Clinical Trial of Anusol Ointment for Symptom Relief in Patients With Haemorrhoids

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of Anusol topical ointment for the relief of internal and external haemorrhoid symptoms in people with Grades I-III haemorrhoids compared to a placebo (the study medication without the active ingredients) and a benchmark product.

Adult patients with haemorrhoids meeting all the eligibility criteria will be allocated in three study arms: test, placebo and benchmark. Approximately twenty-two subjects per group will be enrolled to assure that approximately 20 subjects in each group complete the study. The study will be conducted in Armenia.The study will last approximately 2 weeks for each subject and will consist of 3 visits. The first subject first visit is planned for June 2021, and the study will continue until the target sample size is reached.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, 18-75 years old.
2. Subjects with a diagnosis of symptomatic internal and/or external haemorrhoids, confirmed by Investigator as Grade I-III.\*
3. Has at least two of the following haemorrhoid symptoms for at least two consecutive days immediately prior to screening: pain, discomfort, itching, irritation, burning, inflammation, swelling, bleeding, or defecation discomfort/difficulty.
4. Has at least two of the following haemorrhoid symptoms with at least moderate intensity (\>4 reported by subject) at the baseline/screening: pain, discomfort, itching, irritation, burning, inflammation, swelling, bleeding or defecation discomfort/difficulty.
5. Non-pregnant, non-lactating female. Females should be able to distinguish rectal bleeding from menstrual vaginal bleeding.
6. In the case of a female of childbearing potential (CBP), using an acceptable form of birth control (oral/implant/injectable/transdermal contraceptives, intrauterine device (IUD), condom with spermicide, diaphragm with spermicide, partner's vasectomy, bilateral tubal ligation). Abstinence or vasectomies are acceptable, but if the female subject's lifestyle or partner changes then she will agree to implement one of the other acceptable methods of birth control.
7. In the case of a female of child-bearing potential, has a negative urine pregnancy dipstick test (UPT) at Visit 1 prior to randomization and are willing to submit to a UPT at Visit 2 and at the end of study (EOS),
8. In the case of a female of non-childbearing potential, has had a hysterectomy or is postmenopausal (at least 1 year with no menses prior to enrollment).
9. Agrees not to participate in any clinical study from Visit 1 through end of study.
10. Read, understand and sign an informed consent.
11. Willing not to change their shampoo, soap or body washing products during the study.
12. Willing and able to comply with study instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has anorectal condition(s) such as malignant tumors of the anus or rectum, fistula-in-ano or chronic sepsis, fissure-in-ano, incontinence, condylomata and Grade IV haemorrhoids.
2. History of previous proctological surgery.
3. Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
4. Evidence or history of fecal incontinence.
5. Current diagnosis or history of an uncorrected coagulation defect or concurrently uses anticoagulants (except low dose aspirin or non-steroidals).
6. Is using medication which, in the opinion of the Investigator, will interfere with the study results.
7. Has known hypersensitivity or previous allergic reaction to any of the active or inactive components of the study products.
8. Use of stool softeners, but not on a stable regimen during the past 28 days prior to enrolling in the study.
9. Receiving treatment labeled or intended for haemorrhoids during the past 7 days prior to start of the study.
10. Receiving treatment labeled or intended for haemorrhoids throughout the study, other than the assigned product.
11. Use of local analgesics and/or anti-inflammatories during the past 14 days prior to the start of the study.
12. Receiving Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within the past 14 days prior to enrolling and during the study.
13. Has severe arterial hypertension, tachysystolic cardiac rhythm disturbance, decompensated heart failure, cardiac conduction disorders, severe hepatic failure, severe renal failure, thyrotoxicosis, acute pancreatitis, recurrent thromboembolism, granulocytopenia, or other clinically significant co-morbid condition, which, in PI's opinion, may affect the patient safety and/or affect participation in the study.
14. Female subjects who are lactating and/or pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study.
15. Is currently participating in any clinical testing.
16. Has received any investigational drug(s) within 28 days before start of the study.