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A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Species Suppositories on Vaginal Health and pH

Primary Purpose

Bacterial Vaginosis

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Phase 4
Locations
India
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Lactobacillus Species
Placebo
Sponsored by
Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Bacterial Vaginosis

Eligibility Criteria

40 Years - 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)FemaleDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding females between the ages of 40 and 65 years, inclusive.
  2. Participants having at least 3 out of following symptoms or signs:

    1. Homogeneous, thin, white discharge that smoothly coats the vaginal walls.
    2. Presence of the clue cells on microscopic examination (as assessed by wet mount test)
    3. pH of vaginal fluid ≥5
    4. A fishy odor of vaginal discharge.
  3. Participants with Nugent score of ≥ 7.
  4. Participants with a total Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score <15.
  5. Participants with pH ≥ 5.
  6. Willing to abstain from sexual intercourse 48 hours prior to scheduled clinic visit.
  7. Participants able to comply with and perform the procedures requested by the protocol (including IP compliance, blood sample collection procedures and study visit schedule).
  8. Participants who are literate enough to understand the essence of study, are informed about the purpose of the study, and understand their rights.
  9. Participants able to give written informed consent and willingness to participate in the study and comply with its procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Participants with signs or symptoms of vaginal or cervical or pelvic or urinary infection on screening or clinical diagnosis of vaginal/cervical/pelvic/ urinary infection in the past 14 days (including but not limited to yeast vulvovaginitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, genital ulcer disease, pelvic inflammatory disease).
  2. Participants who are undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
  3. Participants on prebiotics or probiotics in the last 1 month.
  4. Participants who are currently using antibiotics.
  5. Participants with history/ signs of cervical or vaginal high grade squamous intraepithelial dysplasia (HSIL), atypical glandular cells of uncertain significance (AGUS) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
  6. Participants who have undergone total hysterectomy or any other surgery involving the female reproductive system.
  7. Participants who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  8. Uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus (assessed by RBS ≥140 mg/dL.)
  9. Use of an immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drug within 6 months prior to enrolment.
  10. Participants with uncontrolled hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mm Hg).
  11. Abnormal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) value out of reference range of 0.35 to 5.00 μIU/mL.
  12. History of any significant neurological and psychiatric condition which may affect the participation and inference of the study's end points.
  13. Participation in other clinical trials in last 3 months prior to screening.
  14. Smokers (Past smokers can be allowed if they have abstinence for minimum 2 years).
  15. Chronic or sporadic abdominal pain including moderate to severe dysmenorrhoea.
  16. Substance abuse problems (within 2 years) defined as:

    1. Use of recreational drugs (such as cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, etc.)/Nicotine dependence.
    2. High-risk drinking as defined by consumption of 4 or more alcohol containing beverages on any day or 8 or more alcohol containing beverages per week for women.
  17. Any of the following clinically significant illness, i.e. Cardiovascular, endocrine system, immune system, respiratory system, hepatobiliary system, kidney and urinary system, neuropsychiatric, musculoskeletal, inflammatory, blood and tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, etc.
  18. History of hepatitis B/ hepatitis C/ HIV infection.
  19. Regular medical treatment including over the counter medication, which may have impact on the study aims (e.g., probiotics, antibiotic drugs, laxatives etc.)
  20. Any condition that could, in the opinion of the investigator, preclude the participant's ability to successfully and safely complete the study or that may confound study outcomes.

Sites / Locations

  • JNU Institute for Medical Sciences and ResearchRecruiting
  • Shinde Medicare Hospital
  • Saraogi Hospital
  • Shreenika HospitalRecruiting
  • Shubham Sudbhawana Superspeciality Hospital,Recruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

Lactobacillus Species Suppositories

Coconut Oil Suppositories

Arm Description

Coconut oil fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, patented VagiBIOM Probiotic complex CFU (Lactobacillus crispatus Bi16, Lactobacillus gasseri Bi19, Bacillus coagulans Bi34, Lactobacillus acidophilus Bi14) hydrolyzed cellulose, oligofructose, silica gel, lactic acid

Coconut oil fatty acid suppositories

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Evaluate the efficacy of IP on Vaginal pH
To evaluate the efficacy of Investigational product (IP) on Vaginal pH as assessed by a pH indicator from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Evaluate the efficacy of IP on Vaginal pH
Vaginal pH as assessed by a pH indicator from baseline to Day 7 and Day 21 in comparison to placebo.
Evaluate the efficacy of IP on Vaginal Itching
Vaginal itching as assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (0-10) from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Evaluate the efficacy on Microbial Infection control
Microbial infection control as assessed by the Nugent score from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Evaluate the efficacy as per Vaginal Health Index
Overall Vaginal Health as assessed through clinical examination using the Vaginal Health Index from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Efficacy as per percentage responders in Nugent Score.
Percentage responders as assessed by the number of BV-free women determined using the Nugent score at Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
To evaluate the total number of Adverse Events
Number of participants who experienced adverse events from baseline in comparison to placebo

Full Information

First Posted
September 15, 2021
Last Updated
April 29, 2022
Sponsor
Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05060029
Brief Title
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Species Suppositories on Vaginal Health and pH
Official Title
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Species Suppositories on Vaginal Health and pH
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
January 2022
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
January 3, 2022 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
August 12, 2022 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
August 12, 2022 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.

4. Oversight

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.
Yes
Data Monitoring Committee
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Most of the methods involved in the treatment of BV include antibiotics. Some of the antibiotics used for this include metronidazole, clindamycin and fluconazole. The antibiotics inhibit the growth of anaerobes that support G. vaginalis and other microbes without affecting lactobacilli. This leads to the treatment of BV while also preventing its recurrence. However, the use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance and cause various side-effects such as thrush, dizziness, rash, nausea, etc. In the case of many antibiotics, the cure rates were incredibly poor and the BV recurrence rates reached as high as 80 %. Probiotic therapy has slowly been replacing antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of BV and other infections. These probiotics usually contain lactobacilli and help maintain a healthy vaginal environment. They can either be consumed through curd and other milk products that contain probiotics (mostly lactobacilli) or they can be used in the form of suppositories that are placed in the vagina. In probiotics containing lactobacilli, the lactic acid produced by the bacteria lowers the vaginal pH to the ideal range of 3.5 to 4.5 and prevents infection recurrence. Lactobacilli containing suppositories have been successfully used in the past to treat BV, being marketed as a safe and effective way to prevent and treat infections for women in various stages of their lives.
Detailed Description
The vaginal microbiome is said to be the first line of defence against vaginal infection, due to competitive exclusion and the destruction of pathogenic microbes. The vagina remains relatively sterile until a woman reaches puberty, after which the hormonal changes cause the colonization of lactobacilli in the vaginal environment. Any alterations in the microbiota are seen to cause symptomatic conditions. These conditions may include bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis. The reduction in circulating hormone levels in older women as they near menopause triggers various physiological changes in the vagina. Vulvovaginal atrophy, dryness, itchiness, redness, loss of elasticity, inflammation and atypical secretions are some of the changes that occur in the vagina as estrogen and progesterone levels decrease in the blood. The aforementioned reduction in hormone levels would also lead to a decline in the concentration of lactobacilli in the vaginal environment. The lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which creates an acidic vaginal environment conducive to the growth of lactobacilli, while preventing the growth of other anaerobic bacterial species. The dominant lactobacilli also prevent the binding of other bacteria to the epithelial cells and the lactic acid produced by lactobacilli blocks histone deacetylases, thereby enhancing gene transcription and DNA repair within their cells. Moreover, the lactobacilli also inhibit the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines while promoting homeostasis. Some of the species from the Lactobacilli genus that have been identified as residents of the vaginal environment include L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners, and L. jensenii Therefore, it is seen that women who experience lowering of hormone levels i.e. as they approach menopause, the chances of contracting vaginal infection increases due to the lower concentrations of lactobacilli. Bacteria such as Gardnerella, Atopobium, Mobiluncus, Prevotella, Streptococcus, Ureaplasma and Megasphaera, which were previously left dormant due to the lactobacilli, may increase in concentration and increase the susceptibility of these women to contract infections such as bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is usually caused by the overabundance of G. vaginalis and other anaerobes, and can be clinically diagnosed using the Amsel criteria. This technique requires at least three positive findings of the four diagnostic criteria: a fishy odor after a 10% potassium hydroxide test for vaginal secretion, the presence of non-inflammatory vaginal discharge, clue cells on microscopic examination, and vaginal fluid pH > 4.5. The nugent score is also a well-validated technique to diagnose BV. In this study, the safety and efficacy of the vaginal suppository VagiBIOM will be studied in aging women with BV infection. The effect of the suppository on vaginal pH and the physiological changes in the vagina will be examined, along with its impact on vaginal infection.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Bacterial Vaginosis

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 4
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Masking
ParticipantInvestigator
Masking Description
In order to preserve the blinding, IP and placebo suppositories will be matched for size, shape, color, and texture. They will be packed in identical fashion in terms of size, color, as well as labelling. The blinding will be done at the CRO (Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.). The participant IDs will be arranged in chronological order as per the randomization chart. This chart will be secured, saved and maintained in the electronic Trial Master File (TMF) under the respective project folder.
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
75 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Lactobacillus Species Suppositories
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Coconut oil fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, patented VagiBIOM Probiotic complex CFU (Lactobacillus crispatus Bi16, Lactobacillus gasseri Bi19, Bacillus coagulans Bi34, Lactobacillus acidophilus Bi14) hydrolyzed cellulose, oligofructose, silica gel, lactic acid
Arm Title
Coconut Oil Suppositories
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Coconut oil fatty acid suppositories
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Lactobacillus Species
Intervention Description
Lactobacilli containing suppositories have been successfully used in the past to maintain the vaginal environment and for treatment of infections like BV. Some of the Lactobacilli species that have been used include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus plantarum, none of which demonstrated any safety concerns. The investigational product, which contains a Lactobacilli complex as its main component, has already been marketed as a tool to maintain vaginal microbial balance, pH and the prevention of microbial infection, thus there are no additional safety concerns or risks involved in this clinical trial design.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo
Other Intervention Name(s)
Coconut Oil
Intervention Description
Coconut Oil Fatty Acids
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Evaluate the efficacy of IP on Vaginal pH
Description
To evaluate the efficacy of Investigational product (IP) on Vaginal pH as assessed by a pH indicator from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Time Frame
Day 0 to Day 28
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Evaluate the efficacy of IP on Vaginal pH
Description
Vaginal pH as assessed by a pH indicator from baseline to Day 7 and Day 21 in comparison to placebo.
Time Frame
Day 7 and Day 21
Title
Evaluate the efficacy of IP on Vaginal Itching
Description
Vaginal itching as assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (0-10) from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Time Frame
Day 0, Day 7, Day 21 and Day 28
Title
Evaluate the efficacy on Microbial Infection control
Description
Microbial infection control as assessed by the Nugent score from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Time Frame
Day 0, Day 7, Day 21, and Day 28
Title
Evaluate the efficacy as per Vaginal Health Index
Description
Overall Vaginal Health as assessed through clinical examination using the Vaginal Health Index from baseline to Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Time Frame
Day 0 and Day 28
Title
Efficacy as per percentage responders in Nugent Score.
Description
Percentage responders as assessed by the number of BV-free women determined using the Nugent score at Day 28 in comparison to placebo.
Time Frame
Day 0 and Day 28
Title
To evaluate the total number of Adverse Events
Description
Number of participants who experienced adverse events from baseline in comparison to placebo
Time Frame
Day 7, Day 21, and Day 28

10. Eligibility

Sex
Female
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
40 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
65 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding females between the ages of 40 and 65 years, inclusive. Participants having at least 3 out of following symptoms or signs: Homogeneous, thin, white discharge that smoothly coats the vaginal walls. Presence of the clue cells on microscopic examination (as assessed by wet mount test) pH of vaginal fluid ≥5 A fishy odor of vaginal discharge. Participants with Nugent score of ≥ 7. Participants with a total Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score <15. Participants with pH ≥ 5. Willing to abstain from sexual intercourse 48 hours prior to scheduled clinic visit. Participants able to comply with and perform the procedures requested by the protocol (including IP compliance, blood sample collection procedures and study visit schedule). Participants who are literate enough to understand the essence of study, are informed about the purpose of the study, and understand their rights. Participants able to give written informed consent and willingness to participate in the study and comply with its procedures. Exclusion Criteria: Participants with signs or symptoms of vaginal or cervical or pelvic or urinary infection on screening or clinical diagnosis of vaginal/cervical/pelvic/ urinary infection in the past 14 days (including but not limited to yeast vulvovaginitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, genital ulcer disease, pelvic inflammatory disease). Participants who are undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Participants on prebiotics or probiotics in the last 1 month. Participants who are currently using antibiotics. Participants with history/ signs of cervical or vaginal high grade squamous intraepithelial dysplasia (HSIL), atypical glandular cells of uncertain significance (AGUS) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Participants who have undergone total hysterectomy or any other surgery involving the female reproductive system. Participants who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus (assessed by RBS ≥140 mg/dL.) Use of an immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drug within 6 months prior to enrolment. Participants with uncontrolled hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mm Hg). Abnormal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) value out of reference range of 0.35 to 5.00 μIU/mL. History of any significant neurological and psychiatric condition which may affect the participation and inference of the study's end points. Participation in other clinical trials in last 3 months prior to screening. Smokers (Past smokers can be allowed if they have abstinence for minimum 2 years). Chronic or sporadic abdominal pain including moderate to severe dysmenorrhoea. Substance abuse problems (within 2 years) defined as: Use of recreational drugs (such as cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, etc.)/Nicotine dependence. High-risk drinking as defined by consumption of 4 or more alcohol containing beverages on any day or 8 or more alcohol containing beverages per week for women. Any of the following clinically significant illness, i.e. Cardiovascular, endocrine system, immune system, respiratory system, hepatobiliary system, kidney and urinary system, neuropsychiatric, musculoskeletal, inflammatory, blood and tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, etc. History of hepatitis B/ hepatitis C/ HIV infection. Regular medical treatment including over the counter medication, which may have impact on the study aims (e.g., probiotics, antibiotic drugs, laxatives etc.) Any condition that could, in the opinion of the investigator, preclude the participant's ability to successfully and safely complete the study or that may confound study outcomes.
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Dr. Shalini Srivastava, MD - Med.
Phone
+91-22-42172300
Email
shalini.s@vediclifesciences.com
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Dr. Sonali Ghosh, BAMS
Phone
+91-22-42172300
Email
sonali.g@vediclifesciences.com
Facility Information:
Facility Name
JNU Institute for Medical Sciences and Research
City
Jaipur
State/Province
Maharashtra
ZIP/Postal Code
302017
Country
India
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Kamlesh Kumari, MS (OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY)
Phone
7615931030
Email
clinicalresearch@jnujaipur.ac.in
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Kamlesh Kumari, MS (OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY)
Facility Name
Shinde Medicare Hospital
City
Mumbai
State/Province
Maharashtra
ZIP/Postal Code
400058
Country
India
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Veena Shinde, MD, DGO
Phone
9821225392
Email
drveenashinde@gmail.com
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Veena Shinde, MD, DGO
Facility Name
Saraogi Hospital
City
Mumbai
State/Province
Maharashtra
ZIP/Postal Code
400064
Country
India
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. R.M. Saraogi, MD, DGO
Phone
9820146689
Email
drsaraogi@hotmail.com
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. R.M. Saraogi, MD, DGO
Facility Name
Shreenika Hospital
City
Thane
State/Province
Maharashtra
ZIP/Postal Code
400605
Country
India
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Shrikant Adsul, MD (Gynaec.)
Phone
98218 61181
Email
drshrikantadsul@gmail.com
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Shrikant Adsul, MD (Gynaec.)
Facility Name
Shubham Sudbhawana Superspeciality Hospital,
City
Varanasi
State/Province
Uttar Pradesh
ZIP/Postal Code
221005
Country
India
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Pragya Pandey, MBBS MD
Phone
9696519115
Email
pragyamadhukar@gmail.com
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dr. Pragya Pandey, MBBS MD

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No

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A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Species Suppositories on Vaginal Health and pH

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