an efficacy and safety study of plecanatide in adolescents 12 to <18 years of age with chronic idiopathic constipation

Conditions: Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Summary: this is a study of efficacy and safety of plecanatide in pediatric subjects aged 12 to \< 18 years diagnosed with chronic idiopathic constipation.

the purpose of the study is to evaluate efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics (pk) of oral plecanatide 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg tablets dosed once a day as compared to matching placebo, when administered for 8 weeks in adolescents with chronic idiopathic constipation. this study will consist of a 4-week screening period, 8 weeks of treatment, and a 2-week follow-up. the study will assess the effects of plecanatide on bowel movement frequency and other clinical features of cic.

Eligibility criteria:
key inclusion criteria: 1. male or female adolescents 12 to less than 18 years of age. 2. diagnosed with cic based on the rome iii criteria for child/adolescent functional constipation (appendix a). 3. patient is able to voluntarily provide written, signed, and dated (personally and via a legally authorized representative \[lar\]) assent/informed consent as applicable to participate in the study. 4. subject's parent/lar demonstrates an understanding, ability, and willingness to fully comply with study procedures (e.g., accept venipuncture, willing and able to swallow tablets, accept urine drug screen for opiates) and restrictions. key exclusion criteria: 1. the patient has a mental age \<4 years in the investigator's opinion. 2. the patient has previously been diagnosed with anorectal malformations, neurological deficits, or anatomical anomalies that would constitute a predisposition to constipation. 3. the patient currently requires iron supplements, amitriptyline, or other tricyclic antidepressants for depression, opioid-containing medications or compounds for pain, or has other conditions that require medications known to cause constipation. a patient with an onset of constipation prior to the use of these medications and who has been on a stable dose for at least 8 weeks prior to screening might be considered eligible for this study if the investigator deems these medications do not significantly contribute to the patient's constipation. screening of these patients needs to be approved by the medical monitor and the sponsor. 4. the patient, if female of childbearing potential (defined as postmenarche), does not agree to practice 1 of the following medically acceptable methods of birth control throughout the study: * hormonal methods such as oral, implantable, injectable, vaginal ring, or transdermal contraceptives for a minimum of 1 full cycle (based on the patient's usual menstrual cycle period) before study drug administration. * total abstinence from sexual intercourse since the last menses before study drug administration. * intrauterine device. * double barrier method (condoms, sponge, or diaphragm with spermicidal jellies or cream. 5. the patient follows a diet not considered normal by the investigator for the patient's age, relative to variety of food, caloric content, and quantity. the patient must have been on a stable diet for at least 30 days weeks prior to screening. 6. the patient's mobility or normal exercise tolerance is compromised in the investigator's opinion. 7. the patient has a history of an eating disorder.