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Platform Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Multiple Drugs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Primary Purpose

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Phase 3
Locations
International
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Lithium Carbonate 400 MG
Sponsored by
Stichting TRICALS Foundation
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria: ≥ 18 years at the time of screening. Diagnosis of ALS according to the revised El Escorial criteria (possible, probable-laboratory supported, probable or definite). Capable of providing informed consent and complying with trial procedures, including randomization to sub-studies. TRICALS risk profile > -6.0 and < -2.0 ** The use of riluzole will be permitted during the study. Subjects taking riluzole must be on a stable dose for at least 30 days prior to the baseline visit, or stopped taking riluzole at least 30 days prior to the baseline visit. Women of childbearing potential* must have a negative pregnancy test at baseline and be non-lactating. Men must agree to practice contraception for the duration of the trial and for at least 3 months after last dose of study drug. Men must not plan to father a child or to provide sperm for donation for the duration of the trial and 3 months after the last dose of study drug. Women must not be able to become pregnant (e.g. post-menopausal***, surgically sterile or using effective birth control methods) for the duration of the study. Effective contraceptives are defined as having a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly and, when applicable, in accordance with the product label, including: abstinence, hormonal contraception, intrauterine device in place for ≥ 3 months Appendix 1). Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at baseline, and be non-lactating. Women who are pregnant or are actively seeking to become pregnant, and women of reproductive potential who are not using effective contraceptives are excluded. Exclusion Criteria: Laboratory Criteria at baseline: ALT (alanine transaminase) ≥ 5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AST (aspartate aminotransferase) ≥ 3 times ULN Bilirubin ≥ 1.5 times ULN Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 50 mL / min / 1.73 m2 based on Cystatin C, if not available eGFR can also be calculated based on creatinine clearance. Platelet concentration of < 100 x109 per L Absolute neutrophil count of < 1x109 per L Haemoglobin < 100 g/L (<6.2 mmol/L) Amylase & lipase ≥ 2 times ULN (suspected pancreatitis) Lactate ≥ 2 times ULN (suspected lactate acidosis) Moderate to severe hepatic impairment according to Child-Pugh classification (Class B or higher; score ≥ 7). Child-Pugh classification is based on bilirubin, albumin, International Normalized Ratio (INR) and presence of encephalopathy or ascites. Participation in any other investigational drug trial or using investigational drug (within 30 days prior to screening). Hypothyroidism unresponsive to thyroid hormone supplementation. Subjects using non-invasive ventilation (NIV, ≥22 h per day) or having a tracheostomy. Subjects taking edaravone within 30 days prior to screening. Edaravone is approved by the FDA, but remains an investigational product in Europe and Australia. Clinically significant history of unstable or severe cardiac (e.g. congestive heart failure, coronary insufficiency and arrhythmias), oncological, hepatic or renal disease, neuromuscular diseases, significant pulmonary disorder or other medically significant illness. Drug or alcohol abuse. Unstable psychiatric illness defined as psychosis or untreated major depression within 90 days of the screening visit. This exclusion criterion is based on a prior psychiatric diagnosis that is unstable as determined by the subject's treating Psychiatrist. Presence of frontotemporal dementia which prevents informed consent. Lithium carbonate study-specific exclusion criteria: Patients heterozygous or homozygous for the A-allele of rs12608932 (UNC13A) Known allergy or hypersensitivity to lithium, or its excipients, or to the components of the placebo. Brain injury with posttraumatic epilepsy or neurologic deficit, excluding a concussion in the medical history. Brain infarction is an exclusion criterion, a transient ischemic attack is not. Addison disease. Patients with the following co-medication: antipsychotics, digoxin and calcium antagonists, carbamazepine, methyldopa, verapamil and diltiazem. Brugada Syndrome or family history of Brugada Syndrome. Plasma sodium <120 mmol/L

Sites / Locations

  • Flinders Medical Centre
  • Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
  • Calvary Health Care Bethlehem
  • Perron Institute
  • The University of Sydney (Royal prince Alfred hospital)Recruiting
  • Concord hospital Sydney
  • University Hospital LeuvenRecruiting
  • University Medical Center UtrechtRecruiting
  • Bellvitge University HospitalRecruiting
  • Karolinska University HospitalRecruiting
  • King's College HospitalRecruiting
  • University College London Hospital NHS
  • University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

Lithium carbonate

Placebo

Arm Description

Lithium carbonate 400 mg capsules will be taken once daily, starting with one capsule (400 mg daily) initially titrated up to two or three capsules daily, depending on blood lithium levels. The target range for the lithium plasma level will be between ≥0.4 mmol/l and ≤ 0.8 mmol/l. Maximum duration is 24 months.

Patients start with 1 capsule to be taken once daily, with subsequent sham dose adjustments made to patients on placebo to maintain blinding in clinical sites.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Overall survival, defined as time to death from any cause or respiratory insufficiency (DRI; defined as tracheostomy or the use of non-invasive ventilation for ≥22 h per day for ≥10 consecutive days)
A tracheostomy for ventilation is meant here

Secondary Outcome Measures

Composite endpoint evaluating daily functioning and survival based on the joint model framework of survival and longitudinal ALSFRS-R total scores
The ALSFRS-R (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rating Scale-revised) is a 12 item participant self-report measure that monitors ALS disease progression, where a higher score reflects a better outcome.
Daily functioning, defined as mean change from baseline in ALSFRS-R total score.
The ALSFRS-R (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rating Scale-revised) is a 12 item participant self-report measure that monitors ALS disease progression, where a higher score reflects a better outcome.
Respiratory function, defined as mean change from baseline in SVC (%predicted of normal according to the GLI-2012 reference standard)
Slow vital capacity (SVC) is measured in litres, and as a % of predicted. A higher score reflects a better outcome.
Quality of life, defined as change from baseline on the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (single-item scale)
The EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level) questionnaire is a standardised measure of health-related Quality of Life, using a Visual Analogue Scale. A higher score relates to a better outcome
Quality of life, defined as change from baseline on the EQ-5D
The EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level) questionnaire is a standardised measure of health-related Quality of Life. A lower score relates to a better outcome
Neuropsychological status, defined as change from baseline on the ECAS
ECAS (Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Screen) is a multidomain assessment questionnaire used in ALS to assess cognitive and behavioural changes where a higher score relates to a better outcome.
Neuropsychological status, defined as change from baseline on the ALS-FTD-Q.
ALS-FTD-Q (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia-Questionnaire) is a validated instrument for the screening of behavioral disturbances in ALS.
Clinical disease stage, defined as mean time spent in each stage of the King's and ALS Milano-Torino staging systems.
The King's Staging Scale is a clinical staging system defining four stages of ALS assessed by way of a semi-structured interview with the participant.
Change from baseline in laboratory parameters: Urinary P75ECD (ectodomain of neurotrophin receptor p75), Neurofilament light and heavy chain, Plasma creatinine
Plasma creatinine is assessed to monitor kidney function
Tolerability defined as time-to-discontinuation of assigned treatment since randomization
the number of participants who discontinue study medication will be assessed to assess tolerability
Safety based on the safety assessments including neurological examinations, clinical laboratory evaluations, vital signs and frequency of adverse events (AEs) or serious adverse events (SAEs).
(S)AEs will be categorized according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and will be rated for severity and association with study drug.

Full Information

First Posted
August 14, 2023
Last Updated
August 21, 2023
Sponsor
Stichting TRICALS Foundation
Collaborators
Stichting ALS Nederland, Fight MND, Research Foundation Flanders, MNDA, Thierry Latran Foundation, Ulla-Carin Lindquist Foundation, Luzon Foundation, Alan Davidson Foundation, My name'5 Doddie Foundation
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT06008249
Brief Title
Platform Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Multiple Drugs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Official Title
A Multi-arm, Adaptive, Group-sequential Trial NETwork to Evaluate Drug Efficacy in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
August 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
August 9, 2021 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
June 2026 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
June 2026 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
Stichting TRICALS Foundation
Collaborators
Stichting ALS Nederland, Fight MND, Research Foundation Flanders, MNDA, Thierry Latran Foundation, Ulla-Carin Lindquist Foundation, Luzon Foundation, Alan Davidson Foundation, My name'5 Doddie Foundation

4. Oversight

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

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The objective of this phase III, placebo-controlled platform study is to investigate the efficacy of drugs for patients with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Detailed Description
This study uses an innovative multi-arm, adaptive trial design to investigate the efficacy of multiple treatments simultaneously. Currently one study-arm is active, investigating the efficacy and safety of lithium carbonate versus placebo in patients with ALS. Only patients with a specific UNC13A genotype (approximately 1 in 6 ALS patients) are eligible to participate.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 3
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
Participants will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive either lithium carbonate or placebo
Masking
ParticipantInvestigator
Masking Description
Double-blind
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
171 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Lithium carbonate
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Lithium carbonate 400 mg capsules will be taken once daily, starting with one capsule (400 mg daily) initially titrated up to two or three capsules daily, depending on blood lithium levels. The target range for the lithium plasma level will be between ≥0.4 mmol/l and ≤ 0.8 mmol/l. Maximum duration is 24 months.
Arm Title
Placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Patients start with 1 capsule to be taken once daily, with subsequent sham dose adjustments made to patients on placebo to maintain blinding in clinical sites.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Lithium Carbonate 400 MG
Intervention Description
Lithium carbonate vs placebo (2:1)
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Overall survival, defined as time to death from any cause or respiratory insufficiency (DRI; defined as tracheostomy or the use of non-invasive ventilation for ≥22 h per day for ≥10 consecutive days)
Description
A tracheostomy for ventilation is meant here
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Composite endpoint evaluating daily functioning and survival based on the joint model framework of survival and longitudinal ALSFRS-R total scores
Description
The ALSFRS-R (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rating Scale-revised) is a 12 item participant self-report measure that monitors ALS disease progression, where a higher score reflects a better outcome.
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Daily functioning, defined as mean change from baseline in ALSFRS-R total score.
Description
The ALSFRS-R (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rating Scale-revised) is a 12 item participant self-report measure that monitors ALS disease progression, where a higher score reflects a better outcome.
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Respiratory function, defined as mean change from baseline in SVC (%predicted of normal according to the GLI-2012 reference standard)
Description
Slow vital capacity (SVC) is measured in litres, and as a % of predicted. A higher score reflects a better outcome.
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Quality of life, defined as change from baseline on the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (single-item scale)
Description
The EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level) questionnaire is a standardised measure of health-related Quality of Life, using a Visual Analogue Scale. A higher score relates to a better outcome
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Quality of life, defined as change from baseline on the EQ-5D
Description
The EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level) questionnaire is a standardised measure of health-related Quality of Life. A lower score relates to a better outcome
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Neuropsychological status, defined as change from baseline on the ECAS
Description
ECAS (Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Screen) is a multidomain assessment questionnaire used in ALS to assess cognitive and behavioural changes where a higher score relates to a better outcome.
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Neuropsychological status, defined as change from baseline on the ALS-FTD-Q.
Description
ALS-FTD-Q (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia-Questionnaire) is a validated instrument for the screening of behavioral disturbances in ALS.
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Clinical disease stage, defined as mean time spent in each stage of the King's and ALS Milano-Torino staging systems.
Description
The King's Staging Scale is a clinical staging system defining four stages of ALS assessed by way of a semi-structured interview with the participant.
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Change from baseline in laboratory parameters: Urinary P75ECD (ectodomain of neurotrophin receptor p75), Neurofilament light and heavy chain, Plasma creatinine
Description
Plasma creatinine is assessed to monitor kidney function
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Tolerability defined as time-to-discontinuation of assigned treatment since randomization
Description
the number of participants who discontinue study medication will be assessed to assess tolerability
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months
Title
Safety based on the safety assessments including neurological examinations, clinical laboratory evaluations, vital signs and frequency of adverse events (AEs) or serious adverse events (SAEs).
Description
(S)AEs will be categorized according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and will be rated for severity and association with study drug.
Time Frame
endpoint or 24 months

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: ≥ 18 years at the time of screening. Diagnosis of ALS according to the revised El Escorial criteria (possible, probable-laboratory supported, probable or definite). Capable of providing informed consent and complying with trial procedures, including randomization to sub-studies. TRICALS risk profile > -6.0 and < -2.0 ** The use of riluzole will be permitted during the study. Subjects taking riluzole must be on a stable dose for at least 30 days prior to the baseline visit, or stopped taking riluzole at least 30 days prior to the baseline visit. Women of childbearing potential* must have a negative pregnancy test at baseline and be non-lactating. Men must agree to practice contraception for the duration of the trial and for at least 3 months after last dose of study drug. Men must not plan to father a child or to provide sperm for donation for the duration of the trial and 3 months after the last dose of study drug. Women must not be able to become pregnant (e.g. post-menopausal***, surgically sterile or using effective birth control methods) for the duration of the study. Effective contraceptives are defined as having a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly and, when applicable, in accordance with the product label, including: abstinence, hormonal contraception, intrauterine device in place for ≥ 3 months Appendix 1). Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at baseline, and be non-lactating. Women who are pregnant or are actively seeking to become pregnant, and women of reproductive potential who are not using effective contraceptives are excluded. Exclusion Criteria: Laboratory Criteria at baseline: ALT (alanine transaminase) ≥ 5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AST (aspartate aminotransferase) ≥ 3 times ULN Bilirubin ≥ 1.5 times ULN Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 50 mL / min / 1.73 m2 based on Cystatin C, if not available eGFR can also be calculated based on creatinine clearance. Platelet concentration of < 100 x109 per L Absolute neutrophil count of < 1x109 per L Haemoglobin < 100 g/L (<6.2 mmol/L) Amylase & lipase ≥ 2 times ULN (suspected pancreatitis) Lactate ≥ 2 times ULN (suspected lactate acidosis) Moderate to severe hepatic impairment according to Child-Pugh classification (Class B or higher; score ≥ 7). Child-Pugh classification is based on bilirubin, albumin, International Normalized Ratio (INR) and presence of encephalopathy or ascites. Participation in any other investigational drug trial or using investigational drug (within 30 days prior to screening). Hypothyroidism unresponsive to thyroid hormone supplementation. Subjects using non-invasive ventilation (NIV, ≥22 h per day) or having a tracheostomy. Subjects taking edaravone within 30 days prior to screening. Edaravone is approved by the FDA, but remains an investigational product in Europe and Australia. Clinically significant history of unstable or severe cardiac (e.g. congestive heart failure, coronary insufficiency and arrhythmias), oncological, hepatic or renal disease, neuromuscular diseases, significant pulmonary disorder or other medically significant illness. Drug or alcohol abuse. Unstable psychiatric illness defined as psychosis or untreated major depression within 90 days of the screening visit. This exclusion criterion is based on a prior psychiatric diagnosis that is unstable as determined by the subject's treating Psychiatrist. Presence of frontotemporal dementia which prevents informed consent. Lithium carbonate study-specific exclusion criteria: Patients heterozygous or homozygous for the A-allele of rs12608932 (UNC13A) Known allergy or hypersensitivity to lithium, or its excipients, or to the components of the placebo. Brain injury with posttraumatic epilepsy or neurologic deficit, excluding a concussion in the medical history. Brain infarction is an exclusion criterion, a transient ischemic attack is not. Addison disease. Patients with the following co-medication: antipsychotics, digoxin and calcium antagonists, carbamazepine, methyldopa, verapamil and diltiazem. Brugada Syndrome or family history of Brugada Syndrome. Plasma sodium <120 mmol/L
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Roel Vink, PhD
Phone
+31 6 50177777
Email
magnet@tricals.org
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Leonard van den Berg, MD
Phone
0887557939
Ext
0031
Email
L.H.vandenBerg@umcutrecht.nl
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Leonard Van den Berg, MD
Organizational Affiliation
TRICALS Foundation
Official's Role
Study Chair
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Flinders Medical Centre
City
Adelaide
ZIP/Postal Code
SA 5042
Country
Australia
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eleanor Ramsey
Email
eleanor.ramsey@sydney.edu.au
Facility Name
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
City
Brisbane
ZIP/Postal Code
QLD 4029
Country
Australia
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eleanor Ramsey
Email
eleanor.ramsey@sydney.edu.au
Facility Name
Calvary Health Care Bethlehem
City
Parkdale
ZIP/Postal Code
VIC 3195
Country
Australia
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eleanor Ramsey
Email
eleanor.ramsey@sydney.edu.au
Facility Name
Perron Institute
City
Perth
ZIP/Postal Code
WA 6009
Country
Australia
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eleanor Ramsey
Email
eleanor.ramsey@sydney.edu.au
Facility Name
The University of Sydney (Royal prince Alfred hospital)
City
Sydney
ZIP/Postal Code
NSW 2050
Country
Australia
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eleanor Ramsey
Email
eleanor.ramsey@sydney.edu.au
Facility Name
Concord hospital Sydney
City
Sydney
ZIP/Postal Code
NSW 2139
Country
Australia
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Eleanor Ramsey
Email
eleanor.ramsey@sydney.edu.au
Facility Name
University Hospital Leuven
City
Leuven
ZIP/Postal Code
3000
Country
Belgium
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Nikita Lamaire
Email
nikita.lamaire@uzleuven.be
Facility Name
University Medical Center Utrecht
City
Utrecht
ZIP/Postal Code
3584 CX
Country
Netherlands
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Valerie van Eck
Email
V.D.vanEck@umcutrecht.nl
Facility Name
Bellvitge University Hospital
City
Barcelona
ZIP/Postal Code
08907
Country
Spain
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Monica Povedano, MD
Email
mpovedano@bellvitgehospital.cat
Facility Name
Karolinska University Hospital
City
Stockholm
ZIP/Postal Code
171 64
Country
Sweden
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Charlotta Molin Edlund
Email
charlotta.molin-edlund@regionstockholm.se
Facility Name
King's College Hospital
City
London
ZIP/Postal Code
SE5 9RS
Country
United Kingdom
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Theresa Chiwera
Email
tchiwera@nhs.net
Facility Name
University College London Hospital NHS
City
London
ZIP/Postal Code
WC1N 3BG
Country
United Kingdom
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Andrea Malaspina, MD
Email
a.malaspina@nhs.net
Facility Name
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
City
Stoke-on-Trent
ZIP/Postal Code
ST4 6QG
Country
United Kingdom
Individual Site Status
Not yet recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Thomas Lambert, MD
Email
Thomas.Lambert@uhnm.nhs.uk

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
Undecided
IPD Sharing Plan Description
Pending on privacy regulations.

Learn more about this trial

Platform Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Multiple Drugs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

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