search
Back to results

Phase 1b Study of DCR-AUD in Healthy Volunteers

Primary Purpose

Alcohol Use Disorder

Status
Active
Phase
Phase 1
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
DCR-AUD
Placebo
Sponsored by
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Novo Nordisk company
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Alcohol Use Disorder

Eligibility Criteria

21 Years - 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion Criteria: 21 to 65 years, inclusive, at the time of signing informed consent. Overtly healthy volunteers, as determined by medical evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. No diagnosis of AUD within the preceding 12 months per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Social drinkers who consume, on average, 5 to 20 drinks per week for men or 5 to 14 drinks per week for women over the 4 weeks prior to Screening, and not more than 8 drinks in a single day. No evidence of overt or sub-clinical hepatic pathology, as manifest by serologic tests demonstrating hepatic inflammation or compromised hepatic synthetic function (i.e., AST, ALT, GGT, total bilirubin < 1.5 times the ULN at Screening and Day -1). eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at Screening. No history of significant adverse reaction(s) to alcohol. Participant should be expected to tolerate the amount of alcohol administered during EIAs. Willing to participate in up to 10 EIAs. Has a negative test for SARS-CoV-2 infection on Day -1. Systolic BP in the range of 80 to 140 mmHg and diastolic BP in the range of 50 to 95 mmHg at Screening. If out of range, BP may be repeated once at the discretion of the Investigator. Male or female Male participants with partners of childbearing potential must agree to use contraception from Screening through at least 24 weeks after the last dose of study intervention and refrain from donating sperm during this period (see Section 10.4). Female participants may not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and at least one of the following conditions must apply: Is not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or If a WOCBP, must agree to follow the contraceptive guidance (see Section 10.4), beginning at consent and the first Screening visit and for at least 24 weeks after the last dose of study intervention. BMI within the range 18.0 to 32.0 kg/m2 (inclusive). Capable of giving signed informed consent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the ICF and in this protocol. Exclusion Criteria: History of any medical condition that may interfere with the metabolism of study intervention or with the clinical and laboratory assessments in this study. 2. History of serious, persistent medical conditions, including liver, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, renal, or cardiovascular abnormalities. 3. History of suicidal attempt at any time or an answer of "yes" on any of the following items in the C-SSRS at Screening: Items 1 or 2 of the Suicidal Ideation section, if ideation occurred in the previous 12 months. Items 4 or 5 of the Suicidal Ideation section, in lifetime. Any item of the Suicidal Behavior section of the C-SSRS, in lifetime. 4. Any history of severe or recent clinically significant depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other neuropsychiatric disorder that, in the judgement of the Investigator, represents a safety risk to the participant were they to participate in the trial, as informed by the participant's medical history and/or responses to the MINI Screen Questionnaire. 5. History of substance use disorder (SUD) or illicit drug use (excluding cannabis) within the preceding 12 months. 6. History of alcohol withdrawal symptoms including delirium tremens or alcohol-related seizures. 7. Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for participation or could interfere with participation in or completion of the study, including: a. Poorly controlled or unstable hypertension. b. Diabetes mellitus treated with insulin or hypoglycemic agents (including metformin) or HbA1C > 7%. Asthma requiring hospital admission within the preceding 12 months. NOTE: Persons with clinically stable asthma who have not been hospitalized in the prior year and are treated only with orally inhaled medications are not excluded. d. Currently poorly controlled endocrine conditions, except for hypothyroidism that is stable (no treatment change in prior 6 months). e. Significant infection or known systemic inflammatory process ongoing at Screening. f. History of chronic or recurrent UTI, or UTI within 1 month prior to Screening. 8. History of malignancy within the preceding 5 years requiring treatment, with the exception of excised low grade basal cell skin neoplasms. 9. History of any concomitant medical condition for which alcohol consumption is prohibited or advised against by the participant's physician or health care provider. 10. SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to randomization. 11. Clinically significant illness within the 7 days prior to the first administration of study intervention. History of multiple drug allergies or a history of allergic reaction to an oligonucleotide based therapy. 13. Use of prescription medications (except for hormonal replacement/contraceptive medication for women and inhaled medication for treatment of clinically stable asthma) within 14 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to administration of study intervention. Participants being treated for hypothyroid disease must be on stable treatment (no treatment changes in the preceding 6 months). 14. Receipt of any vaccine (including COVID-19) within 14 days prior to the first administration of study intervention. 15. Regular use of OTC medications, including NSAID (periodic or occasional NSAID use to control temporary pain is not exclusionary). 16. Previously participated in Dicerna Study DCR-AUD-101. 17. Has received an investigational agent within 30 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to dosing or is in follow-up of another clinical study prior to initial dosing with the study intervention. 18. Clinically significant abnormalities in vital signs at Screening: pulse rate (< 40 bpm or > 90 bpm), respiratory rate, or temperature. 19. Clinically significant abnormalities in 12-lead ECG at Screening or predose on Day 1, including QTcF > 470 msec in females and > 450 msec in males. 20. Positive urine drug test at Screening or Day -1. Tests positive for cannabis are not exclusionary. 21. Seropositive for antibodies to HIV, HBV, or HCV at Screening (historical testing may be used if performed within the 3 months prior to screening). NOTE: In participants with previous treatment for hepatitis C with direct-acting HCV medication and seropositivity for HCV, or in participants with prior infection and spontaneous resolution, HCV RNA must be undetectable (at least 2 negative HCV RNA tests at least 12 weeks apart), and the HCV infection must have been resolved or cured > 3 years prior to initial dosing with the investigational medication. 22. Safety laboratory test result at Screening considered clinically unacceptable for study participation by the Investigator. 23. History of intolerance to SC injection(s) or significant abdominal scarring that could potentially hinder study intervention administration or evaluation of local injection site tolerability. 24. Scheduled for an elective surgical procedure during the conduct of this study. 25. Donation of > 500 mL of blood within the 2 months prior to administration of study intervention or donation of plasma within 7 days prior to Screening. Life Style Considerations: Study participants are to refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours prior to each EIA and must have a negative breath-alcohol test on the day of the study visit. Study participants will be advised to avoid consuming more than 4 drinks during any drinking session outside of in-clinic EIAs. Study participants will be instructed to stop drinking at the onset of any ethanol reaction symptoms during outside drinking sessions. Tobacco/nicotine use is not restricted. Study participants are to refrain from using cannabis for 24 hours prior to each EIA and must have a negative urine-drug test on the day of the study visit. Study participants should abstain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours before each blood collection for clinical laboratory tests. Participants may participate in light recreational activities (e.g., walking at a pace < 3 miles per hour, shopping, watering plants) in that 24-hour time period. For each EIA study visit, participants will be required to fast for at least 3 hours and then will be fed a standardized meal in the clinic prior to administration of ETOH for the EIA.

Sites / Locations

  • Parexel Los Angeles Early Phase Clinical Unit

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

DCR-AUD

DCR-AUD Placebo

Arm Description

Multiple doses of DCR-AUD. Subcutaneous administration of of DCR-AUD.

Multiple doses of placebo comparator. Subcutaneous administration of Placebo for DCR-AUD, volume to match active single dose

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Incidence and severity of Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
Adverse events will be defined as treatment-emergent AEs if they have a start date on or after the administration of study intervention during the treatment period. Frequency and percentages by treatment group will be used to summarize AEs, SAEs, AEs of special interest, and AEs by relationship.
Number of participants with changes from baseline in vital signs, 12-lead ECG, clinical laboratory tests, and physical examination findings
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of single doses of DCR-AUD administered to adult healthy volunteers (HVs).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Number of participants with changes in the occurrence and/or severity of 6 symptoms related to plasma acetaldehyde accumulation observed during in-clinic EIAs over the course of the study.
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of single doses of To characterize the PD symptom profile of repeat doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs.
Plasma area under the concentration curve (AUC).
Measured to characterize plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of multi doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs who are social drinkers.
Plasma maximum observed concentration (Cmax).
Measured to characterize plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of multi doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs who are social drinkers.
Plasma time to maximum concentration (Tmax).
Measured to characterize plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of multi doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs who are social drinkers.
Plasma acetaldehyde levels.
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Plasma acetate levels.
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Plasma ethanol levels.
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Heart rate.
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Facial skin temperature.
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.

Full Information

First Posted
April 26, 2023
Last Updated
May 23, 2023
Sponsor
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Novo Nordisk company
search

1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05845398
Brief Title
Phase 1b Study of DCR-AUD in Healthy Volunteers
Official Title
A Phase 1b, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Repeat-dose, Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Study of DCR-AUD in Healthy Volunteers
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
May 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Active, not recruiting
Study Start Date
January 29, 2023 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
August 2023 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
August 2023 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Novo Nordisk company

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of of repeat doses of DCR-AUD in adult healthy volunteers who are social drinkers. The main questions it aims to answer are: Are repeat doses of DCR-AUD safe and well-tolerated in healthy adults who are social drinkers? How does the drug behave inside the human body and how it is removed from the human body? What are the symptoms the drug may cause with alcohol consumption? Participants will: Receive multiple doses of DCR-AUD. Have assessment visits through Week 24. Participate in up to 10 Ethanol Interaction Assessments (EIAs) to see how the body is affected by DCR-AUD. Researchers will compare the groups of participates who receive study drug with the group of participants who receive placebo to see if the study drug is safe and tolerable and whether the study drug has any real effect.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Alcohol Use Disorder

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 1
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
Participants will be randomized 3 to 1 to DCR-AUD or placebo.
Masking
ParticipantInvestigator
Masking Description
Participants and site study staff will be blinded to the randomization. Some members of the Sponsor team will be unblinded.
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
16 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
DCR-AUD
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Multiple doses of DCR-AUD. Subcutaneous administration of of DCR-AUD.
Arm Title
DCR-AUD Placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Multiple doses of placebo comparator. Subcutaneous administration of Placebo for DCR-AUD, volume to match active single dose
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
DCR-AUD
Other Intervention Name(s)
DCR-A1203
Intervention Description
DCR-A1203, the drug substance of DCR-AUD, is a synthetic double-stranded (hybridized duplex) RNA oligonucleotide conjugated to GalNAc ligands that enable specific hepatic access and update after subcutaneous administration. DCR-AUD is a sterile solution of DCR-A1203 at a concentration of 160 mg/mL in water for injection (WFI).
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo
Intervention Description
0.9% saline for injection.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Incidence and severity of Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
Description
Adverse events will be defined as treatment-emergent AEs if they have a start date on or after the administration of study intervention during the treatment period. Frequency and percentages by treatment group will be used to summarize AEs, SAEs, AEs of special interest, and AEs by relationship.
Time Frame
24 weeks
Title
Number of participants with changes from baseline in vital signs, 12-lead ECG, clinical laboratory tests, and physical examination findings
Description
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of single doses of DCR-AUD administered to adult healthy volunteers (HVs).
Time Frame
24 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Number of participants with changes in the occurrence and/or severity of 6 symptoms related to plasma acetaldehyde accumulation observed during in-clinic EIAs over the course of the study.
Description
To evaluate the safety and tolerability of single doses of To characterize the PD symptom profile of repeat doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs.
Time Frame
24 weeks
Title
Plasma area under the concentration curve (AUC).
Description
Measured to characterize plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of multi doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs who are social drinkers.
Time Frame
24 weeks
Title
Plasma maximum observed concentration (Cmax).
Description
Measured to characterize plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of multi doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs who are social drinkers.
Time Frame
24 weeks
Title
Plasma time to maximum concentration (Tmax).
Description
Measured to characterize plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of multi doses of DCR-AUD in adult HVs who are social drinkers.
Time Frame
24 weeks
Title
Plasma acetaldehyde levels.
Description
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Time Frame
24 weeks.
Title
Plasma acetate levels.
Description
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Time Frame
24 weeks.
Title
Plasma ethanol levels.
Description
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Time Frame
24 weeks
Title
Heart rate.
Description
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Time Frame
24 weeks.
Title
Facial skin temperature.
Description
Measured to evaluate the PD effects of ALDH2 reduction by DCR-AUD during serial EIAs.
Time Frame
24 weeks.

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
21 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
65 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 21 to 65 years, inclusive, at the time of signing informed consent. Overtly healthy volunteers, as determined by medical evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. No diagnosis of AUD within the preceding 12 months per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Social drinkers who consume, on average, 5 to 20 drinks per week for men or 5 to 14 drinks per week for women over the 4 weeks prior to Screening, and not more than 8 drinks in a single day. No evidence of overt or sub-clinical hepatic pathology, as manifest by serologic tests demonstrating hepatic inflammation or compromised hepatic synthetic function (i.e., AST, ALT, GGT, total bilirubin < 1.5 times the ULN at Screening and Day -1). eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at Screening. No history of significant adverse reaction(s) to alcohol. Participant should be expected to tolerate the amount of alcohol administered during EIAs. Willing to participate in up to 10 EIAs. Has a negative test for SARS-CoV-2 infection on Day -1. Systolic BP in the range of 80 to 140 mmHg and diastolic BP in the range of 50 to 95 mmHg at Screening. If out of range, BP may be repeated once at the discretion of the Investigator. Male or female Male participants with partners of childbearing potential must agree to use contraception from Screening through at least 24 weeks after the last dose of study intervention and refrain from donating sperm during this period (see Section 10.4). Female participants may not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and at least one of the following conditions must apply: Is not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or If a WOCBP, must agree to follow the contraceptive guidance (see Section 10.4), beginning at consent and the first Screening visit and for at least 24 weeks after the last dose of study intervention. BMI within the range 18.0 to 32.0 kg/m2 (inclusive). Capable of giving signed informed consent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the ICF and in this protocol. Exclusion Criteria: History of any medical condition that may interfere with the metabolism of study intervention or with the clinical and laboratory assessments in this study. 2. History of serious, persistent medical conditions, including liver, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, renal, or cardiovascular abnormalities. 3. History of suicidal attempt at any time or an answer of "yes" on any of the following items in the C-SSRS at Screening: Items 1 or 2 of the Suicidal Ideation section, if ideation occurred in the previous 12 months. Items 4 or 5 of the Suicidal Ideation section, in lifetime. Any item of the Suicidal Behavior section of the C-SSRS, in lifetime. 4. Any history of severe or recent clinically significant depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other neuropsychiatric disorder that, in the judgement of the Investigator, represents a safety risk to the participant were they to participate in the trial, as informed by the participant's medical history and/or responses to the MINI Screen Questionnaire. 5. History of substance use disorder (SUD) or illicit drug use (excluding cannabis) within the preceding 12 months. 6. History of alcohol withdrawal symptoms including delirium tremens or alcohol-related seizures. 7. Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for participation or could interfere with participation in or completion of the study, including: a. Poorly controlled or unstable hypertension. b. Diabetes mellitus treated with insulin or hypoglycemic agents (including metformin) or HbA1C > 7%. Asthma requiring hospital admission within the preceding 12 months. NOTE: Persons with clinically stable asthma who have not been hospitalized in the prior year and are treated only with orally inhaled medications are not excluded. d. Currently poorly controlled endocrine conditions, except for hypothyroidism that is stable (no treatment change in prior 6 months). e. Significant infection or known systemic inflammatory process ongoing at Screening. f. History of chronic or recurrent UTI, or UTI within 1 month prior to Screening. 8. History of malignancy within the preceding 5 years requiring treatment, with the exception of excised low grade basal cell skin neoplasms. 9. History of any concomitant medical condition for which alcohol consumption is prohibited or advised against by the participant's physician or health care provider. 10. SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 14 days prior to randomization. 11. Clinically significant illness within the 7 days prior to the first administration of study intervention. History of multiple drug allergies or a history of allergic reaction to an oligonucleotide based therapy. 13. Use of prescription medications (except for hormonal replacement/contraceptive medication for women and inhaled medication for treatment of clinically stable asthma) within 14 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to administration of study intervention. Participants being treated for hypothyroid disease must be on stable treatment (no treatment changes in the preceding 6 months). 14. Receipt of any vaccine (including COVID-19) within 14 days prior to the first administration of study intervention. 15. Regular use of OTC medications, including NSAID (periodic or occasional NSAID use to control temporary pain is not exclusionary). 16. Previously participated in Dicerna Study DCR-AUD-101. 17. Has received an investigational agent within 30 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to dosing or is in follow-up of another clinical study prior to initial dosing with the study intervention. 18. Clinically significant abnormalities in vital signs at Screening: pulse rate (< 40 bpm or > 90 bpm), respiratory rate, or temperature. 19. Clinically significant abnormalities in 12-lead ECG at Screening or predose on Day 1, including QTcF > 470 msec in females and > 450 msec in males. 20. Positive urine drug test at Screening or Day -1. Tests positive for cannabis are not exclusionary. 21. Seropositive for antibodies to HIV, HBV, or HCV at Screening (historical testing may be used if performed within the 3 months prior to screening). NOTE: In participants with previous treatment for hepatitis C with direct-acting HCV medication and seropositivity for HCV, or in participants with prior infection and spontaneous resolution, HCV RNA must be undetectable (at least 2 negative HCV RNA tests at least 12 weeks apart), and the HCV infection must have been resolved or cured > 3 years prior to initial dosing with the investigational medication. 22. Safety laboratory test result at Screening considered clinically unacceptable for study participation by the Investigator. 23. History of intolerance to SC injection(s) or significant abdominal scarring that could potentially hinder study intervention administration or evaluation of local injection site tolerability. 24. Scheduled for an elective surgical procedure during the conduct of this study. 25. Donation of > 500 mL of blood within the 2 months prior to administration of study intervention or donation of plasma within 7 days prior to Screening. Life Style Considerations: Study participants are to refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours prior to each EIA and must have a negative breath-alcohol test on the day of the study visit. Study participants will be advised to avoid consuming more than 4 drinks during any drinking session outside of in-clinic EIAs. Study participants will be instructed to stop drinking at the onset of any ethanol reaction symptoms during outside drinking sessions. Tobacco/nicotine use is not restricted. Study participants are to refrain from using cannabis for 24 hours prior to each EIA and must have a negative urine-drug test on the day of the study visit. Study participants should abstain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours before each blood collection for clinical laboratory tests. Participants may participate in light recreational activities (e.g., walking at a pace < 3 miles per hour, shopping, watering plants) in that 24-hour time period. For each EIA study visit, participants will be required to fast for at least 3 hours and then will be fed a standardized meal in the clinic prior to administration of ETOH for the EIA.
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
John Hanrahan, MD, MPH
Organizational Affiliation
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Novo Nordisk company
Official's Role
Study Director
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Lev G. Gertsik, MD
Organizational Affiliation
Parexel
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Parexel Los Angeles Early Phase Clinical Unit
City
Glendale
State/Province
California
ZIP/Postal Code
91206
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Learn more about this trial

Phase 1b Study of DCR-AUD in Healthy Volunteers

We'll reach out to this number within 24 hrs