Clinical trial NCT02660112
Conditions: Friedreich's Ataxia
Sponsor: Ralitza Gavrilova
Start date: 2016-09-01; Completion date: 2018-12-30
Enrollment: 10 participants; Allocation: NA; Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP

Brief summary:
This 24-week study will test the safety and effectiveness of synthetically produced (+) Epicatechin in treating patients who have Friedreich's Ataxia, a neurological disorder.

Detailed description:

Arms: arm 1: Total daily dose 75mg (+)-Epicatechin; 25mg cap three times per day by mouth for 24 weeks
Interventions: intervention 1: (+)-Epicatechin
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: 25mg (+)-Epicatechin capsules. Starting dose 75mg total daily dose (one 25mg cap taken three times per day). Dose escalation at 12 weeks for non-responders to 150mg total daily dose (two 25mg caps taken three times per day)

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
 
A Phase II, Open Label 
Prospective Single Center Drug 
Study Evaluating the Safety and 
Efficacy of (+)-Epicatechin in 
Subjects with Friedreich’s Ataxi 
 
NCT# NCT02660112 
 
1/27/2017 


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A Phase II, Open Label Prospective Single Center Drug Study Evaluating the 
Safety and Efficacy of (+)-Epicatechin in Subjects with Friedreich’s Ataxia  
 
 
 
Regulatory Sponsor: 
Ralitza H Gavrilova, MD 
Mayo Clinic 
Medical Genetics 
200 First Street SW 
Rochester, MN  55905 
 
Study Product: 
(+) Epicatechin capsules 
Protocol Number:  
15-006845 
 
IND Number: 
 
128799 
 
 
 
 
Version 
No.  
Date 
Major Changes 
1 
18Nov15 
Initial 
2 
25Mar16 
IND # added; Section 4.5 added: replacement of 
dropped/withdrawn subjects; Vitals/BP added to study 
visits; Platelets and liver enzyme panel added to lab tests; 
Protocol Schedule of Events updated 
3 
18 Oct 16 
Removed PaTa test from FARS test 
4 
17 Dec 16  
Section 3 added Cerebral MRI is on 3T scanner 
Add pregnancy test week 24 Only  
Troponin I will be used because using both Troponin I and 
T is redundant 
Footnote i exploratory test made optional if budget allows 
Protocol SOE updated 
5 
27 Jan 17 
Remove glucose tolerance test from week 12 
Change FARS scale improvement to a decrease of greater 
than 1 in section 3.1 
Section 5.8.2 changed to reflect new information about 
keeping the drug refrigerated.  
 
 


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Table of Contents  
 
STUDY SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 5 
1 
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 7 
1.1 
BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................... 7 
1.2 
INVESTIGATIONAL AGENT .......................................................................................................................... 9 
1.3 
PRECLINICAL DATA ................................................................................................................................... 9 
1.4 
CLINICAL DATA TO DATE ......................................................................................................................... 11 
1.5 
DOSE RATIONALE AND RISK/BENEFITS ...................................................................................................... 12 
2 
STUDY OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................................. 12 
3 
STUDY DESIGN AND VISIT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 13 
SEE ALSO THE PROTOCOL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS IN APPENDIX II. .......................................................... 13 
3.1 
GENERAL DESIGN .................................................................................................................................... 15 
3.2 
PRIMARY STUDY ENDPOINTS .................................................................................................................... 17 
3.3 
SECONDARY STUDY ENDPOINTS ................................................................................................................ 17 
3.4 
EXPLORATORY ENDPOINTS ....................................................................................................................... 18 
3.5 
PRIMARY SAFETY ENDPOINTS ................................................................................................................... 18 
4 
SUBJECT SELECTION ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWAL ............................................................ 20 
4.1 
INCLUSION CRITERIA ............................................................................................................................... 20 
4.2 
EXCLUSION CRITERIA .............................................................................................................................. 20 
4.3 
SUBJECT RECRUITMENT, ENROLLMENT AND SCREENING ............................................................................. 21 
4.4 
WITHDRAWAL OF SUBJECTS...................................................................................................................... 22 
4.4.1 
When and How to Withdraw Subjects ............................................................................................... 22 
4.4.2 
Data Collection and Follow-up for Withdrawn Subjects .................................................................... 22 
4.5 
REPLACEMENT OF DISCONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN SUBJECTS ..................................................................... 23 
5 
STUDY DRUG .......................................................................................................................................... 23 
5.1 
DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................... 23 
5.2 
TREATMENT REGIMEN.............................................................................................................................. 23 
5.3 
PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF STUDY DRUG ............................................................................... 24 
5.4 
SUBJECT COMPLIANCE MONITORING ......................................................................................................... 24 
5.5 
PRIOR AND CONCOMITANT THERAPY ......................................................................................................... 24 
5.6 
PACKAGING ............................................................................................................................................ 24 
5.7 
MASKING/BLINDING OF STUDY ................................................................................................................. 25 
5.8 
RECEIVING, STORAGE, DISPENSING AND RETURN OF STUDY MEDICATION ..................................................... 25 
5.8.1 
Receipt of Drug Supplies ................................................................................................................. 25 
5.8.2 
Storage Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 25 
5.8.3 
Dispensing of Study Drug ................................................................................................................ 25 
5.8.4 
Return or Destruction of Study Drug ................................................................................................ 25 
6 
STUDY PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................ 26 
7 
STATISTICAL PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 26 
7.1 
SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION .................................................................................................................. 26 
7.2 
STATISTICAL METHODS ............................................................................................................................ 26 
7.3 
SUBJECT POPULATION(S) FOR ANALYSIS .................................................................................................... 27 
8 
SAFETY AND ADVERSE EVENTS .......................................................................................................... 27 
8.1 
DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 27 


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8.2 
RECORDING OF ADVERSE EVENTS ............................................................................................................. 29 
8.3 
REPORTING OF SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS AND UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS ................................................. 30 
8.3.1 
Sponsor-Investigator reporting: notifying the Mayo IRB .................................................................... 30 
8.3.2 
Sponsor-Investigator reporting: Notifying the FDA ........................................................................... 30 
8.4 
STOPPING RULES ..................................................................................................................................... 31 
8.5 
MEDICAL MONITORING ............................................................................................................................ 31 
9 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING ........................................................................................ 31 
9.1 
CONFIDENTIALITY ................................................................................................................................... 31 
9.2 
SOURCE DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 31 
9.3 
DATABASE .............................................................................................................................................. 32 
9.4 
RECORDS RETENTION ............................................................................................................................... 32 
10 
STUDY MONITORING, AUDITING, AND INSPECTING ....................................................................... 32 
10.1 
STUDY MONITORING PLAN ................................................................................................................... 32 
10.2 
AUDITING AND INSPECTING .................................................................................................................. 32 
11 
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................ 33 
12 
STUDY FINANCES ................................................................................................................................... 33 
12.1 
FUNDING SOURCE ................................................................................................................................ 33 
12.2 
CONFLICT OF INTEREST ........................................................................................................................ 33 
13 
PUBLICATION PLAN .............................................................................................................................. 33 
14 
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 34 
15 
ATTACHMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 35 
15.1 
ATTACHMENT I  FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA RATING SCALE (FARS) .............................................................. 35 
15.2 
ATTACHMENT  II  PROTOCOL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ............................................................................... 35 
 
 
 
 


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List of Abbreviations 
AKT 
 
 
Protein kinase B 
ALT/AST 
 
 
Alanine Aminotransferase/Aspartate Aminotransferase 
AMPK 
 
 
AMP-activated kinase 
BNP 
 
 
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide 
BOLD 
 
 
Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent 
CFR 
 
 
Code of Federal Regulations 
Cho 
 
 
Choline 
Cr 
 
 
Creatine 
CRF 
 
 
Case Report Form 
CYP 
 
 
Cytochrome P450  
DTI 
 
 
Diffusion Tensor Imaging 
EPI 
 
 
Epicatechin 
ETC 
 
 
Electron Transport Chain 
FA 
 
 
Friedreich’s Ataxia 
FARA 
 
 
Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance 
FARS 
 
 
Friedreich’s Ataxia Rating Scale 
FDA 
 
 
Food and Drug Administration 
Fe-S 
 
 
Iron-Sulfur 
GCP 
 
 
Good Clinical Practice Guidelines 
HERG 
 
 
Human Ether-a-Go-go Related Gene 
IND 
 
 
Investigational New Drug (application) 
LAR 
 
 
Legally Authorized Representative 
LKB 
 
 
Liver Kinase B1 
LV 
 
 
Left Ventricular 
Mg 
 
 
Milligrams 
MRI 
 
 
Magnetic Resonance Imaging 
MRS 
 
 
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy 
MtD 
 
 
Mitochondrial Disease 
Myf5 
 
 
Myogenic Factor 5 
MyoD  
 
 
Myogenic Differentiation Antigen 
NAA 
 
 
N-acetyl Aspartate 
NAMDC 
 
 
North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortium 
NO 
 
 
Nitric oxide 
Nrf2 
 
 
nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 
OHP 
 
 
Hydroxy-pregnenolone 
PGC-1α 
 
 
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-  
 
 
 
alpha 
PI3K 
 
 
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase 
PT/PTT 
 
 
Prothrombin Time/Partial Prothrombin Time 
ROS 
 
 
Reactive Oxygen Species 
SIRT3 
 
 
Sirtuin 3 
SOD2 
 
 
Superoxide dismutase 2 
ST2 
 
 
 
Suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 
TID 
 
 
 
Ter in die (three times a day) 


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Study Summary 
Title 
A Phase II, Open Label Prospective Single Center Drug Study 
Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of (+)-Epicatechin in Subjects with 
Friedreich’s Ataxia 
Running Title 
Safety and Efficacy of (+)-Epicatechin in Friedreich’s Ataxia 
Protocol Number 
15-006845 
Phase 
Phase II 
Methodology 
This is an open label, single center, prospective phase II drug trial to 
assess the safety and efficacy of (+)-EPI in the treatment of Friedreich’s 
Ataxia. Subjects will be evaluated at outpatient clinic visit appointments 
and interested qualified subjects will be consented and offered 
participation in this trial. Once consent has been obtained, baseline 
values will be established and subjects will begin treatment and follow-
up over a 24 week period. Clinical and biochemical parameters will be 
assessed at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks after initiation of treatment. 
Overall Study 
Duration 
Two years estimated to complete enrollment 
Subject Participation 
Duration 
24 weeks 
Single or Multi-Site  
Single center 
Objectives 
Primary: 
To assess the safety and clinical efficacy from neurological, cardiac and 
metabolic evaluations of patients before and after treatment. 
 
Secondary: 
To assess (i) up-regulation of relevant mitochondrial proteins (frataxin 
and ETC complexes I-V) and (ii) reduction of urine F2-isoprostane, 
before and after treatment. 
 
Exploratory: 
To assess myocardial oxygenation by Blood Oxygenation Level 
Dependent (BOLD) sequence cardiac MRI, and myocardial perfusion 
index by Regadenoson-stress-perfusion cardiac MRI, before and after 
treatment as non-invasive, more sensitive endpoints for future studies. 
 
To investigate neuroimaging biomarkers of disease progression 
including spinal cord and cerebellar volumetry, Diffusion Tensor 
Imaging (DTI), and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). 
Number of Subjects 
10 subjects  


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Diagnosis and Main 
Inclusion Criteria 
Study participants between the ages of ≥10 and ≤50 must have a 
confirmed diagnosis of Friedreich’s Ataxia with disease duration ≤7 
years and at least one affected organ system (cardiac or neurological)  
Study Product, Dose, 
Route, Regimen 
 (+)-Epicatechin 25mg capsules will be administered orally TID for 24 
weeks, with dose escalation to 50mg TID at 3 months for subjects not 
showing improvement. 
Duration of 
Administration 
24 weeks 
Reference therapy 
No reference therapy 
Statistical 
Methodology 
With a sample size of 10 patients we should have 80% power to detect 
an effect size of 1 standard deviations or larger on outcome measures 
 
 
 


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1 
Introduction 
This document is a protocol for a human research study. This study will be carried out in accordance 
with this protocol and the applicable United States government regulations including Food and Drug 
Regulations 21 CFR Part 50 (Human Subject Protections), Part 54 (Financial Disclosure of Clinical 
Investigators), Part 56 (Institutional Review Boards), Part 312 (IND) and Good Clinical Practice 
guidelines, as well as the applicable Mayo Clinic research policies and procedures.  
1.1 
Background 
Mitochondrial disease (MtD) includes a large number of human disorders with a collective 
prevalence of 10-15 cases per 100,000, resulting from functional defects in the mitochondrial 
electron transport chain (ETC). ETC defects impair the production of ATP and also enhance the 
generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the combination of energy deficit and 
oxidative damage underlying the pathogenesis of MtD. Given the vital role played by the ETC in 
mammalian cells, ETC defects may affect virtually any tissue or organ system and present with a 
wide variety of symptoms in both children and adults. Progressive multisystem involvement occurs 
in most patients with variable combinations of neurological, muscular, cardiac, metabolic and other 
deficits [1]. The clinical complexity of MtD is associated with equally significant genetic complexity 
owing to the fact that a large number of both mitochondrial and nuclear genes are required for the 
biogenesis and function of the ETC. Indeed, while ETC defects were originally linked to mutations 
in mitochondrial genes, over 30 nuclear genes were subsequently implicated and more are being 
identified. Mutations in nuclear genes can cause MtD via a broad spectrum of molecular 
mechanisms that may affect the integrity of the mitochondrial genome, the assembly of specific ETC 
complexes, and the synthesis or delivery of metal or Fe-S cofactors needed for ETC activity [1].  
 
Research Idea: While many recent advancements in genetic and biochemical testing facilitate the 
diagnosis of MtD, there is no effective therapy available for this group of disorders as a whole [2]. In 
light of the common underlying pathogenic mechanism of energy deficit and oxidative damage, we 
hypothesize that the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics along with 
simultaneous up-regulation of the cellular antioxidant defenses is a strategy capable to ameliorate 
MtD. To test this hypothesis we propose to conduct a phase II drug clinical trial to test the efficacy 
of a pharmaceutical grade synthetically-produced form of Epicatechin (EPI) in patients with 
Friedreich's Ataxia.  
 
Why EPI? (-) EPI is a naturally occurring flavonoid that has shown to have similar health benefits 
to exercise training [3]. Preliminary observations suggest the existence of a signaling mechanism 
that may induce mitochondrial biogenesis and lead to regeneration of skeletal muscle fibers and 
neurons depleted of mitochondria, induction of endogenous anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide 
dismutase and catalase, and stimulation of lipid oxidative metabolism and glucose uptake thereby 
improving plasma triglycerides and glucose (Figure 1) [[4] and Cardero Therapeutics’ unpublished 
data]. The working hypothesis is that                             
 
                               
                               


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 Figure 1 
this 
signaling 
mechanism 
is 
physiologically activated during exercise 
and would activate transcription factors 
that would induce the effects described 
above. Therefore, EPI should ameliorate 
MtD. This working hypothesis is supported 
by (i) evidence that EPI acts as an exercise 
mimetic [3]; (ii) the positive effects on 
cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes 
associated with the consumption of EPI-
rich foods [5, 6]; and (iii) the positive 
effects of purified EPI on mitochondrial 
biogenesis 
[7], 
oxidative 
stress 
[8], 
metabolism [9, 10], skeletal muscle growth 
and 
differentiation 
[11] 
and 
neuroprotection [12]. 
 
The active compound (-) EPI is found in cocoa powder, green tea and other plants [13]. Recent 
research has indicated that its enantiomer, (+)-EPI is more potent and more efficacious in vitro and 
in vivo compared to (-)-EPI with respect to stimulating new mitochondrial formation.  (+)-EPI is 
also a natural product, found in the guarana berry that serves as the source of widely consumed 
beverages in South America [14].  Guarana is generally recognized as safe and a permitted food 
additive by FDA [15]. (+)-EPI is not commercially available in current Good Manufacturing 
Practices (cGMP) grade monomeric form, for any purpose, research or otherwise. Cardero 
Therapeutics has developed the first scalable manufacturing process that provides pharmaceutical 
grade (+)-EPI. This manufacturing process has already been accepted by the FDA in the context of a 
previously filed IND for determining the tolerability and PK profile of (+)-EPI in healthy human 
volunteers. Given the severity of FA, we propose studying the effects of the more potent enantiomer 
of epicatechin. In addition, EPI can be administered orally, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, 
and is generally recognized as a safe compound [9, 12]. 
 
Why FA? FA is a paradigm for MtD in which intronic trinucleotide repeat expansions in the FA 
gene lead to depletion of the mitochondrial protein frataxin [16]. Frataxin is an essential iron 
chaperone required for Fe-S cluster assembly, and a reduction in the levels of frataxin leads to ETC 
dysfunction, energy deficit and oxidative damage via iron-catalyzed Fenton chemistry [17]. FA 
patients develop progressive neuro-degenerative disease often associated with cardiomyopathy, 
diabetes mellitus, and muscle weakness with a median age of onset of 10 years. Thus, we believe 
EPI is a promising compound for the treatment of FA given its unique biological effects that appear 
likely to be able to counteract the pathophysiology of FA and thereby slow down or stop disease 
progression.  
 
Therefore, the ability of Epicatechin to reverse oxidative injury, ameliorate congestive heart failure, 
and induce mitochondrial repletion, coupled with its safety as a dietary product, argues for 
investigating its therapeutic qualities in patients with FA. Moreover, Cardero Therapeutics have 


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teamed-up with our multi-disciplinary FA group of clinicians and scientists who share a long interest 
in MtD and FA at Mayo Clinic, enabling this initial pilot study and future larger studies. 
1.2 
Investigational Agent 
Description: 
Cardero Therapeutics has synthesized pharmaceutical grade (+) Epicatechin, a more active natural 
product enantiomer of epicatechin, which is otherwise not available in a purified form. EPI is 
associated with signaling mechanism that induces mitochondrial biogenesis via activation of the 
transcription factor PGC-1α [9], upregulates endogenous antioxidant mechanisms (SOD2, catalase) 
controlled by the Nrf2 (nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2) pathway [18], promotes fatty acid 
oxidation through regulation of SIRT3 (Sirtuin 3) signaling  [9, 19] and enhances insulin sensitivity 
through the PI3K/AKT (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ Protein kinase B) pathway and AMPK [10] 
which may further improve metabolic dysfunction in FA. 
 
Pharmacology:  
Pharmacokinetics of both isoforms of EPI have been described in a previous IND filed by Dr. Robert 
Henry (IND 122158), by Barnett et al, 2015, and Ottaviani et al, 2011 [20, 21].  Numerous 
publications indicate the polyphenol epicatechin does not undergo Phase I hepatic metabolism 
mediated by cytochrome P450 oxidases. In the liver, (-)-EPI undergoes modification (by uridine-5-
diphosphate glucuronosyl-transferases, sulfo-transferases, and catechon-O-methyltransferases), 
which results in glucuronide, sulfate, or methyl conjugates/metabolites, accounting for more than 
85% of the absorbed epicatechin. Tmax ranges from 3.2-3.8 hours and T1/2 ranges from 1.8.-3.8 
hours. Virtually no unconjugated epicatechin is observed after 1 hour. Bioavailability is 
approximately 30%. (+)-EPI demonstrates moderately less bioavailability and less conjugation with 
glucuronide or sulfate compared to (-)- EPI [21, 22].  It is less effective as an inducer of NO 
synthesis in vitro and in vivo. The half-life is less than 90 minutes for both enantiomers [21].  In 
addition, (+)-EPI has no inhibitory effect on the five most important P450 oxidases in a hepatic 
microsome assay [23].  In vitro, (+)-Epicatechin demonstrates, no Human Ether-a-Go-go Related 
Gene (HERG) activity [24]and no non-selective interactions with a diverse panel of receptors and 
enzymes [25]. 
1.3 
Preclinical Data 
Effect of (-)-EPI on mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and in patients with Diabetes and 
heart failure.  Emerging rodent and human data confirm that (-)-EPI increases mitochondrial 
biogenesis and the expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex proteins by up 
regulating AMPK, SIRT1 and PGC1-alpha [3, 6, 11, 20, 26-28]. Thus (-)-EPI stimulates muscle 
mitochondrial mass/volume and increases maximal mitochondrial respiratory rate. In addition,  
(-)-EPI promotes the ability of muscle to regenerate by upregulating muscle growth promoters 
(optimizing follistatin/myostatin ratio) [6]. These changes have been documented in the skeletal 
muscle (SkM), heart, and liver and are accompanied by improvements in exercise performance and 
congestive heart failure.  
 
(-)-EPI ameliorates oxidative stress and improves cardiac function. In a mouse model (-)-EPI 
treatment resulted in improved oxidative stress evidenced by recovery of key elements of redox 


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balance (glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, thioredoxin) and enhanced endogenous anti-oxidant 
enzymes ( superoxide dismutase 2, catalase and citrate synthase) [5].  Furthermore, the investigators 
found decreases in heart and skeletal muscle fibrosis, accompanied by an improvement in muscle 
function. In a rat model of non-dystrophic heart failure oral administration of (-)-EPI effectively 
suppressed abdominal aorta ligation-induced CHF [29]. In addition, (-)-EPI demonstrated 
preservation of myocardial structure and function in a model of chronic heart failure [30].  
 
EPI appears to act as an exercise mimetic [31], based on its positive effects on cardiovascular 
disease and type 2 diabetes associated with the consumption of EPI-rich foods[13]; and the positive 
effects of purified EPI on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress [27], metabolism [13], and 
skeletal muscle growth and differentiation [32]. 
 
EPI is a neuroprotectant and inducer of neural regeneration. Neuronal injury as a result of 
mitochondrial dysfunction is a component of the pathophysiology of Friedreich’s ataxia. There is 
evidence for direct effects of epicatechin in preserving neurons. Wild-type mice pretreated orally 
with epicatechin before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) had significantly smaller brain 
infarcts and improved neurologic deficit scores (NDS) than did a vehicle-treated group [33].  
 
In a medium throughput screen for neuroprotective compounds using primary mixed neuronal cells 
and a mitochondrial toxin, epicatechin was discovered to be a potent direct neuroprotectant. It 
effectively decreased intracellular oxidative stress and normalized the signaling pathway of brain-
derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) [12].  
 
Cell viability assays with neuronal cultures further confirmed that epicatechin can directly protect 
neurons against oxidative insults. With particular relevance to FA, much of the neuronal benefit 
appeared to be due to the induction of endogenous anti-oxidant mechanisms controlled by the Nrf2 
pathway [18].  
 
Effects of (+)-Epicatechin in Normal Mice. Studies have been performed to evaluate effects on 
exercise capacity using wild type mice treated with either water (control), (-)-epicatechin (1 
mg/kg/day) or (+)-epicatechin (0.1, 0.3 or 1 mg/kg/day). Endpoints evaluated include the 
mitochondrial biogenesis transcription factors AMPK and PGC1-α. (Figure 2) Results indicate that 
following 2 weeks of treatment, (+)-epicatechin could enhance exercise capacity (as assessed by 
treadmill testing,  (Figure 3) in a magnitude similar to 1 mg/kg/day of (-)-epicatechin but at lower 
doses (equivalency noted at 0.3 mg/kg/day). Biochemical analyses (Western blots) of muscle 
samples from the above mice demonstrated a similar pattern of responses, whereby (+)-epicatechin 
was as effective at lower doses or more effective at comparable doses when probing for effects on 
recognized key modulators of metabolism.  
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 2 


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Figure 3 
 
1.4 
Clinical Data to Date 
Published data for the (-) Epi study results are pertinent to this study, because (+)- EPI is an 
enantiomer of (-)-EPI with similar biological effects. 
 
Effect of (-)-EPI on mitochondrial biogenesis. Taub and colleagues [6, 28] recently published the 
results of a study performed in heart failure and DM2 patients in which (-)-EPI-rich cocoa 
administration restored SkM mitochondrial cristae density and improved the overall mitochondrial 
function in an orchestrated manner with increased respiratory chain protein activity as well as levels 
of multiple indicators of mitochondria biogenesis. 
 
Effect of (-)-EPI in Becker Muscular Dystrophy. Dr. Craig McDonald at UC-Davis recently 
presented the results of a pilot trial in which 7 patients with Becker muscular dystrophy completed 
an 8 week treatment with (-)-EPI given at 50 mg twice a day [4]. Muscle biopsies at baseline and at 


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8 weeks demonstrated statistically significant increases in biomarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis 
(mitofillin and cristae density by EM), hormone and tissue markers of muscle regeneration 
(follistatin, Myogenic Differentiation Antigen MyoD, Myogenic Factor 5 Myf5, myogenin), 
enhanced expression of exercise-sensitive muscle transcription factors and muscle contractile 
proteins (Liver Kinase B1 LKB1, actin and myosin), mitochondrial biogenesis transcription factors  
(AMPK, PGC1α), and increased levels of muscle contractile proteins [dystrophin, dysferlin, and 
utrophin]. McDonald also observed an increase in cardiac stroke volume, indicating improved 
cardiac function. This was confirmed by the finding that within 8 weeks there was a significant 
decrease in BNP levels per patient, indicating an improvement in the severity of heart failure. 
Cardero-supplied cGMP grade (+)-epicatechin has been undergoing evaluation  at University of 
California-San Diego in single and multiple dose strengths and frequency, with no adverse events 
experience thus far. 
 
In addition, when given to prehypertensive adults for 4 weeks at 100 mg/day, (-)-Epicatechin 
improved insulin resistance [34].  
1.5 
Dose Rationale and Risk/Benefits 
For this study, (+)-EPI will be administered orally at a starting dose of 75 mg total daily dose (25 mg 
TID)  escalated to 150mg total daily dose (50 mg TID) for those subjects not showing improvement 
at 12 weeks. (+)-EPI plasma levels will be measured before and after 3 (+/-1), 12 (+/-1), and 24 (+/-
1) weeks of treatment to assess study drug dosing compliance.  
The dosage is supported by 3 factors: 
1) Human efficacy has been demonstrated with (-) Epicatechin at 1.0-1.5 mg/kg [4, 20, 34] 
given at 50 mg twice a day for up to 8 weeks. The twice a day dosing was chosen because 
once a day dosing did not demonstrate efficacy, presumably because of the short half-life ( 
Barnett et al,2015) 
2) At 1 mg/kg in animals, (+)-Epicatechin is more effective in stimulating exercise endurance 
and activating muscle AMPK and PGC1alpha than (-) –Epicatechin. (Figure 2, Figure 3) 
3) Because epicatechin is not subject to Phase 1 hepatic metabolism, the pharmacokinetics in 
rats is similar to that of humans and the effective dosage in rodents predicts effective dosage 
in humans [4, 26].  FA patients will range between 25-70 kg in weight. Therefore, we will be 
well within the in vivo documented range of efficacy in rodent models and within the safe 
administration of (+)-EPI in previously published pharmacokinetic studies [21].  
2 
Study Objectives  
See Section 3 for detailed descriptions of outcomes measures/endpoints.   
 
Primary Objective(s): 
To assess the clinical safety and efficacy of (+)-EPI in the treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia, based on 
changes from baseline in neurological and cardiac function, following dosing with (+)- EPI. 
 
Secondary Objective(s): 
To assess changes from baseline following treatment with (+)-EPI. 
• Metabolic status relating to diabetes 


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• Mitochondrial function 
 
Exploratory Objective(s): 
To assess changes from baseline following treatment with (+)-EPI in: 
• Myocardial oxygenation and myocardial perfusion, as possible non-invasive, more sensitive 
endpoints for future studies 
• Muscle regeneration as measured by (serum) biomarkers follistatin and myostatin 
3 
Study Design and Visit Description  
See also the Protocol Schedule of Events in Appendix II. 
Visit 1: Baseline- Week 0 
At the baseline visit, the study team will review participant eligibility. For participants who meet 
inclusion criteria, an informed consent discussion will take place with subject and LAR, when 
applicable. Adequate time will be provided for the subject/LAR to read the consent and have any 
and all questions answered prior to signing the consent form.  Study staff will complete a review of 
medical history and concomitant medications, conduct a physical exam and including neurological 
assessment with a FARS scoring for enrolled subjects. A 3 month supply of (+)- EPI will be 
dispensed to the subjects/LAR along with a dosing/adverse event diary to be completed by the 
subject and/or LAR. The diary entries will be reviewed with participants during subsequent clinic 
visits.  All study tests will be conducted at Mayo Clinic, with the exception of study drug levels and 
follistatin/myostatin analysis, to be conducted by a research laboratory at UC-San Diego. The 
following evaluations will be completed: 
• Physical Examination, Vitals, Blood Pressure 
• Drug level analysis of (+)- EPI in blood 
• Follistatin/myostatin analysis in blood 
• Friedreich’s Ataxia Rating Scale  (FARS) Assessment (See Attachment  I) 
• Urine analysis 
o F2-isoprostane (8-iso prostaglandin F2, an eicosanoid produced by oxidation of tissue 
phospholipids) to assess for oxidative stress 
• Blood chemistry 
o Serum BNP, calcium, cardiac troponin I, CBC, creatinine with eGFR, frataxin, 
glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin A1C, iron, mitochondrial complex I-V levels, 
potassium, PT/PTT, sodium, ST2,  triglycerides, ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase 
and ceruloplasmin [35].  
• Neurology studies 
o Cerebellar and spinal cord MRI with volumetry, DTI, and MRS analysis 
• Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram 
• Cardiac MRI with BOLD/Perfusion analysis 
• Urine pregnancy test for female subjects 
• We may collect blood for off study evaluation if budget allows 


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o Respiratory chain function, aconitase, catalase, PGC1α, SOD2 in blood 
Week 3 (+/- 1 week): Venipuncture- No onsite visit to Mayo Clinic required 
A test kit will be mailed or provided at visit 1 by to the participant for venipuncture blood collection 
by a local physician. The sample shipment will be pre-addressed to the laboratory at UC-San Diego. 
Test results will subsequently be provided to the PI and maintained with study documents for: 
• Drug level analysis of (+)- EPI in blood 
• Follistatin/myostatin level in blood 
Telephone calls between baseline and 3 month on-site visits:  The subjects/LAR will be contacted 
by study staff approximately every 15 days to assess progress, symptoms and dosing compliance.  If 
it appears subject is experiencing adverse changes and the Investigator feels an on-site visit is 
warranted, the subject will be asked to come in for an interim clinic visit. 
 
Visit 2: Week 12 (+/- 1 week) 
At Visit 2, the participant will undergo a physical exam and FARS scoring. Medical history, changes 
to concurrent medications, adverse event diary and dosing will be reviewed and additional diaries 
dispensed, as needed. A physical examination will be conducted.  Dosing of (+)- EPI will be 
adjusted depending on the performance of the 8m timed walk completed through the FARS 
assessment and/or cardiac assessment via MRI.  If the participant shows improvement (as defined in 
section 3.1) compared to baseline in composite score, including the 8m timed walk or cardiac 
function by MRI, the medication dosage will remain the same. If the participant shows no 
improvement or worsening compared to baseline, the (+)- EPI dose will be increased.  Additional 
investigations include: 
• Physical Examination, Vitals, Blood Pressure 
• Drug level analysis of (+)- EPI in blood 
• FARS Assessment 
• Blood chemistry 
o Serum BNP, calcium, cardiac troponin I, CBC, ceruloplasmin, creatinine with eGFR, 
frataxin, , hemoglobin A1C, iron, mitochondrial complex I-V, potassium, PT/PTT, 
sodium, and ST2, triglycerides, and liver panel (ALT, AST, and Alkaline 
Phosphatase) 
• Cardiac MRI with BOLD 
• Urine pregnancy test 
Telephone calls between 3 month and 6 month on-site visits:  The subjects/LAR will be contacted 
by study staff approximately every 15 days to assess progress, symptoms and dosing compliance. If 
it appears subject is experiencing adverse changes and the Investigator feels an on-site visit is 
warranted, the subject will be asked to come in for an interim clinic visit. 
 
Visit 3: Final Evaluation- Week 24 (+/- 1 week) 
At the final visit, the participant will undergo a physical exam and neurological/cardiac assessments.  
Changes in symptoms and any concurrent medications will be assessed and the dosing/adverse event 
diary will be reviewed and collected/retained. Final investigations include: 


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• Physical Examination, Vitals, Blood PressureFARS Assessment 
• Urine analysis: F2-isoprostane 
• Blood sample(s) 
o Analysis of (+)- EPI drug level and follistatin/myostatin levels 
• BNP, Calcium, cardiac troponin I, CBC, ceruloplasmin, creatinine with eGFR, frataxin, 
glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin A1C, iron, mitochondrial complex I-V, potassium, 
PT/PTT, sodium, ST2, triglycerides, and liver panel (ALT, AST, and Alkaline 
Phosphatase)Neurology studies 
o Cerebellar MRI conducted on a non-FDA approved compact 3T MRI scanner and 
associated software and spinal cord MRI with volumetry, DTI, and Magnetic 
Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) analysis 
• Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram 
• Cardiac MRI with BOLD/Perfusion analysis 
• Urine pregnancy test for female subjects 
• We may collect blood for off study evaluation if budget allows 
o Respiratory chain function, aconitase, catalase, PGC1α, SOD2 in blood 
3.1 
General Design 
This is an open label, single center, and prospective phase II drug trial to assess the safety and 
efficacy of (+)-EPI in the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia. Duration of the trial including recruitment 
and final assessment is estimated at approximately 2 years: start date early 2016 to approximately 
late 2017, depending upon recruitment rate.   Subjects will be evaluated at outpatient clinic visit 
appointments and interested qualified subjects will be consented and offered participation in this 
trial. Once consent has been obtained, baseline values will be established and subjects will begin 
treatment and follow-up over a 24 week period. Clinical and biochemical parameters shown in Table 
1 will be assessed in each patient at baseline and at 3, 12 and 24 weeks after initiation of treatment.  
See Protocol Schedule of Events in Attachment II. 
 
Subjects will be dispensed bottles of 25mg capsules of open-label (+) EPI with instructions for oral 
TID dosing to be taken on an outpatient basis.   All subjects will start at 75 mg total daily dose. 
Those subjects showing improvement at 12 weeks as defined below, will continue at the starting 
dose level of 75 mg total daily dose (one, 25mg cap TID) to 24 weeks. Subjects showing no 
improvement or worsening at 12 weeks will have their dose escalated as described below for the 
remainder of the study, as tolerated. 
 
Dose Escalation at 12 weeks: Those subjects showing no improvement or worsening in the 8 meter 
timed walk/FARS composite score or with no improvement in cardiac function by MRI at the 12-
week clinical assessment, as compared to baseline, will have their dose increased at the 12 week visit 
to 150 mg total daily dose (two, 25mg caps TID) until 24 weeks, as tolerated.   
 
Neurological Status Improvement Definition:  If there is no change or the timed walk is longer at 
12 weeks than at the baseline walk time or the FARs composite score has not changed or has 


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increased, as compared to baseline FARS composite score, this will be considered no 
improvement/worsening of neurological status.  Improvement is defined as a greater than 1 point 
decrease in the FARS composite score, as compared to the baseline composite score [36].  
 
Cardiac Status Improvement Definition:  If the cardiac function is the same as baseline or worse 
at 12 weeks, this will be considered no improvement /worsening of cardiac LV structure/function. 
 
Improvement in left ventricular structure and function by MRI is defined as any one of the 
following:  
1. If LV mass was abnormally increased at baseline, reduction in LV mass of  > 10% from 
baseline or 
2. If LV ejection fraction was reduced at baseline, increase in LV ejection fraction of > 5% 
from baseline or 
3. If LV end-diastolic volume was abnormally increased at baseline, reduction in LV end-
diastolic volume of > 10% from baseline. 
 
Neurologic Status:  If spinal cord and cerebellar volumes (based on 3D volumetric MRI), fractional 
anisotropy (based on DTI), and metabolites (based on 3D MRS) are worse at 24 weeks compared to 
baseline, this will be considered no improvement /worsening of neurologic structure/function. 
 
Worsening in neurologic structure and function by MRI is defined as any one of the following:  
1. If spinal cord volumes were abnormally decreased at 24 weeks compared to baseline, 
reduction in cord volume of  > 10% from baseline or 
2. If cerebellar volumes were abnormally decreased at 24 weeks compared to baseline, 
reduction in cerebellar volume of  > 10% from baseline or 
3. If spinal cord fractional anisotropy was abnormally decreased at 24 weeks compared to 
baseline, reduction in fractional anisotropy of  > 10% from baseline or 
4. If cerebellar metabolite ratios (NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, NAA/Cho) change > 5% from baseline at 
24 weeks. 
 
Study drug will be dispensed at the baseline visit for 12 (+2) weeks of dosing initially and resupplied 
at the 12 week visit for an additional 12 (+2) weeks of dosing at either the starting dose or escalated 
dose following re-assessment for changes in neurological and cardiac functions as described above.  
 
Table 1 
Neuromuscular 
Cardiac 
Metabolic 
& 
Biochemical 
FARS 
(disability, ataxia, fine motor 
skills, peripheral neuropathy, 
and gait) 
MRI 
(left ventricular mass, end-diastolic and 
end-systolic volumes, ejection fraction, 
strain analysis, myocardial fibrosis) 
Glucose 
tolerance test 
 
 
Brain MRI 
(spinal cord and cerebellar 
volumetry, DTI, and MRS) 
Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent 
(BOLD) MRI 
(myocardial oxygenation) 
Whole Blood 
Hemoglobin  
A1C 
Frataxin 


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Heart  Failure 
Biomarkers 
(BNP, and others) 
triglycerides 
Magnetic Resonance 
Spectroscopy (lactate, N-
acetylaspartate, and choline) 
Regadenoson-stress-perfusion MRI 
(myocardial perfusion index) 
Leukocytes 
ETC Complexes 
Other 
relevant 
proteins 
Bioenergetics 
 
M-mode, 2D, 3D, tissue Doppler 
(left ventricular mass, volumes, systolic 
and diastolic function) 
Urine 
F2-isoprostane 
 
Echocardiography 
(strain imaging) 
 
3.2 
Primary Study Endpoints 
Neurological:  
• Change from baseline score using Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS Assessment) tool 
at 12 and 24 weeks. 
• Changes in spinal cord fractional anisotropy, based on axial DTI measurements prescribed at 
the C1, T1, and L1 levels at 24 weeks. 
Cardiac: 
• Changes in Cardiac MRI from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks:  
o  Left ventricular structural and functional characteristics (systolic function by 
ejection fraction and systolic strain, diastolic function, LV mass to determine 
ventricular hypertrophy and degree of heart failure, myocardial fibrosis by late 
gadolinium enhancement). 
• Changes in Echocardiogram from baseline to 24 weeks: 
o Left ventricular mass, volumes, systolic and diastolic function, and strain. 
• Changes in Electrocardiogram from baseline to 24 weeks to assess for electrophysiological 
improvement of the myocardium. 
• Changes in biomarkers for heart failure and hypertrophy (ST2, BNP, Cardiac Troponin) 
from baseline, at 12 weeks and 24 weeks. 
3.3 
Secondary Study Endpoints 
• Changes in spinal cord and cerebellum volume by MRI from baseline to 24 weeks after 
initiation of therapy: 
o Spinal cord and cerebellar volumes based on high-resolution 3D volumetric T1- and 
T2-weighted datasets. 


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• Metabolic change from baseline at 12 weeks and 24 weeks measured by: 
o Glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C at baseline,         
12 (+/-), and 24 (+/-) weeks to assess for improvement of diabetes mellitus. 
• Change in mitochondrial biomarkers from baseline to 24 weeks: 
o Assess for upregulation of relevant mitochondrial proteins (frataxin and ETC 
complexes I-IV) and (ii) reduction of urine F2-isoprostane as a measure of oxidative 
stress. 
3.4 
Exploratory Endpoints  
• Change in cardiac stress-regadenoson and Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) 
MRI from baseline at 12 and 24 weeks after treatment: 
o Myocardial oxygenation by BOLD sequence on 3T MRI 
o Myocardial perfusion index via cardiac stress-regadenoson MRI from baseline to 24 
weeks 
• Change in cerebellar metabolites (Cho, Cr, NAA), based on 3D MRS data obtained over the 
posterior fossa and upper cervical cord. 
• Change in follistatin and myostatin levels from baseline at 3 (+/-1), and 24 (+/-1) weeks as a 
measure of muscle improvement. 
3.5 
Primary Safety Endpoints 
Safety endpoints will include: 
• Distribute a diary to each study participant in order to date and record symptoms of 
adverse events along with drug intake. All participants will be asked to contact study 
coordinator or PI via phone in the case of an adverse event, which will then be 
documented in the source documents.  Participants will be asked to bring the diary 
along with their drug bottles to each clinic visit. 
• Comparison between treatment groups of the incidence and types of reported adverse 
events including increase in migraine headaches, bruising or bleeding. 
The consumption of cocoa products containing the epicatechins has been reported to 
be associated with increased likelihood of migraine development [37]. However, the 
migraine effect has not been validated in subsequent clinical trials, and, if it exists, 
has been attributed to the presence of phenylethylamine [38].  
Anti-clotting like effects have been described for foods containing  members of the 
flavonoid family including epicatechin, such as cocoa, tea, and guarana. There is no 
report as to the effects that epicatechin per se may have on phenomena such as 
platelet aggregation or clotting times [14, 38, 39].  
The modest effects on platelet aggregation of food containing polyphenols has been 
cited as one basis for  beneficial crdiovascular effects. To our knowledge, no adverse 


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event involving platelet inhibition has been described in any study of  foods or their 
extracts of cocoa,guarana, or tea. Nonetheless, we deemed it prudent to exclude 
patients with thrombocytopenia or clotting disorders. 
• Potential risk based on the biological activities of (+)-epicatechin includes 
hypotension through presumed mechanism of nitric oxide (NO) mediated 
vasodilation [40].  Of note is the fact that so far, no blood pressure reducing effects by 
(-)-epicatechin have been reported in normotensive subjects. With cocoa based 
studies, blood pressure reducing effects are only reported in humans that have high 
blood pressure [41]. In the study by Ottaviani et al., the vasodilating effects of (+)-
epicatechin in humans were only 25% of those of (-)-epicatechin when given at the 
same doses (1.5 mg/kg) [21].  There is the possibility that patients undergoing 
pharmacologic treatment for high blood pressure if given epicatechin may develop 
hypotension through additive or synergistic effects.  
• Guarana effects on toxic and behavioral parameters were assessed in rats and mice 
subsequent to acute and chronic administrations. Experimental parameters included 
tests for antioxidant capacity in vitro, in vivo, toxicological screening, body weight, 
motor activity, death rate, and histopathological examination of viscera. Guarana 
demonstrated antioxidant effects even at low concentrations by inhibiting lipid 
peroxidation. At high doses (1-2 g/kg IP and PO) it did not induce significant 
alterations in toxicological parameters. Consumption of liquids containing guarana 
evidenced unaltered weight of the animals even after prolonged (23 months) 
administration. The percentage mortality was equivalent in control and guarana 
groups. The absence of toxicity of guarana was also demonstrated by 
histopathological examination, with no alterations being detected in heart, lungs, 
stomach, small and large intestine, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and spleen [42].  
• A 10 day study in which rats were dosed at 100 mg/kg/day, approximately 50X our 
proposed dose in humans,  demonstrated that  (+)-epicatechin at this high dose 
demonstrated no adverse effects with respect to appetite, behavior, alertness , or 
appearance. No abnormalities of any organs were observed at necropsy [43]. 
•  (+)-Epicatechin. Campos et al recently evaluated the effects of standardized Guarana 
encapsulated dried extract on fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, depression symptoms, 
and menopause in a group of breast cancer chemotherapy patients. Patients with 
progressive fatigue after their first cycle of chemotherapy were randomized to receive 
either guarana 50 mg orally twice daily (n=32) or placebo (n=43) for 21 days. After a 
7-day washout period, patients were crossed over to the opposite experimental arm. 
All patients were evaluated on days 1, 21, and 49. Guarana significantly improved 
fatigue measures vs. placebo on days 21 and 49. Guarana treatment did not produce 
any Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grades 2, 3, or 4 toxicities and 
did not worsen sleep quality or cause anxiety or depression [44].  
Overdose 


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• Neither the effects of overdose of (+)-epicatechin nor an antidote to overdose are known.  
For reference, the intraperitoneal (-)-epicatechin median lethal dose (LD50) reported for mice 
is 1000 mg/kg as stated in the Material Safety Data Sheet provided by suppliers such as 
Sigma-Aldrich.  
Pregnancy and Lactation 
There are no known adverse effects of natural products containing epicatechin in pregnant 
women. In a developmental toxicity study in pregnant rats using a green tea extract, the no-
observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) corresponded to 100 mg (-)-epicatechin/kg (the 
highest dose tested).  No information is available on levels of (-)-epicatechin in breast milk.  
Pregnancy testing will be done at baseline and repeated at the 12th week clinic visit.  Patients 
who have a positive pregnancy test, are pregnant or breastfeeding will be excluded from the 
study. 
4 Subject Selection Enrollment and Withdrawal 
4.1 
Inclusion Criteria 
 
Subjects must fulfill all of the following criteria: 
 
Inclusion criteria: 
• Confirmed diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia by FXN genetic testing and/or Frataxin enzyme 
analysis  
• Between age 10 and 50 years of age, inclusive 
• Body weight of 25 kg or higher 
• Minimum of one affected organ (cardiac or neurological) system, as evidenced by clinical 
signs/symptoms 
• Disease duration ≤7 years, based on onset date of FA symptoms 
• Has no known contraindication to gadolinium contrast such as severe allergy or GFR <30 
ml/min/m2. 
• Has no known contraindication to non-contrast MRI evaluation such as pacemaker or 
magnetically active metal fragments. 
• Women of childbearing age must: 
o Have a negative pregnancy human chorionic gonadotropin test prior to receiving 
study drug.  
o Agree to use contraception for the duration of the study drug dosing, plus 1 month 
after completion of the study.   
4.2 
Exclusion Criteria 
 
Exclusion criteria: 
• Advanced cardiac failure, NYHA Class IV. 


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• Clinically significant comorbidities that may also lead to cardiomyopathy, for example long 
standing hypertension, familial cardiomyopathy. 
• Clinically significant comorbidities that would, in the opinion of the investigators, 
compromise the interpretation of test results.  
• Pregnant, breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant during study timeframe. 
• Patients with contraindications to regadenoson, i. e. second- or third-degree atrioventricular 
(AV) block or sinus node dysfunction. Has received an investigational drug within thirty (30) 
days of baseline visit. 
• Thrombocytopenia (<125 x 109/L) or prolonged PT/PTT at baseline. 
• Clinically significant hypotension (systolic BP<90) due to heart failure or other conditions. 
4.3 
Subject Recruitment, Enrollment and Screening 
 
Subjects may be recruited: 
• From the Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator’s clinical practices; may also be 
identified by Study Coordinator. 
• By physician referrals within Mayo Clinic, by referrals from non-Mayo Clinic physicians, by 
contact made via the Mayo Clinical Trials database with a link to the national ataxia 
foundation web site, or by patient inquiries via contacts listed on the www.clinicaltrials.gov 
registry. 
• Mayo Clinic investigators using social media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) as a 
recruitment method must have the research reviewed and approved by the Mayo Clinic 
Public Affairs/Center for Social Media.  
• New projects proposing the use of social media as a recruitment method will contain a 
statement from the PI in the IRBe application or the research project proposal that the use of 
social media for recruitment of research subjects has been reviewed and approved by the 
Mayo Clinic Public Affairs/Center for Social Media. 
• Investigators at institutions for which the Mayo Clinic IRB is the IRB of record will include 
within the IRB application documentation of review and approval by the relying organization 
for the use of social media, or documentation that such review and approval is not required 
by the institution. 
Enrollment 
 
Study participants with genetically confirmed diagnosis of FA who meet inclusion criteria and do 
not meet exclusion criteria will be enrolled according to the most current IRB approved version of 
this protocol. Adequate time will be allowed for review of consent/assent and to ask questions about 
the study prior to enrollment.  Subjects aged 13-17 will also sign an IRB approved assent.   A copy 
of the signed consent/assent form will be provided to the subject/LAR and the original will be 
retained in the Investigator’s study file.  A copy of the signed forms will also be scanned into the 
subject’s Mayo Clinic electronic medical record. 
 
Documentation of informed consent/HIPAA authorization will involve the use of the Research 
Participant Tracking (PTrax) Digital Signature Capture technology for research informed consent 
forms/HIPAA authorization forms. This is an institutionally approved process for obtaining 


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consent/HIPAA authorization only while the subject, and/or the subject’s representative, is in the 
physical presence of the person authorized to obtain consent. The study team may print a copy of 
the signed consent form/HIPAA authorization form for the subject or their representative. The 
consent form/HIPAA authorization form will also be available to the subject via the patient portal.  
Note: If the subject or their representative prefers not to use the Digital Signature Capture 
technology, the study team will provide a paper consent form/HIPAA authorization form for 
signature. 
 
4.4 
Withdrawal of Subjects 
4.4.1 
When and How to Withdraw Subjects 
Subject Withdrawal Criteria 
• The end of the trial for a patient will be defined for this study as (1) completion of the final 
24 week evaluation, (2) death, (3) withdrawal of consent, (4) if the patient is lost to follow-up 
at 12 weeks clinic visit, the date of the patient’s last visit for which data is available.  
• Patients may be withdrawn from this trial for the reasons provided below: 
Withdrawal for Adverse Event 
• A patient who experiences an adverse event during the study drug administration that the 
Investigator judges to be related to the study drug and poses a significant risk to the patient 
will have the study drug discontinued. All scheduled data will be collected and the patient 
will be included in all safety analyses. 
Withdrawal of Consent 
• Patients for whom Informed Consent is withdrawn will have study drug discontinued (if the 
decision occurs during the study period). No further data collection will be done without 
written consent for follow-up data collection. All available data on these patients will be 
included in the safety analyses. 
• Investigator Decision to Withdraw Patient  Should the Investigator determine that it is in the 
best interest of a patient to be withdrawn from the trial, the drug will be immediately 
discontinued (if the decision occurs during the study period). All scheduled data deemed 
appropriate by the Investigator will be collected and the patient will be included in all safety 
analyses. 
• Pregnancy;  If a subject’s pregnancy test is positive at 12 weeks, subject will be discontinued 
from further study participation and any dispensed study medication will be retrieved from 
the subject.  Subject and child will be followed for potential adverse effects of study drug 
dosing. 
4.4.2 
Data Collection and Follow-up for Withdrawn Subjects 
 
Even though a subject has withdrawn from the study, it may be important to collect some follow-up 
or survival data on such subjects throughout the protocol defined follow-up period. Such data is 


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important to the integrity of the final study analysis since early withdrawal could be related to the 
safety profile of the study drug.  If a subject withdraws consent to participate in the study, for subject 
safety reasons, attempts should be made to obtain permission to collect follow up information 
whenever possible.  
 
4.5 
Replacement of Discontinued or Withdrawn Subjects 
Subjects who discontinue or are withdrawn prior to completing twenty-four (24) weeks of treatment 
will be replaced, to achieve a target of ten subjects completing 24 weeks of dosing with study 
medication.  The number replaced may be limited to the available inventory of (+) Epicatechin 
capsules. 
 
5 
Study Drug  
5.1 
Description 
 
(+) EPI will be manufactured by Syngene Corporation in Bangalore, India for Cardero Therapeutics 
and provided without charge to study subjects.  The drug product will be provided to Mayo Clinic as 
25mg gelatin capsules, packaged in 42 capsules per high density polyethylene bottle.   
5.2 
Treatment Regimen 
 
The starting total daily dose will be 75 mg per day (one 25mg capsule taken TID)  Dose escalation 
for some subjects, as described above, will occur at 12 weeks to 150mg total daily dose (two, 25mg 
capsules taken TID). 
 
Starting 
Dose 
 
Dispense 
12 week 
supply + 
2 weeks 
overage 
@ BL 
visit  
Increase Dose 
at 3 months  
(for some 
subjects) 
Dispense 12 week 
supply + 2 weeks 
overage at 12 
week Clinic Visit  
 
Total # Bottles (& 
caps)  Dispensed to 
each Subject 
75 mg/day  
 
one cap TID  
 
3 caps/day 
7 bottles 
of 42  
(294 caps) 
 
150 mg/day  
 
two caps TID  
 
6 caps per day 
7 bottles of 42  
caps (294 caps)   
 
OR escalated dose: 
14 bottles of 42 
caps (588 caps) 
 
14 bottles (588 
caps) 
------------------------- 
21 bottles (882 
caps) 
Escalated dose 


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5.3 
Preparation and Administration of Study Drug 
• The study drug will be shipped to, stored by and dispensed from the Mayo Clinic Out- 
Patient Research Pharmacy located in the 
 
 
• The study drug will be dispensed to subject/LAR, labeled to be taken orally as described in 
section 5.2 above. 
• Certificates of Analysis and clinical supply expiry date extensions as provided by Cardero 
Therapeutics, based on ongoing, concurrent stability studies, should be emailed to 
 
 
 
5.4 
Subject Compliance Monitoring 
Study medication will be dispensed as part of the Baseline and 3 month study visits at Mayo Clinic, 
to be taken home with the subject. A dosing and adverse event diary will be provided to the subjects, 
who will be asked to record the dates/times of medication intake and any unusual symptoms.   The 
subjects will be asked to bring their diary and the previously dispensed bottles (empty, partial and 
unused) to the 3 month visit for review by study staff.  Parents or guardians of participants younger 
than 18 years of age will be asked to supervise and/or provide the medication to their child and 
ensure the diaries are completed.   
In addition to the dosing diary, the subjects/LARs will be contacted periodically between on-site 
visits to assess doses are being taken as prescribed. 
A count of capsules returned at the 3 month visit will be performed by a study team 
member/pharmacy, and the number of returned capsules and compliance will be documented. 
The blood levels of (+)-EPI will be measured subsequent to the visits to provide the most accurate 
measure of dosing compliance. 
If it is determined by study staff by review of diary, returned amounts and interview that the subject 
did not take 50% or greater of the daily dose for 3 days in any given week, the subject will be asked 
to become compliant. If it is determined by the above criteria to be non-compliant a second time, the 
subject will be dropped from the study. 
Completed dosing diaries will be retained with the site’s study source documents. 
5.5 
Prior and Concomitant Therapy 
All concomitant medications will be allowed and at the time of enrollment and through study period 
will be recorded and current medications will be recorded at each clinical follow-up. 
5.6 
Packaging 
25 mg capsules of open-label study medication will be packaged 42 capsules per bottle.  The bottles 
will be subsequently labeled by the Research Pharmacy for each subject, based on a written 
prescription by a Study Investigator.   A 3 month supply will be dispensed at the Baseline visit and 
again at the 3 month visit, as specified in Section 3.1.  An overage amount (2 week supply) will be 
dispensed to allow for flexibility in visit scheduling. 
 


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In addition to dosing directions, the bottles shall bear a label with the statement "Caution: New 
Drug--Limited by Federal (or United States) law to investigational use." 
5.7 
Masking/Blinding of Study  
Not applicable; the study medication will be open label. 
5.8 
Receiving, Storage, Dispensing and Return of Study Medication 
5.8.1 
Receipt of Drug Supplies 
The Mayo Clinic Research Pharmacy will maintain drug shipment and dispensing accountability 
records, including shipping receipts/packing slips for incoming shipments of (+) EPI and 
dates/number of capsules/bottles and the lot numbers dispensed to subjects. 
 
Expiry dating/retest dates will be provided by Cardero Therapeutics, based on ongoing stability 
testing.  Documentation of expiry/re-test dates will be retained with study records.  
 
Subject dosing/AE diaries will be provided to the subject/LAR by the study team with completion 
instructions.  Subjects will be asked to bring their completed diaries back to the site, with any full or 
partial bottles to facilitate reconciliation. 
 
The quantity of capsules dispensed, taken, returned or discarded by the subject will be reconciled by 
the study team during visits to determine compliance with the prescribed dosing regimen. 
 
Study drug reconciliation will be documented in study records. 
5.8.2 
Storage Conditions 
Capsules will be stored in HDPE bottles as packaged by Syngene, and maintained at 2 to 8 degree 
storage within the Mayo Clinic Research Pharmacy.  Subjects/LAR will be advised to keep bottles 
refrigerated in their homes. 
5.8.3 
Dispensing of Study Drug 
A prescription will be written, signed by an Investigator and faxed to the Research Pharmacy for the 
baseline and 3 month visit dispensing. The subject/LAR will either pick up the medication at the 
Out-Patient Pharmacy or if picked up in advance by a study team member, will be provided to the 
subject by the study team with a dosing/AE diary. 
5.8.4 
Return or Destruction of Study Drug 
At the completion of the study, there will be a final reconciliation of drug amounts shipped, 
dispensed, returned, and remaining.  This reconciliation will be included in study files.  Any 
discrepancies noted will be documented and investigated, prior to return or destruction of unused 
study drug.  Any investigational drug destroyed on site according to institutional waste policy will be 
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6 
Study Procedures  
The schedule of events for patients enrolled in this trial is shown in Attachment II.  See Section 3 for 
visit descriptions. 
7 
Statistical Plan 
Statistical analysis will be performed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Inc., Cary, NC). All tests will be 
two sided and p-values less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. 
7.1 
Sample Size Determination 
A recent single-center open-label pilot study enrolled eight adults with genetically-confirmed Becker 
muscular dystrophy, who received 100 mg/day of EPI orally for 8 weeks. The data showed linear 
decrease in plasma B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels, a validated biomarker of congestive 
heart failure [15]. Assuming a common standard deviation of 234.3 as seen in the Becker pilot study, 
with a sample size of 10 patients we should have 80% power to detect an effect size (on BNP and 
possibly other biomarkers) of 1at a 5% level of significance based on a paired t-test. NQuery 
Advisor version 6.0 was used for sample size calculations. 
7.2 
Statistical Methods 
Descriptive Statistics 
All numerical data will be imported into a dedicated application of highly-innovative multivariate 
pattern recognition software developed at Mayo by 
 
 
) that provides an integrated analysis of outcome measures after statistical 
adjustment for one or more relevant covariates. Descriptive summaries will be reported as 
frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and as mean (standard deviation) or median 
(inter-quartile range) for continuous variables of interest. 
 
Handling of Missing Data 
Data edit checks will be performed to assess outliers or any inconsistencies done at the time of data 
entry. No imputations will be performed for any missing data. 
 
Multiplicity 
Given the smaller sample size, no formal adjustment for multiple comparisons will be performed. 
We will however, report both raw (unadjusted) and false discovery rate corrected p-values.  
 
Primary Hypothesis:  
In light of the common underlying pathogenic mechanism of energy deficit and oxidative damage, 
we hypothesize that the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics along with 
simultaneous upregulation of the cellular antioxidant defenses is a strategy capable to ameliorate 
MtD. To test this hypothesis we propose to conduct a phase II drug clinical trial to test the efficacy 
of a novel synthetically-produced form of Epicatechin (EPI) in patients with Friedreich's Ataxia 
(FA). For continuous endpoints such as FARS assessment, we will calculate changes from baseline 
to 12 weeks and 24 weeks. These will be summarized and mean (standard deviation) or median 
(inter-quartile range). We will also report 95% confidence intervals. Formal comparison to assess 


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efficacy of intervention will be performed using paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test as 
appropriate. Analysis will also be performed using percent changes from baseline to 12 week and 24 
week to account for baseline discrepancies. Data will be displayed graphically using scatter plots to 
show the trends over time. Categorical outcomes will be compared using McNemar’s test as a test of 
paired proportions to account for paired nature of the data. 
 
Secondary Hypothesis 1:  
• Upregulate mitochondrial biogenesis via activation of the transcription factor PGC-1α [9] 
which is downregulated in FA [45]; this may lead to higher levels of frataxin as well as 
higher levels of Fe-S proteins critical for ATP production. 
• Upregulate endogenous antioxidant mechanisms (SOD2, catalase) controlled by the Nrf2 
pathway [18] which is inhibited in FA cells [46]; this may enhance FA cells resistance to 
iron-catalyzed oxidative damage. 
• Promote fatty acid oxidation through regulation of SIRT3 signaling [9, 19] which is inhibited 
in FA cardiac cells and believed to contribute to the FA cardiomyopathy [47]. 
• Enhance insulin sensitivity through the PI3K/AKT pathway and AMPK [10] which may 
further improve metabolic dysfunction in FA. 
• Through the basic mechanisms described above, (+)-EPI treatment will ultimately prevent 
further loss of neuronal, cardiac, and pancreatic β cells and thereby delay or arrest FA 
neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathy and diabetes. 
 
Statistical analysis approach for secondary endpoint will be similar to approach listed above for 
primary endpoints.  
 
Interim Analysis 
Interim analysis will be performed after 50% i.e. 5 out of 10 patients have completed 12 week 
follow-up. Sample size at interim analysis is too small to reach required p-value for stopping 
decision based on O’Brien Flemming Stopping boundary criterion (i.e. p-value less than 0.0054 for 
stopping at interim analysis. Thus decision of stopping versus continuation of the study will be based 
on clinical significance rather than statistical significance. We will consider treatment to be 
efficacious if the cardiac MRI, neurologic MRI, and /or FARS score improve by greater than 30% at 
3 months. 
7.3 
Subject Population(s) for Analysis 
Protocol-compliant population:  Any subject who participated and received the protocol required 
study drug exposure. 
8 
Safety and Adverse Events 
8.1 
Definitions 
Unanticipated Problems Involving Risk to Subjects or Others (UPIRTSO) 
Any unanticipated problem or adverse event that meets the following three criteria:  
• Serious: Serious problems or events that results in significant harm, (which may be physical, 
psychological, financial, social, economic, or legal) or increased risk for the subject or others 


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(including individuals who are not research subjects). These include: (1) death; (2) life 
threatening adverse experience; (3) hospitalization - inpatient, new, or prolonged; (4) 
disability/incapacity - persistent or significant; (5) birth defect/anomaly; (6) breach of 
confidentiality and (7) other problems, events, or new information (i.e. publications, DSMB 
reports, interim findings, product labeling change) that in the opinion of the local investigator 
may adversely affect the rights, safety, or welfare of the subjects or others, or substantially 
compromise the research data, AND 
• Unanticipated: (i.e. unexpected) problems or events are those that are not already described 
as potential risks in the protocol, consent document, not listed in the Investigator’s Brochure, 
or not part of an underlying disease. A problem or event is "unanticipated" when it was 
unforeseeable at the time of its occurrence. A problem or event is "unanticipated" when it 
occurs at an increased frequency or at an increased severity than expected, AND 
• Related: A problem or event is "related" if it is possibly related to the research procedures. 
 
Adverse Event 
An untoward or undesirable experience associated with the use of a medical product (i.e. drug, 
device, biologic) in a patient or research subject. Adverse events are classified as serious or non-
serious. 
Serious Adverse Event 
An adverse event or suspected adverse reaction is considered "serious" if, in the view of either the 
investigator or sponsor, it results in any of the following outcomes:  
• death 
• Is considered a life-threatening adverse event  
• inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization 
• a persistent or significant incapacity or substantial disruption of the ability to conduct normal 
life functions 
• a congenital anomaly/birth defect.  
 
Important medical events that may not result in death, be life-threatening, or require hospitalization 
may be considered serious when, based upon appropriate medical judgment, they may jeopardize the 
patient or subject and may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the outcomes 
listed in this definition. 
 
All adverse events that do not meet any of the criteria for serious, should be regarded as non-serious 
adverse events.  
 
Adverse Event Reporting Period 
 
For this study, the study treatment follow-up period is defined as three (3) days following the last 
administration of study treatment, based on 2 hour half-life of EPI.  
 
Preexisting Condition 


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A preexisting condition is one that is present at the start of the study.  A preexisting condition should 
be recorded as an adverse event if the frequency, intensity, or the character of the condition worsens 
during the study period. 
 
General Physical Examination Findings 
At screening, any clinically significant abnormality should be recorded as a preexisting condition.  
At the end of the study, any new clinically significant findings/abnormalities that meet the definition 
of an adverse event must also be recorded and documented as an adverse event.  
 
Post-study Adverse Event 
All unresolved adverse events should be followed by the sponsor-investigator until the events are 
resolved, the subject is lost to follow-up, or the adverse event is otherwise explained.  At the last 
scheduled visit, the sponsor-investigator should instruct each subject to report, to the sponsor-
investigator any subsequent event(s) that the subject, or the subject’s personal physician, believes 
might reasonably be related to participation in this study.  
 
Abnormal Laboratory Values 
A laboratory abnormality should be documented as an adverse event if the laboratory value remains 
outside of the normal range on repeat testing and the subject’s personal physician or PI, believe 
might reasonably be related to study medication.  If the subject’s personal physician or PI considers 
the laboratory abnormality unsafe/clinically significant, the study treatment might be discontinued. If 
the laboratory abnormality is considered treatable, it will be treated appropriately. The laboratory 
abnormality will be followed until it normalizes or no longer is considered unsafe and needing a 
follow up.  
 
Hospitalization, Prolonged Hospitalization or Surgery 
Any adverse event that results in hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization should be documented 
and reported as a serious adverse event unless specifically instructed otherwise in this protocol.  Any 
condition responsible for surgery should be documented as an adverse event if the condition meets 
the criteria for an adverse event.  
8.2 
Recording of Adverse Events 
During each contact with the subject, the study team will seek information on adverse events by 
specific questioning and, as appropriate, by examination.  Information on all adverse events should 
be recorded in the source document, and also in the appropriate adverse event section of the case 
report form (CRF) or in a separate adverse event worksheet. All changes in symptoms, and 
diagnostic, laboratory or procedure results that potentially are considered related to study medication 
should recorded in the source documents.  The subject’s AE diary will be considered a study source 
document and retained by the site within the subject’s study file for monitoring and inspectional 
purposes. 
 
All adverse events occurring during the study period will be recorded.  The clinical course of each 
event will be followed until resolution, stabilization, or until it has been ultimately determined that 
the study treatment or participation is not the probable cause.  Serious adverse events that are still 


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ongoing at the end of the study period must be followed, to determine the final outcome.  Any 
serious adverse event that occurs after the study period and considered to be at least possibly related 
to the study treatment or study participation should be recorded and reported immediately. 
8.3 
Reporting of Serious Adverse Events and Unanticipated Problems 
When an adverse event has been identified, the study team will take appropriated action necessary to 
protect the study participant and then complete the Study Adverse Event Worksheet and/or log.  The 
sponsor-investigator will evaluate the event and determine the necessary follow-up and reporting 
required. 
 
8.3.1 
Sponsor-Investigator reporting: notifying the Mayo IRB 
The sponsor-investigator will report to the Mayo IRB any UPIRTSOs and Non-UPIRTSOs 
according to the Mayo IRB Policy and Procedures. 
 
The sponsor-investigator will review all adverse event reports to determine if specific reports need to 
be made to the IRB and FDA.  The sponsor-investigator will sign and date the adverse event report 
when it is reviewed.  For this protocol, only directly related SAEs/UPIRTSOs will be reported to the 
IRB. 
8.3.2 
Sponsor-Investigator reporting: Notifying the FDA 
The sponsor-investigator will report all unexpected, serious suspected adverse reactions to the FDA 
according to the required IND Safety Reporting timelines, formats and requirements. 
 
Unexpected fatal or life threatening suspected adverse reactions where there is evidence to suggest a 
causal relationship between the study drug/placebo and the adverse event, will be reported as a 
serious suspected adverse reaction.  This will be reported to the FDA on FDA Form 3500A, no later 
than 7 calendar days after the sponsor-investigator’s initial receipt of the information about the 
event. 
 
Other unexpected serious suspected adverse reactions where there is evidence to suggest a causal 
relationship between the study drug/placebo and the adverse event, will be reported as a serious 
suspected adverse reaction.  This will be reported to the FDA on FDA Form 3500A, no later than 15 
calendar days after the sponsor-investigator’s initial receipt of the information about the event. 
 
Any clinically important increase in the rate of serious suspected adverse reactions over those listed 
in the protocol or product insert will be reported as a serious suspected adverse reaction.  This will 
be reported to the FDA on FDA Form 3500A no later than 15 calendar days after the sponsor-
investigator’s initial receipt of the information about the event. 
 
Findings from other studies in human or animals that suggest a significant risk in humans exposed to 
the drug will be reported.  This will be reported to the FDA on FDA Form 3500A, no later than 15 
calendar days after the sponsor-investigators initial receipt of the information about the event. 


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8.4 
Stopping Rules  
 
The study will be halted if Serious Adverse Events which are felt by the PI to possibly be related to 
treatment with study medication occurs in 2 or more patients.  Any adverse event with the outcome 
of death that is felt caused by or possibly related to treatment with study medication will cause the 
study to be stopped. 
8.5 
Medical Monitoring 
It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to oversee the safety of the study at his/her site.  
This safety monitoring will include careful assessment and appropriate reporting of adverse events 
as noted above, as well as the construction and implementation of a site data and safety-monitoring 
plan (see section 10  “Study Monitoring, Auditing, and Inspecting”).  Medical monitoring will 
include a regular assessment of the number and type of serious adverse events. 
9 
Data Handling and Record Keeping 
9.1 
Confidentiality 
Information about study subjects will be kept confidential and managed according to the 
requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  Those 
regulations require a signed subject authorization informing the subject of the following:  
• What protected health information (PHI) will be collected from subjects in this study 
• Who will have access to that information and why 
• Who will use or disclose that information 
• The rights of a research subject to revoke their authorization for use of their PHI.  
 
In the event that a subject revokes authorization to collect or use PHI, the investigator, by regulation, 
retains the ability to use all information collected prior to the revocation of subject authorization.  
For subjects that have revoked authorization to collect or use PHI, attempts should be made to obtain 
permission to collect at least vital status (long term survival status that the subject is alive) at the end 
of their scheduled study period. 
9.2 
Source Documents 
Source data is all information, original records of clinical findings, observations, or other activities 
in a clinical trial necessary for the reconstruction and evaluation of the trial.  Source data are 
contained in source documents.  Examples of these original documents, and data records include: 
hospital records, clinical and office charts, laboratory notes, memoranda, subjects’ diaries or 
evaluation checklists, pharmacy dispensing records, subject diaries, recorded data from automated 
instruments, copies or transcriptions certified after verification as being accurate and complete, 
microfiches, photographic negatives, microfilm or magnetic media, x-rays, subject files, and records 
kept at the pharmacy, at the laboratories, and at medico-technical departments involved in the 
clinical trial. 


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9.3 
Database 
Data Management 
A RedCap database will be used to collect the data intended for analysis and entries will be available 
for review by the ORRS study monitor as well as for regulatory inspectors. 
 
Data Security and Confidentiality 
The RedCap study database will be maintained on password protected computers, hosted on Mayo 
Clinic servers, which are backed up on a daily basis according to Institutional Policies. 
 
Data Quality Assurance 
Data will be extracted from source documents and entered into the study database. The Study 
Coordinator or study team member so delegated by the PI will assure the accuracy and integrity of 
the data and the PI will evaluate the data and the supporting source documents periodically.    
9.4 
Records Retention 
The sponsor-investigator will maintain records and essential documents related to the conduct of the 
study.  These will include subject case histories and study regulatory documents. 
The sponsor-investigator will retain the specified records and reports for the longest of these 
retention periods:  
1. Up to 2 years after the marketing application is approved for the drug; or, if a marketing 
application is not submitted or approved for the drug, until 2 years after shipment and 
delivery of the drug for investigational use is discontinued and the FDA has been so notified. 
OR 
2. As outlined in the Mayo Clinic Research Policy Manual –“Retention of and Access to 
Research Data Policy” 
   
10 Study Monitoring, Auditing, and Inspecting 
10.1 Study Monitoring Plan 
As a service to the sponsor-investigator and to assist with the sponsor regulatory obligation to 
monitor study progress, this study will be periodically monitored during the conduct of the trial by 
staff from the Mayo Clinic Office of Research Regulatory Support.  Clinical trial monitoring may 
include but will not necessarily be limited to review of the study regulatory documents, source data 
and database entries throughout the duration of the study to help ensure the validity and integrity of 
the data.  Original informed consent forms will be reviewed. Written monitoring reports with 
findings and recommended and suggested corrective actions will be provided to the sponsor. 
10.2 Auditing and Inspecting 
The investigator will permit study-related monitoring by ORRS and audits by the IRB Compliance 
Unit, if indicated, as well as inspections by authorized representative of government regulatory 
agencies such as FDA of all study related documents (e.g. source documents, regulatory documents, 
data collection instruments, drug accountability records and study data etc.).  The investigator will 


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ensure access is granted for inspection of applicable study-related facilities (e.g. pharmacy, 
diagnostic laboratories, etc.). 
 
Participation as an investigator in this study implies acceptance of potential inspection by 
government regulatory authorities and applicable compliance offices. 
11 Ethical Considerations 
This study is to be conducted according to applicable United States government regulations and 
Institutional research policies and procedures. 
 
This protocol and any amendments as well as subject materials such as the informed consent/assent 
forms will be submitted to a properly constituted Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board (IRB for 
review and formal approval.  The decision(s) of the IRB concerning the conduct of the study will be 
made in writing to the sponsor-investigator before commencement of this study. 
 
All subjects for this study will be provided a consent (or assent) form describing this study and 
providing sufficient information for subjects to make an informed decision about their participation 
in this study.  The formal consent of a subject, using the IRB approved consent or assent form, must 
be obtained before subject undergoes any study procedure.  The consent form must be signed and 
dated by the subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative, as well as the individual 
obtaining the informed consent. 
12 Study Finances 
12.1 Funding Source 
This study will be financed through a grant from the Mayo Clinic Children's Research Center 
Pediatric Team Science Award.   Study medication will be provided by Cardero Therapeutics. Costs 
associated with the study-specific laboratory tests performed by UC-San Diego will be paid for by 
Cardero Therapeutics.  
12.2 Conflict of Interest 
Any study team member who has a conflict of interest with this study (patent ownership, royalties, 
or financial gain greater than the minimum allowable by their institution, etc.) must have the conflict 
reviewed by a properly constituted Conflict of Interest Committee with a Committee-sanctioned 
conflict management plan that has been reviewed and approved by the study sponsor-investigator 
prior to participation in this study. 
13 Publication Plan 
This study will be registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry prior to the first subject being 
enrolled.  Study results will subsequently be posted to the registry within 12 months of final data 
collection for the primary outcome measure.    
 


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Study results will be analyzed and manuscripts prepared for submission to the appropriate peer-
reviewed scientific journals.  The NCT number linking to the clinicaltrials.gov record will be 
included in manuscripts.   
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Yamazaki, K.G., et al., Effects of (-)-epicatechin on myocardial infarct size and left ventricular remodeling after permanent 
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Leonardo, C.C., et al., Oral administration of the flavanol (-)-epicatechin bolsters endogenous protection against focal 
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914-21. 
35. 
Oglesbee, D., et al., High-throughput immunoassay for the biochemical diagnosis of Friedreich ataxia in dried blood spots 
and whole blood. Clinical chemistry, 2013. 59(10): p. 1461-9. 
36. 
Lynch, D.R., et al., A0001 in Friedreich ataxia: biochemical characterization and effects in a clinical trial. Movement 
disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 2012. 27(8): p. 1026-33. 
37. 
Gibb, C.M., et al., Chocolate is a migraine-provoking agent. Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 1991. 11(2): 
p. 93-5. 
38. 
Katz, D.L., K. Doughty, and A. Ali, Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 
2011. 15(10): p. 2779-811. 
39. 
Rein, D., et al., Cocoa inhibits platelet activation and function. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2000. 72(1): p. 
30-5. 
40. 
Ramirez-Sanchez, I., et al., (-)-epicatechin activation of endothelial cell endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, and 
related signaling pathways. Hypertension, 2010. 55(6): p. 1398-405. 
41. 
Ried, K., et al., Does chocolate reduce blood pressure? A meta-analysis. BMC medicine, 2010. 8: p. 39. 
42. 
Mattei, R., et al., Guarana (Paullinia cupana): toxic behavioral effects in laboratory animals and antioxidants activity in 
vitro. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 1998. 60(2): p. 111-6. 
43. 
Sen, S., Evaluation of ‘Repeat Dose Tolerability’ of SPR590 at a dose of 100mpk for 10 days by oral administration, in 
Sprague Dawley (SD) rats., 2015, Sphaera Pharma Private Limited. p. 1-15. 
44. 
de Oliveira Campos, M.P., et al., Guarana (Paullinia cupana) improves fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing 
systemic chemotherapy. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 2011. 17(6): p. 505-12. 
45. 
Coppola, G., et al., Functional genomic analysis of frataxin deficiency reveals tissue-specific alterations and identifies the 
PPARgamma pathway as a therapeutic target in Friedreich's ataxia. Human molecular genetics, 2009. 18(13): p. 2452-61. 
46. 
Shan, Y., et al., Frataxin deficiency leads to defects in expression of antioxidants and Nrf2 expression in dorsal root ganglia 
of the Friedreich's ataxia YG8R mouse model. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 2013. 19(13): p. 1481-93. 
47. 
Wagner, G.R., et al., Friedreich's ataxia reveals a mechanism for coordinate regulation of oxidative metabolism via 
feedback inhibition of the SIRT3 deacetylase. Human molecular genetics, 2012. 21(12): p. 2688-97. 
 
15  Attachments 
15.1  Attachment 
I 
 
Friedreich’s Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) 
15.2  Attachment  
II 
 
Protocol Schedule of Events 
 
 


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Attachment I 
Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale 
 
NINDS CDE Notice of Copyright 
Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) 
 
Availability: 
The  instrument  is  freely  available  here:  http://www.ataxia-study- 
group.net/html/about/ataxiascales/fars 
Classification: 
Core 
Short Description 
of Instrument: 
The Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) is made up of a measure of ataxia, an 
activities of daily living subscale and a neurological subscale. This scale also includes 
the 8m walk at maximum speed (8MW), the 9-hole peg test (9HPT), and low-contrast 
letter acuity. 
Strengths: FARS scores correlate significantly with functional disability, activities of 
daily living scores and disease duration.  FARS has a large effect size and requires fewer 
patients for an equivalently powered study. 
Weaknesses: This scale captures a particular dimension of neurologic function in FA, 
so as a composite measure, it is not good enough to predict disease status. 
Scoring: 
The scores from the three subscales are added to generate a total score ranging from 0 to 
159, with a higher score indicating a greater level of disability. 
Functional Staging for Ataxia subscale scoring: 0 = Normal - 6.0 = Confined to 
wheelchair or bed with total dependency for all ADL. Total disability. 
ADL subscale scoring: 9 items scored from 0 to 4. 
Neurological Examination subscale scoring: 5 items scored from 0 to 2 or 0 to 5, 
depending on the specific parameter. 
References: 
Key Reference: 
Subramony SH, May W, Lynch D, et al. Measuring Friedreich ataxia: interrater 
reliability of a neurologic rating scale. Neurology. 2005;64:1261–2. 
Other References: 
Delatycki MB. Evaluating the progression of Friedreich ataxia and its treatment. J 
Neurol. 2009. 256(Suppl 1):36-41. 
Fahey MC, Corben L, Collins V, Churchyard AJ, Delatycki MB. How is disease 
progress in Friedreich’s ataxia best measured? A study of four rating scales. J Neurol 
Neurosurg Psychiatr. 2007 Apr; 78(4):4113-413. 
Lynch DR, Farmer JM, Tsou AY, Perlman S, Subramony SH, Gomez CM, Ashizawa 
T, Wilmot GR, Wilson RB, Balcer LJ. Measuring Friedreich ataxia: 
complementary features of examination and performance measures. Neurology. 
2006 Jun 13;66(11):1711-6. 
Subramony SH, May W, Lynch D, Gomez C, Fischbeck K et al. Measuring 


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Friedreich ataxia: Interrater reliability of a neurologic rating scale. Neurology 
2005;64:1261-1262. 
Lynch DR, Farmer JM, Tsou AY, Perlman S, Subramony SH et al. Measuring 
Friedreich ataxia: complementary features of examination and performance measures. 
Neurology 2006; 66:1711-1716. 
 
Short Description 
of Instrument: 
 
Scoring: 
 
References: 
 
The Nine Hole Pegboard Test 
Short Description 
of Instrument: 
Construct measured:  Upper extremity function 
Generic vs. disease specific: Generic 
Means of administration: In person by a trained examiner 
Intended respondent:  Patient 
#  of items: N/A 
# of subscales and names of sub-scales: N/A 
# of items per sub-scale: N/A 


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Scoring: Both the dominant and non-dominant hands are tested twice within a 
single testing session. The total time to complete the task is recorded. The score for the 9-
HPT is an average of the four trials. The two trials for each hand are averaged, converted 
to the reciprocals of the mean times for each hand and then the two reciprocals are 
averaged. This score can be used individually or used as part of the MSFC composite 
score. 
Background:  The 9-HPT is a brief, standardized, quantitative test of upper extremity 
function. It is the second component of the MSFC to be administered at each visit. Both 
the dominant and non-dominant hands are tested twice. Two consecutive trials with the 
dominant hand are immediately followed by two consecutive trials with the non-dominant 
hand. 
Psychometric 
Properties: 
Strengths/Weaknesses:  There has been increasing recognition of the usefulness of 
measuring arm and hand function in clinical studies. The 9-HPT is one of the most 
frequently used measures of upper extremity function in MS. It is responsive to changes 
at the upper level of performance but not when impairment is severe. 
Psychometric Properties: The 9-HPT has high inter-rater reliability and good test-
retest reliability. There is evidence for concurrent and convergent validity as well as 
sensitivity to detect minor impairments of hand function.  Performance on the 9-Hole 
Peg Test may be sensitive to practice effects, that is, patients often display poorer 
performance when first tested due to lack of familiarity with the task. It is recommended 
that three or four administrations be given prior to a baseline assessment if accurate 
(rather than comparative) assessments of change over time are needed. 
Administration:  The 9HPT is administered in person by a trained examiner, who need 
not be a physician or nurse. Administration time varies depending upon the ability of 
the patient, but typically total administration time is approximately 10 minutes or less. 
Low Contrast Letter Acuity 
Short Description 
of Instrument: 
Construct measured:  Low contrast letter acuity 
Generic vs. disease specific: Generic Means 
of administration: Assessment Intended 
respondent:  Patient 
#  of items: N/A 
# of subscales and names of sub-scales: N/A 
# of items per sub-scale: N/A 
Scoring: 
Scoring: Charts are scored based on the number of letters identified correctly. 
This format provides continuous scoring and may allow Sloan charts to capture losses 
of contrast at small letter sizes. 
 
Background: Low contrast acuity testing provides information on patient- reported 
aspects of vision. This testing is performed using low-contrast Sloan letter charts. Each 
chart corresponds to a different contrast level (shade of gray letters on 
white/retroilluminated background). 


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References: 
Key Reference: Balcer LJ, et al. Contrast letter acuity as a visual component for the 
Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite. Neurol. 2003; 61:1367-73. 
 
Other References: 
Balcer LJ, et al. New low-contrast vision charts: reliability and test characteristics in 
patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler June 2000; 
6(3):163-171. 
Psychometric 
Properties: 
Strengths/ Weaknesses: Sloan charts have a standardized format based on 
Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity charts, which are the 
standard used for ophthalmology clinical trials. 
 
Psychometric Properties: Inter-rater agreement was described with the intraclass 
correlation coefficient (ICC) and comparison of mean scores. Excellent inter-rater 
agreement (ICC=0.86-0.95) was demonstrated at each contrast level among MS 
patients (n=100) and visually-asymptomatic volunteers (n=33). Average letter scores at 
the lowest contrast level (0.6%) were highly variable in the MS group, even among 
patients with visual acuities of 20/20 or better, and among those who required no 
assistance for ambulation. 
 
 
 
 
 


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SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:  E - APPENDIX I (E)A-1): RATING SCALE FOR FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA 
 
 
I. 
FUNCTIONAL STAGING  FOR ATAXIA 
 
Increment by 0.5 may be used if the status is about the middle between two stages. 
 
STAGE 
 
STAGE  0: 
Normal. 
 
STAGE  1.0: 
Minimal signs detected by physician during screening.  Can run or jump without loss of 
balance. No disability. 
 
STAGE  2.0: 
Symptoms present, recognized by patient, but still mild.  Cannot run or jump without losing 
balance.  The patient is physically capable of leading an independent life, but daily activities 
may be somewhat restricted.  Minimal disability. 
 
STAGE  3.0: 
Symptoms are overt and significant.  Requires regular or periodic holding onto wall/furniture 
or use of a cane for stability and walking.  Mild disability. (Note: many patients postpone 
obtaining a cane by avoiding open spaces and walking with the aid of walls/ people etc. These 
patients are grades as stage 3.0) 
 
STAGE  4.0: 
Walking requires a walker, Canadian crutches or two canes.  Or other aids such as 
walking dogs. Can perform several activities of daily living.  Moderate disability. 
 
STAGE  5.0: 
Confined but can navigate a wheelchair.  Can perform some activities of daily living that do not 
require standing or walking.  Severe disability. 
 
STAGE  6.0: 
Confined to wheelchair or bed with total dependency for all activities of daily living. 
Total disability. 
 
 
II.   ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING  (increments of 0.5 may be used if strongly felt that a task falls between 
2 scores) 
 
1. 
Speech 
 
0 - Normal 
1 - Mildly affected.  No difficulty being understood. 
2 - Moderately affected.  Sometimes asked to repeat statements. 
3 - Severely affected.  Frequently asked to repeat statements. 
4 - Unintelligible most of the time. 
 
2. 
Swallowing 
 
0 - Normal. 
1 - Rare choking (< once a month). 
2 - Frequent choking (< once a week, > once a month). 
3 - Requires modified food or chokes multiple times a week. Or patient avoids certain 
foods. 
4 - Requires NG tube or gastrostomy feedings. 
 
3. Cutting Food and Handling Utensils 
 
0 -  Normal. 


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1 -  Somewhat slow and clumsy, but no help needed. 
2 -  Clumsy and slow, but can cut most foods with some help needed. Or needs assistance when in  
      a hurry. 
3 -  Food must be cut by someone, but can still feed self slowly. 
4 -  Needs to be fed. 
 
4. 
Dressing 
 
0  -  Normal. 
1  -  Somewhat slow, but no help needed. 
2 -  Occasional assistance with buttoning, getting arms in sleeves, etc. or has to modify 
activity in some way (e.g. Having to sit to get dressed; use velcro for shoes, stop 
wearing ties, etc.). 
3  -  Considerable help required, but can do some things alone. 
4  -  Helpless. 
 
5.   Personal Hygiene 
 
0 -  Normal. 
1 -  Somewhat slow, but no help needed. 
2 -  Very slow hygienic care or has need for devices such as special grab bars, tub bench, 
shower chair, etc. 
3 -  Requires personal help with washing, brushing teeth, combing hair or using toilet. 
4 -  Fully dependent 
 
6. Falling (assistive device = score 3) 
 
0 -  Normal. 
1 -  Rare falling (< once a month). 
2 -  Occasional falls (once a week to once a month). 
3 -  Falls multiple times a week or requires device to prevent falls. 
4 -  Unable to stand or walk. 
 
7. Walking (assistive device = score 3) 
 
0 -  Normal. 
1 -  Mild difficulty, perception of imbalance. 
2 -  Moderate difficulty, but requires little or no assistance. 
3 -  Severe disturbance of walking, requires assistance or walking aids. 
4 -  Cannot walk at all even with assistance (wheelchair bound). 
 
8. Quality of Sitting Position 
 
0 -  Normal. 
1 -  Slight imbalance of the trunk, but needs no back support. 
2 -  Unable to sit without back support. 
3 -  Can sit only with extensive support (Geriatric chair, posy, etc.). 
4 -  Unable to sit. 
 
9. Bladder Function (if using drugs for bladder, automatic score of 3) 
 
0 -  Normal. 
1 -  Mild urinary hesitance, urgency or retention (< once a month). 
2 -  Moderate hesitance, urgency, rare retention/incontinence  (> once a month, but < once 
a week). 
3 -  Frequent urinary incontinence (> once a week). 


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4 -  Loss of bladder function requiring intermittent catheterization/indwelling catheter. 
 
                         TOTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING SCORE: 
 
 
III.  NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION (rate each item on the basis of the patient status during examination. 
To the extent possible, sequential patient examinations should be carried out at the same time of the day. If the patient 
is taking any medication, the examination should be carried out prior to dosing, or at a fixed time following the dosing 
based on the maximum expected therapeutic response.  Increments of 0.5 may be used if examiner feels an item falls 
between 2 defined severities) 
 
A. 
BULBAR 
 
1. 
Facial Atrophy, Fasciculation, Action Myoclonus, and Weakness: 
 
0  -  None 
1  -  Fasciculations or action myoclonus, but no atrophy. 
2  -  Atrophy present but not profound or complete. 
3  -  Profound atrophy and weakness. 
 
2.   Tongue Atrophy, Fasciculation, Action Myoclonus and Weakness: 
 
0  -  None. 
1  -  Fasciculations or action myoclonus, but no atrophy. 
2  -  Atrophy present but not profound or complete. 
3  -  Profound atrophy and weakness. 
 
3. 
Cough:  (Patient asked to cough forcefully 3 times) 
 
0 - Normal. 
1 - Depressed. 
2 - Totally or nearly absent. 
 
4. 
Spontaneous Speech (ask the patient to read or repeat the sentences "The President lives in the White House" 
or "The traffic is heavy today": 
 
0 - Normal. 
1 - Mild (all or most words understandable). 
2 - Moderate (most words not understandable). 
3 - Severe (no or almost no useful speech). 
 
                TOTAL BULBAR SCORE: 
 
B. 
UPPER LIMB COORDINATION 
 
1. Finger to Finger Test (The index fingers are placed in front of each other with flexion at the elbow about 
25 cm. from the sternum.  Observe for 10 seconds. Score amplitude of oscillations): 
 
 
 
   
           Right              Left 
0  -  Normal. 
1  -  Mild oscillations of finger (< 2 cm.). 
2  -  Moderate oscillations of finger (2-6 cm.). 
3  -  Severe oscillations of finger (> 6 cm.). 
 
2.    Nose-Finger Test (Assess kinetic or intention tremor during and towards the end of movement: examiner 
holds index finger at 90% reach of patient; test at least 3 nose-finger-nose trials; movement slow > 3 sec.): 


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           Right                Left 
0  -  None 
1  -  Mild (< 2 cm. amplitude). 
2  -  Moderate (2-4 cm. amplitude or persisting through movement). 
3  -  Severe (> 6 cm. & persisting through movement). 
4  -  Too poorly coordinated to perform task. 
 
3.   Dysmetria (Fast Nose-Finger) Test:  (Assess dysmetria: The patient touches tip of examiner’s finger 8 
times as rapidly as possible while the examiner moves his finger and stops at different locations at about 
90% reach of the patient. Assess dysmetria – i.e. inaccuracy of reaching the target- at examiner’s finger): 
 
 
 
 
           Right               Left 
0  -  None. 
1  -  Mild (misses 2 or fewer times). 
2  -  Moderate (misses 3-5 times). 
3  -  Severe (misses 6-8 times.). 
4  -  Too poorly coordinated to perform task. 
 
4. 
Rapid  Alternating Movements  of Hands  (Forearm pronation/supination 15 cm. above thigh; 10 full cycles 
as fast as possible; assess rate, rhythm, accuracy; practice 10 cycles before rating, if time > 7 sec. add 1 to 
score. Use stopwatch): 
 
 
 
           Right                Left 
0 - Normal. 
1 - Mild (slightly irregular or slowed). 
2 - Moderate (irregular and slowed). 
3 – Too poorly coordinated to perform task. 
 
5.   Finger Taps (index fingertip-to-thumb crease; 15 reps as fast as possible; practice 15 reps once before 
rating; if time > 6 sec., add 1 to rating. Use stopwatch): 
                                                                                                                                                        Right                Left 
0 - Normal. 
1 - Mild (misses 1-3 times). 
2 - Moderate (misses 4-9 times). 
3 - Severe (misses 10-15 times). 
   
        4 - Cannot perform the task. 
 
TOTAL UPPER LIMB COORDINATION SCORE 
 
 
C. 
LOWER LIMB COORDINATION 
 
1. 
Heel Along Shin Slide (under visual control, slide heel on the contralateral tibia from the patella to the 
ankle up and down, 3 cycles at moderate speed, 2 sec./cycle, one at a time. May be seated with 
contralateral leg extended or supine but perform same way each time. Circle which: supine seated): 
 
0 - Normal (stay on shin). 
           Right 
           Left 
1 - Mild (abnormally slow, tremulous but contact maintained). 
2 - Moderate (goes off shin a total of 3 or fewer times during 3 cycles). 
3 - Severe (goes off shin 4 or more times during 3 cycles). 
4 - Too poorly coordinated to attempt the task. 
 
2. 
Heel-to-Shin Tap (patient taps heel on midpoint of contralateral shin 8 times on each side from about 
6-10", one at a time. May be seated with contralateral leg extended or supine but perform the same 
way each time. Circle which: supine   seated): 


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0 - Normal (stays on target). 
           Right 
           Left 
1 - Mild (misses shin 2 or < times). 
2 - Moderate (misses shin 3-5 times). 
3 - Severe (misses shin > 4 times). 
4 - Too poorly coordinated to perform task. 
     TOTAL LOWER LIMB COORDINATION SCORE 
D. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM 
 
1. 
Muscle Atrophy (score most severe atrophy in either upper or lower limb): 
            Right 
            Left 
0 - None. 
1 - Present - mild/moderate 
2 - Severe/total wasting 
 
2. 
Muscle Weakness  (Test deltoids, interossei, iliopsoas and tibialis anterior. Score most 
severe weakness in either upper or lower limb): 
 
0 - Normal (5/5).                                                                      
             Right               Left 
1 - Mild (movement against resistance but not full power 4/5). 
2 - Moderate (movement against gravity but not with added resistance 3/5) 
3 - Severe (movement of joint but not against gravity 2/5). 
4 - Near paralysis (muscular activity without movement 1/5). 
5 - Total paralysis (0/5). 
 
3.      Vibratory Sense (Educate patient regarding the sensation. Tested with 128 cps tuning fork set to near full 
vibration; eyes closed; test over index finger and great toe. Abnormal < 15 seconds for toes and <25 seconds 
for hands): 
 
  Right 
             Left 
Time felt for toes: 
  
 
 
Time felt for fingers: 
  
 
 
0 - Normal. 
          Right 
           Left 
1 - Impaired at toes. 
2 - Impaired at toes or fingers. 
 
 
4. 
Position Sense  (test using minimal random movement of distal interphalangeal joints of index finger 
and big toe) 
 
0 - Normal. 
          Right 
           Left 
1 - Impaired at toes/or fingers. 
2 - Impaired at toes and fingers. 
 
 
5. 
DTR (0-absent; 1 -hyporeflexia; 2 -normal; 3 -hyperreflexia; 4 -pathologic  hyperreflexia) 
 
 
Right: 
 
BJ______ 
BrJ______ 
KJ______ 
AJ______ 
 


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Left: 
 
BJ______ 
BrJ______ 
KJ______ 
AJ______ 
 
 
 
 
 
          Right  
          Left 
 
0 - No areflexia 
 
1 - Areflexia in either upper or lower limbs. 
 
2 - Generalized areflexia. 
 
 
 
 
                                   TOTAL PERIFPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM SCORE 
 
 
E. 
UPRIGHT STABILITY (For sitting posture patient can sit in a chair or examination table.  For standing and 
walking assessment instruct patient to wear best walking shoes and record below if barefoot, footwear or AFOs 
used.  Stance assessment begins with feet 20 cm apart.  Place marker tapes in the exam room 20 cm apart and the 
insides of the feet are lined up against these.  Subsequent stance tests get more difficult.  For feet together the 
entire inside of the feet should be close together as much as possible.  For tandem stance, the dominant foot is in 
the back and the heel of the other foot is lined with the toes of the dominant foot but not in front of the toes 
(because this makes it even more difficult).  For one foot stance, the patient is asked to stand on dominant foot and 
the other leg is elevated by bringing it forward with knee extended; this gives some advantage to the patient.  If a 
patient can stand in a particular position for 1 minute or longer in trial 1, the trials 2 and 3 are abandoned.  
Otherwise each of 3 trials is timed and then averaged.  Grading scores are then given as noted.  Tandem walk and 
gait are performed in a hallway.  Preferably no carpet but at least serial examinations should be on the same 
surface.  For gait place markers 25 feet apart.  Patient walks the distance turns around and comes back and the 
activity is timed.  Note if the gait was achieved with or without device and serial examinations should be done 
with the same device as in the first examination. 
 
Stance and gait tests may be done barefoot if patient does have appropriate footwear, however, it should be 
done the same way for serial measurement.) 
 
Circle which: 
Barefoot      Footwear 
 
Also, indicate if AFOs are used: 
Yes 
No 
 
1. 
Sitting Posture (Patient seated in chair with thighs together, arms folded, back 
unsupported; observe for 30 sec.): 
 
0  -   Normal. 
1  -   Mild oscillations of head/trunk without touching chair back or side. 
2  -   Moderate oscillations of head/trunk; needs contact with chair back or side for stability. 
3  -   Severe oscillations of head/trunk; needs contact with chair back or side for 
stability. 
4  -  Support on all 4 sides for stability. 
 
2. 
Stance feet apart– Inside of feet 20 cm apart marked on floor. Use stopwatch; 3 attempts; 
time in seconds): 
 
Trial 1 
Trial 2 
Trial 3 
         AVG 
 
 
0 - 1 minute or longer. 
1 - <1 minute, >45 sec. 
2 - <45 sec., >30 sec. 
3 - <30 sec., >15 sec. 
4 - <15 sec. or needs hands held by assistant/device. 
 
3. 
Stance - Feet Together (use stopwatch; 3 attempts; time in seconds): 


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Trial 1 
Trial 2                 Trial 3 
                   AVG 
 
0  -  1 minute or longer. 
1  -  <1 minute, >45 sec. 
2  -  <45 sec., >30 sec. 
3  -  <30 sec., >15 sec. 
4  -  <15 sec. 
 
4. 
Tandem Stance (use stopwatch; 3 attempts, dominant foot in front; time in  seconds): 
 
Trial 1 
Trial 2                 Trial 3 
                      AVG 
 
 
0  -  1 minute or longer. 
1  -  <1 minute, >45 sec. 
2  -  <45 sec., >30 sec. 
3  -  <30 sec., >15 sec. 
4  -  <15 sec. 
 
5. 
Stance on Dominant Foot (use stopwatch; 3 attempts; time in seconds): 
 
Trial 1 
Trial 2                 Trial 3 
                     AVG 
 
 
0  -  1 minute or longer. 
1  -  <1 minute, >45 sec. 
2  -  <45 sec., >30 sec. 
3  -  <30 sec., >15 sec. 
4  -  <15 sec. 
 
6. Tandem Walk (tandem walk 10 steps in straight line; performed in hallway with no furniture within reach of 
1 m / 3 ft. and no loose carpet): 
 
0  -  Normal (able to tandem walk >8 sequential steps). 
1  -  Able to tandem walk in < perfect manner/can tandem walk >4 sequential steps,  
       but <8. 
2  -  Can tandem walk, but fewer than 4 steps before losing balance. 
3  -  Too poorly coordinated to attempt task. 
 
7. 
Gait (use stopwatch; walk 8 m/25 ft. at normal pace, turn around using single step pivot and return to start; 
performed in hallway with no furniture within reach of 1 m/3 ft. and no loose carpet): 
 
Device, if any:  
 
 
 
   Time in seconds:  
______ 
 
0 - Normal. 
1 - Mild ataxia/veering/difficulty in turning; no cane/other support needed to be safe. 
2 - Walks with definite ataxia; may need intermittent support/or examiner needs to walk with patient for 
safety sake. 
3 - Moderate ataxia/veering/difficulty in turning; walking requires cane/holding onto examiner 
with one hand to be safe. 
4 - Severe ataxia/veering; walker or both hands of examiner needed. 
5 - Cannot walk even with assistance (wheelchair bound). 
 


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                           TOTAL UPRIGHT STABILITY SCORE 
 
 
                         TOTAL NEUROLOGIC EXAMINATION SCORE 
IV.  INSTRUMENTAL TESTING 
 
 
2.   Nine-Hole Pegboard (Make sure the stopwatch is set to zero.  Introduce this section by saying, "Now, we’re 
going to be measuring your arm and hand function."  If this is the first visit, as, "Are you r i g h t -  or  left-
handed?"      Make a note of the dominant hand for subsequent instructions.  Place the 9-HPT apparatus 
on the table directly in front of the patient.  Arrange the apparatus so that the side with the pegs is in front of 
the hand being tested and the side with the empty pegboard is in front of the hand not being tested.  Secure with 
Dycem.  Read the following instructions to the patient:  "On this test, I want  you to pick up the pegs one at 
a time, using one hand  only, and  put  them  into the holes as quickly  as you can in any order until  all the 
holes are filled.   Then, without pausing, remove the pegs one at a time and return them to the container 
as quickly as you can.   We'll have you do this two (2) times with each hand. We’ll start with your 
[DOMINANT] hand.    You can  hold  the  peg board steady  with  you [NON-DOMINANT] hand.   If a peg 
falls onto the table, you retrieve it and continue  with the task.   If a peg falls on the floor, keep working on 
the task and I will retrieve it for you.  See how fast you can put all the pegs in and take them out again.  
Are your ready? Begin." 
 
Start timing as soon as the patient touches the first peg, and stop timing when the last peg hits the container.  If a 
peg drops on the floor, the examiner will retrieve it and put it back in the peg box. However, if a peg drops onto 
the table, the patient is to retrieve it unless it is beyond their arm reach then you can retrieve it for them.  It is 
possible that a peg may fall beyond the reach of the examiner therefore; we recommend that you keep a few 
extra pegs in hand so that testing is not interrupted.  Do not put extra pegs in the testing apparatus as this may 
confuse the subject.  Record the patient's time under "Dominant hand -- Trial 1."  If the subject stops after 
having put all the pegs into the holes, prompt the subject to move them as well by saying, "And now remove 
them all."  If the subject begins to remove more than one peg at a time, correct him/her by saying, "Pick up one 
peg at a time." 
 
The total time to complete the task is recorded in seconds including one decimal place rounded as needed.   
Round up to the next tenth if hundredth's place is > = .05, round down in hundredth's place is < 0.5.) 
 
RIGHT 
LEFT 
 
Trial 1 
Trial 1 
 
 
 
Trial 2 
Trial 2 
 
 
 
AVG 
AVG 
 
 
Attachment II 
Protocol Schedule of Event 


IRB # 15-006845; (+) Epi to treat FA 
 
Version 5 
Revised  Jan 27 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
Mayo Clinic                                          Page 49 of 49                                  CONFIDENTIAL 
 
 
a (+)-EPI drug levels and follistatin/myostatin levels will be analyzed by UC-San Diego. All other laboratory analyses will be 
conducted by Mayo Clinic Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology and Research Laboratories 
a (+)-EPI drug levels and follistatin/myostatin levels will be analyzed by UC-San Diego. All other laboratory analyses will be 
conducted by Mayo Clinic Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology and Research Laboratories 
b: Serum BNP, Calcium, cardiac troponin I, Complete Blood Count (includes RBCs, WBCs with differential, platelets), 
ceruloplasmin, creatinine with eGFR, frataxin, glucose tolerance test (not performed week 12), hemoglobin A1C,  iron, 
mitochondrial complex I-V, potassium, PT/PTT, sodium, ST2, triglycerides, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, Alk phos) 
c: F2-isoprostane 
d: Magnetic resonance imaging of cerebellum and spinal cord, magnetic resonance spectroscopy 
e: Urine pregnancy test (females of childbearing potential) 
f: (+)- EPI orally administered daily for 24 weeks 
g: (+)-EPI dose will be increased from 75mg/day to 150mg/day, if 8m timed walk via FARS assessment or cardiac evaluation 
shows no improvement or worsens 
h: Study site staff will contact the subject/LAR approximately every 15 days between the Baseline, Week 12 and Week 24 visits to 
assess clinical changes, adverse events and dosing compliance.  
i.  Respiratory chain function, aconitase, catalase, PGC1α, SOD2 in blood if needed 
 
15-006845    Protocol Schedule of Events 
Study Activity 
Week 0 
Baseline 
Clinic Visit 
Interim 
Contacts 
Week 3  
(+/- 1 week) 
Lab Only 
Week 12   
(+/- 1 week) 
Clinic Visit 
Interim 
Contacts 
Week 24  
(+/- 1 week) 
Clinic Visit 
Visit 
1 
 
 
2 
 
3 
Review Eligibility 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
Informed Consent 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical History 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Concurrent Medications 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Physical Exam/Vitals/BP 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Drug Level (+)- EPI a  
X 
 
X 
X 
 
X 
Follistatin/Myostatin a 
X 
 
X 
 
 
X 
Blood labs b 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Urine Analysis c 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
Neuro Studies d 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
Cardiac MRI/BOLD 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Echo/ECG/Perfusion MRI 
X 
 
 
 
 
X 
FARS Assessment 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Urine Pregnancy Test e 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Dispense Study Med 
Dosing/AE Diary f 
X 
 
 
X 
 
 
Increase Dose, if appl g 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Review Dosing and AE 
diary 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
(collect) 
Interim Contacts  h 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
Off-study evaluation i 
X 
 
 
 
 
X