QTcF) < 450 msec on the Screening EKG.
• Parent or guardian is able to comprehend and willing to sign an informed consent form (ICF).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has participated in another investigational study within 30 days or 5 half-lives of the test drug's biologic activity (whichever is longer) before the first study drug dose.
• Has a QT interval corrected with Fridericia's formula (QTcF) ≥ 450 msec on the Screening EKG.
• Has an active medical illness that would preclude participation in the study (as determined by the Investigator).
• Has a clinical laboratory evaluation outside of the test laboratory reference range, unless deemed not clinically significant by the Investigator and the Sponsor.
• Is unable to comply with the study protocol.
• Has poor venous access and/or cannot tolerate venipuncture.
• Is pregnant
• Is a female of child-bearing age (12 years old or older) and known to be sexually active (for example, as determined through a confidential HEADDSSS history), and not taking medication for contraception. This will be assessed confidentially as per good general pediatrics practice
• Known hypersensitivity to phenylbutyrate. Signs of hypersensitivity include wheezing, dyspnea, coughing, hypotension, flushing, nausea, and rash.
• Taking alfentanil, quinidine, cyclosporine, or probenecid (known interactions with phenylbutyrate). For subjects who had taken any of these medications in the past, the last dose must have been taken at least 1 week prior to enrollment into the study.
• Inborn errors of beta oxidation.

• Pancreatic insufficiency or intestinal malabsorption

  ###### MONOGENETIC DEE ARM Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosed with a monogenic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy; confirmed by laboratory report (i.e., a genetic test with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation of a monogenic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and a clinical picture consistent with the disorder, as determined by the Investigator). Children with the appropriate clinical picture, a de novo variant of uncertain significance in a monogenic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy will also be eligible for enrollment, at the discretion of the Investigator. If the mutant is classified as definitively non-pathogenic, we would not enroll the child. "Appropriate clinical picture" is at the discretion of the Investigator.
• Is between 0 months and 15 years of age, inclusive.
• The child must have had at least one seizure in the past 30 days prior to enrollment. (If there is high demand for the study and we have several subjects to choose, we will prefer to enroll children with a high number of seizures in the past month.)
• Is in general good health, aside from neurological consequences of their monogenic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, as determined by having no concurrent medical illness, in the opinion of the site investigator, that places the subject at increased risk of adverse drug reactions or that will interfere with study follow-up.
• Has normal laboratory test results (≤ 1.5 × upper limit of normal [ULN]) for serum aminotransferase (aspartate aminotransferas [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) concentrations and ammonia.
• Has normal renal function, with estimated glomerular filtration rate > 90 mL/minute/1.73 m2 at Screening (using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation).
• Has a platelet count > 150 × 103/μL at Screening.
• Has a QT interval corrected with Fridericia's formula (QTcF) < 450 msec on the Screening EKG.
• Parent or guardian is able to comprehend and willing to sign an informed consent form (ICF).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has participated in another investigational study within 30 days or 5 half-lives of the test drug's biologic activity (whichever is longer) before the first study drug dose.
• Has a QT interval corrected with Fridericia's formula (QTcF) ≥ 450 msec on the Screening EKG.
• Has an active medical illness that would preclude participation in the study (as determined by the Investigator).
• Has a clinical laboratory evaluation outside of the test laboratory reference range, unless deemed not clinically significant by the Investigator and the Sponsor.
• Is unable to comply with the study protocol.
• Has poor venous access and/or cannot tolerate venipuncture.
• Is pregnant
• Is a female of child-bearing age (12 years old or older) and known to be sexually active (for example, as determined through a confidential HEADDSSS history), and not taking medication for contraception. This will be assessed confidentially as per good general pediatrics practice
• Known hypersensitivity to phenylbutyrate. Signs of hypersensitivity include wheezing, dyspnea, coughing, hypotension, flushing, nausea, and rash.
• Taking alfentanil, quinidine, cyclosporine, or probenecid (known interactions with phenylbutyrate). For subjects who had taken any of these medications in the past, the last dose must have been taken at least 1 week prior to enrollment into the study.
• Inborn errors of beta oxidation.
• Pancreatic insufficiency or intestinal malabsorption

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Non-Randomized
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: SLC6A1 and STXBP1; Each participant will be enrolled for 14 weeks (4 weeks baseline, 8 weeks of drug exposure, and 2 weeks follow-up). After clinical assessment by the investigator if deemed safe and appropriate, and requested by the caregiver, participants may continue to receive the study medication ("extended use"), up to December 2025. Participants who remain on phenylbutyrate therapy will be followed quarterly through video visits, and yearly in-person visit. Participants who do not opt to remain on phenylbutyrate therapy will be weaned off the medication during the 2 week follow-up period.	Drug: Glycerol Phenylbutyrate 1100 MG/ML [Ravicti]; Glycerol phenylbutyrate (trade name "Ravicti") is an FDA-approved medication used for urea cycle disorders in children and adults. We will titrate to a goal dose of 1.2 mL/m2 (12.4 g/m2) in three equally divided doses given enterally (i.e., by mouth or by g-tube). The dosing is consistent with the dosing guidelines in the FDA approved Medication Guide (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/203284s005lbl.pdf).
Experimental: Monogenetic Epileptic Encephalopathy; Each participant will be enrolled for 20 weeks (5 weeks baseline, 12 weeks of drug exposure, and 2 weeks follow-up) . After clinical assessment by the investigator if deemed safe and appropriate, and requested by the caregiver, participants may continue to receive the study medication ("extended use"), up to December 2025. Participants who remain on phenylbutyrate therapy will be followed quarterly through video visits, and yearly in-person visit. Participants who do not opt to remain on phenylbutyrate therapy will be weaned off the medication during the 2 week follow-up period.	Drug: Glycerol Phenylbutyrate 1100 MG/ML [Ravicti]; Glycerol phenylbutyrate (trade name "Ravicti") is an FDA-approved medication used for urea cycle disorders in children and adults. We will titrate to a goal dose of 1.2 mL/m2 (12.4 g/m2) in three equally divided doses given enterally (i.e., by mouth or by g-tube). The dosing is consistent with the dosing guidelines in the FDA approved Medication Guide (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/203284s005lbl.pdf).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Short Term Adverse events (i.e., safety)	The qualitative safety endpoint will describe any adverse events. It will include a description of the incidence, frequency, and severity of adverse events (including known side effects of the medication, changes in vital signs, EKG changes, EEG changes, increase in seizures, changes in clinical laboratory results, and/or changes in physical examination). We will monitor for these adverse events throughout the study, and measure them definitely at the time of the second admission.	20 weeks
Long Term Adverse events (i.e., safety)	The long term qualitative safety endpoint will describe any adverse events. It will include a description of the incidence, frequency, and severity of adverse events (including known side effects of the medication, changes in vital signs, EKG changes, EEG changes, increase in seizures, changes in clinical laboratory results, and/or changes in physical examination). We will monitor for these adverse events throughout the study, and measure them yearly until December 2025.	through December 2025 (1 - 5 years, depending on participant)
Percentage of doses taken by participants (i.e., tolerability)	The tolerability endpoint is quantitative and will measure medication compliance (i.e. what percentage of the doses are taken).	20 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Plasma concentration of phenylbutyrate	We will measure the plasma concentration of phenylbutyrate at the second inpatient admission.	20 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
• Collaborators: Children's Hospital Colorado; SLC6A1 Connect; STXBP1 Foundation; Clara Inspired; University of Pennsylvania Orphan Disease Center; Horizon Therapeutics
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Zachary Grinspan, MD, Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

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Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 1, 2021
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 10, 2021
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 21, 2021
• First Posted (Actual): June 23, 2021

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 22, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 20, 2026
• Last Verified: January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: phenylbutyrate, developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Mental Disorders; Epileptic Encephalopathy, Early Infantile, 4; Antineoplastic Agents; Physiological Effects of Drugs; Protective Agents; Cryoprotective Agents; glycerol phenylbutyrate
• Other Study ID Numbers: 19-10020997

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No