Clinical trial NCT02354352
Conditions: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Sponsor: Ohio State University
Start date: 2015-03-20; Completion date: 2018-05-01
Enrollment: 52 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
The study is to demonstrate non-inferiority of spironolactone vs. eplerenone in preserving cardiac and pulmonary function in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. Males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) confirmed clinically and by mutation analysis will be enrolled. Subjects will be randomized to either eplerenone or spironolactone. Subjects will use a drug diary to record daily compliance of taking the study medication as well as any concerns they may have during the study period. Subjects will undergo cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) at baseline and then again at 12 months post enrollment. Subjects will also complete a quality of life questionnaire at baseline and 12 months. Degree of elbow contracture will be measured using a goniometer at baseline and 12 months.

Detailed description:
DMD is an X-linked disorder in which the sarcolemmal protein dystrophin is effectively absent. Males with DMD typically die in the third and fourth decades of life of cardiopulmonary disease. Mouse models of DMD, autopsy data, and in vivo human studies using magnetic resonance-based late gadolinium enhancement imaging (LGE) have shown that progressive myocardial damage is well underway before left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) becomes abnormal.

Exertional symptoms and signs of myocardial disease are typically absent as skeletal muscle disease progressively limits functional capacity in affected boys. Thus, cardiac involvement can go undetected until LV dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis are advanced. While echocardiography remains a useful tool to evaluate LV dysfunction, CMR with LGE is advantageous for DMD patients since it identifies myocardial injury before decline in EF is apparent by echocardiography. Further, greater reproducibility affords efficient sample sizes for cardiomyopathy clinical trials in patients with rare diseases. CMR's increasing availability at DMD clinical centers has afforded earlier cardiomyopathy detection, and has helped refine current management to typically include agents such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) once damage is evident. This strategy, however, may not be sufficient, with prior studies showing decline in systolic function with or without ACEI or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy.

The investigators previously tested mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism (MRA) added to ACEI while EF was still normal in a mouse model that mimics the myocardial damage seen in DMD patients. This combination significantly reduced myocardial injury and improved (made more negative) LV circumferential strain (Ecc), a sensitive and early marker of LV systolic dysfunction. Additionally, preliminary findings from a recently completed clinical trial suggests efficacy of eplerenone vs. placebo, while further preclinical data suggests greater benefit without concomitant steroid use. Thus, a non-inferiority trial comparing MRAs is needed.

Arms: arm 1: Eplerenone is an aldosterone antagonist used as an adjunct in the management of chronic heart failure. It is marketed under the trade name Inspra. Eplerenone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. arm 2: Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist used as an adjunct in the management of chronic heart failure. It is marketed under the trade name Aldactone. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic.
Interventions: intervention 1: Eplerenone intervention 2: Spironolactone
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: 26 Subjects will take Eplerenone, one 50mg capsule by mouth once daily for 12 months. intervention 2: 26 Subjects will take Spironolactone, one 50mg capsule by mouth once daily for 12 months.

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
Therapeutic Potential for Aldosterone Inhibition in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 
NCT02354352 
Version 9 – 12/07/17 
Study Sponsor: 
National Institutes of Health 
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: SUBHA RAMAN, MD 
Email: raman.1@osu.edu 
DSMB CHAIR: CHRISTOPHER SPURNEY, MD 
E-mail: cspurney@childrensnational.org 
BIOSTATISTICIAN: XIN HE, PHD 
E-mail: xinhe@umd.edu 
REGULATORY OFFICER: JONATHAN KALTMAN, MD 
Email: kaltmanj@nhlbi.nih.gov 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROJECT MANAGER:  SUZANNE SMART, BS 
Email:  suzanne.smart@osumc.edu 
Data Coordinating Center 
(DCC): Ohio State University  
Confidentiality Statement 
The information contained within this document is not to be disclosed in any way without the prior permission of the Protocol Chair or the National 
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health 
 
 
 
 


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INVESTIGATOR SIGNATURE PAGE 
 
 
 
Version/Date:  Version 9; 12/07/2017 
 
Principal Investigator:  Subha Raman, MD 
  
Title:  Therapeutic Potential for Aldosterone Inhibition in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 
Study Sponsor:  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
 
INSTRUCTIONS:  Please have the Principal Investigator print, sign, and date at the indicated location below.  A 
copy should be kept for your records and the original signature page by surface mail to:  
 
473 W. 12th Ave, Suite 200 
Attention: Raman Lab 
Columbus, OH 
43210 
 
 
I confirm that I have read the above protocol in the latest version.  I understand it, and I will work according to the 
principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as described in the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – 
21 CFR Parts 45, 50, 56, and 312, and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) document “Guidance 
for Industry:  E6 Good Clinical Practice:  Consolidated Guidance”.  Further, I will conduct the study in keeping with 
local, legal, and regulatory requirements.   
 
As the Site Principal Investigator, I agree to conduct Therapeutic Potential for Aldosterone Inhibition in 
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by the criteria written in the protocol and understand that no changes can be 
made to this protocol without written permission of Study Principal Investigator. 
PI name 
Site Principal Investigator  (Print)  
 
Site Principal Investigator (Signature)                                                          Date 


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Protocol Synopsis 
Title 
Therapeutic Potential for Aldosterone Inhibition in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 
Short Title 
Aldosterone Inhibition in DMD 
Clinical Phase 
3 
Study Objectives 
Demonstrate non-inferiority of spironolactone vs. eplerenone in preserving cardiac and 
pulmonary function in DMD patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. 
Study Design 
Randomized trial 
Primary Mechanistic 
Endpoints 
Measure impact on 12-month cardiac MRI measures of LV strain and pulmonary 
function parameters. 
Secondary Mechanistic 
Endpoints 
Evaluate biomarkers of muscle injury that predict treatment response. 
Cohort Size 
52 (26 in each arm) 
Study Duration 
12 months 
Treatment Description 
Once daily oral tablet – spironolactone 50 mg or eplerenone 50 mg 
Inclusion Criteria 
i) Boys age ≥7 years with DMD confirmed clinically and by mutation analysis able to 
undergo cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) without sedation, and ii) LV EF ≥45%±5% 
by clinically-acquired echocardiography, cardiac nuclear scan or CMR done within 2 
months of enrollment. 
Exclusion Criteria 
a) Non-MR compatible implants, b) severe claustrophobia, c) gadolinium contrast 
allergy, d) kidney disease, e) prior use of or allergy to aldosterone antagonist, or f) use 
of other investigational therapy. 


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Study Contacts and Participating Centers 
CLINICAL CORE 
PRINCIPAL 
INVESTIGATOR 
 
 
 
Subha Raman, MD, Ohio State University (Study and Site PI) 
 
Other participating centers and Site PIs: 
Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Linda Cripe, MD 
UCLA – Nancy Halnon, MD 
University of Utah – Michael Puchalski, MD 
University of Colorado – Scott Auerbach, MD 
University of Kansas – Jeffrey Statland, MD 
Vanderbilt University – Jonathan Soslow, MD 
 
 


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Table of Contents 
Glossary of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................................... 8 
Study Definitions Page ................................................................................................................................................ 9 
1. 
Essential Study Components ........................................................................................................................ 10 
1.1 
Hypothesis/Research Question................................................................................................... 10 
1.2 
Primary Objective ........................................................................................................................ 10 
1.3 
Secondary Objective ................................................................................................................... 10 
1.4 
Primary Endpoint ........................................................................................................................ 10 
2 
Background and Rationale ............................................................................................................................ 10 
2.1 
Background ................................................................................................................................. 10 
2.2 
Preclinical and Clinical Experience ............................................................................................. 11 
3 
Study Population rationale ............................................................................................................................ 11 
4 
Investigational Therapeutic Regimen ........................................................................................................... 12 
4.1 
Investigational Therapeutic Regimen .......................................................................................... 12 
4.2 
Rationale for Protocol Mandated Procedures ............................................................................. 12 
5 
Known and Potential Risks and Benefits ..................................................................................................... 12 
5.1 
Investigational Therapeutic Regimen Risks ................................................................................ 12 
5.1.1 
Medications ............................................................................................................................ 12 
5.1.2 
Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 12 
5.1.3 
Tests ....................................................................................................................................... 13 
5.1.4 
Confidentiality ......................................................................................................................... 13 
5.2 
Benefits ....................................................................................................................................... 14 
6 
Selection of Participants ................................................................................................................................ 14 
6.1 
Participant Selection ................................................................................................................... 14 
6.2 
Inclusion Criteria ......................................................................................................................... 14 
6.3 
Exclusion Criteria ........................................................................................................................ 14 
7 
Study Design ................................................................................................................................................... 14 
8 
Study Therapy ................................................................................................................................................. 14 
8.1 
Study Therapy ............................................................................................................................. 14 
8.2 
Concomitant Medications ............................................................................................................ 14 
8.3 
Prophylactic Medications ............................................................................................................ 15 
8.4 
Prohibited Medications ................................................................................................................ 15 
8.5 
Modification or Discontinuation of Study Therapy ....................................................................... 15 
9 
Premature Termination or Withdrawal ......................................................................................................... 15 
9.1 
Study Stopping Rules ................................................................................................................. 15 
9.2 
Participant Withdrawal Criteria .................................................................................................... 15 
9.3 
Termination for Noncompliance .................................................................................................. 15 
10 
Study Procedures ........................................................................................................................................... 15 
10.1 
Enrollment/Consenting ................................................................................................................ 15 
10.2 
Screening .................................................................................................................................... 16 
10.3 
Clinical Study Assessments ........................................................................................................ 16 
10.4 
Visit Activities .............................................................................................................................. 16 
10.5 
Visit Windows .............................................................................................................................. 16 
10.6 
Study Treatment Assignment Procedures .................................................................................. 17 
10.6.1 
Clinical testing ........................................................................................................................ 17 
10.6.2 
Blood testing ........................................................................................................................... 17 
10.6.3 
Research sample collection .................................................................................................... 17 
10.7 
Blinding and Randomization ....................................................................................................... 17 


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10.7.1 
Randomization Process .......................................................................................................... 17 
10.7.2 
Blinding of Site ........................................................................................................................ 17 
10.7.3 
Unblinding Requirements and Procedures ............................................................................. 17 
10.8 
Medication Management ............................................................................................................. 18 
10.8.1 
Storage ................................................................................................................................... 18 
10.8.2 
Administration ......................................................................................................................... 18 
10.8.3 
Tracking .................................................................................................................................. 18 
10.8.4 
Returns ................................................................................................................................... 18 
10.8.5 
Compliance ............................................................................................................................. 18 
10.8.6 
Destruction or Final Storage ................................................................................................... 18 
10.9 
Compliance Monitoring ............................................................................................................... 18 
11 
Safety Monitoring ........................................................................................................................................... 18 
11.1 
Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 18 
11.2 
Definitions ................................................................................................................................... 19 
11.2.1 
Adverse Event (AE) ................................................................................................................ 19 
11.2.2 
Suspected Adverse Reaction (SAR) ....................................................................................... 19 
11.2.3 
Unexpected Adverse Event .................................................................................................... 19 
11.2.4 
Serious Adverse Event ........................................................................................................... 19 
11.3 
Adverse Events Grading and Attribution ..................................................................................... 20 
11.3.1 
Grading Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 20 
11.3.2 
Attribution Definitions .............................................................................................................. 20 
Table 5.   Attribution of adverse events ................................................................................................................... 20 
11.4 
Collection and Recording of Adverse Events .............................................................................. 20 
11.4.1 
Collection Period .................................................................................................................... 20 
11.4.2 
Collecting Adverse Events ...................................................................................................... 20 
11.4.3 
Recording Adverse Events ..................................................................................................... 21 
11.5 
Reporting of Serious Adverse Events ......................................................................................... 21 
11.5.1 
Reporting of Serious Adverse Events to Sponsor................................................................... 21 
11.5.2 
Sponsor Reporting to Health Authority ................................................................................... 21 
11.5.3 
Expedited Reporting within 15 Calendar Days ....................................................................... 21 
11.5.3.1 
Expedited Reporting within 7 Calendar Days ................................................................. 21 
11.6 
Reporting of Other Safety Information ........................................................................................ 22 
11.7 
Annual Reporting ........................................................................................................................ 22 
11.8 
Study Monitoring ......................................................................................................................... 22 
11.9 
Review of Safety Information ...................................................................................................... 22 
11.9.1 
Medical Monitor Review.......................................................................................................... 22 
11.9.2 
DSMB Review ........................................................................................................................ 22 
11.9.2.1 
Temporary Halt for Emergency Safety Review .............................................................. 22 
12 
Storage of Samples ........................................................................................................................................ 23 
13 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ANALYSIS PLAN .......................................................................... 23 
13.1 
Clinical Endpoint Analyses .......................................................................................................... 23 
13.1.1 
Primary Clinical Endpoint........................................................................................................ 23 
13.1.2 
Secondary Clinical Endpoints ................................................................................................. 23 
13.1.3 
Biostatistical Modeling ............................................................................................................ 23 
13.1.4 .................................................................................................................................................... 23 
13.2 
Sample Size, Precision, and Power Calculations........................................................................ 23 
13.3 
Demographic Data ...................................................................................................................... 25 


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13.3.1 
Baseline Characteristics and Demographics .......................................................................... 25 
13.3.2 
Use of Medications ................................................................................................................. 25 
13.4 
Interim Analyses ......................................................................................................................... 25 
13.5 
Reporting Deviations from Original Statistical Plan ..................................................................... 25 
13.6 
Final Study Analysis .................................................................................................................... 25 
14 
Source Data ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 
14.1 
Source Data ................................................................................................................................ 26 
14.2 
Access to Source Data................................................................................................................ 26 
15 
Quality Control and Quality Assurance........................................................................................................ 26 
15.1 
Data Handling ............................................................................................................................. 26 
15.2 
Data Monitoring ........................................................................................................................... 26 
15.3 
Data Storage Systems ................................................................................................................ 26 
15.4 
Site Management and Oversight................................................................................................. 26 
16 
Ethical Considerations and Good Clinical Practice .................................................................................... 27 
16.1 
Statement of Compliance ............................................................................................................ 27 
16.2 
Informed Consent Process.......................................................................................................... 27 
16.3 
Privacy and Confidentiality .......................................................................................................... 27 
17 
Publication Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 27 
18 
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................. 28 
Appendix 1. General Schedule of Visits ................................................................................................................... 29 
 
          
List of Tables 
 
List of Appendices  


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Glossary of Abbreviations 
ACEI - Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors 
AE – Adverse event 
ARB - Angiotensin receptor blocker 
CMR – Cardiac magnetic resonance 
CRF – Case report form 
DCC – Data coordinating center 
DMD – Duchenne muscular dystrophy 
DSMB – Data safety monitoring board 
Ecc – Myocardial circumferential strain 
EF – Ejection fraction 
FDA – Food and Drug Administration  
FVC – Forced vital capacity 
GFR – Glomerular filtration rate 
IND – Investigational new drug 
HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
LGE – Late gadolinium enhancement 
LV – Left ventricle 
MRA – Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist 
MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging 
NIH – National Institutes of Health 
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
OSU – Ohio State University 
PFT – Pulmonary function testing 
PHI – Personal health information 
PI – Principal investigator 
RCT – Randomized clinical trial 
SAE – Serious adverse event 
SAP – Statistical analysis plan 
SAR – Suspected adverse reaction 
SUSAR – Serious and unexpected suspected adverse reaction 
USEPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency 
WHO – World Health Organization 


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Study Definitions Page 
 
Mineralocorticoid 
receptor 
antagonist 
A class of medicines also known as aldosterone antagonists  
Magnetic 
resonance 
imaging 
A noninvasive way to make pictures of structures inside the body such as the heart 
Pulmonary 
function tests 
Tests that indicate how well the breathing structures are working 
Osteopontin 
A protein measured in the bloodstream that indicates muscle damage 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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1. ESSENTIAL STUDY COMPONENTS 
1.1 
Hypothesis/Research Question 
Hypothesis 1.1: Spironolactone 50 mg qd is noninferior to eplerenone 50 mg qd when assessing 12-month 
change in myocardial strain (Ecc) in DMD patients with preserved ejection fraction.  
Hypothesis 1.2a: Less myocardial injury by baseline LGE score predicts greater preservation of Ecc in 
DMD boys treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). 
Hypothesis 1.2b: Higher baseline osteopontin, a muscle injury marker, predicts greater Ecc improvement 
among DMD patients treated with MRA. 
Hypothesis 1.3: There is similar decline of forced vital capacity (FVC%) before vs. after treatment with 
MRA. 
 
1.2 
Primary Objective 
Demonstrate noninferiority of spironolactone vs. eplerenone in preserving cardiac function in DMD patients 
with preserved LV ejection fraction. 
1.3 
Secondary Objectives 
Demonstrate noninferiority of spironolactone vs. eplerenone in preserving pulmonary function in DMD 
patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. 
 
Evaluate biomarkers of muscle injury that predict treatment response. 
 
1.4 
Primary Endpoint 
12-month change in left ventricular strain (Ecc) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) 
2 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE 
2.1 
Background 
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common severe form of muscular dystrophy, is an X-linked 
disorder in which the sarcolemmal protein dystrophin is effectively absent. Males with DMD typically die in 
the third and fourth decades of life of cardiopulmonary disease1. Mouse models of DMD, autopsy data, and 
in vivo human studies using magnetic resonance-based late gadolinium enhancement imaging (LGE) have 
all shown that progressive myocardial damage is well underway before left ventricular ejection fraction (LV 
EF) becomes abnormal2.  
 
Exertional symptoms and signs of myocardial disease are typically absent as skeletal muscle disease 
progressively limits functional capacity in affected boys. Thus, cardiac involvement can go undetected until 
LV dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis are advanced without the use of more sensitive biomarkers. While 
echocardiography remains a useful tool to evaluate LV dysfunction, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) 
with LGE is advantageous for DMD patients since it identifies myocardial injury before decline in EF is 
apparent by echocardiography3. Further, greater reproducibility affords efficient sample sizes for 
cardiomyopathy clinical trials in patients with rare diseases4. CMR’s increasing availability at major DMD 
clinical centers has afforded earlier cardiomyopathy detection, and has helped refine current management 


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to typically include agents such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) once damage is 
evident. This strategy, however, may not be sufficient, with prior studies showing inexorable decline in 
systolic function with or without ACEI or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy5. 
 
We previously tested mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism (MRA) added to ACEI while EF was still 
normal in a mouse model that mimics the myocardial damage seen in DMD patients6. This combination 
significantly reduced myocardial injury and improved (made more negative) LV circumferential strain (Ecc), 
a sensitive and early marker of LV systolic dysfunction. Earlier intervention is also motivated by the 
recognition that myocardial injury, irrespective of underlying cause, engages matricellular proteins such as 
osteopontin that promote ventricular remodeling prior to overt heart failure7. Recognizing the urgent need 
for effective cardioprotective regimens in this high-risk and understudied population, we sought to translate 
these preclinical findings with clinical evaluation of currently-available drugs. 
2.2 
Preclinical and Clinical Experience 
As detailed in our originally-approved proposal and reiterated in our Year 1 progress report, the approach 
for the clinical work to be done in this project is to be based on findings from i) mouse experiments 
comparing eplerenone and spironolactone and ii) results of a pilot RCT comparing eplerenone 25 mg qd to 
placebo in boys with DMD and preserved systolic function (LVEF ≥45%) but evident myocardial injury in at 
least one LV segment by LGE-CMR (NCT01521546). Completed murine experiments suggest comparable 
effect of both aldosterone antagonists spironolactone and eplerenone that is blunted by concomitant 
corticosteroid use. Major findings of the pilot RCT (confidential; in review) include: 1) no hyperkalemia or 
other adverse events with eplerenone 25 mg qd, 2) continued decline in LV strain that was less with 
eplerenone 25 mg qd vs. placebo (p<0.05), 3) less response to therapy with greater baseline extent of 
myocardial injury, and 4) 12-month change in the tissue injury biomarker osteopontin paralleled 12-month 
change in extent of myocardial damage by LGE. While boys not on concomitant corticosteroid therapy 
comprised only 6/40 (15%) of those completing baseline and follow-up exams precluding analyses 
achieving statistical significance, qualitative assessment of their results suggest a much greater benefit as 
compared to the majority of subjects who were also on corticosteroids in addition to study drug. These 
findings suggest that comparison of spironolactone to eplerenone in boys not on steroid therapy warrants 
further investigation. Additionally, given the modest benefit of eplerenone 25 mg qd seen in the pilot RCT 
without adverse effects, we anticipate improved efficacy with 50 mg qd, a dose that has established safety 
in both pediatric and adult clinical trials. Similarly, we feel that it is appropriate to start with a dose of 50 mg 
qd for the spironolactone arm as this has been shown to be effective in prior heart failure8-10 and pediatric 
trials11, 12.  
3 STUDY POPULATION RATIONALE 
Boys with DMD confirmed clinically and by mutation analysis age ≥7 years able to undergo CMR without 
sedation will be enrolled from 4 collaboration centers with clinical programs dedicated to cardiomyopathy in 
neuromuscular disease: Ohio State University/Nationwide Children’s Hospital, University of California Los 
Angeles, University of Colorado, University of Utah, University of Kansas/Saint Luke’s Hospital, and 
Vanderbilt University. All sites are well versed in all aspects of DMD clinical research, and have met key 
requirements for participation including ongoing quality assurance procedures. Inclusion criteria are: i) LV 
EF ≥45%±5% by clinically acquired echocardiography, cardiac nuclear scan or CMR done within 2 months 
of enrollment. Exclusion criteria are: a) non-MR compatible implants, b) severe claustrophobia, c) 
gadolinium contrast allergy, d) kidney disease, e) prior use of or allergy to aldosterone antagonist, or f) use 
of other investigational therapy. Scoliosis rods and other orthopedic hardware that are often present in 
DMD patients are typically MR-compatible and do not interfere significantly with imaging. Baseline and 12-


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month cystatin C, a reliable measure of GFR in patients with muscle breakdown13, was normal in all 
subjects in the pilot RCT and will be measured in this trial at the same time points to ensure normal renal 
function 
4 INVESTIGATIONAL THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN  
4.1 
Investigational Therapeutic Regimen 
The investigational therapeutic regimen is eplerenone 50 mg PO qd or spironolactone 50 mg PO qd in 
addition to background therapy that may include ACEI or ARB. 
4.2 
Rationale for Protocol Mandated Procedures 
Protocol-mandated procedures include CMR with contrast, which provides highly reproducible 
measurements of LV structure and function as well as extent of myocardial injury by the LGE imaging 
technique. Also, PFTs measure pulmonary function that can decline over time in boys with DMD. Preclinical 
studies showed benefit in both cardiac muscle as well as diaphragm, supporting the inclusion of procedures 
that measure cardiac and pulmonary function in the clinical trial. Lastly, blood draws are mandated for 
monitoring of potassium levels throughout the study period, given the possible risk of hyperkalemia with 
MRA therapy.  Blood is also needed at baseline and 12-month follow-up to help identify biomarkers of 
treatment response. 
5 KNOWN AND POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS  
5.1 
Investigational Therapeutic Regimen Risks 
5.1.1 Medications 
Eplerenone may cause the following side effects: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, cough, 
excessive tiredness, flu-like symptoms, breast enlargement or tenderness. The following symptoms are 
uncommon, but may occur:  chest pain, tingling in arms and legs, loss of muscle tone, weakness or 
heaviness in legs, confusion, lack of energy, cold, gray skin, irregular heartbeat. 
 
Spironolactone may cause the following minor side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, dry 
mouth, thirst, dizziness, unsteadiness, headache, enlarged or painful breasts, difficulty maintaining or 
achieving an erection, deepening of voice, increased hair growth on parts of the body, drowsiness, 
tiredness, restlessness.  The following symptoms are uncommon, but may occur: muscle weakness, pain 
or cramps; pain, burning, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet; inability to move arms or legs, changes 
in heartbeat, confusion, nausea, extreme tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, lack of energy, loss of 
appetite, pain in upper right part of stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, rash, hives, 
itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, vomiting blood, blood in stools, decreased urination, fainting. 
5.1.2 Procedures 
Possible discomforts associated with being in the MRI scanner include noise from the scanner, which is 
minimized with earplugs or headphones. Some people may also feel claustrophobic.  
Patients with pacemakers, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators or any other metal implant not compatible with 
MRI will not be enrolled. If a subject has metal in his body that may have been missed during the screening 
process, this metal could move.  In addition, an increase in the temperature of the object may occur.  The 


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screening process will reveal whether or not one may be at risk.  If metal is discovered during the scan, the 
scan will be stopped and the subject will be taken out of the room, and then evaluated by a physician; 
he/she will decide if any treatment is needed. 
When the contrast is injected, one may feel warmth, coolness or a sensation of local pressure or pain at the 
injection site. Less frequently reported are dizziness, nausea, headache and a metallic taste in the mouth. 
There is a slight risk (less than 1%) of allergic reaction to the contrast. Rare reactions are vomiting, 
sleepiness that lasts longer than normal, changes in vision, diarrhea, anxiety, difficulty breathing, chest 
pain, increased heart rate, trembling, joint-pain or allergy-like symptoms such as hives, itching or an 
irritation in the throat. A severe reaction (anaphylactic shock) is extremely rare, and if not treated, death can 
occur. Each subject is continuously monitored by appropriate personnel during the exam.   
A rare but serious skin disease has been linked to MRI contrast agents. This disease affects patients with 
very serious kidney problems.  Patients with these serious kidney problems will not be enrolled in the study.  
Some individuals undergoing pulmonary function tests may feel some slight soreness of the chest muscles 
due to the effort involved in the testing. During the test, some people cough. Rarely, pulmonary function 
testing may result in a collapsed lung. If someone’s lung collapses, a temporary tube may need to be 
placed inside the chest to help re-inflate the lung. 
5.1.3 Tests 
The risks associated with having an IV placed and/or blood drawn are mild discomfort, bruising, bleeding, 
blood clot and a very slight risk of infection at the needle puncture site.  Some persons who have needle 
punctures become lightheaded, nauseous or faint. 
5.1.4 Confidentiality 
All study-related information will remain confidential and secured in a coded fashion in a password-
protected system for clinical research data management.  
Records may be reviewed by the following groups: 
• 
Office for Human Research Protections or other federal, state, or international regulatory agencies; 
• 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 
• 
The enrolling center’s Institutional Review Board; 
• 
The sponsor supporting the study, their agents or study monitors; and 
• 
The subject’s insurance company (if charges are billed to insurance). 
 
If this study is related to a subject’s medical care, study-related information may be placed in his permanent 
hospital, clinic, or physician’s office records. Authorized staff not involved in the study may be aware that a 
subject is participating in a research study and have access to such information.  
A description of this clinical trial will be available on http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, as required by U.S. law.  
This website will not include information that can identify any subject.  At most, the website will include a 
summary of the results.  
Subjects will also be asked to sign a separate Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 
research authorization form as the study involves the use of some protected health information. 


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5.2 
Benefits  
There may be no direct benefits to the individual participant in this study. Cardiac MRI images will be read 
by a cardiac imaging specialist. If any incidental findings are identified as a result of participation in this 
research study, participants will be notified of the results.  With their permission, test results will also be 
shared (verbally and/or written) with their primary physicians or an appropriate health care professional.  It 
is emphasized at enrollment and throughout the follow-up period that participation in this research study is 
not meant to replace one’s usual health care. 
6 SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS 
6.1 
Participant Selection 
Potential participants will be selected from the Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cardiology clinics at 
participating centers. Additionally, participants will be solicited via Parent Project for Muscular Dystrophy 
emails and other advertisements. 
6.2 
Inclusion Criteria 
Boys with DMD confirmed clinically and by mutation analysis age ≥7 years able to undergo CMR without 
sedation will be included if LV EF is ≥45% ±5%by clinically acquired echocardiography, cardiac nuclear 
scan or CMR done within 2 months of enrollment.  
6.3 
Exclusion Criteria 
Excluded from enrollment are boys with a) non-MR compatible implants, b) severe claustrophobia, c) 
gadolinium contrast allergy, d) kidney disease, e) prior use of (within 1 month of enrollment) or allergy to 
aldosterone antagonist, or f) use of other investigational therapy. 
7 STUDY DESIGN  
This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of once-daily oral eplerenone vs. spironolactone on top of 
background therapy. 52 boys with DMD will be enrolled to undergo baseline and 12-month follow-up 
cardiac MRI, PFTs and blood tests plus safety labs drawn at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 months. Subjects will also fill 
out a quality of life questionnaire, an upper extremity function questionnaire and have goniometry of their 
elbow joint at baseline and 12 months. 
8 STUDY THERAPY 
8.1 
Study Therapy 
The study therapy is one of two once-daily oral mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist drugs 
(also known as aldosterone antagonists) – eplerenone 50 mg or spironolactone 50 mg. 
8.2 
 Concomitant Medications 
Concomitant medications may include an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor 
blocker (ACEI or ARB) and a beta-blocker.  


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8.3 
Prophylactic Medications 
It is anticipated that some patients may be on prophylactic medications for osteoporosis, gastrointestinal 
reflux disease, and other conditions associated with prior corticosteroid use.  
8.4 
Prohibited Medications 
These medications may not be taken during the study: the antibiotics clarithromycin (Biaxin) and 
telithromycin (Ketek); the anti-fungal medications itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole 
(Feoris,Nizoral); the anti-retroviral medications indinavir (Crixivan), nefinavir (Viracept), saquinavir 
(Fortovase, Invirase), ritonavir (Norvir), amprenavir (Agenerase), lopinavir (Kaletra), atazanavir (Reyataz), 
fosamprenavir (Lexiva,Telzir), tipranavir (Aptivus), darunavir (Prezista); potassium supplements or other 
potassium sparing diuretics such as Aldactazide, amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), or triamterene 
(Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide). 
8.5 
Modification or Discontinuation of Study Therapy 
Study therapy will be stopped if the blood potassium level exceeds 5.5 mmol/L at any time point. Only in 
instances of a hemolyzed blood sample resulting in such a value can resuming study therapy be 
considered. In such instances, a repeat blood test showing a potassium level <5.0 mmol/L is required 
before resuming study therapy can be considered by the site PI.  
Study therapy will also be stopped if a blood sample cannot be obtained within a reasonable number of 
attempts. 
The addition of new medications to a subject’s therapy will not modify any study procedures unless the 
medication is one of those prohibited above. If the new medication is on the prohibited list, the subject will 
immediately be taken off the study drug and be given the option to continue follow-ups without being on the 
study drug or to withdraw from the study. 
9 PREMATURE TERMINATION OR WITHDRAWAL 
9.1 
Study Stopping Rules 
Any potassium level exceeding 5.5 mmol/L in a non-hemolyzed blood sample mandates premature 
termination of study drug for the remainder of the trial period. Such participants may still undergo 12-month 
follow-up procedures.   
9.2 
Participant Withdrawal Criteria 
Any participant wishing to withdraw can do so at any time during the study. 
9.3 
Termination for Noncompliance 
Noncompliance with study medication for more than 7 days during any 3-month follow-up period will prompt 
termination for noncompliance. Failure to complete any follow-up within the allotted visit window may result 
in termination for noncompliance. 
10 STUDY PROCEDURES 
10.1 
Enrollment/Consenting 
Only research staff certified in human subjects research will be involved in enrollment and consenting.  


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10.2 
Screening 
Screening will occur in the clinics of participating sites. 
10.3 
Clinical Study Assessments  
Prior to enrollment, subjects will be assessed in the clinics of the participating sites.  Assessment will 
include basic demographics, medical history, physical exam and medication review. Prior exposure to 
corticosteroids (type, dose, duration) will also be recorded at enrollment. The study may be discussed at 
this time and informed consent may be obtained.  
10.4 
Visit Activities 
Prior to enrollment (‘Visit 1’), assessment will include: age, race, ethnicity; past medical history; height and 
weight; concomitant medications (names, start date, end date); review of inclusion/exclusion criteria; 
informed consent. PFT results from 1 year ± 3 months prior to the baseline visit will also be collected at this 
time. 
Baseline visit (‘Visit 2’, which may be concurrent with Visit 1) will include: randomization for study drug; 
medication training, patient/family education, dispensing of medication (3 month supply), drug diary review; 
blood tests; cardiac MRI scan (may be acquired ± 7 days); pulmonary function test (may be clinically 
acquired if ± 14 days) and 2 questionnaires (quality of life and upper extremity function). 
Visit 3 (2 weeks post-enrollment) will consist of the following: medication adherence/drug diary review, 
AE/SAE, hospitalizations, cardiovascular events or death, confirmation of continued participation. 
Visits 4 through 8 (1, 2, 3, 6, 9 months post-enrollment) will consist of the following: medication 
adherence/drug diary review, AE/SAE, hospitalizations, cardiovascular events or death, confirmation of 
continued participation; follow up of AE/SAE to subject’s primary physician; blood test for potassium level. 
In addition, study medication will be dispensed for Visits 6, 7 and 8 (months 3, 6, and 9 post-enrollment). 
Visit 9 (12 months post-enrollment) will consist of the following:  medication adherence/drug diary review, 
return of any remaining study drug, AE/SAE, hospitalizations, cardiovascular events or death; follow up of 
AE/SAE to subject’s primary physician; blood tests; cardiac MRI scan; pulmonary function test (may be 
clinically acquired if ± 14 days) and 2 questionnaires (quality of life and upper extremity function). 
Visits 2 and 9 (and 1 if done concurrently with 2) will occur at the study site. The rest of the visits will be 
done by phone with blood draws performed local to the patient. 
10.5 
Visit Windows 
Visit 1 – Pre-enrollment 
Visit 2 – Baseline procedures (note: Pre and Baseline visits may be concurrent) 
Visit 3 – 2 weeks post-enrollment 
Visit 4 – 1 month post-enrollment ± 7 days 
Visit 5 – 2 months post-enrollment ± 7 days 
Visit 6 – 3 months post-enrollment ± 14 days 
Visit 7 – 6 months post-enrollment ± 14 days 
Visit 8 – 9 months post-enrollment ± 14 days 
(note:  blood tests for visits 4-8 may be done locally to the subject) 


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Visit 9 – 12 months post-enrollment ± 14 days 
10.6 
Study Treatment Assignment Procedures 
10.6.1 Clinical testing 
Subjects will undergo a cardiac MRI scan at baseline and 12 months.  Pulmonary function testing will also 
be performed at baseline and 12 months.  Clinically ordered pulmonary function testing is acceptable if 
performed at the enrolling center ± 14 days of baseline and/or 12 month visits. 
10.6.2 Blood testing 
Blood will be drawn at baseline and 12 months for potassium, hematocrit, and cystatin C/GFR for 
immediate processing.  If the subject is under 18 years old, blood will also be processed for BUN and 
creatinine in order to more accurately estimate GFR in pediatric subjects.  Additional blood will be drawn for 
future analysis, including but not limited to osteopontin and genetic modifiers.  
Blood will be drawn at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9 months for potassium. 
10.6.3 Research sample collection 
Research blood samples will be collected at baseline and 12 months (Visits 2 and 9). 
10.7 
Blinding and Randomization  
10.7.1 Randomization Process 
Assignment to either eplerenone or spironolactone once daily is performed by a randomization scheme that 
ensures equal distribution of subjects into both arms.  The study statistician will perform a block 
randomization scheme with each block containing 4 assignments.  Each block of 4 will contain two 
assignments of eplerenone and two assignments of spironolactone in a random order.  The total number of 
blocks needed depends on the preset allocation for each individual site. 
10.7.2 Blinding of Site 
Study treatments will be administered in a double-blind fashion (i.e., subjects,parents/legal guardians of the 
subjects and site research staff will not know the treatment assigned, with the exception of the dispensing 
site pharmacist and study biostatistician). 
The following study procedures will be in place to ensure double-blind administration of study treatments: 
1. Access to the randomization list  will be strictly limited and controlled 
2. Eplerenone and Spironolactone capsules will be compounded to be identical in appearance. 
3. Packaging and labeling of treatments will be identical. 
4. Site pharmacist will label each bottle in a blinded fashion prior to dispensing 
(eg:  Spironolactone/Eplerenone 50 mg capsule)  
The site pharmacist will be  responsible for dispensing appropriate treatment assigned to the subject by 
referring to the randomization list sent to each site pharmacy by the study biostatistician 
10.7.3 Unblinding Requirements and Procedures 
Unblinding will not occur until all visits and collection of all data for all visits and all subjects has been 
completed. The statistician will then perform primary data analysis, followed by results review and further 
analysis by members of the investigative team. Once the results have been published, the rest of the sites 
and the subjects may be unblinded. 


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If an event occurs that would require unblinding to a subject’s study drug assignment, the PI at the site 
where the subject enrolled would contact the site pharmacy who would directly inform the site PI of the 
study drug assignment within 24 hours. The site research team would then contact the DCC who would 
work with the site to ensure appropriate and timely IRB and DSMB reporting. Should the event occur at a 
time when the site PI or pharmacy cannot be reached, subjects will be instructed to immediately stop the 
study drug until the site PI or pharmacy can be reached. 
10.8 
Medication Management 
10.8.1 Storage 
All study drugs will be stored in a secure pharmacy area. Storage areas will either be staffed by 
pharmacists and technicians 24 hours per day or locked during off-hours. Storage areas will remain at or 
around room temperature (25°C) in accordance with FDA labels for each drug. 
10.8.2 Administration 
Subjects will be given study drug in 3 month supplies from each site’s pharmacy. 
10.8.3 Tracking  
Drug inventory tracking will be maintained by each site’s pharmacy. 
10.8.4 Returns 
Any drug remaining at each visit will be collected and sent to the site’s pharmacy for disposal. The 
pharmacy will count the excess pills and keep a record of accountability documentation before disposing of 
the drugs. 
10.8.5 Compliance 
Subjects and their families will be asked to keep a drug diary where they record the day and time that each 
pill is taken. These will be reviewed at each visit to ensure compliance. Bottles and any remaining drug will 
also be checked and counted before returning to the site pharmacy for disposal. 
10.8.6 Destruction or Final Storage 
Any remaining drugs will be disposed of by each site’s pharmacy in accordance with OSHA and USEPA 
regulations. 
10.9 
Compliance Monitoring 
At least quarterly teleconferences with study coordinators will be held to review compliance, quality and all 
other aspects of the study. More frequent conference calls or in-person site visits will be conducted as 
needed, particularly when concerns arise during the course of compliance monitoring.  
11 SAFETY MONITORING  
11.1 
Overview 
Event reporting will be in accordance with the policies of the participating sites and all federal, state, and 
local policies. 


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11.2 
Definitions 
11.2.1 Adverse Event (AE) 
An adverse event (AE) is defined as any untoward or unfavorable medical occurrence associated with the 
use of a drug in humans, whether or not considered drug related (21 CFR 312.32(a)).  An adverse event 
may include any unfavorable or unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), symptom, or 
disease temporally associated with the use of an investigational product (ICH E6, 1.2). 
For this study, an adverse event will include any untoward or unfavorable medical occurrence 
associated with: 
• Study mandated procedures: cardiac MRI, pulmonary function tests, blood tests, study 
drug intake 
11.2.2 Suspected Adverse Reaction (SAR) 
A suspected adverse reaction (SAR) is any adverse event for which there is a reasonable possibility that 
the investigational drug caused the adverse event.  For the purposes of safety reporting, ‘reasonable 
possibility’ means there is evidence to suggest a causal relationship between the drug and the adverse 
event.  A suspected adverse reaction implies a lesser degree of certainty about causality than adverse 
reaction, which means any adverse event caused by a drug (21 CFR 312.32(a)). 
Management of any SAR will be consistent with each site’s standard of care.   
11.2.3 Unexpected Adverse Event 
An adverse event or suspected adverse reaction is considered “unexpected” if it is not listed in the 
investigator brochure, package insert, or is not listed at the specificity or severity that has been observed; 
or if an investigator brochure is not required or available, is not consistent with the risk information 
described in the general investigational plan or elsewhere in the IND.  
“Unexpected” also refers to adverse events or suspected adverse reactions that are mentioned in the 
investigational brochure as occurring with a class of drugs or as anticipated from the pharmacological 
properties of the drug, but are not specifically mentioned as occurring with the particular drug under 
investigation (21 CFR 312.32(a)). 
An unexpected adverse event will be considered unanticipated if there is a reasonable possibility that it is 
related to the research and if it suggests that the research places subjects or others at a greater risk of 
harm than was previously known or recognized. 
11.2.4 Serious Adverse Event 
An adverse event or suspected adverse reaction is considered “serious” if, in the view of the investigator it 
results in any of the following outcomes (21 CFR 312.32(a)): 
1. Death.   
2. A life-threatening event:  An AE or SAR is considered “life-threatening” if, in the view of the 
investigator, its occurrence places the subject at immediate risk of death.  It does not include an AE 
or SAR that, had it occurred in a more severe form, might have caused death.   
3. Inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization. 
4. Persistent or significant incapacity or substantial disruption of the ability to conduct normal life 
functions. 
5. Important medical events that may not result in death, be life threatening, or require hospitalization 
may be considered serious if, based on appropriate medical judgment, they may jeopardize the 


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participant and may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed 
above. 
11.3 
Adverse Events Grading and Attribution  
11.3.1 Grading Criteria 
The study site will grade the severity of adverse events experienced by the study subjects. 
 
 
Grade 1 = mild adverse event. 
 
 
Grade 2 = moderate adverse event. 
 
 
Grade 3 = severe and undesirable adverse event. 
 
 
Grade 4 = life-threatening or disabling adverse event. 
 
 
Grade 5 = death. 
11.3.2 Attribution Definitions 
The relationship, or attribution, of an adverse event to the study procedure(s) will initially be determined by 
the site investigator and recorded on the appropriate AE CRF.  Final determination of attribution for safety 
reporting will be determined by the PI/DSMB.  The relationship of an adverse event to study procedures will 
be determined using the descriptors and definitions provided in Table 5.   
 
Table 5.   Attribution of adverse events 
Code 
Descriptor 
Relationship to the primary investigational product and/or 
other concurrent mandated study therapy or study 
procedure 
1 
Unrelated 
The adverse event is clearly not related. 
2 
Possible 
The adverse event has a reasonable possibility to be 
related; there is evidence to suggest a causal relationship. 
3 
Definite 
The adverse event is clearly related. 
 
11.4 
Collection and Recording of Adverse Events 
11.4.1 Collection Period 
Adverse events (including SAEs) will be collected throughout the time during which a subject is taking study 
drug, which may be up to and including 12 months. 
11.4.2 Collecting Adverse Events 
Adverse events (including SAEs) may be discovered through any of these methods: 
• Observing the subject. 
• Questioning the subject in an objective manner. 
• Receiving an unsolicited complaint from the subject. 
In addition, an abnormal value or result from a clinical or laboratory evaluation can also indicate an adverse 
event, as defined in Section 11.3, Grading and Attribution of Adverse Events. 


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11.4.3 Recording Adverse Events 
Throughout the study, the investigator will record adverse events and serious adverse events as described 
previously (Section 11.2, Definitions) on the appropriate AE/SAE CRF regardless of the relationship to 
study procedure. 
 
All adverse events must be recorded by the site on the appropriate AE/SAE CRF within 5 business days of 
the site learning of the adverse event(s).  Please refer to Section 11.5 for reporting of meeting serious 
criteria. 
 
Once recorded, an AE/SAE will be followed until it resolves with or without sequelae, or until the end of 
study participation, or until 30 days after subject prematurely withdraws (without withdrawing consent)/or is 
withdrawn from the study, whichever occurs first.  
11.5 
Reporting of Serious Adverse Events 
11.5.1 Reporting of Serious Adverse Events to Sponsor 
This section describes the responsibilities of the site investigator to report serious adverse events to the 
sponsor via the DCC CRF.  Timely reporting of adverse events is required by 21 CFR and ICH E6 
guidelines.   
 
Site investigators must report all serious adverse events (see Section 11.2.3, Serious Adverse Event), 
regardless of relationship or expectedness to study procedures within 24 hours of discovering the event.  
11.5.2 Sponsor Reporting to Health Authority 
The PI reports to the health authority. 
11.5.3 Expedited Reporting within 15 Calendar Days 
The sponsor must notify the appropriate authorities and all participating investigators as soon as possible, 
or within 15 calendar days if the adverse event is classified as one of the following (21CFR312.32 (c)(1)): 
• Serious and unexpected suspected adverse reaction (SUSAR) (see Section 11.2.1.1, Suspected 
Adverse Reaction and Section 11.2.2, Unexpected Adverse Event).  Expedited reporting of 
SUSARs are to include, in an aggregate analysis, specific events that occur more frequently in this 
patient population as a result of study procedures than previously reported. 
• Any findings from other studies, whether or not conducted under an IND that suggest a significant 
risk in humans.  This includes findings from animal or in vitro testing that suggest a significant risk 
in humans.  Ordinarily, such a finding would result in a safety-related change in the protocol, 
informed consent, investigator brochure or other aspects of the overall conduct of the trial, will be 
reported. 
• Increased rate of occurrence of serious suspected adverse reactions. The PI must report any 
clinically important increase in the rate of a serious suspected adverse reaction over that listed in 
the protocol or investigator brochure or package insert.   
11.5.4 Expedited Reporting within 7 Calendar Days 
Study personnel must notify the site PI and DCC as soon as possible, or within 7 calendar days, of any 
unexpected fatal or immediately life-threatening suspected adverse reaction.   


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11.6 
Reporting of Other Safety Information 
Study personnel should promptly notify the DCC when an unanticipated problem involving risks to subjects 
or others is identified, which is not otherwise reportable as an adverse event.   
11.7 
Annual Reporting 
A progress report will be provided to the sponsor on a yearly basis. 
11.8 
Study Monitoring 
The PI for each site and the study personnel under the direction of each site PI will be responsible for 
performing the human subjects research and collecting all relevant data for the protocol. As data are 
collected, safety is monitored during and after all study procedures, which include MRI examinations, study 
drug administration, PFTs and blood draws. During visits and phone calls, subjects will be asked to report 
any interim events they feel may represent adverse events, which will be recorded.  
Data and safety monitoring activities for this study will continue until all subjects have completed their 
participation and all subjects are beyond the time point at which study-related adverse events would likely 
present. 
11.9 
Review of Safety Information 
11.9.1 Medical Monitor Review 
The Medical Monitor (PI) will receive monthly reports from the DCC compiling new and accumulating 
information on AEs and SAEs recorded by the sites on appropriate CRFs.  In addition, the Medical Monitor 
will review and triage SAE reports received by the DCC. 
11.9.2 DSMB Review 
The Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will review safety data during planned DSMB Data Review 
Meetings; the frequency of these meetings will be based upon the Charter which is to be finalized at the 
first meeting.  Data for the planned safety reviews will include, at a minimum, a listing of all reported AEs 
and SAEs.  The DSMB will be informed of an Expedited Safety Report in a timely manner.   
 
In addition to the pre-scheduled data reviews and planned safety monitoring, the DSMB may be called 
upon for ad hoc reviews.  The DSMB will review any event that potentially impacts safety at the request of 
the protocol chair.  In addition, the study stopping rules have been established and will be monitored in 
real-time (Section 9.1, Study Stopping Rules).  After careful review of the data, the DSMB will make 
recommendations regarding study conduct and/or continuation.   
 
After every DSMB meeting, the DCC will distribute the official DSMB memo to each site for submission to 
their IRB. The DCC will also record confirmations that each IRB received the memo. 
11.9.3 Temporary Halt for Emergency Safety Review 
A temporary halt in enrollment will be implemented if an ad hoc DSMB safety review is required.  In the 
event that the study temporarily halts enrollment, no new subjects will be consented or start on therapy.  
Subjects in the screening phase of the study may continue to undergo minimal risk procedures (e.g. blood 
tests); all other procedures should be deferred.  Randomization will not occur until the DSMB review is 
complete.  The health authorities will be notified of any halt in enrollment. 


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12 STORAGE OF SAMPLES 
Research samples will be collected at time points already scheduled for the core mechanistic studies, in 
order to allow specimens to be stored for use in new assays that have yet to be optimized or conceived, or 
assays performed by other members for cross-validation studies.  Appropriate informed consent will be 
obtained for both the collection and storing of samples.  Any blood samples collected and not immediately 
used will be centrifuged to collect serum or plasma and stored in freezers at -80°C in a secure lab.  
Appropriately collected blood for subsequent DNA analysis will be immediately sent to UCLA at room 
temperature for processing. 
13 STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ANALYSIS PLAN 
13.1 
Clinical Endpoint Analyses  
13.1.1 Primary Clinical Endpoint 
LV circumferential strain 
13.1.2 Secondary Clinical Endpoints 
Pulmonary function and osteopontin levels 
13.1.3 Biostatistical Modeling 
13.1.4  
Hypothesis 1.1: Spironolactone 50 mg qd is noninferior to eplerenone 50mg qd when assessing 12-month 
change in myocardial strain (Ecc) in DMD patients with preserved ejection fraction.  
Hypothesis 1.2a: Less myocardial injury by baseline LGE score predicts greater preservation of Ecc in 
DMD boys treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). 
Hypothesis 1.2b: Higher baseline osteopontin, a muscle injury marker, predicts greater Ecc improvement 
among DMD patients treated with MRA. 
Hypothesis 1.3: There is similar decline of forced vital capacity (FVC%) before vs. after treatment with 
MRA. 
For each study participant, change in myocardial strain (Ecc) from baseline to the one-year follow-up will be 
calculated. To compare Ecc change between DMD patients receiving eplerenone 50mg qd and those 
receiving spironolactone 50 mg qd in Hypothesis 1.1, we will conduct both graphical and inferential 
analyses. A side-by-side boxplot for Ecc change will be constructed to illustrate the observed difference 
between groups. The comparison of Ecc change will be conducted using an independent two-sample t-test 
when the normality assumption is not violated. If this assumption does not hold, a nonparametric exact 
Wilcoxon rank sum test will be conducted. Furthermore, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be used to 
test the equality of the average change of myocardial strain (Ecc) between DMD patients receiving 
eplerenone 50mg qd and those receiving spironolactone 50 mg qd after adjusting for the baseline 
myocardial strain (Ecc).  
To determine whether the decline in Ecc for DMD patients treated with MRA is negatively associated with 
baseline LGE score in Hypothesis 1.2a, we will conduct both graphical and inferential analyses. Scatter plot 
of baseline LGE score and decline in Ecc will be constructed for DMD patients treated with MRA. Pearson's 
correlation coefficient will be calculated to quantify the magnitude of association between baseline LGE 
score and decline in Ecc. Further analyses will be conducted by calculating the Spearman's rank correlation 
coefficient between baseline LGE score and decline in Ecc and regressing Ecc decline on baseline LGE 


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score adjusting for possible confounders such as baseline age, baseline myocardial Ecc, use of beta-
blocker, mean blood pressure, and EF. 
To determine if the decline in Ecc for DMD patients treated with MRA is positively associated with baseline 
osteopontin in Hypothesis 1.2b, similar graphical and inferential analyses will be conducted as for 
Hypothesis 1.3a. Scatter plot of the baseline osteopontin and the decline in Ecc will be constructed for 
DMD patients treated with MRA to assess whether their relationship is linear. Pearson's correlation 
coefficient will be calculated to quantify the magnitude of the association. Further analyses will be 
conducted by calculating the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between the baseline osteopontin and 
the decline in Ecc and regressing the Ecc decline on the baseline osteopontin by adjusting for possible 
confounders such as baseline age, baseline Ecc, use of beta-blocker, mean blood pressure, and EF. 
To examine the reduction in the rate of decline of FVC% before vs. after treatment with MRA in Hypothesis 
1.3, we will conduct both graphical and inferential analyses. Time plots of FVC% over multiple clinical 
assessments will be constructed for DMD patients treated with MRA. By including a time knot at the 
initiation of treatment, we will use a linear spline (piecewise linear) mixed effects model to estimate the 
rates of decline of FVC% before and after treatment and to test whether the reduction in the rate of decline 
is significant between pre- and post- treatment periods. A random intercept will be included to account for 
the within-person correlation in outcomes among multiple clinical assessments. In the model, covariates will 
be included as potential confounders, such as age and 1-year preenrollment FVC%. For the piecewise 
linear mixed effects model, the normality assumption for FVC% will be assessed to determine whether a 
certain transformation of the outcome should be applied. 
Power Analysis: In the pilot RCT comparing eplerenone 25 mg qd to placebo in boys with DMD, we 
observed an average increase of 1.15 in Ecc with a standard deviation of 2.38 in the eplerenone group. 
Using a Type I error rate of 0.05, we conducted a power calculation using a non-inferiority test on 12-month 
change in myocardial strain (Ecc) for Hypothesis 1.1.  
If there is truly no difference in the 12-month Ecc change between the spironolactone and eplerenone 
groups, 50 patients (25 in each group) will result in at least 80% power to ensure that the lower limit of a 
one-sided 95% confidence interval for the true difference between the spironolactone and eplerenone 
groups to be above the non-inferiority limit (largest difference that is clinically acceptable) of -1.7. 
Anticipating 5% dropout, comparable to what we observed in the pilot RCT, 26 boys will be enrolled in 
each group of the RCT. 
For Hypotheses 1.2a and 1.2b, we wish to estimate the correlations between baseline LGE 
score/osteopontin and decline in Ecc for DMD patients treated with MRA. The pilot RCT showed a 
correlation coefficient of 0.6061 between decline in Ecc and baseline LGE score and 0.3785 between 
decline in Ecc and baseline osteopontin in the eplerenone group. We expect that the correlation between 
the baseline LGE score/ osteopontin and decline in Ecc for DMD patients treated with MRA to range from -
0.3 to -0.7 and 0.3 to 0.7. We calculated the power based on the required sample size under various 
scenarios of the smallest detectable Pearson's correlation coefficient (Table 2). 
Table 2. Power analysis with a Type I error of 0.05 (one-sided) 
 
Power 
Smallest detectable Pearson’s 
correlation coefficient 
± 0.3 
59.40% 
± 0.4 
82.44% 
± 0.5 
95.51% 
± 0.6 
99.49% 
± 0.7 
99.99% 
 


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Thus, we have a power of more than 95.51% to detect a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of -0.5 between 
the baseline LGE score and the decline in Ecc and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.5 between the 
baseline osteopontin and the decline in Ecc for DMD patients treated with MRA. 
13.2 
Demographic Data 
13.2.1 Baseline Characteristics and Demographics 
Summary descriptive statistics for baseline and demographic characteristics will be provided for all enrolled 
participants.  Demographic data will include age, race, sex, body weight, and height; these data will be 
presented in the following manner: 
• Continuous data (i.e., age, body weight, and height) will be summarized descriptively by mean, 
standard deviation, median, and range.   
• Categorical data (i.e., sex and race) will be presented as enumerations and percentages.   
Statistical presentation for baseline and demographic characteristics may be further summarized in the 
statistical analysis plan (SAP). 
Medical history will be collected, including the existence of current signs and symptoms and clinical 
significance for each body system. 
Statistical presentation for baseline and demographic characteristics will be further defined in the statistical 
analysis plan (SAP). 
13.2.2 Use of Medications 
All medications used will be coded using the World Health Organization (WHO) drug dictionary.  The 
number and percentage of participants receiving concomitant medications or therapies will be presented. 
Prior exposure to corticosteroids will also be presented.  Statistical presentation of concomitant medications 
or therapies may be further summarized by subsets of cohort subjects as appropriate (e.g. by SAR 
outcome status). 
Medications will be defined by each site’s standard of care. 
13.3 
Interim Analyses 
Upon completion of 50% of 12 month follow-ups, an interim analysis of primary and secondary endpoints 
will be performed for efficacy. 
13.4 
Reporting Deviations from Original Statistical Plan 
The principal features of the study design and of the plan for statistical analysis of the data are outlined in 
this protocol and in the subsequent SAP.  Any changes in these principal features will require a protocol or 
an SAP amendment, which would be subject to review by the independent DSMB, the study sponsor, and 
the health authorities.  These changes will be described in the final report as appropriate.   
13.5 
Final Study Analysis 
The final study analysis will report the results of the original SAP.  Any additional analyses will be identified 
as ad hoc.  A final study report will be prepared summarizing the results of analyses. 


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14 SOURCE DATA  
14.1 
Source Data 
Data will be collected from each site utilizing an electronic CRF (Redcap). Source documentation will be 
maintained at each site. 
14.2 
Access to Source Data 
Only those involved with the research study will have access to the source data.  Source data will be 
collected, stored and protected in accordance with the institutional policies and procedures. 
15 QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE 
15.1 
Data Handling 
All data will be collected in accordance with institutional policies and procedures. 
Any data transfer will be done using secure online file transfer sites or by mailing copies on CDs or USB 
drives. All patient identifiers will be removed before any such transfers take place. Data will not be shared 
with anyone outside of the research staff and PHI will not be shared with anyone outside of the site that 
recorded it. 
15.2 
Data Monitoring 
Each site will submit a set of qualifying images prior to the start of enrollment in order to ensure they are 
capable of completing all MRI scans at a quality acceptable for analysis. If any site does not return images 
with acceptable quality, the primary site (OSU) will work with that site to determine what is necessary to 
obtain acceptable images. All types of MRI scanners used will also be tested using the same phantom to 
ensure reliability of scans. Once enrollment begins, all images will be sent to OSU on the day of the visit. 
Along with data analysis, OSU will do a quality analysis for each set and provide sites with feedback within 
one week of the visit. This will help sites continue to produce good quality images throughout the study and 
to quickly repeat any scans if necessary. If any site continually sends poor image data, they will be required 
to go through a re-qualification process before continuing enrollment. This may include re-testing with 
phantoms, checking equipment and protocols, training technicians, etc. To ensure data reliability, subsets 
of all outcome measures will undergo both inter-observer and intra-observer testing by expert reviewers.  
Data blinded to assignment will be continually monitored by DCC staff at OSU.   Only the biostatistician 
working independently of the investigators will evaluate any unblinded data before all follow-up has been 
completed. 
15.3 
Data Storage Systems 
All electronic data will be stored on secure servers at each site and any hard copies will be stored in locked 
rooms or cabinets, in accordance with institutional policies and procedures. 
15.4 
Site Management and Oversight 
Sites will undergo a rigorous screening process prior to inclusion in the trial that includes quality review of 
clinical, imaging, blood collection and processing, pulmonary function testing, drug storage and dispensing, 
and all other aspects of the study protocol.  


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16 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GOOD CLINICAL PRACTICE 
16.1 
Statement of Compliance 
The study will be conducted in adherence with the requirements set forth by the NIH (A-110 (2 CFR Part 
215) ) as well as those of the respective institutions. 
16.2 
Informed Consent Process  
The process of obtaining informed consent will be in adherence with the policies and 
procedures of the internal review board of each participating site.     
16.3 
Privacy and Confidentiality 
The privacy interests of human subjects and confidentiality of data will be in adherence with the policies 
and procedures of the internal review board of each participating site. All study-related information will 
remain confidential and secured in a coded fashion in a password-protected system for clinical research 
data management.  
17 PUBLICATION POLICY 
The PI and site PIs along with key contributors will all be involved in manuscript preparation and 
publication.  
 
 


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18 REFERENCES 
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resonance imaging phenotype and genotypic considerations. Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging. 2011;4:67-76 
3. 
Puchalski MD, Williams RV, Askovich B, Sower CT, Hor KH, Su JT, Pack N, Dibella E, Gottliebson WM. Late gadolinium 
enhancement: Precursor to cardiomyopathy in duchenne muscular dystrophy? Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2009;25:57-63 
4. 
Grothues F, Smith G, Moon J, Bellenger N, Collins P, Klein H, Pennell D. Comparison of interstudy reproducibility of cardiovascular 
magnetic resonance with two-dimensional echocardiography in normal subjects and in patients with heart failure or left ventricular 
hypertrophy. Am J Cardiol. 2002;90:29-34 
5. 
Hor KN, Mazur W, Taylor MD, Al-Khalidi HR, Cripe LH, Jefferies JL, Raman SV, Chung ES, Kinnett KJ, Williams K, Gottliebson WM, 
Benson DW. Effects of steroids and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on circumferential strain in boys with duchenne 
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Rafael-Fortney JA, Chimanji NS, Schill KE, Martin CD, Murray JD, Ganguly R, Stangland JE, Tran T, Xu Y, Canan BD, Mays TA, 
Delfin DA, Janssen PM, Raman SV. Early treatment with lisinopril and spironolactone preserves cardiac and skeletal muscle in 
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Cicoira M, Zanolla L, Rossi A, Golia G, Franceschini L, Brighetti G, Marino P, Zardini P. Long-term, dose-dependent effects of 
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prospective study. Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN. 2009;4:907-913 
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Albersheim SG, Solimano AJ, Sharma AK, Smyth JA, Rotschild A, Wood BJ, Sheps SB. Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial 
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Title 
 
Version 0.1– Date 
 
APPENDIX 1. GENERAL SCHEDULE OF VISITS 
 
1 Pre and Baseline visits may be concurrent.