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A Study of Suvorexant in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue and Insomnia (DREAM)

Primary Purpose

Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue, Insomnia

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 4
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Suvorexant
Placebo
Sponsored by
Theodore R. Brown, MD MPH
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Multiple Sclerosis focused on measuring Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue, Insomnia, Suvorexant, Belsomra, Sleep disorder, Sleep

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 75 Years (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis made at least 3 months prior based on McDonald criteria;
  • Age 18-75 inclusive;
  • Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0- 7.5;
  • Clinical stability defined as no multiple sclerosis exacerbation or change in disease modifying therapy for 60 days prior to screening;
  • Screening Fatigue Severity Scale score of ≥4.0;
  • Has Insomnia Disorder defined by diagnostic criteria published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5); namely, subject report of all of the following:

    • One of the following: difficulty initiating sleep; difficulty maintaining sleep; or early morning waking;
    • Sleep disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, educational, academic, behavioral, or other important areas of functioning;
    • Sleep difficulty has occurred on 3 or more nights per week;
    • Sleep difficulty has been present for at least the past 3 months;
    • Sleep difficulty occurs despite adequate opportunity for sleep;
    • Insomnia is not explained by another sleep disorder;
    • Insomnia is not attributable to physiological effects of a consumed substance;
  • May use other medications that could influence sleep, other than those specifically prohibited, as long as the dose is stable for 4 weeks preceding screening, with no dose changes during the study;
  • Signed and dated Institutional Review Board-approved informed consent form before any protocol-specific screening procedures have been performed.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Use of potential multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue drugs within 3 days of screening until study completion, including modafinil, armodafinil, amantadine, methylphenidate, products with amphetamine or dextroamphetamine;
  • Use of any of any prohibited medication (including Digoxin, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates, Zolpidem, Zaleplon, Eszopiclone, moderate or strong CYP3A inhibitors, or strong inducers of CYP3A) from 3 days prior to screening to termination visit;
  • Female who is breast-feeding, pregnant, or has the potential to become pregnant during the course of the study (fertile and unwilling/unable to use effective contraceptive measures);
  • History of narcolepsy;
  • Has a diagnosis of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined by forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) < 50% of predicted on most recent available pulmonary function test (PFT). Pulmonary function test is not required if the subject has never been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
  • Has a history of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with severe obstructive sleep apnea defined as having an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 30 on prior polysomnograph (PSG). Polysomnograph is not required if there is no history of obstructive sleep apnea;
  • Is concurrently using other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, except that one alcoholic drink per day will be allowed for those with normal hepatic function provided the drink is consumed at least 2 hours prior to or 8 hours after taking the study drug. Medical marijuana is allowed if consumed at the patient's usual dose at least 2 hours prior to or 8 hours after taking the study drug. Recreational marijuana is not allowed from screening until end of study;
  • Has evidence at screening of severe hepatic impairment as defined by a Child-Pugh score > 10;
  • Cognitive impairment that in the opinion of the investigator would prevent completion of study procedures or the ability to provide informed consent;
  • Suicidality or severe depression as measured by screening Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI) score > 28 or score of >1 on Beck Depression Inventory II Question 9 (suicidality screen) at any time during the study;
  • Any other serious and/or unstable medical condition.

Sites / Locations

  • EvergreenHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

Suvorexant

Placebo

Arm Description

Suvorexant - 10 mg (one tablet) taken by mouth once daily at bedtime with option to up-titrate to 20 mg (two tablets) taken by mouth once daily at bedtime.

Placebo - one tablet taken by mouth once daily at bedtime and two tablets taken by mouth daily at bedtime if subject up-titrates.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Change in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score
7-question survey assessing symptoms of insomnia over the past week. Maximum score is 28, with higher scores indicating greater severity.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Subjective Quality of Sleep (sQUAL)
This is a single question, "How would you describe the quality of your sleep last night?" There are 4 choices to answer: 1= poor, 2 = fair, 3= good, 4= excellent
Subjective refreshed feeling on waking (sFRESH)
This is a single question, "How refreshed do you feel this morning?" There are 5 choices to answer: 1 = not at all refreshed, 2 = a little refreshed, 3 = moderately refreshed, 4 = quite a bit refreshed, 5 = extremely refreshed
Change in Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS) score
This scale has 21 items with physical, cognitive and psychosocial subscales. Subjects will complete the Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS) as the first test conducted on the day of visit. Their ratings on the 21-item questionnaire will be based on their fatigue experience over the previous 1 week.
Subjective Global Impression of Change
This is a single question: "How would you rate change in your level of physical and mental function, during the study?" Responses range from "Extremely improved", "Much improved", "Slightly improved", "No change", "Slightly worse", "Much worse", and "Extremely worse".

Full Information

First Posted
March 28, 2017
Last Updated
March 21, 2022
Sponsor
Theodore R. Brown, MD MPH
Collaborators
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03110315
Brief Title
A Study of Suvorexant in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue and Insomnia
Acronym
DREAM
Official Title
A Double-blind, Crossover, Placebo-controlled Study to Compare the Effects of Nighttime Administration of Suvorexant in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue and Insomnia
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
March 2022
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
March 28, 2017 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
March 21, 2022 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
March 21, 2022 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor-Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
Theodore R. Brown, MD MPH
Collaborators
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

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
This study assesses the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of suvorexant in multiple sclerosis patients. Enrolled subjects will receive 2 weeks of treatment during treatment period 1 with either suvorexant or matching placebo (1:1). After treatment period 1, subjects will undergo a washout period of 1 week then 2 weeks of the alternate treatment (either suvorexant or placebo). The primary hypothesis is that suvorexant will provide greater improvement in sleep, as measured by symptom rating scales, compared to placebo.
Detailed Description
The target enrollment number is 30 people with multiple sclerosis who meet inclusion criteria. After informed consent is given, potential subjects will be screened to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Subjects who meet eligibility criteria will complete baseline assessments and will then be randomized to receive 2 weeks of treatment (Treatment Period 1) with either suvorexant or matching placebo (1:1). The initial dose of suvorexant will be 10 mg at bedtime, with optional titration to 20 mg after 5-7 days. Study drug will be dispensed by an independent research pharmacist, keeping both study staff and the subject blinded. All subjects, whether in placebo or active arm, will receive a wearable sleep monitor to be worn for 7 days at baseline, and during both treatment periods. All subjects will keep 7-day sleep diaries at baseline and during each study period. At the end of Treatment Period 1 (2 weeks), subjects will undergo efficacy assessments with repeated clinical scales. Subjects will then go through a 1-week open-label off-drug washout period. Subjects will then be crossed over into the alternate treatment group, which will once again be double-blinded; those on active treatment (suvorexant) in Treatment Period 1 will be switched to placebo, and those on placebo in Treatment Period 1 will be switched to active treatment. Treatment Period 2 will also be 2 weeks long, and at the end of this, subjects will undergo final assessment with clinical scales.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue, Insomnia
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue, Insomnia, Suvorexant, Belsomra, Sleep disorder, Sleep

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 4
Interventional Study Model
Crossover Assignment
Model Description
randomized cross-over trial of suvorexant and placebo for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), insomnia and fatigue
Masking
ParticipantInvestigator
Masking Description
investigator is blinded to randomization and results until study completion
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
34 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Suvorexant
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Suvorexant - 10 mg (one tablet) taken by mouth once daily at bedtime with option to up-titrate to 20 mg (two tablets) taken by mouth once daily at bedtime.
Arm Title
Placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Placebo - one tablet taken by mouth once daily at bedtime and two tablets taken by mouth daily at bedtime if subject up-titrates.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Suvorexant
Other Intervention Name(s)
Belsomra
Intervention Description
See detailed information in associated Arm Description.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo
Other Intervention Name(s)
Sugar pill
Intervention Description
Sugar pill manufactured to mimic suvorexant 10 mg tablet.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score
Description
7-question survey assessing symptoms of insomnia over the past week. Maximum score is 28, with higher scores indicating greater severity.
Time Frame
Week 1, Week 3, Week 7
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Subjective Quality of Sleep (sQUAL)
Description
This is a single question, "How would you describe the quality of your sleep last night?" There are 4 choices to answer: 1= poor, 2 = fair, 3= good, 4= excellent
Time Frame
Week 1, Week 3, Week 7
Title
Subjective refreshed feeling on waking (sFRESH)
Description
This is a single question, "How refreshed do you feel this morning?" There are 5 choices to answer: 1 = not at all refreshed, 2 = a little refreshed, 3 = moderately refreshed, 4 = quite a bit refreshed, 5 = extremely refreshed
Time Frame
Week 1, Week 3, Week 7
Title
Change in Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS) score
Description
This scale has 21 items with physical, cognitive and psychosocial subscales. Subjects will complete the Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS) as the first test conducted on the day of visit. Their ratings on the 21-item questionnaire will be based on their fatigue experience over the previous 1 week.
Time Frame
Week 1, Week 3, Week 7
Title
Subjective Global Impression of Change
Description
This is a single question: "How would you rate change in your level of physical and mental function, during the study?" Responses range from "Extremely improved", "Much improved", "Slightly improved", "No change", "Slightly worse", "Much worse", and "Extremely worse".
Time Frame
Week 1, Week 3, Week 7

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
75 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis made at least 3 months prior based on McDonald criteria; Age 18-75 inclusive; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0- 7.5; Clinical stability defined as no multiple sclerosis exacerbation or change in disease modifying therapy for 60 days prior to screening; Screening Fatigue Severity Scale score of ≥4.0; Has Insomnia Disorder defined by diagnostic criteria published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5); namely, subject report of all of the following: One of the following: difficulty initiating sleep; difficulty maintaining sleep; or early morning waking; Sleep disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, educational, academic, behavioral, or other important areas of functioning; Sleep difficulty has occurred on 3 or more nights per week; Sleep difficulty has been present for at least the past 3 months; Sleep difficulty occurs despite adequate opportunity for sleep; Insomnia is not explained by another sleep disorder; Insomnia is not attributable to physiological effects of a consumed substance; May use other medications that could influence sleep, other than those specifically prohibited, as long as the dose is stable for 4 weeks preceding screening, with no dose changes during the study; Signed and dated Institutional Review Board-approved informed consent form before any protocol-specific screening procedures have been performed. Exclusion Criteria: Use of potential multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue drugs within 3 days of screening until study completion, including modafinil, armodafinil, amantadine, methylphenidate, products with amphetamine or dextroamphetamine; Use of any of any prohibited medication (including Digoxin, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates, Zolpidem, Zaleplon, Eszopiclone, moderate or strong CYP3A inhibitors, or strong inducers of CYP3A) from 3 days prior to screening to termination visit; Female who is breast-feeding, pregnant, or has the potential to become pregnant during the course of the study (fertile and unwilling/unable to use effective contraceptive measures); History of narcolepsy; Has a diagnosis of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined by forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) < 50% of predicted on most recent available pulmonary function test (PFT). Pulmonary function test is not required if the subject has never been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Has a history of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with severe obstructive sleep apnea defined as having an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 30 on prior polysomnograph (PSG). Polysomnograph is not required if there is no history of obstructive sleep apnea; Is concurrently using other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, except that one alcoholic drink per day will be allowed for those with normal hepatic function provided the drink is consumed at least 2 hours prior to or 8 hours after taking the study drug. Medical marijuana is allowed if consumed at the patient's usual dose at least 2 hours prior to or 8 hours after taking the study drug. Recreational marijuana is not allowed from screening until end of study; Has evidence at screening of severe hepatic impairment as defined by a Child-Pugh score > 10; Cognitive impairment that in the opinion of the investigator would prevent completion of study procedures or the ability to provide informed consent; Suicidality or severe depression as measured by screening Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI) score > 28 or score of >1 on Beck Depression Inventory II Question 9 (suicidality screen) at any time during the study; Any other serious and/or unstable medical condition.
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Theodore R Brown, MD, MPH
Organizational Affiliation
EvergreenHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
EvergreenHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center
City
Kirkland
State/Province
Washington
ZIP/Postal Code
98034
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No
IPD Sharing Plan Description
There is no plan to share individual participant data.

Learn more about this trial

A Study of Suvorexant in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue and Insomnia

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