Clinical trial NCT02278328
Conditions: Autism Disorder
Keywords: dose titration study electrophysiology
Sponsor: Timothy Roberts
Start date: 2016-02-01; Completion date: 2019-09-27
Enrollment: 25 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: CROSSOVER

Brief summary:
This is a single-site, randomized, acute dose-response study to determine whether STX209 produces a dose-dependent significant change in MEG target parameters compared to baseline as well as compared to placebo treatment.

Detailed description:
Recent evidence from magnetoencephalographic (MEG) studies in ASD have pointed to abnormalities (specifically, delays) in auditory evoked neuromagnetic responses (e.g. M100 - see Roberts et al., 2010, and mismatch field, MMF - see Roberts et al., 2011) as well as abnormalities in the oscillatory behavior of auditory cortex, especially in the gamma band (30-50Hz), at rest and in response to simple auditory stimuli (see Gandal et al., 2010 and Cornew et al., 2012; Edgar et al., 2013). The local circuitry underlying such evoked activity and oscillations, and synaptic transmission in general, requires an appropriate balance of excitation and inhibition, mediated by glutamate and GABA, respectively. One model of the neural oscillatory deficits in ASD suggests that impaired regulatory control by inhibitory interneurons onto pyramidal cells underlies abnormal auditory latency and oscillatory electrophysiological measures. As such, electrophysiological deficits are interpreted in terms of local circuitry abnormalities, with inferences at the molecular level of imbalances in the activity of glutamate and GABA.

A candidate therapeutic for ASD has been developed - STX209, a GABA-B agonist. Since this pharmaceutical targets synaptic activity that has clear electrophysiological correlates, one goal of this proposal is to assess the responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of MEG measures to acute administration of STX209 at various doses in adolescents on the autism spectrum. The study also aims to establish the nature of the putative relationship between such electrophysiologic markers and GABA and glutamate levels using MEGAPRESS spectrally-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Arms: arm 1: Subjects will receive a single dose of placebo on week 1, 15 mg of STX209 on week 2 and 30 mg of STX209 on week 3.

Subjects will receive STX209 via oral disintegrating tablets, administered in individual 15mg tablets. arm 2: Subjects will receive a single dose of 15 mg of STX209 on week 1, placebo on week 2 and 30 mg of STX209 on week 3.

Subjects will receive STX209 via oral disintegrating tablets, administered in individual 15mg tablets. arm 3: Subjects will receive a single dose of 15 mg of STX209 on week 1, 30 mg of STX209 on week 2 and placebo on week 3.

Subjects will receive STX209 via oral disintegrating tablets, administered in individual 15mg tablets.
Interventions: intervention 1: STX209 (15mg) intervention 2: placebo intervention 3: STX209 (30mg)
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: A randomized acute dose-response design will be employed with a total study duration of 3 weeks. At each visit, baseline MEG will be obtained followed by acute single-dose drug/placebo administration, followed 60 minutes later by repeat MEG. Each participant will receive a single dose of placebo in random order and a single dose of STX209 from smallest to largest (15mg, and 30mg). MRI and MRS will be performed immediately following MEG to provide an anatomic basis for source localization as well as to assess acute effects of STX209 administration on MRS estimates of GABA and glutamate. The STX209 (15mg) intervention is the "low dose" intervention 2: A randomized acute dose-response design will be employed with a total study duration of 3 weeks. At each visit, baseline MEG will be obtained followed by acute single-dose drug/placebo administration, followed 60 minutes later by repeat MEG. Each participant will receive a single dose of placebo in random order and a single dose of STX209 from smallest to largest (15mg, and 30mg). MRI and MRS will be performed immediately following MEG to provide an anatomic basis for source localization as well as to assess acute effects of STX209 administration on MRS estimates of GABA and glutamate. The placebo intervention is the non-active placebo control dose intervention 3: A randomized acute dose-response design will be employed with a total study duration of 3 weeks. At each visit, baseline MEG will be obtained followed by acute single-dose drug/placebo administration, followed 60 minutes later by repeat MEG. Each participant will receive a single dose of placebo in random order and a single dose of STX209 from smallest to largest (15mg, and 30mg). MRI and MRS will be performed immediately following MEG to provide an anatomic basis for source localization as well as to assess acute effects of STX209 administration on MRS estimates of GABA and glutamate. The STX209 (30mg) intervention is the "high dose"

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
 
 
Title: 
14-010857 
Short Title 
MEG Study of STX209 
Drug or Device 
Name(s): 
Arbaclofen (STX209) 
FDA IND 
Clinical Trials Identifier 
122292  
 
NCT02278328 
Regulatory Sponsor: 
Timothy P.L. Roberts  
eIRB Number: 
14-010857 
Protocol Date: 
February 2014 
Amendment 1 Date:  
Amendment 8 Date: 02/22/2016 
Amendment 2 Date: 
Amendment 5 Date: 10/28/2015 
Amendment 13 Date: 06/15/2016 
Amendment 19 Date: 10/05/2016 
Amendment 26 Date: 06/13/2017 
Amendment 30 Date: 10/11/2017 
Amendment 9 Date: 03/17/2016 
Amendment 11 Date: 04/19/2016 
Amendment 17 Date: 09/14/2016 
Amendment 21 Date: 12/01/2016 
Amendment 28 Date: 07/17/2017 
Amendment 33 Date: 03/14/2018, revised 
3/27/2018 
Amendment 40 Date: 11/8/2018 
 
 
Sponsor  
Timothy P.L. Roberts 
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 
 
Study Principal Investigator  
Timothy P.L. Roberts 
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 
Children’s Seashore House Bldg.  
3500 Civic Center Blvd.                                                           
1st floor – Room 114A Philadelphia, PA 19104 
Phone 267-426-0384 
email: robertstim@email.chop.edu 


  
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
ii 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ ii 
Abbreviations and Definitions of Terms ................................................................................ iv 
Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... vi 
Protocol Synopsis ...................................................................................................................... vii 
Inclusion Criteria ......................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. 
Exclusion Criteria .....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. 
Table 1: Schedule of Study Procedures ...................................... xFigure 1: Study Diagram
 ....................................................................................................................................................... ix 
1 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND RATIONALE ........................................................................... 1 
1.1 
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1 
1.2 
NAME AND DESCRIPTION OF INVESTIGATIONAL PRODUCT OR INTERVENTION ................................... 1 
1.3 
FINDINGS FROM NON-CLINICAL AND CLINICAL STUDIES .................................................................. 2 
1.3.1 
Clinical Studies ......................................................................................................................... 4 
1.4 
SELECTION OF DRUGS AND DOSAGES .............................................................................................. 9 
1.5 
COMPLIANCE STATEMENT ............................................................................................................ 10 
2 
STUDY OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................................10 
2.1 
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE (OR AIM) ..................................................................................................... 10 
3 
INVESTIGATIONAL PLAN ........................................................................................................................10 
3.1 
GENERAL SCHEMA OF STUDY DESIGN ........................................................................................... 10 
3.1.1 
Screening Phase ...................................................................................................................... 10 
3.2 
BLINDING .................................................................................................................................... 13 
3.3 
STUDY DURATION, ENROLLMENT AND NUMBER OF SITES .............................................................. 13 
3.3.1 
Duration of Study Participation ............................................................................................... 13 
3.3.2 
Total Number of Study Sites/Total Number of Subjects Projected .............................................. 14 
33.3 
Inclusion Criteria .................................................................................................................... 14 
3.3.4 
Exclusion Criteria ................................................................................................................... 14 
4 
STUDY PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................15 
4.1 
SCREENING: PHONE ...................................................................................................................... 15 
4.2 
SCREENING VISIT  ........................................................................................................................ 16 
4.3 
MEG AND MRI/MRS ASSESSMENT PHASE ................................................................................... 16 
4.4 
UNSCHEDULED VISITS .................................................................................................................. 16 
4.5 
CONCOMITANT MEDICATION ........................................................................................................ 16 
4.6 
RESCUE MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION ....................................................................................... 17 
4.7 
SUBJECT COMPLETION/WITHDRAWAL ........................................................................................... 17 
4.7.1 
Early Termination Study Visit .................................................................................................. 17 
5 
STUDY EVALUATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS ............................................................................... 17 
5.1.1 
Screening and Monitoring Evaluations and Measurements ....................................................... 17 
5.1.2   Clinical and Neuropsychological Assessment ............................................................................. 17 
5.1.3  Physical Examination………………………………………………………………………………………...19 
5.1.4  Vital Signs………………………………………………………………………..........................................19 
 ................................................................................................................................................................ 
5.1.5  Laboratory Evaluations………………………………………………………………………………………20  
5.1.6     MEG,MRI and  MRS Assessment……………………………………………………………..20  
5.2 
EFFICACY EVALUATIONS .............................................................................................................. 21 
5.2.1 
Diagnostic Tests, Scales, Measures, etc. .................................................................................. 22 
5.3 
SAFETY EVALUATION ................................................................................................................... 23 


 
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
iii 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................................................................25 
5.4 
PRIMARY ENDPOINT ..................................................................................................................... 25 
5.5 
SECONDARY ENDPOINTS ............................................................................................................... 25 
5.6 
STATISTICAL METHODS ................................................................................................................ 25 
5.6.1 
Baseline Data .......................................................................................................................... 25 
5.6.2 
Efficacy Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 25 
5.6.3 
Pharmacokinetic Analysis ........................................................................................................ 26 
5.6.4 
Safety Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 26 
5.7 
SAMPLE SIZE AND POWER............................................................................................................. 26 
5.8 
INTERIM ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................................... 27 
6 
STUDY MEDICATION (STUDY DEVICE OR OTHER STUDY INTERVENTION) ................ 2828 
6.1 
DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................... 28 
6.1.1 
Packaging ............................................................................................................................... 28 
6.1.2 
Labeling .................................................................................................................................. 28 
6.1.3 
Dosing..................................................................................................................................... 28 
6.1.4 
Treatment Compliance and Adherence ..................................................................................... 28 
6.1.5 
Drug Accountability ................................................................................................................ 28 
7 
SAFETY MANAGEMENT ...........................................................................................................................30 
7.1 
ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING ........................................................................................................ 30 
7.2 
DEFINITION OF AN ADVERSE EVENT .............................................................................................. 30 
7.3 
DEFINITION OF A SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENT (SAE) ........................................................................ 30 
7.3.1 
Relationship of SAE to study drug or other intervention............................................................ 31 
7.4 
IRB/IEC NOTIFICATION OF SAES AND OTHER UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS .................................... 31 
7.4.1 
Follow-up report ..................................................................................................................... 31 
7.5 
INVESTIGATOR REPORTING OF A SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENT TO SPONSOR ....................................... 31 
8 
STUDY ADMINISTRATION .......................................................................................................................32 
8.1 
TREATMENT ASSIGNMENT METHODS ............................................................................................ 32 
8.1.1 
Randomization......................................................................................................................... 32 
8.1.2 
Blinding .................................................................................................................................. 32 
8.1.3 
Unblinding .............................................................................................................................. 32 
8.2 
DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................ 32 
8.3 
CONFIDENTIALITY ........................................................................................................................ 32 
8.4 
REGULATORY AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS.............................................................................. 33 
8.4.1 
Data and Safety Monitoring Plan ............................................................................................. 33 
8.4.2 
Risk Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 33 
8.4.3 
Potential Benefits of Trial Participation ................................................................................... 34 
8.4.4 
Risk-Benefit Assessment ........................................................................................................... 34 
8.5 
RECRUITMENT STRATEGY............................................................................................................. 34 
8.6 
INFORMED CONSENT AND HIPAA AUTHORIZATION ...................................................................... 35 
8.6.1 
Waiver of Documentation of Consent ....................................................................................... 35 
8.6.2 
Alteration of HIPAA Authorization........................................................................................... 36 
8.7 
INFORMED CONSENT/ASSENT AND HIPAA AUTHORIZATION ......................................................... 36 
8.8 
PAYMENT TO SUBJECTS/FAMILIES ................................................................................................. 37 
9 
PUBLICATION...............................................................................................................................................37 
10 
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................27 
Appendix A ................................................................................................................................ 39 
  


  
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
iv 
ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS OF TERMS 
ABC-C                  
Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community 
ADHD-IV 
 
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder 
Rating Scale-IV Home Version 
ADOS 
 
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 
ADI-R 
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Reviewed 
Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (ages 11 
and up) 
 
AE 
Adverse Event 
ASD 
Autism Spectrum Disorder 
BID 
Twice Daily 
BRIEF 
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive 
Functioning [parent report] 
 
BUN 
Blood urea nitrogen 
CASI-Anx 
Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory 
– 4 ASD Anxiety Scale 
CBCL 
Child Behavior Checklist 
CELF-IV 
Clinical Evaluation of Language 
Fundamentals – 4th Ed. 
CGI-S 
Clinical Global Impression-Improvement 
CHI-I 
Clinical Global Impression-Severity 
CYBOCS-PPD 
Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive 
Compulsive Scale-Pervasive Developmental 
Disorders 
KADI 
Krug Asperger’s Disorder Index 
Leiter-R Brief IQ 
Leiter International Performance Scale-
Revised Brief Intelligence Quotient 
Screener 
M50 
The ~50ms component of the auditory 


  
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
v 
evoked neuromagnetic field   
M100 
The ~100ms component of the auditory 
evoked neuromagnetic field 
MEG 
Magnetoencephalography 
MMF 
Mismatch field 
MRI 
Magnetic Resonance Imaging 
MRS 
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy 
ODT 
Optimal Dose Tolerability 
PK 
Pharmacokinetics 
Placebo 
Placebo Condition 
PPVT-IV 
Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Fourth 
Edition 
RBANS 
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of 
Neuropsychological Status 
RBS 
Repetitive Behavior Scale 
RT 
Reaction time 
RTP 
Rapid Temporal Processing 
SB5 
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale–5th 
Edition 
SCQ 
Social Communication Questionnaire- 
Current and Lifetime versions) [parent 
completed measure]  
 
SMURF 
The Safety Monitoring Uniform Report 
Form                 
SRS-II 
Social Responsive Scale, 2nd edition) [parent 
completed measure] 
TID 
Three times a day 
VABS-II 
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales 
[parent/caregiver rating form] 
VAS-Target Behavior 
Parent Defined Target Symptoms Scale-
Visual Analog Scale 
WASI-II 
Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence 
– 2nd Edition 


  
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
vi 
ABSTRACT 
Context:  (Background)  
 
 
 
 
 
    
Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) studies in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have pointed to 
neural oscillation abnormalities.  
Objectives: (primary and important secondary objectives)  
 
 
 
                
A candidate therapeutic for ASD has been developed – STX209, a GABA-B agonist. STX209 
targets synaptic activity that has clear electrophysiological correlates. This proposal assesses the 
responsiveness of neural oscillatory measures to acute administration of STX209.  
Primary Objectives: 
1. Determine whether STX209 produces a dose-dependent significant change in MEG target 
parameters compared to baseline as well as compared to placebo treatment.  
 
2. Determine whether STX209 leads to a dose-dependent significant change in magnetic resonance 
spectroscopy (MRS)-obtained auditory cortex GABA levels compared with placebo treatment.  
 
Study Design:  
A ‘randomized’ acute dose-response design 
 
Setting/Participants: 
All imaging is performed at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Participants will be forty male 
adolescent individuals (14- to 17.75-years-old) with an ASD diagnosis.  
Study Interventions and Measures:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
            
Each participant will receive (in increasing order) doses of 15mg and 30mg of STX209, with a single 
placebo treatment randomly administered (i.e., placebo exam could be first, second, or third exam). 
For the MEG primary target parameters are bilateral auditory cortex resting state gamma power and 
auditory evoked gamma power and synchrony as well as auditory evoked 100ms “M100” response 
latency. For MRS target parameters are bilateral auditory cortex GABA. 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
vii 
PROTOCOL SYNOPSIS 
Study Title 
MEG/MRS Dose Response Study of STX209 in ASD 
Funder 
Simons Foundation 
Clinical Phase 
Exploratory study for MEG 
Study Rationale 
Recent evidence from magnetoencephalographic (MEG) studies in ASD 
have pointed to abnormalities (specifically, delays) in auditory evoked 
neuromagnetic responses (e.g. M100 – see Roberts et al., 2010, and 
mismatch field, MMF – see Roberts et al., 2011) as well as abnormalities 
in the oscillatory behavior of auditory cortex, especially in the gamma 
band (30-50Hz), at rest and in response to simple auditory stimuli (see 
Gandal et al., 2010 and Cornew et al., 2012; Edgar et al., 2013). The local 
circuitry underlying such evoked activity and oscillations, and synaptic 
transmission, in general, requires an appropriate balance of excitation and 
inhibition, mediated by glutamate and GABA, respectively. One model of 
the neural oscillatory deficits in ASD suggests that impaired regulatory 
control by inhibitory interneurons onto pyramidal cells underlies abnormal 
auditory latency and oscillatory electrophysiological measures. As such, 
electrophysiological deficits are interpreted in terms of local circuitry 
abnormalities, with inferences at the molecular level of imbalances in the 
activity of glutamate and GABA. 
A candidate therapeutic for ASD has been developed – STX209, a 
GABA-B agonist. Since this pharmaceutical targets synaptic activity that 
has clear electrophysiological correlates, one goal of this proposal is to 
assess the responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of MEG measures to 
acute administration of STX209 at various doses in adolescents on the 
autism spectrum. The study also aims to establish the nature of the 
putative relationship between such electrophysiologic markers and GABA 
and glutamate levels using MEGAPRESS spectrally-edited magnetic 
resonance spectroscopy (MRS).  
Study Objective(s) 
1. To determine whether STX209 produces a significant change in MEG 
target parameters compared to baseline as well as compared to placebo 
treatment. Secondly, to determine if the magnitude of such change is 
influenced by STX209 dose: 0 mg (placebo) versus 15mg versus 30 mg.  
 
2. To determine whether STX209 leads to a significant change in MRS-
obtained auditory cortex GABA levels compared with placebo treatment. 
Secondly, to determine whether the magnitude of the GABA change is 
influenced by STX209 dose level. 
 
3. To determine if dose-dependent changes in MEG target parameters are 
correlated to dose-dependent changes in MRS target parameters in 
auditory cortex. 
Test Article(s) 
(If Applicable) 
STX209 (Arbaclofen), a GABA-B agonist and a matching placebo. The 
active compound is made available to this project by the Clinical Research 
Associates, LLC (CRA). 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
viii 
Study Design 
 
A randomized acute dose-response design will be employed with a total 
study duration of 3 weeks. At each visit, baseline MEG will be obtained 
followed by acute single-dose drug/placebo administration, followed 60 
minutes later by repeat MEG. Each participant will receive a single dose 
of placebo in random order and a single dose of STX209 from smallest to 
largest (15mg and 30mg). MRI and MRS will be performed immediately 
following MEG to provide an anatomic basis for source localization as 
well as to assess acute effects of STX209 administration on MRS 
estimates of GABA and glutamate. 
Number Of Subjects 
  
This is a single site study. 40 male subjects with ASD will be recruited in 
order to get 38 evaluable subjects.  
Study Duration 
Subjects will be examined at three separate sessions, at each session 
receiving in random order a single-dose of placebo, and from smallest to 
largest a single-dose of STX209 (15mg and 30mg). Each subject’s 
participation will last approximately 4 weeks although participation could 
be extended up to six or eight weeks if subjects are unable to come four 
consecutive weeks in a row. 
The entire study is expected to last one year. 
Study Phases 
Screening  
 
MEG Assessments  
 
Screening for eligibility, obtaining consent, and cognitive and clinical 
symptom assessments  
Over a period of 3 visits (at least 1 week apart), baseline MEG exam and 
then MEG/MRS assessment of STX209 at 15mg and 30mg doses or a 
single placebo.  
Efficacy Evaluations 
The measures used to assess efficacy of STX209 will be as follows: 
1. Change from baseline to STX209 administration in left and right 
superior temporal gyrus auditory M50, M100 and MMF latencies. 
2. Change from baseline to STX209 administration in left and right 
superior temporal gyrus auditory gamma total power and phase-
locking measures (examined pre- and post-stimulus). 
Safety Evaluations 
All safety evaluations will be done by the study physician Dr. Amanda 
Bennett, a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician at the Children’s 
Hospital of Philadelphia. The Safety Monitoring Uniform Report Form 
(SMURF) will be used to assess STX209 specific side effects. In addition, 
safety and tolerability of STX209 will be determined by Adverse Events 
(AE), Vital Signs (heart rate and blood pressure), and a blood draw for 
BUN and creatinine labs. Dr. Bennett or one of her attendings will be on 
call for any problems that might arise in between study visits. Families 
will be advised to call 911 in case of an emergency when they are not at 
our Center. 
Statistical And Analytic 
Plan 
Primary statistical analyses assess baseline versus post acute-dose 
(placebo, STX209 15 and 30 mg) changes for (1) M100 auditory latency, 
and (2) post-stimulus auditory gamma-band activity. For each dependent 
measure, ANOVAs with dose as a repeated measure will examine baseline 
versus post acute-dose changes (analyses showing no significant 
differences across time in baseline M100 and gamma measures will allow 


  
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
ix 
use of a single averaged baseline measure). Contrasts of a priori interest 
assess (1) a baseline versus post-acute dose change in the dependent 
measures averaging across STX209 15 and 30 mg, as well as (2) a change 
in dependent measures from baseline versus STX209 15 mg versus 
STX209 30 mg, with this test demonstrating an effect of dose. Given the 
possibility of between-subject variability in the degree of baseline auditory 
neural pathology, analyses will also examine response to treatment in 
those participants showing the greatest baseline auditory neural circuit 
abnormality (median split on M100 latency or gamma power), with a 
larger effect of treatment expected in those participants showing greater 
baseline auditory neural impairment. Secondary and exploratory analyses 
examine baseline to post acute-dose response changes in MRS auditory 
GABA concentration as well as associations between MEG functional 
measures and MRS GABA concentration. 
DATA AND SAFETY 
MONITORING PLAN 
The investigators will perform the study in accordance with this protocol, 
will obtain consent and assent (unless a waiver is granted), and will report 
unexpected problems in accordance with CHOP and federal requirements. 
Collection, recording, and reporting of data will be conducted to ensure 
the privacy, health, and welfare of research subjects during and after the 
study. Any episode of noncompliance will be documented in the CRF.  
Upon entry to the study, all subjects will be given a study identifier code. 
This code will be used in all data acquisition (MEG and MRS). During the 
study, the association between subject name and identifier will be kept in a 
electronic database with restricted encrypted access only (i.e., CHOP SAN 
drive). MEG and MRS data will be archived to permanent storage on the 
secure CHOP SAN drive. Hardcopy consent forms will be stored in a 
locked file cabinet located in Dr. Roberts’ office.  
The Office of Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (ORCRA) at 
CHOP will conduct routine data safety monitoring of this sponsor-
investigator trial.  A data safety monitoring plan will be developed before 
the first subject is enrolled and will be maintained in the regulatory file for 
the study.  Data monitoring will include informed consent form review, 
regulatory documentation review, source data verification and case report 
form data validation, sponsor documentation review and drug 
accountability. The frequency of monitoring may be modified as needed 
based on previous monitoring outcomes and/or rate of enrollment. 


 
x  
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
TABLE 1: SCHEDULE OF STUDY PROCEDURES  
Study Phase 
Phone-Screen 
Screening 
Visit  
MEG Assessment  
Visit Number 
 
Visit 1* 
Visit 2* 
Visit 3* 
Study Days 
pre 
0 
7 
14 
21 
Phone screen / Eligibility / Verbal 
Informed Consent 
X 
 
 
 
 
Pre-visit Intake Questionnaire 
X 
 
 
 
 
Written Informed Consent/Assent 
 
X 
 
 
 
Phone Parent Informed Consent 
X 
 
 
 
 
Review Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria 
 
X 
 
 
 
Demographics/Medical History 
 
X 
 
 
 
Intervention History Form 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior/Concomitant Medications 
 
X 
 
 
 
The Safety Monitoring Uniform 
Report Form (SMURF) 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Vital Signs 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Physical Examination 
 
X 
 
 
X 
Blood Draw** 
 
X 
 
 
 
Autism Diagnostic Observation 
Schedule (ADOS-II) 
 
X 
 
 
 
Autism Diagnostic Interview-
Revised (ADI-R) 
 
X 
 
 
 
Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 
 
X 
 
 
 
Clinical Evaluation of Language 
Fundamentals (CELF –IV) 
 
X 
 
 
 
DSM-IV Checklist of Autism 
Symptoms 
 
X 
 
 
 
Repetitive Behaviour Scale (RBS) 
 
X 
 
 
 


 
xi  
 
 
 
 
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
Social Communication 
Questionnaire (SCQ) 
 
X 
 
 
 
Social Responsive Scale (SRS-II) 
 
X 
 
 
 
Vineland Adaptive Behaviour 
Scales (2nd edition) 
 
X 
 
 
 
Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of 
Intelligence (WASI-II) 
 
X 
 
 
 
Randomization  
 
X 
 
 
 
MEG 
Scan 
(pre/post 
drug 
administration) 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
MRI Scan 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Dispense Study Drug 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Adverse Event/Serious Adverse 
Event Assessment 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
 
NOTE: At each of the three visits, subjects will receive (in increasing order) doses of 15mg and 30mg of STX209 and a randomly administered 
single placebo exam. Each subject’s participation will last approximately 3-4 weeks, although participation could be extended up to six or eight 
weeks if subjects are unable to come four consecutive weeks in a row. At each visit, baseline MEG will be obtained followed by acute single-dose 
drug/placebo administration, followed 60 minutes later by repeat MEG 
*MEG Assessment visits will be scheduled no less than four days or more than 14 days apart. 
** In cases where subject is unable to do a blood draw on the day of the screening visit due to anxiety/fear/discomfort if no medical risk factors are 
identified during medical history review, we will either accept BUN and Creatinine results from an outside source within 3 months of first imaging 
visit or attempt to do the blood draw on the day of the imaging visit


 
ix 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
 
FIGURE 1: STUDY DIAGRAM 
 
 
 
 
Screening 
by phone  
Screen Failures 
(unlikely to meet 
inclusion/exclusion 
criteria) 
Screening Visit  
Baseline Assessment of 
Diagnosis, Neuropsych Testing, 
Physical Exam, Baseline 
SMURF, Vital Signs 
Disqualified: 
Failure to meet 
Study Visit 1 – 3 
- 
Baseline MEG Scan 
- 
Administer single dose in order of 
smallest to largest (15mg, and 30mg 
STX209) and random 
administration of placebo. 
 Randomization with random 
order of placebo and with 
STX209 administered from 
smallest to largest dose. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Screening 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MEG and MRS 
Assessment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
1 
1 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND RATIONALE 
1.1 
Introduction 
The proposed study will use non-invasive imaging methods to examine the effect of STX209 on 
oscillatory brain activity. All study procedures will take place at the Children’s Hospital of 
Philadelphia.  
 
Glutamate is the most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter. Gamma-aminobutyric acid 
(GABA) is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter. Disruptions in glutamate or GABA-ergic 
signaling have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and epilepsy 
(Rubenstein and Merzenich [1]; Fatemi, Folsom et al. [2]). An increase in the excitatory:inhibitory 
(E/I) ratio is proposed to underlie brain dysfunction in individuals with ASD (Rubenstein and 
Merzenich [1]). GABA type B (GABA-B) receptors are crucial for maintaining the EI balance and 
pervasive defects in GAB-B receptor expression and activity have been associated with autism and 
are postulated to contribute to co-morbid seizure activity and cognitive impairment (Fatemi, Folsom 
et al. [2]). 
 
STX209 (arbaclofen) is a selective GABA-B receptor agonist. STX209 augments GABA-ergic 
activity, inhibits presynaptic release of glutamate, inhibits postsynaptic transmission, and modulates 
intracellular signaling (Isaacson and Hille [3]; Scanziani, Capogna et al. [4]). STX209 is the active 
isomer of racemic baclofen, an approved GABA-B agonist. Baclofen has demonstrated efficacy in 
treating hyperactivity and audiogenic seizure phenotypes in the fragile X knockout mouse (Pacey, 
Heximer et al. [5]). Through elevation of GABA-ergic inhibitory activity, STX209 may act to 
alleviate ASD symptoms associated with social anxiety and emotional hyperarousal. 
 
The accumulated scientific evidence in fragile X syndrome (FXS) mice suggest that the symptoms of 
FXS, which overlap significantly with autism, reflect activated metabotropic glutamate receptor 
mGluR1 and mGluR5 signaling resulting in excessive protein synthesis and exaggerated long-term 
depression (a form of synaptic plasticity). Glutamate signaling via mGluR5 has thus been identified 
as a valid target for the treatment of FXS (Bear [6]) and therefore may be relevant in the treatment of 
ASD. The efficacy for STX209 in the FXS mouse is comparable in magnitude to that produced by 
mGluR5 antagonists, both in reducing susceptibility to audiogeneic seizure and in reducing marble 
burying, an anxiety-driven stereotypical behavior (Seaside Investigator’s Brochure). 
 
The preclinical data on the effects of STX209, together with the understanding of its 
pharmacologic mechanism through GABA-ergic activity and modulation of mGluR signaling 
support evaluation of STX209 as a viable treatment in patients with ASD. 
1.2 
Name and Description of Investigational Product or Intervention 
STX209 (arbaclofen) is a selective GABA-B receptor agonist and augments GABA-ergic activity, 
inhibits presynaptic release of glutamate, inhibits postsynaptic transmission, and modulates 
intracellular signaling (Isaacson and Hille [3]; Scanziani, Capogna et al. [4]). STX209 is the active 
isomer of racemic baclofen, an approved GABA-B agonist. 
 
Baclofen has demonstrated efficacy in treating hyperactivity and audiogenic seizure phenotypes in 
the fragile X knockout mouse (Pacey, Heximer et al. [5]). FXS mouse models have been found to 
exhibit deficient GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission particularly notable in the amygdala 
(Olmos-Serrano, Paluszkiewicz et al. [7]), a brain region associated with affective behaviors 
involving emotional understanding and social interaction. Through elevation of GABA-ergic 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
2 
inhibitory activity, STX209 may act to alleviate ASD symptoms associated with social anxiety and 
emotional hyperarousal. 
 
A candidate therapeutic has been developed – namely, STX209, a GABA-B agonist (made available 
to this project by the Clinical Research Associates, LLC (CRA)). Since this pharmaceutical targets 
synaptic activity that has clear electrophysiological correlates, one goal of this proposal is to assess 
the responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of MEG measures to acute administration of STX209 at 
various doses in adolescents on the autism spectrum. The study also aims to establish the nature of 
the putative relationship between such electrophysiologic markers and GABA and glutamate levels 
using MEGAPRESS spectrally-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which we have 
previously used to demonstrate a relationship between GABA concentration and gamma oscillatory 
activity (Gaetz et al. [8]). 
 
1.3 
Findings from Non-Clinical and Clinical Studies  
As detailed below, recent MEG studies point to delays in auditory processing in ASD revealed in the 
latencies of auditory responses. As detailed below, published as well as very recent preliminary data 
from our group also indicate that ASD is characterized by abnormal patterns of resting or 
background gamma-band activity as well as reduced stimulus evoked gamma-band responses with 
simple auditory tasks. In other studies from our laboratory, background gamma power predicted 
language skills and stimulus-evoked gamma responses predicted social cognition, supporting their 
clinical relevance. Finally, as shown below, recent MRS findings from our laboratory showed 
reduced GABA levels in auditory cortex of children with ASD. Although gamma and GABA 
measures have not yet been obtained in the same ASD subjects, these gamma and GABA findings 
suggest a relationship between the two (NOTE: we have previously shown a relationship between 
GABA levels and gamma band oscillatory activity in healthy adults (Gaetz et al. [8]).  
 
The following sections provide brief descriptions of our published studies examining auditory 
latency abnormalities in ASD. 
 
Delayed M100 Latency – a Biomarker for ASD [9]: Delayed 
STG M100 responses to simple auditory 
stimuli are seen in children with ASD 
vs. TD (Fig left). Of ~10ms magnitude, 
this is apparent for stimuli in the range 
200Hz-1kHz (Fig right). This 
prolongation persists after regressing out variance associated with age and 
language ability, suggesting it is a hallmark of ASD per se. 
 
Mismatch Field Latency - a Biomarker for Language Impairment in ASD [10]: Mismatch fields 
are detected due to change 
of stimulus feature (e.g. 
vowel type). As shown in 
the figure, although similar 
in amplitude, the MMF 
response is profoundly 
(~50ms) delayed in children with ASD + language impairment (left). Although there is a main effect 
of diagnostic group, the bar chart (center) and scatter plot (right) illustrate stratification of MMF 
latency across the autism spectrum, with the measure correlating with a domain of symptom severity, 
namely language impairment (CELF-4 Core Language Index).        
 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
3 
Specificity of M100 and MMF findings: comparison to specific language impairment, SLI[11]: 
To examine the specificity of the above M100 and MMF findings, we recruited age-matched 
children with SLI with no ASD symptoms. Whereas M100 latency results (upper) in SLI were not 
distinguish-able from TD (augmenting the claim for M100 prolongation as specific for ASD), MMF 
latencies were delayed an amount similar to children with ASD with concomitant language 
impairment (lower), suggesting the sensitivity of MMF latency to mechanisms underlying the 
phenotype of impaired language. 
 
Considering translational findings, work from our preclinical collaborators identified a significant 
relationship between social interaction behaviors and deficits in baseline and auditory-evoked 
gamma synchrony in mouse models with altered excitatory/inhibitory balance. Further, modulation 
of electrophysiological response latencies was achieved through administration of an NMDA 
receptor blocker. Importantly, in these studies it was found that gamma abnormalities and social 
deficits were reversed with acute administration of the GABA-B agonist baclofen, but not GABA-A 
modulating compounds.  
 
In terms of oscillatory activity. Our most recent findings show pre- and post-stimulus oscillatory 
abnormalities in ASD. 
 
Gamma power and phase locking is reduced in ASD[12, 13]: Inter-trial coherence (ITC) (left, 
top) and familywise-corrected p-value plots comparing 
TD and ASD for 300Hz tones (left, bottom) show 
when greater ITC gamma activity was observed in TD 
than ASD (arrows). In ASD, lower CELF-4 Core 
Language Index scores were also associated with 
increased right STG pre-stimulus gamma activity (30-
50Hz; right). Increased pre-stimulus activity in ASD 
likely demonstrates a fundamental signal-to-noise 
deficit, with elevations in oscillatory activity suggesting an inability to maintain an appropriate 
‘neural tone’.  
 
Neural markers are prognostic of functional outcome  
In a recent study examining the effect of cognitive training on auditory neural activity in 
schizophrenia, Popov et al. (2015) observed a normalization of auditory neural activity in 
approximately 50% of the individuals with schizophrenia who received 4 weeks of cognitive 
training. These data suggest significant between subject differences in modulating brain 
rhythms, with some individuals showing a clear response to treatment and others 
showing a smaller or perhaps no response to treatment. Such between participant 
differences are likely due to the heterogeneity intrinsic to neurodevelopmental 
disorders, with not all individuals with a given neurodevelopmental disorder showing 
evidence of a specific brain pathology (e.g., auditory cortex neural circuit pathology). 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
4 
Recent findings from our own laboratory support the above. In a 
study from our laboratory (Port et al., 2016), MEG auditory measures 
were obtained in 9 typically developing (TD) children and 27 children 
with ASD aged 6- to 11-years-old and then two to five years later. A 
striking pattern was observed in a subgroup of children with ASD 
who no longer met diagnostic criteria for ASD at the second MEG 
exam (i.e., showed marked clinical improvement). In particular, as 
shown to the left, a faster rate of STG M100 latency maturation was 
observed in TD (white bars) versus ASD (black bars), with 
maturation rates in the children with ASD who showed significant 
clinical improvement in-between (gray bars). These data again suggest subgroups within the ASD 
populations and thus likely between ASD subject differences in brain activity, in the above 
example observed as between subject differences with respect to ‘normalization’ of neural 
circuit activity across time. This along with the finding from Popov et al. (2015) thus indicates 
between subject differences in ability to change the auditory latency and gamma neural 
measures in response to treatment (for further details related to the above, see section 5.7).  
 
Finally, regarding STX209, preliminary data is presented.  
  
Effects of a GABA-B agonist, STX209: Building upon the above time-frequency study and of 
direct relevance to the proposed study, the figure shows auditory cortex phase-locking (inter-trial 
coherence, ITC) to pure-tone auditory stimuli 
(onset 0ms) from an adolescent with ASD 
participating in a Phase II STX209 clinical trial 
at CHOP. Compared to the baseline period 
(left), after 12wks of treatment with STX209 
(right) greater post-stimulus gamma-band ITC 
was seen, suggesting a normalization of STG neural circuits via STX209 treatment (arrows). 
Although only an individual result, preliminary data provide tantalizing evidence that STX209 has a 
resolvable neurophysiological effect – normalizing neural circuit activity. Of note, in this same 
individual decreases in the latency of the M100 response pre- to post-treatment was also 
observed.  
 
 
1.3.1 
Research Studies 
 
1.3.1.1 Clinical Studies 
Seaside Therapeutics completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 crossover 
study that explored the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of STX209 (capsule) for the treatment of 
irritability in subjects with FXS (Study 22001). In this crossover study, each treatment period was 4 
weeks in duration. The study employed a flexible-dose schedule to define the optimal tolerated dose 
(OTD) for each subject. The OTD was defined as either the dose that achieved a behavior rating of 
very much improved on the CGI-I or as the maximum tolerated dose. Dosing decisions were based 
on the average response since the last dose change compared to baseline behavior. The starting dose 
of 1 mg twice daily (BID) could be increased every three days to 2 mg BID, 3 mg BID, 5 mg BID, 
and then 10 mg BID. 
 
The dose for subjects who were at least 12 years of age could have been increased to 10 mg three 
times daily (TID). Thereafter, subjects continued on the OTD for the remainder of the 4-week 
treatment period. After completion of assessments at the 4-week time point, subjects were tapered 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
5 
from study drug during a titrated withdrawal period lasting up to two weeks, followed by a 7- to 30-
day washout period, and then entered the second treatment period, where they received the other 
study drug according to the same titration regimen. After completing the second 4-week treatment 
period, subjects completed assessments and began a titrated withdrawal period lasting up to two 
weeks. 
 
Efficacy endpoints included the ABC-C, CGI-S, CGI-I, Global Assessment (Treatment and 
Improvement), VABS-II, CASI-Anx, VAS-Target Behavior, RBS-R, SRS, ADHD-IV, ADI-R, SB5, 
PPVT-IV, and RBANS-List learning/Story memory. Safety evaluations included AEs, laboratory 
assessments, vital signs, ECG, and physical examination. 
 
The population for this study consisted of 63 subjects, including 55 males and eight females aged 6 
to 39 years. Twenty-four subjects were between 6 to 11 years of age, 22 subjects were between 12 to 
17 years of age, and 17 subjects were 18 to 39 years of age. Fifty-six (89%) subjects completed the 
study. One subject each was withdrawn for withdrawal of consent, protocol deviation, and travel 
difficulties; one subject was considered lost to follow-up. Three subjects discontinued as a result of 
AEs (two on placebo and one on STX209).  
 
Although this study did not show statistically significant effects of STX209 on irritability symptoms, 
subjects showed evidence of global behavioral improvement. Subjects’ most troublesome behaviors 
as judged by the parents/caregivers/legally authorized representatives (LARs) were rated on a Visual 
Analog Scale (VAS) as more improved when the subjects were on STX209 compared to placebo 
(p<0.05). In the Per Protocol (PP) study population, more clinicians and parent/caregivers rated the 
subjects’ behavior as preferable on STX209 versus placebo by a 2:1 ratio. A post-hoc analysis 
showed that subjects with higher baseline scores on the Lethargy/Social Withdrawal scale of the 
ABC-C showed significantly greater improvement on that scale when treated with STX209, as well 
as on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II (VABS-II) Socialization domain (p<0.050 for both 
comparisons). These subjects also showed significantly greater improvement on multiple measures 
of global improvement, including the CGI-I, CGI-S, and blinded treatment preference ratings by the 
clinicians and by parent/caregivers (p≤0.010 for all comparisons) (22001 Clinical Study Report). 
No significant safety or tolerability concerns were apparent in Study 22001. Overall, 58 (92.1%) of 
63 subjects reported AEs; the percentage was the same (45 subjects, 71.4%) during 
treatment with STX209 and placebo. AEs with incidence >5% and greater than twice the 
incidence in placebo included headache, sedation (both 8% on STX209 versus 2% on placebo), 
fatigue, and vomiting (both 6% on STX209 versus 2% on placebo).  
 
The proportion of subjects with AEs deemed to be at least possibly related to study drug was higher 
with STX209 (53.9%) than with placebo (46.0%). The most commonly reported treatment-related 
AEs in STX209-treated subjects were sedation (7.9%), irritability (6.3%), increased appetite (6.3%), 
headache (6.3%), aggression (4.8%), anxiety (4.8%), and fatigue (4.8%). The majority of AEs were 
mild or moderate in severity, and most resolved spontaneously. Five subjects reported severe AEs 
(two subjects with increased irritability and one each with aggression, diarrhea, and dental caries 
requiring extraction). One subject who was tapering from STX209 treatment experienced an SAE of 
worsened irritability 
that resulted in hospitalization and study withdrawal. This subject had a prior history of similar 
events requiring multiple hospitalizations. The Investigator assessed the event as severe in intensity 
and possibly related to study drug taper. Two subjects discontinued while on placebo, both for 
worsened irritability during tapering of study medication. No deaths or other significant AEs were 
reported. 
 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
6 
The following data were reported from Seaside Therapeutics Study 22003, a Phase 2 open-label, 
flexible-dose evaluation of the safety and tolerability of STX209 for treatment of irritability in 
subjects with autism spectrum disorders. This open-label study employed a flexible-dose schedule to 
define the optimal tolerability dose (OTD) for each subject. The OTD was defined as either the dose 
that achieved a behavior rating of very much improved on the CGI-I or as the maximum tolerated 
dose. Dosing decisions were based on the average response since the last dose change compared to 
baseline behavior. The starting dose of 1 mg BID could be increased every three days to 2 mg BID, 3 
mg BID, 5 mg BID and then 10 mg BID. The dose for subjects who were at least 12 years of age 
could have been increased to 10 mg TID. After the 8-week assessment, subjects were tapered from 
study drug during a 2-week titrated withdrawal period.  
 
Efficacy endpoints included the ABC-C, CGI-S, CGI-I, CYBOCS-PDD, VABS-II, CASI-Anx, 
VAS-Target Behavior, SRS, ADHD-IV, and Leiter-R Brief IQ. Safety evaluations included AEs, 
laboratory assessments, vital signs, ECG, and physical examination. 
 
The population for this study consisted of 32 subjects, including 29 males and three females, age 6 to 
17 years. Twelve subjects were 6 to 11 years of age, and 20 subjects were 12 to 17 years of age. Two 
subjects discontinued due to AEs (increased impulsivity, aggression, and oppositionality in one 
subject; and increased agitation in a second subject). In addition, five other subjects did not complete 
the study. One subject withdrew consent, one subject was withdrawn at the Investigator's discretion, 
one subject started treatment with baclofen, one subject had a planned tonsillectomy, and one subject 
was considered lost to follow-up. 
 
In the Intent-to-Treat population (ITT), there was significant improvement on the primary endpoint, 
the Irritability Subscale of the ABC-C, from baseline to Week 8 (p<0.001). Subjects also showed 
significant improvements on the ABC-Social Withdrawal score (p= 0.001), the Clinician’s Global 
Impression – Improvement (CGI-I) (p=0.023), the Clinician’s Global Impression – Severity (CGI-S), 
the ABC-Total score, the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – IV (ADHD-IV) Rating Scale 
(all p< 0.001), and on other specific measures of social and communicative behaviors. STX209 
showed broad beneficial effects on core symptoms of ASD in this open-label study (22003 Clinical 
Study Report). 
 
No significant safety or tolerability concerns were evident from Study 22003. Of the 32 subjects 
enrolled in Study 22003, 28 (87.5%) reported treatment-emergent AEs. The most common adverse 
events (AEs) were agitation (7; 22%), irritability (7; 22%), fatigue (5; 16%), psychomotor 
hyperactivity (5: 16%), diarrhea (4; 13%) and insomnia (4; 13%). The majority of AEs were mild 
and resolved spontaneously or with dose adjustment. One serious AE (SAE), worsening of 
aggression, was reported during down-titration of STX209. Two subjects withdrew due to worsening 
of baseline symptoms, one during initial up-titration of drug and one during the treatment period. No 
deaths or other significant AEs were reported. 
 
A recent Phase 2 study in subjects with ASD (209AS208) observed no significant safety or 
tolerability effects in subjects receiving up to 15mg dose TID of STX209 (arbaclofen), up to 45mg 
total. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of the efficacy, safety, and 
tolerability of STX209 (arbaclofen) administered for the treatment of social withdrawal in subjects (5 
to 21 years old) with autism spectrum disorders. The study employed a flexible-dose schedule to 
determine the OTD for each subject. The OTD was defined as either the dose that achieved a 
behavior rating of very much improved on the CGI-I or as the maximum tolerated dose. Dosing 
decisions were based on the average response since the last dose change as compared to baseline 
behavior. Dosing regimens were stratified by age. For subjects in the younger age group, the starting 
dose was 5 mg QD, and could be increased every seven days to 5 mg BID, 10 mg BID, and then 10 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
7 
mg TID. For subjects in the older age group, the starting dose was 5 mg BID, and could be increased 
every seven days to 10 mg BID, 10 mg TID, and then 15 mg TID.  
 
Additionally, there are two human studies examining brain function after a single dose of 50 mg of 
baclofen (McDonnell et al. 2006, 2007). In McDonnell et al. (2006) transcranial magnetic 
stimulation was used to assess the motor cortex threshold and then motor cortex evoked potential 
amplitudes were examined before and after baclofen administration. The primary measures were 
ERP assessments of inhibitory synaptic transmission. Examining nine human subjects 21 to 41 years 
old, they observed a significant increase in long interval intracortical inhibition and a significant 
increase in short interval intracortical inhibition 90minutes following 50 mg of baclofen. After 
receiving 50 mg of baclofen, it was noted that all subjects reported mild adverse effects after the 
administration of baclofen, most commonly tiredness and light-headedness. It was also noted that 
these effects did not interfere with the ability of subjects to comply with all requirements of the 
study. 
 
Examining seven adult subjects administered 50 mg baclofen, McDonnell et al. (2007) used 
transcranial magnetic stimulation to obtain measures of cortical and corticospinal excitability, they 
showed that the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen decreases paired associative stimulation induced 
LTP-like plasticity in human motor cortex. This suggests that increased GABA-B mediated 
inhibitory postsynaptic potentials drive this effect, and that baclofen may have a negative impact on 
LTP-dependent behavioral processes such as motor learning. In this study Mcdonnell et al. noted that 
all subjects tolerated drugs and experimental procedures well except for slight tiredness in the 
baclofen and/or placebo conditions in some subjects, which did not interfere with the subjects’ 
ability to comply fully with the demands of all experimental procedures. 
With regard to the proposed study, the McDonnell et al findings are of particular interest, showing 
changes in cortical neural function 90 minutes after an acute single dose. They also show that the 50 
mg dose of baclofen (including both enantiomers) was generally well tolerated. In the present study, 
the maximum does is 30mg (arbaclofen only). As such, we anticipate fewer side-effect than the 
already minimal side effects reported in McDonnell et al.. In addition, as Arbaclofen is associated 
with fewer side effects than baclofen, at the 30 ms dose we would again hypothesize few side effects.  
 
1.3.1.2 Pharmacokinetics Results from Clinical Studies 
Although the Pharmacokinetics (PK) of racemic baclofen has been studied in humans, minimal 
information has been available on the individual enantiomers, R-baclofen, and S-baclofen. In 1990, 
Mutschler et al. evaluated the PK of the baclofen enantiomers in humans. Two healthy volunteers 
received 10 mg of racemic baclofen IV. AUC and CL were essentially the same for both 
enantiomers. An additional seven healthy volunteers received a 20 mg oral dose of racemic baclofen 
and the enantiomers had elimination half-lives of 5.3 and 5.1 hours, respectively. A slightly higher 
fraction of R-baclofen was eliminated in the urine during the first four hours (39% versus 33% for S-
baclofen). In summary, review of the literature suggests that R-baclofen and S-baclofen have 
comparable PK properties.  
 
Of the 63 subjects in Study 22001 (55 males and eight females), plasma concentration data and 
dosing history were available from 48 subjects. All of these subjects were included in the 
pharmacokinetics analysis. Results from pharmacokinetics analysis shows that both the weight-
normalized model and the allometric model fit the data well. Inter-individual variability was slightly 
smaller for the allometric model (49% vs. 52% for the weight-normalized model). Covariate graphics 
for the weight-normalized model showed a small residual relationship between CL/F and weight. In 
summary, PK parameters obtained in healthy adults (after adjustment for body size and allowing a 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
8 
different relative bioavailability between the two studies) were applied to subjects in the present 
study, the fit was generally unbiased. However, in the weight-normalized model, there was 
a small residual relationship between post hoc values and weight. This relationship was not present 
in the allometric model. Inter-individual variability in CL/F, as assessed by variance, was slightly 
smaller for the allometric model. 
 
Another study (209NV103) looked at the effects of the oral disintegrating tablet formulation of 
STX209. This study was conducted to characterize the PK of STX209 of the orally disintegrating 
tablet (ODT) formulation following administration of single oral doses of STX209 and racemic 
baclofen to healthy volunteers under fasting conditions. The potential for in vivo chiral inversion 
from STX209 to S-baclofen was also evaluated. Eight healthy, adult male volunteers aged 24 to 40 
years received single doses of STX209 in a crossover design following a minimum 5-day washout 
period. Six subjects completed the study; one subject voluntarily withdrew prior to receiving period 
two treatment, and the other did not return to the clinic for Study Period 2 and was considered lost to 
follow-up. 
 
As was observed in the PK study using STX209 capsules, the plasma concentration profiles were 
similar following oral administration of single doses of 5 mg STX209 ODT and 10 mg racemic 
baclofen tablets (which contain approximately 5 mg STX209) to healthy volunteers 
under fasting conditions. Noncompartmental analysis yielded similar geometric mean estimates for 
STX209 Cmax, Tmax, and AUC, and the point estimate for t½ was similar for the STX209 and 
racemic baclofen formulations (5.85 versus 5.04 hours, respectively). In addition, it should also be 
noted that the Tmax following administration of STX209 was approximately 60 minutes 
(Investigator’s Brochure, Table 16).   
 
Among the samples collected following STX209 administration, none of the plasma samples and 
only one urine sample collected yielded detectable concentrations of S-baclofen. Except for the 
single aberrant sample, these results support the previous claim that there is no in vivo 
stereoinversion between the two isomers. A single AE of headache (12.5%) was reported for one 
subject dosed with racemic baclofen. Concluding that the oral disintegrating tablet formulation of 
STX209 does demonstrates a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile comparable to that of racemic baclofen 
in healthy volunteers.  
1.3.1.3 Non-Clinical Studies 
Wuis studied the PK of racemic baclofen and the R- and S-enantiomers in dogs after IV infusions of 
2 mg/kg of the racemate and 1 mg/kg of each enantiomer. Blood samples were collected at selected 
times for 25 hours after drug administration, and urine was collected for a period of 50 hours. Taking 
into account the small number of animals (n=3), the PK parameters of the racemate and individual 
enantiomers were comparable. 
 
Blood-brain barrier transport profiles of racemic baclofen, STX209, and S-baclofen were assessed in 
rats using unit impulse response methodology.  Although plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) 
elimination kinetics did not differ between STX209 and S-baclofen, there was a suggestion of stereo-
selective transport of baclofen across the blood-brain barrier with STX209 transported more 
efficiently.  
 
In a subsequent study, quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) parameters in conjunction with 
plasma concentration measurements and PK-pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling techniques were used 
to characterize both the PD and plasma-effect site equilibration kinetics of baclofen. This study again 
found similar PK for STX209 and S-baclofen. The rate constant for transport of STX209 into the 
CSF was 2-fold higher than for S-baclofen, but there was no difference in rate constants out of the 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
9 
CSF, and there was no PK interaction between the 2 isomers with respect to transport into the CSF. 
The net result was that times for the CSF to reach 50% equilibrium were equivalent for racemic 
baclofen, STX209, and S-baclofen. PD parameters for the R-isomer were not different from the 
parameters of the racemate, indicating that PD interactions between the Rand S-isomers do not 
occur. Furthermore, the equilibration rate constants at the effect site were comparable after 
administration of the racemate or individual enantiomers. 
 
The plasma and brain pharmacokinetics of STX209 was also evaluated in the mouse. In one study 
(STX-REP-0011), plasma and brain concentrations of STX209 were determined in C57BL/6 mice 
dosed at three doses of STX209 (1, 3 and 6 mg/kg) administered as intraperitoneal injections twice 
daily for 9 days. Dose-related increases in plasma and brain exposure were observed, with a rapid 
tmax in both tissues (0.25-0.5 hr) and short terminal elimination half-lives (< 2 hr). Low brain-to 
plasma concentration ratios were also observed (≤ 0.11 up to 2 hr; 0.16-0.28 at 8 hr). 
 
STX209 brain and plasma levels were compared to those produced following administration of 
racemic baclofen in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were administered STX209 (1, 3 or 6 mg/kg) or 
racemic baclofen (2, 6 or 12 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection and brain/plasma levels of each 
enantiomer were measured at intervals up to 240 minutes. Blood plasma levels of R-baclofen were 
higher in mice administered 2x racemic baclofen compared to those receiving STX209. Conversely, 
R-baclofen levels in brain were higher in mice treated with STX209 compared to those receiving 2x 
racemic baclofen. Consistent with this, brain-to-plasma ratios of R-baclofen were higher in animals 
receiving 1 and 3 mg/kg STX209 than in animals receiving 2 and 6 mg/kg racemic baclofen. 
 
In summary, these results indicate that the PK and PD properties after administration of the single 
isomer, STX209, are similar to those observed when STX209 is administered with S-baclofen as a 
racemic mixture. 
 
1.4 
Selection of Drugs and Dosages 
This is a study examining the acute effect of STX209 on brain activity at two different doses: 15mg 
and 30mg. Subjects will receive STX209 via oral disintegrating tablets, administered in individual 
15mg tablets. Over a period of three visits, participants will receive a single randomly administered 
dose of placebo and in order from smallest to largest a single-dose of STX209 (15mg, and 30mg). 
All visits subjects will receive two tablets in the following order, with placebo randomly 
administered:  
Dosage 
Tablets Administered 
15mg 
One 15mg tablet of STX209 
and one placebo 
30mg 
two 15mg tablets STX209 and 
zero placebo 
Placebo 
Zero STX209 tablets and two 
placebo 
 
Across the three visits, all subjects will receive all doses, with the subject blind to dose.   


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
10 
1.5 
Compliance Statement 
This study will be conducted in full accordance with all applicable Children’s Hospital of 
Philadelphia Research Policies and Procedures and all applicable Federal and state laws including 
IND 21 CFR 312 and regulations. All episodes of noncompliance will be documented. 
The investigators will perform the study in accordance with this protocol, will obtain consent 
(Appendix 1) and assent, and will report unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others 
in accordance with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia IRB Policies and Procedures and all 
federal requirements. Collection, recording, and reporting of data will be accurate and will ensure the 
privacy, health, and welfare of research subjects during and after the study.  
2 
STUDY OBJECTIVES 
A candidate therapeutic for ASD has been developed – STX209, a GABA-B agonist (made available 
to this project by the Clinical Research Associates, LLC (CRA)). Since this pharmaceutical targets 
synaptic activity that have clear electrophysiological correlates, one goal of this proposal is to assess 
the responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of MEG measures to acute administration of STX209 at 
various doses in adolescents on the autism spectrum. The study also aims to establish the nature of 
the putative relationship between such electrophysiologic markers and GABA and glutamate levels 
using MEGAPRESS spectrally-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which we have 
previously used to demonstrate a relationship between GABA concentration and gamma oscillatory 
activity (Gaetz et al. [8]). 
 
2.1 
Primary Objective (or Aim) 
1. To determine whether STX209 produces a significant change in MEG target parameters compared 
to baseline as well as compared to placebo treatment. Secondly, to determine if the magnitude of 
such change is influenced by STX209 dose: 0mg (placebo) versus 15mg versus 30mg. 
 
2. To determine whether STX209 leads to a significant change in MRS-obtained auditory cortex 
GABA levels compared with placebo treatment. Secondly, to determine whether the magnitude of 
the GABA change is influenced by STX209 dose level. 
 
3. To determine if dose-dependent changes in MEG target parameters are correlated to dose-
dependent changes in MRS target parameters in auditory cortex. 
 
3 
INVESTIGATIONAL PLAN 
3.1 
General Schema of Study Design 
3.1.1 
Screening Phase 
Screening - Contact Prior to Visits to CHOP         
Determination of eligibility will be conducted over the phone after the parent has provided verbal 
informed consent. This phone screen determines eligibility, and only subjects who meet study 
inclusion and exclusion criteria will be enrolled in this study.  
Pre-Visit Intake Questionnaire  
 
 
 
 
 
 
             
The Pre-Intake Questionnaire is completed with a parent over the phone once a subject is deemed 
eligible for this study and wishes to participate. The parent is given the option of completing the 
short questionnaire immediately after the phone screen or scheduling a separate time to complete it 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
11 
over the phone with one of the study staff. The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide the study 
staff with additional necessary information for scheduling, as well as information that will help the 
staff best prepare for the subject’s visits. The hope is that both visits are positive experiences and that 
we can maximize compliancy. Therefore this questionnaire should be completed via phone prior to 
the subject’s first study visit.  
Once potential subjects have been identified, via a phone interview the study will be described. If 
potential subjects are interested, then they will be schedule for Visit 1. At this first visit the study 
will again be described and if the subject is still interested they consent for signed.  
3.1.2 
Screening Visit:  
The screening visit for the study will be conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and 
will entail the following procedures: 
• 
Written informed consent provided by parent and child assent if appropriate 
• 
Neuropsychological evaluation, including clinical and behavioral testing (only if applicable) 
• 
Physical Examination (include abdominal palpation to assess for liver enlargement, 
assessing for decreased tone and postural problems, increased drooling and poor orofacial 
tone, problems holding head up, and difficulty with coordination of motor actions), Height 
and Weight, and Medical/Surgical History Review  
• 
Vital Signs: Temperature, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Respiratory Rate  
• 
Blood Draw (BUN and Creatinine): Arbaclofen (STX209) is elimanated in the urine, BUN and 
Creatinine are done to confirm that subject has normal urinary function.  
Neuropsychological Evaluation: Clinical and Behavioral Assessments 
 
      
On the screening visit, clinical and behavioral testing will be performed to confirm 
diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and to evaluate language function. Intelligence 
testing will be performed to obtain an IQ estimate. The following instruments will be used:  
• 
ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- 2nd edition)- A clinical tool that looks at 
a child’s language, social skills and behavior. This updated version is attached to the eIRB 
application section 12.02 (2.0). 
• 
ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) [parent interview]- A parent interview that is 
used to look at autism symptoms.  The interview asks about a child’s language, social skills 
and behavior. 
• 
CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist) [parent report]- This is a parent completed rating scale 
that asks about behaviors like attention problems, aggression, anxiety, and depression. 
• 
CELF –IV (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals- 4th edition)- This tool evaluates 
a child’s language understanding and expression. This updated version is attached to the 
eIRB application section 12.02 (2.0). 
• 
Intervention History Form- This form is based on one created for the NIH funded autism 
research network (CPEA: Collaborative Programs of Excellence for Autism).  Our revised 
version is attached in the eIRB application section 12.02 (2.0). It was created by an expert 
panel of autism treatment researchers from throughout the country, so as to capture 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
12 
information about past treatments. This information can be an important moderating 
influence on the developmental trajectory of each child. 
 
• 
SCQ (Social Communication Questionnaire-Lifetime version) [parent completed measure]- 
This is a parent completed rating scale that asks about a child’s social and communication 
skills both over the span of the child’s lifetime. 
• 
SRS-II (Social Responsive Scale, 2nd edition) [parent completed measure]- This is a parent 
completed rating scale that asks about a child’s social development 
• 
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (2nd edition) [Parent/Caregiver Rating Form]- This is a 
parent completed measure used to support the diagnoses of intellectual and developmental 
disabilities.  
• 
WASI-II (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (2nd edition)) - This is a standardized 
tool that measures a child’s problem-solving and reasoning skills. 
Tests will not be administered if results from recent testing (less than 12 months prior to screening 
visit) are available (data from tests will only be used if subjects who previously participated in one of 
our approved research studies, agreed to share their data on future studies). Depending on the 
availability of previous test results it is anticipated that behavioral and cognitive test duration will be 
between 1 and 4 hours. The ADI-R parent interview will be administered as needed when further 
information about ASD symptoms is required (e.g., when children with no prior ASD diagnosis have 
screened positive on the other autism diagnostic measures). The parent will be told during the child’s 
screening visit if we would like to do the ADI-R interview.  The interview will then be conducted 
during the child’s first imaging study visit.  
Testing will be performed in the Division of Child Development, Children’s Seashore House, Dept. 
of Radiology, Roberts Center for Pediatric Research 2716 South St 5th floor at Specialty Care at 3550 
Market Street .  
In the case that a standing ASD diagnosis is called into question during the neuropsychological 
evaluation, the neuropsychological report will document that the child's prior ASD diagnosis 
received in the community cannot be confirmed. The psychologist who did the child's testing will 
also contact the subject's parent via phone to discuss the results. The diagnostic information is 
obtained for research purposes only, and is not sufficient for a clinical diagnosis, therefore the 
psychologist will provide appropriate referral information if the parent wishes to pursue further 
clinical evaluation. These results will not affect any educational, medical, or special services that the 
child might currently be receiving. It will be up to the participant or family to accept, use or reveal 
this information. Results from this testing will not appear in the subject's medical record. 
In the case that there are any additional concerns following a child's neuropsychological evaluation, 
the psychologist will document the concerns in the written report as well as speak to the parent via 
phone. Again, appropriate referral information will be provided if the parent wishes to pursue further 
evaluation, since the diagnostic information obtained is not sufficient for a clinical diagnosis. Results 
from this testing will not appear in a subject's medical record. 
3.1.3 
MEG Assessments: Visits 1-3 
On the next three visits (scheduled to occur within a range of 3-12months of the clinical/behavioral 
testing) MEG, MRI, and MRS measures will be collected at each study visit in the Dept. of 
Radiology. MEG testing will last approximately 3 hours (pre- and post STX209 scanning, with 1 
hour period between baseline and post-STX209 administration) and MRI will take approximately 
an additional 1 hour (after the post-MEG exam) For MRI, no sedation or contrast will be used. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
13 
Specifically, we will accept behavioral testing within a 6-12 month timeframe and will accept 
Blood Draw results and Physical Examination review within 3 months of the first imaging visit. For 
cases where there has been a 3 month or more lag between screening visit and imaging visit, the 
Blood Draw and Physical Exam will be repeated to ensure safety and adequate monitoring (as noted 
above, in cases where subject is unable to do a blood draw on the day of the screening visit due to 
anxiety/fear/discomfort if no medical risk factors are identified during medical history review, we 
will either accept BUN and Creatinine results from an outside source within 3 months of first 
imaging visit or attempt to do the blood draw on the day of the imaging visit.).  
  
Upon arrival, MEG data will be collected to obtain baseline measures. At the conclusion of the 
baseline MEG scan, participants will be randomly administered a single dose of placebo and in 
order of increasing order a single-dose of STX209 (15mg and 30mg). Based on advice from Seaside 
Therapeutics, given the time course of plasma STX209 levels, the MEG examination will be 
repeated 60 minutes after drug administration. Following the MEG exam, subjects will obtain a 3T 
MRI to obtain an anatomic 3D image (MP-RAGE) and bilateral STG GABA and glutamate 
measures (MEGAPRESS MRS). Subjects will return for their imaging study visits no less than four 
days or more than 14 days to repeat the MEG and MRI and MRS exams, each time with a different 
drug/placebo dose. 
 
3.2 
Blinding 
Across three visits, participants will be randomly assigned a single dose of placebo, and in order 
from smallest to largest a single-dose of STX209 (15mg, and 30mg). Participants will be blind to 
dosage order. Clinical Research Associates, LLC (CRA) will provide the needed STX209 tablets and 
identical placebo tablets. For each subject, the pharmacist at CHOP will create three 2-pill 
combinations. Order of the STX209/placebo conditions will differ for each subject. Upon entry into 
the study, the study pharmacist will assign each subject to one of the below dosage orders, and at 
each visit providing the research coordinator with the needed pills for that particular visit.  
Option 1 
Option 2 
Option 3 
Placebo 
15mg 
15mg 
15mg 
Placebo 
30mg 
30mg 
30mg 
Placebo 
Subjects will receive study drug regimen in increasing dosage from smallest to largest and a 
randomly administered single-dose of placebo.  
3.3 
Study Duration, Enrollment and Number of Sites 
3.3.1 
Duration of Study Participation 
40 participants will take part in a 4-week placebo controlled, randomized, acute dose response trial. 
Participation will be extended up to six or eight weeks if subjects are unable to come in 4 
consecutive weeks in a row. Subjects will first come in for their screening visit followed by 3 
MEG/MRI/MRS assessment visits (total of 4 visits).  
  
3.3.2 
Total Number of Study Sites/Total Number of Subjects Projected 
The study will be conducted at one investigative site in the United States – at the Children’s Hospital 
of Philadelphia. The clinical and neuropsychological testing will occur at the Roberts Pediatric 
Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2716 South St.) or at Main Hospital or at Clinical 
and Translational Research Center at 3550 Market Street and the medical evaluation on screening 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
14 
visit and Visit 3 will occur either at the Clinical and Translational Research Center at 3550 Market 
Street, or at the main hospital at 3401 Civic Center Boulevard. Dr. Amanda Bennett, M.D., a 
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will be the 
primary physician on this project.  
We will enroll 40 subjects in order to get 38 evaluable subjects.  
3.3.3 
Inclusion Criteria 
1) Males aged 14 to 17.75 years.   
 
2) Confirmation of diagnosis of ASD within the past 12 month, according to the DSM-IV 
criteria, including Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified 
(PDD-NOS), and Asperger’s Syndrome but excluding Childhood Disintegrative Disorder 
and Rett Symdrome.  
 
3) Current pharmacological treatment regimen has been stable for at least 4 weeks prior to 
Screening. 
 
4) If the subject is already receiving stable non-pharmacologic educational, behavioral, and/or 
dietary interventions, participation in these programs must have been continuous during the 
2 months prior to Screening and subjects or their parent/caregiver may not electively initiate 
new or modify ongoing interventions for the duration of the study. Typical school vacations 
are not considered modifications of stable programming. 
 
5) Prior to the conduct of any study-specific procedures, the subject must provide verbal assent 
to participate in the study (if developmentally appropriate), and the parent/caregiver must 
provide written informed consent. If the caregiver attending the clinic visits is not the parent, 
written consent must be obtained from the parent for the caregiver’s participation in the 
study. 
 
 
3.3.4 
Exclusion Criteria 
1) No known neurological impairment (e.g., head trauma with loss of consciousness for more 
than 10 minutes, stroke, seizure disorder). 
2) Claustrophobia 
3) Metallic implanted prosthetic or stimulation device (including pacemaker) 
4) Excessive metallic dental work (including braces, non-removable retainers) 
5) Subjects who are currently receiving treatment with racemic baclofen, vigabatrin, tiagabine, 
or riluzole. 
6) Subjects who have taken another investigational drug within the last 30 days. 
7) Subjects who are not able to take oral medications. 
8) Subjects who have a history of hypersensitivity to racemic baclofen. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
15 
9) Any concomitant medication deemed necessary for the welfare of the subject during the 
study may be given at the discretion of the Investigator. No more than 2 psychoactive 
medications (including antiepileptics) may be used with the exception of medications being 
combined to treat ADHD symptoms and sleep problems. Psychoactive medications must be 
FDA-approved for use for the disease or symptom being treated; off-label use is not 
permitted. If the subject is taking fewer than 2 psychoactive medications, and during the 
study it is deemed the subject needs an additional psychoactive medication, the Medical 
Monitor must be consulted before the subject can continue in the study. Antipsychotic 
medications are not permitted. 
 
Medications with anxiolytic properties (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, tricyclic anti-
depressants, venlafaxine, buspirone, and propranolol) are not permitted. Melatonin, 
diphenhydramine, and other medications administered regularly for insomnia are permitted. 
The use of vigabatrin, tiagabine, riluzole, or racemic baclofen is prohibited 
 
10) Parents/guardians or subjects who, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be non-compliant 
with study schedules or procedures. 
 
4 
STUDY PROCEDURES 
4.1 
Screening: Phone 
Participants who respond to our recruitment procedures will be called by a Research Assistant. These 
trained staff members will describe the intent of the study, what is involved for the child and parent, 
and discuss basic elements of the consent (Study Description Phone Script and Informed Consent 
for Phone Screening). The parent/guardian will be invited to complete a brief, preliminary 
screening interview in order to determine eligibility for the study and will be consented via the 
telephone for an eligibility screening. If parents/guardians choose not to continue or decline to 
consent to screening, they will be thanked for their time and asked if they would like to receive any 
information about research participation or clinical services. If so, general information about ongoing 
research and clinical services at CHOP will be provided (as described in the phone script).  
Once the parent/legal guardian verbally consents to the screening call, trained staff will complete the 
“Screen for Eligibility Criteria”. This interview takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Upon 
completion, eligibility criteria will be reviewed immediately. If the child is likely to meet eligibility 
criteria, the parent is invited to continue. A “Pre-Visit Intake Questionnaire” will be conducted 
over the phone with the parent of subjects who are both eligible for the study and want to participate. 
This short questionnaire needs to be completed prior to the subject coming in for his/her first study 
visit. 
 
If the parent has endorsed any exclusionary criteria, they will politely be informed that they are not 
eligible for the current study and provided with the opportunity to seek referrals for other research 
projects or to be contacted by a clinician to receive appropriate clinical referrals.  
 
4.2 
Screening Visit  
On the screening visit participants will be given Informed Consent and the following assessments 
and procedures will be administered to confirm eligibility and safety. Measures bearing on exclusion 
and inclusion criteria will be done first, and if determined eligible to participate, participants will 
complete the other measures. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
16 
• 
Neuropsychological evaluation, including both clinical and behavioral testing (only if 
applicable) 
• 
Physical Examination (include abdominal palpation to assess for liver enlargement, 
assessing for decreased tone and postural problems, increased drooling and poor orofacial 
tone, problems holding head up, and difficulty with coordination of motor actions), Height 
and Weight, and Medical/Surgical History Review  
• 
Vital Signs: Temperature, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Respiratory Rate  
• 
Blood Draw (BUN and Creatinine) (To minimize harm to the subject, in cases where subject 
is unable to do a blood draw on the day of the screening visit due to anxiety/fear/discomfort, 
if no medical risk factors are identified during medical history review, we will either accept 
BUN and Creatinine results from an outside source within 3 months of the first imaging visit 
or attempt to do the blood draw on the day of the imaging visit.) 
 
4.3 
MEG and MRI/MRS Assessment Phase: Visit 1-3 
On the next three visits (scheduled to occur within 3 months of the physical examination and within 
12 months of clinical/behavioral testing) MEG, MRI and MRS measures will be collected at each 
study visit. Upon arrival, vital signs will be collected. Then pre-drug MEG data will be collected to 
obtain baseline measures. At the conclusion of the baseline MEG scan, participants will be 
randomly administered a single-dose of Placebo and single-dose of STX209 in order of smallest to 
largest dose (15mg, 30mg) (see Section 3.2). Based on advice from Clinical Research Associates, 
LLC (CRA), given the time course of plasma STX209 levels, the MEG examination will be 
repeated 60 minutes after drug administration. Following the MEG exam, subjects will obtain a 3T 
MRI to obtain an anatomic 3D image (MP-RAGE) and bilateral STG GABA and glutamate 
measures (MEGAPRESS MRS). At the end of the scanning visit AE will be assed via the SMURF 
form. Subjects will return for their imaging visit no less than four days or more than 14 days to 
repeat the MEG, MRI and MRS exams, each time with a different drug/placebo dose. 
 
 
 
4.4 
Unscheduled Visits 
The investigators will schedule visits based on participant’s availability. Every effort will be made to 
accommodate the participants’ scheduling needs. Participants will be given the contact information 
of Dr. Amanda Bennett for the drug portion of the study. They will be given instructions on how to 
contact Dr. Bennett should any issues arise.  
4.5 
Concomitant Medication 
Any concomitant medication deemed necessary for the welfare of the subject during the study may 
be given at the discretion of the medical monitor and/or Investigator. No more than 2 psychoactive 
medications (including antiepileptics) may be used with the exception of medications being 
combined to treat ADHD symptoms and sleep problems. Psychoactive medications must be FDA-
approved for use for the disease or symptom being treated; off-label use is not permitted. If the 
subject is taking fewer than 2 psychoactive medications, and during the study it is deemed the 
subject needs an additional psychoactive medication, the Medical Monitor must be consulted before 
the subject can continue in the study. Antipsychotic medications are not permitted. 
 
Medications with anxiolytic properties (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, tricyclic anti-depressants, 
venlafaxine, buspirone, and propranolol) are not permitted. Additionally, regular use of 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
17 
benzodiazepines is not permitted. Melatonin, diphenhydramine, and other medications administered 
regularly for insomnia are permitted. 
 
The use of vigabatrin, tiagabine, riluzole, or racemic baclofen is prohibited. 
 
Examples of psychoactive medications that are allowed for FDA-approved indications are provided 
in Appendix A. All concomitant medication information, including indication, dose, route and dates 
of use, must be documented in full in the source notes and case report form (CRF), and should 
include any changes that have occurred during the study along with the reason for the medication or 
dose change. Any changes in the doses of concomitant medications should be reported to the 
Medical Monitor. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.6 
Rescue Medication Administration  
There are no antidotes for STX209. 
4.7 
Subject Completion/Withdrawal 
Criteria for withdrawal of subjects and plans for provision of care after withdrawal. Subjects may 
withdraw from the study at any time without prejudice to their care.  They may also be discontinued 
from the study at the discretion of the Investigator for lack of adherence to study treatment or visit 
schedules.  The Investigator may also withdraw subjects who violate the study plan, or to protect the 
subject for reasons of safety or for administrative reasons.  It will be documented in the CRF whether 
or not each subject completes the clinical study. If the Investigator becomes aware of any serious, 
related adverse events after the subject completes or withdraws from the study, they will be recorded 
in the source documents. 
At study completion (Visit 3) a final physical examination will be performed, AE assessed, and 
subjects debriefed.  
4.7.1 
Early Termination Study Visit 
When a subject withdraws from the study, the reason(s) for withdrawal shall be recorded by the 
Investigator. Given that this is a study examining the acute effects of STX209 on brain activity, if a 
subject withdraws, they will be contacted by the study coordinator to elicit AE information. 
 
5 
STUDY EVALUATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS 
5.1.1 
Screening and Monitoring Evaluations and Measurements 
Upon entry into this study, we will obtain informed consent/assent, review inclusion /exclusion 
criteria, clinical symptom ratings and intelligence testing will additionally be performed. 
5.1.2 
Clinical and Neuropsychological Assessment  
Intelligence testing will additionally be performed to ensure no mental retardation. The following 
instruments will be used:  
1) ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- 2nd edition) - (ADOS-G; Lord et al. [14]; 
Lord et al. [15]). The ADOS-G is a semi-structured standardized assessment using 
developmentally appropriate social and toy-based interactions in a 30-45 minute evaluation 
session. The ADOS-G consists of four different modules, each directed at a particular level of 
language ability. The ADOS-G has been carefully psychometrically validated across a wide 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
18 
range of ages and severity levels in autism, and it is widely considered the single best gold 
standard diagnostic instrument (Lord et al. [16]). 
2) ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) [parent interview] - (ADI-R; Lord, Rutter, & 
LeCouteur [16]). The ADI-R will not be administered to control participants or to parents of 
children with ASD who have already completed an ADI-R with the Center for Autism 
Research. This interview typically takes 1- 2 hours and primary caregivers will be given the 
opportunity to complete this measure during the child testing. The ADI-R is appropriate for 
children 3 and older, and is a structured, standardized parent interview developed to assess 
the presence and severity of symptoms of autism in early childhood across all three main 
symptom areas involved in autism: social relatedness, communication, and repetitive and/or 
restrictive behaviors. The ADI-R has been carefully psychometrically validated across a wide 
range of ages and severity levels in autism. Considered a gold standard in assessment in 
autism, this instrument yields an algorithm score and cutoffs for a diagnosis of autism. An 
algorithm has been established that differentiates autism from other developmental disorders 
at high levels of sensitivity and specificity (over .90 for both) for subjects with mental ages of 
18 months and older. 
 
3) CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist) [parent report] - This is a parent completed rating scale 
that asks about behaviors like attention problems, aggression, anxiety, and depression. 
4) CELF –IV (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals- 4th edition) - This tool evaluates 
a child’s language understanding and expression. This updated version is attached to the 
eIRB application section 12.02 (2.0). 
5) Intervention History Form - This form is based on one created for the NIH funded autism 
research network (CPEA: Collaborative Programs of Excellence for Autism).  Our revised 
version is attached in the eIRB application section 12.02 (2.0). It was created by an expert 
panel of autism treatment researchers from throughout the country, so as to capture 
information about past treatments. This information can be an important moderating 
influence on the developmental trajectory of each child. 
 
6) SCQ (Social Communication Questionnaire-Lifetime version) [parent completed measure] - 
This is a parent completed rating scale that asks about a child’s social and communication 
skills both over the span of the child’s lifetime. 
7) SRS-II (Social Responsive Scale, 2nd edition) [parent completed measure] - This is a parent 
completed rating scale that asks about a child’s social development 
8) Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (2nd edition) [Parent/Caregiver Rating Form] - This is a 
parent completed measure used to support the diagnoses of intellectual and developmental 
disabilities.  
9) WASI-II (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence – 2nd Edition) - This is a standardized 
tool that measures a child’s problem-solving and reasoning skills.  
         
Tests will not be administered if results from recent testing (less than 12 months prior to screening 
visit) are available. Data from tests will only be used if subjects who previously participated in one 
of our research studies, agreed to share their data on future studies. The ADI-R will be administered 
only when further classification of subjects is needed 
All tests will be promptly reviewed by one of the psychologists on the study team. Any significant 
clinical concerns on the Child Behavior Checklist or other measures will be verbally reported to the 
parent-- either in person during the study visit or later via telephone, depending on when the concern 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
19 
is identified.   When indicated, parents will be provided with mental health services referrals or will 
be advised to take their child to a hospital emergency room in the event of an acute care concern.    
5.1.3 
Physical Examination 
Dr. Bennett will perform the physical examination (screening visit and visit 3) at the Clinical 
and Translational Research Center located at 3550 Market Street or at Main Hospital. 
However, for the imaging visits (visit 1-visit 3) the SMURF will be performed at the 
Department of Radiology to assess for adverse events. This can be performed by either Dr. 
Bennett or a trained research staff under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Bennett.   
1) Physical Examination: A Physical examination will be performed at Screening and at Visit 
4. Physical examination findings will be classified using the standard categories listed on 
the CRF. A brief physical examination will be performed at screening visit and visits 1 
through 3 and will include abdominal palpation to assess for liver enlargement, assessing 
for decreased tone and postural problems, increased drooling and poor orofacial tone, 
problems holding head up, and difficulty with coordination of motor actions. Any physical 
examination finding that is judged by the Investigator as a clinically significant change 
(worsening) from screening visit will be considered an AE, assessed and recorded on the 
CRF. 
2) Height and Weight: Height and weight measurements must be performed without shoes on, 
and with only a single layer of light clothing. Height and weight measurements should be 
performed using consistent units (US). 
3) Medical/Surgical History Review: The study doctor will review Medical/Surgical History  
4) Safety Monitoring Uniform Report Form (SMURF): The SMURF contains a general 
inquiry, several questions about daily activities (e.g., sleep, appetite, energy level, bowel 
and bladder function).  The general inquiry includes an open ended question about any 
problems or complaints, as well as questions regarding the need for other medications and 
doctor or health care encounters since the last study visit.  The next section includes 20 to 
25 specific queries.  These items are rated as not present, mild, moderate or severe.  The 
ratings mild, moderate, or severe are defined as follows:  mild=present, but no intervention 
required; moderate=present, may be bothersome or may require intervention; 
severe=present, bothersome and requires intervention.  The last section includes specific 
questions about daily activities.  All new adverse events (mild, moderate, or severe) will be 
documented.  The status of previously reported adverse events will be monitored as well. 
 
5.1.4 
Vital signs 
Depending on availability, vital signs will be measured either by the Imaging techs or Dr. 
Bennett at the Department of Radiology. Standard procedures will be followed.  
1) Temperature: Temperature will be measured orally using a digital thermometer.  
2) Blood Pressure: Blood pressure will be measured using a Dyna-Map machine. A manual 
sphygmomanometer will be available for use as needed.   
3) Heart Rate: Heart rate is measured using a Dyna-Map machine.  
4) Respiratory Rate: Respiratory rate will be measured manually. 
5.1.5 
Laboratory Evaluations 
• 
Blood Draw: blood draw testing will include the following: BUN and Creatinine 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
20 
 
*To minimize harm to the subject, in cases where subject is unable to do a blood draw on the 
day of the screening visit due to anxiety/fear/discomfort if no medical risk factors are 
identified during medical history review, we will either accept BUN and Creatinine results 
from an outside source within 3 months of first imaging visit or attempt to do the blood draw 
on the day of the imaging visit.)  
 
5.1.6 
 MEG, MRI and MRS Assessment 
1) MEG: During the MEG examination the child will sit or lie on a padded chair / bed with their 
head positioned inside a scanning helmet. The chair / bed and helmet are housed inside a 
special room (magnetically shielded room), free from external electromagnetic interference. 
Inside the helmet are highly sensitive magnetic field detectors which can passively detect brain 
activity within the head. There is no radiation involved. The helmet may gently touch the 
child’s head, but there is no need for placement of electrodes directly on the scalp. The 
standard acquisition procedure employed in our studies is to place three fiducial markers (at 
left and right pre-auricular points and nasion) and instruct subjects to sit very still with their 
head inside the MEG helmet.  In addition to MEG, electrodes at the outer canthi and supra- 
and suborbitally may be used to monitor EOG.  Likewise, an electrode each may be attached 
to both the right and the left collar bone in order to monitor heartbeat.  After attachment of the 
three localizing head coils and the EOG and cardiac electrodes, the location of points across 
the surface of the subjects head will be digitized using a Polhemus digitizer for later 
topographic and source-localization analyses and to facilitate co-registration with structural 
MRI. The child will be able to see clearly as the helmet covers only the upper and back portions 
of the head. Earphones will be placed in the child’s ears to deliver auditory stimuli at a 
comfortable listening level (40dB above sensation level). A screen will be placed 
approximately 12 inches in front of the child’s face and will display video images. A variety 
of auditory stimuli will be delivered. When auditory stimuli are being delivered, the child may 
watch a DVD movie or cartoons on the video screen. The experimental session is broken down 
into a series of short (5-10minute) data acquisition periods (see below).  
 
After each task, the child will be able, if they wish, to take a break from scanning. During the 
entire scanning session, the child will be monitored via closed-circuit video and 
communication will be possible through an intercom system. 
 
Three MEG recordings will be obtained (at baseline and 60 minutes following acute 
drug/placebo administration), with each MEG recording session lasting ~30 minutes, and 
consisting of the following paradigms: 
1) Resting MEG/EEG: 2 minutes eyes open and 5 minutes eyes closed (7 minutes) 
2) Binaurally presented 300 and 500Hz 300ms duration sinusoidal tone (45dB SL), 
using the task reported in Roberts et al. (2010). (2 minutes) 
3) Auditory 40 Hz steady-state task, presenting 200 trials of 40 Hz amplitude 
modulated (AM) sinusoidal tones (500 ms long, 45 dB SL) with a jittered 1.5 sec 
inter-stimulus interval. (7 minutes) 
4) Oddball auditory task with interleaved /a/ and /u/ vowel stimuli as in Roberts et al. 
(2011). (12 minutes) 
 
2) MRI/MRS Magnetic resonance imaging will then be performed using a 3T Siemens Trio MR 
scanner in the Department of Radiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This state of 
the art equipment is equipped with multi-channel RF capabilities (allowing parallel imaging 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
21 
(Pruessmann et al. [17]). A mock scanner (Nordic Neurolabs) is available for subject 
conditioning and paradigm practicing. Sequences will include: 
1) localizer scouts (3-plane) 
2) inversion-recovery prepped 3D gradient recalled echo imaging sequences for 
anatomic visualization (high resolution 256x256x160 matrix, isotropic 1mm 
resolution) 
3) MEGAPRESS single voxel edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy sequence and 
analysis, as provided by Siemens Medical Solutions 
 
All of the above MRI sequences are FDA-approved with the exception of the MEGAPRESS. 
The MEGAPRESS sequence was recently developed and measures brain chemistry (for 
example GABA).The MEGAPRESS sequence will take approximately 20 minutes and will 
obtained for all participants.  
The MEGAPRESS MR pulse sequence is not specifically approved by the FDA. It was 
obtained from Siemens Medical Solutions as a Works-in-progress (WIP #529). The 
conditions of use of this WIP is that it is not to be used for clinical interpretation and that it 
should be used under IRB-approved protocols. Technically, it is a very simple modification 
of the conventional approved MR spectroscopy pulse sequence, in which a mathematical 
subtraction allows resolution of the previously obscured GABA resonance (by cancelling the 
overlapping Creatine resonance). It is extremely widely used in research studies worldwide. 
The conditions of use of a WIP is that it is not to be used for clinical interpretation 
and that it should be used under IRB approved protocols. 
 
5.2 
Efficacy Evaluations 
The measures used to assess efficacy of STX209 are: 
1. Change from baseline to STX209 administration in left and right superior temporal gyrus 
auditory M50, M100 and MMF latencies. To measure M50 (40-90ms) and M100 (90-
180ms) STG latency (and amplitude), pre-stimulus baseline activity will be subtracted, and 
right and left M50 and M100 superior temporal gyrus latency and amplitude calculated from 
the largest amplitude point in the scoring windows using in-house MatLab software. These 
extended latency ranges allow for M50 and M100 latencies observed in younger children 
and for low frequency (e.g. 300Hz) stimuli. 
 
2. Change from baseline to STX209 administration in left and right superior temporal gyrus 
auditory gamma total power and phase-locking measures (examined pre- and post-
stimulus).Calculation of single-trial phase/magnitude for right and left STG sources will use 
complex demodulation procedures[18] implemented in BESA 5.3™, using frequencies 
between 4 and 80Hz, in steps of 2Hz. Continuous data will be analyzed relative to the tone 
onset every 25ms, using +/-39.4ms and +/- 2.83Hz (FWHM parameters) of contiguous data 
at each step. For evoked activity, background activity at each frequency (average power -400 
to -100ms) will be subtracted. In addition to evoked power, for each time-frequency bin, a 
measure of phase-locking referred to as inter-trial coherence (ITC) will be computed, 
according to !"# = %&' (
)
* ∑
,-∅(0)
*
02)
3, where N is the number of trials, and Ø(k) is the 
phase of the signal in the kth trial. ITC is a normalized measure with ITC=1 reflecting no 
phase variability and ITC=0 reflecting maximal phase variability across trials. The above 
time-frequency measures will be obtained for the pure-tone and steady-state tasks. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
22 
 
5.2.1 
Diagnostic Tests, Scales, Measures, etc. 
The following methods will be used to determine whether initial diagnostic criteria and 
inclusion/exclusion criteria are met, as well as to assess efficacy of intervention. They are listed with 
their timing of administration. The list provides an overview/summary of all measures given to child 
participants and their primary caregivers, including screening measures.  
Screening - Contact Prior to Visits to CHOP             Approximate Time Demand 
 
Parent/Legal Guardian 
 
Study description phone script 
                       10 min 
 
Collected by Phone: 
 
Verbal Consent for Phone Screening 
                     5 min 
 
Screen for Eligibility Criteria  
                     10 min 
 
 
Pre-Intake Questionnaire (Demographics)                                
       20 min 
 
Subtotal: 
                     75 min  
 
 
  
Screening Visit:  
Medical, Diagnostic, and Neuropsychological Assessments 
  
            Procedures administered to Parent/Legal Guardian (at the same time as child testing) 
Intervention History Form                                                                       15 min   
Medical History Form                                                                             30 min                        
Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) (if applicable)                                  20 min                             
Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) (if applicable)                   5 min                                              
Social Responsive Scale-II (SRS-II) (if applicable)                               10 min                                                    
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (if applicable)                                 20 min           
 
 Autism Diagnostic Observational Scale (ADOS-2) (if applicable)        60 min                      
 
 Subtotal: 
2 hours and 40 min 
 
 
 
 
 
Procedures individually administered to children: 
 
Physical Examination 
15 min 
 
Blood Draw  
10 min 
 
Vital Signs 
10 min 
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF –IV)  
 
 
 
  
(if applicable)                  
 
 
 
 
         60 min                          
Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II) (if applicable)  60 min   
            
Baseline SMURF 
 
 
 
 
 
        20 min 
MRI Mock Scan (optional)                                                                     30 min                                    
Subtotal: 
 
  
 
 
 
 
        3 hours and 25 min 
* Diagnostic and neuropsychological testing will not occur if testing scores are available (less than 
12 months prior to screening visit) for re-recruited participants (data from tests will only be used if 
subjects who previously participated in one of our research studies, agreed to share their data on 
future studies). Only the medical assessments (e.g., vital signs, physical exam, medical history, 
intervention history form, and blood draw) will be completed for re-recruited participants at 
screening visit.  Therefore, the screening visit will last approximately 80 minutes for re-recruited 
participants.  
 
MEG Assessment 1: Visit 1 
 
Procedures individually administered to participants at Visit 1 
 
Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) (if applicable)           180min 
 
Vital Signs 
10 min 
 
 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
23 
 
Pre Drug MEG Scan 
45 min 
 
MRI Scan 
30 min 
 
 
Administration of STX209/Placebo 
< 10 min 
 
MRI Scan continued 
 30 min 
 
Break 
 30-60 min  
 
Post Drug MEG Scan 
45 min 
 
Adverse Event Assessment (SMURF) 
20 min                      
 
Subtotal: 
4 hours and 50 min 
 
 
MEG Assessment 2: Visit2 
 
Procedures individually administered to participants at Visit 2 
 
Vital Signs 
   10 min  
 
 
Pre Drug MEG Scan 
   45 min 
 
MRI Scan 
30 min 
 
 
Administration of STX209/Placebo 
< 10 min 
 
MRI Scan continued 
    30 min 
 
Break 
   30-60 min 
 
 
Post Drug MEG Scan 
   45 min 
 
Adverse Event Assessment (SMURF) 
   20 min                      
 
Subtotal: 
4 hours and 10 min 
 
 
MEG Assessment 3 + Close Out: Visit3 
 
Procedures individually administered to participants at Visit 3 
 
Vital Signs 
  10 min 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre Drug MEG Scan 
   45 min 
 
MRI Scan 
30 min 
 
 
Administration of STX209/Placebo 
< 10 min 
 
MRI Scan continued 
    30 min  
 
Break 
  30-60 min 
 
 
Post Drug MEG Scan 
   45 min 
 
Physical Examination 
   15 min 
 
Adverse Event Assessment (SMURF) 
    20 min                      
 
Subtotal: 
4 hours and 40 min 
 
5.3 
Safety Evaluation 
There were no significant safety or tolerability concerns from previous studies with STX209. AEs 
reported that were higher in frequency during the STX209 period of the double-blind study, or with 
incidence >15% in the open-label study included: headache, sedation, fatigue, increased agitation, 
increased irritability, vomiting, and psychomotor hyperactivity. Other AEs with incidence >5% of 
subjects included: diarrhea, insomnia, aggression, disturbance in attention, nasopharyngitis, 
abdominal pain, cough, decreased appetite, pharyngitis streptococcal, self-injurious behavior, 
asymptomatic decreased heart rate, and upper respiratory tract infection. 
 
Based upon information on the action of STX209 (published reports and information from Seaside 
Therapeutics), several procedures will be followed to ensure subject safety. First, since STX209 is 
excreted renally, subjects will be excluded if laboratory tests indicate abnormal renal function (i.e., 
for their age, abnormal BUN and Creatinine levels) at the Screening Visit (To minimize harm to the 
subject, in cases where subject is unable to do a blood draw on the day of the screening visit due to 
anxiety/fear/discomfort, if no medical risk factors are identified during medical history review, we 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
24 
will either accept BUN and Creatinine results from an outside source within 3 months of the first 
imaging visit or attempt to do the blood draw on the day of the imaging visit.). Second, since 
hypotension is a potential risk with STX209, blood pressure will be documented at each visit. 
Individuals with a significant change in blood pressure (determined by the medical monitor or PI) 
following administration of STX209 will be discontinued from the study visit if it is a Minor 
Adverse Event or will be discontinued from the entire study if it is a Severe Adverse Event.        
 
Subject safety will be monitored by adverse events, blood draw, vital signs, and physical 
examination findings and concomitant medication usage. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
25 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
5.4 
Primary Endpoint 
The primary endpoints are (1) change from baseline to STX209 administration in left and right 
superior temporal gyrus auditory M50, M100 and MMF latencies, and (2) change from baseline to 
STX209 administration in left and right superior temporal gyrus auditory gamma total power and 
phase-locking measures (examined pre- and post-stimulus). 
5.5 
Secondary Endpoints 
Secondary endpoints will include the following: 
• 
The change from baseline to STX209 administration in left and right superior temporal gyrus 
GABA levels.  
• 
Safety and tolerability of STX209 based on Adverse Events. Measurements and evaluations 
 
5.6 
Statistical Methods 
Primary statistical analyses assess baseline versus post acute-dose (placebo, STX209 15 and 30 mg) 
changes for (1) M100 auditory latency, and (2) post-stimulus auditory gamma-band activity. For 
each dependent measure, ANOVAs with dose as a repeated measure will examine baseline versus 
post acute-dose changes (analyses showing no significant differences across time in baseline M100 
and gamma measures will allow use of a single averaged baseline measure). Contrasts of a priori 
interest assess (1) a baseline versus post-acute dose change in the dependent measures averaging 
across STX209 15 and 30 mg, as well as (2) a change in dependent measures from baseline versus 
STX209 15 mg versus STX209 30 mg, with this test demonstrating an effect of dose. Secondary and 
exploratory analyses examine baseline to post acute-dose response changes in MRS auditory GABA 
concentration as well as associations between MEG functional measures and MRS GABA 
concentration.  
5.6.1 
Baseline Data  
Baseline and demographic characteristics will be summarized by standard descriptive summaries 
(e.g. means and standard deviations for continuous variables such as age). 
5.6.2 
Efficacy Analysis 
Our principal hypotheses relate to baseline to STX administration changes in the latency of the 
auditory M50, M100 and MMF responses, and gamma-band total power and inter-trial coherence 
(examined pre- and post-stimulus). To this end, for each dependent measure, ANOVAs with dose as 
a repeated measure will examine baseline versus post acute-dose changes (analyses showing no 
significant differences across time in baseline M50, M100, MMF and gamma measures will allow 
use of a single averaged baseline measure). Contrasts of a priori interest assess (1) a baseline versus 
post-acute dose change in the dependent measures averaging across STX209 15 and 30 mg, as well 
as (2) a change in dependent measures from baseline versus STX209 15 mg versus STX209 30 mg, 
with this test demonstrating an effect of dose. For the secondary endpoints, associations between 
MRS GABA/Cr ratios and the MEG dependent measures will be assessed using Pearson correlation 
analyses. 
 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
26 
5.6.3 
Pharmacokinetic Analysis 
N/A 
5.6.4 
Safety Analysis 
All subjects entered into the study at screening visit will be included in the safety analysis. The 
frequencies of AEs by type, body system, severity and relationship to study drug will be 
summarized. SAEs (if any) will be described in detail. 
5.7 
Sample Size and Power 
Forty individuals with ASD (aged 14 to 18 years) will be recruited. In each individual, baseline and 
post acute-dose imaging data will be obtained at three doses: (1) placebo, (2) STX209 15 mg, or (3) 
STX209 30 mg. Imaging measures at these three doses will be obtained at least 1 week apart, with 
the order of placebo and STX209 pseudo-randomized with the constraint that the STX209 15mg 
dose will be administered before the STX209 30 mg dose (FDA requirement). Assuming lost data or 
incomplete data sets from 4 individuals, the following power calculations were performed assuming 
a final sample of 36. As detailed in Section 1.3, given significant between subject variability in 
auditory cortex neural circuit pathology and thus potential between subject differences with regard to 
normalization of brain activity in response to STX209, the below statistical analyses conservatively 
assume a response to STX209 from approximately 50% of the participants. As detailed below, 
although the study is sufficiently powered to assess a baseline versus a ‘general’ post acute-dose 
change (i.e., averaging 15mg and 30mg), there is insufficient data to determine if the study is 
powered to observe a difference between STX209 15mg and STX209 30mg acute dose brain 
responses. As such, present data will provide preliminary data to guide future studies investigating 
STX209 dose differences. 
Regarding the primary aims, assuming baseline to post acute-dose changes in M100 latency of 
approximately 2.5 ms (5 ms  = one-half the ASD and control group differences reported in Roberts et 
al. (2010) and in the range observed in the single Arbaclofen study patient (2-8ms), but half of 5 ms 
given acute responses in only 50% of the participants), and assuming a standard deviation of similar 
size (which may be conservative given initial cross-dose averaging), and assuming a response in only 
50% of the population, given a sample of 36 and p = 0.05, the power to detect a main effect on M100 
latency is equal to 0.80. Assuming baseline to post acute-dose changes in post-stimulus gamma-band 
activity approximately half that reported in Edgar et al. (2015), the power to detect a main effect on 
gamma activity is approximately 0.70.  
Given between subject variability in baseline auditory latency and gamma measures, and given a 
hypothesis that those participants showing the most pronounced M100 and gamma neural circuit 
pathology will show the largest response to STX209, the above analyses will be repeated with Group 
as a factor, with grouping obtained via a median split of M100 latency or gamma activity to identify 
those participants with more versus less auditory cortex neural circuit pathology. A Group X baseline 
to post acute dose interaction is expected, with significantly greater change observed in the more 
impaired (N = ~18) versus less impaired group (N = ~18). Given an expected greater effect in the 
participants showing greater impairment at baseline (e.g., a 5+ ms delay in the group showing greater 
auditory neural abnormalities), the study is powered at approximately 0.80 to observe an effect of 
this size.   
Thus, the present study is sufficiently powered to assess the primary study aims. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
27 
5.8 
Interim Analysis 
N/A 
 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
28 
6 
STUDY MEDICATION (STUDY DEVICE OR OTHER STUDY 
INTERVENTION) 
6.1 
Description 
STX209 (arbaclofen) is a selective GABA-B receptor agonist. STX209 augments GABA-ergic 
activity, inhibits presynaptic release of glutamate, inhibits postsynaptic transmission, and modulates 
intracellular signaling (Isaacson and Hille [3]; Scanziani, Capogna et al. [4]). STX209 is the active 
isomer of racemic baclofen, an approved GABA-B agonist. Baclofen has demonstrated efficacy in 
treating hyperactivity and audiogenic seizure phenotypes in the fragile X knockout mouse (Pacey, 
Heximer et al. [5]). Through elevation of GABA-ergic inhibitory activity, STX209 may act to 
alleviate ASD symptoms associated with social anxiety and emotional hyperarousal. 
 
6.1.1 
Packaging 
Tablets are packed and labeled in blister strips of 7 tablets with expiry dates listed on the labels. 
6.1.2 
Labeling 
Tablets are packed and labeled in blister strips of 7 tablets with expiry dates listed on the labels. 
6.1.3 
Dosing 
This is a study examining the acute effect of STX209 on brain activity at two different doses: 15mg 
and 30 mg. Subjects will receive STX209 via oral disintegrating tablets, administered in individual 
15 mg tablets. Over a period of three visits, participants will randomly receive a single-dose of 
Placebo and in order of smallest to largest a single-dose of STX209 (15mg, and 30mg).  
Dosage 
Tablets Administered 
15mg 
One 15mg tablets STX209 and 
one placebo 
30mg 
Two 15mg tablets STX209 and 
no placebo 
Placebo 
Zero STX209 tablets and two 
placebo 
Across the three visits, all subjects will receive all doses, with the subject and the study investigators 
blind to dose until the close of the study.   
6.1.4 
Treatment Compliance and Adherence 
Participants are asked to undergo imaging with three different dosages (15mg, 30mg, and placebo). 
Imaging is obtained weekly. If a subject misses an appointment they will be asked to come the 
following week. The dosage order for that subject will be maintained. If a subject does not complete 
the entire study the imaging data that was obtained from that subject will be included in the analyses.  
6.1.5 
Drug Accountability 
Adequate records of study drug receipt and disposition will be maintained by the CHOP Pharmacy 
Records of receipts, investigational drug orders, dispensing records, and disposition forms will be 
examined during the course of the study.  The purpose of these records is to ensure regulatory 
authorities and the Sponsor that the investigational new drug will not be distributed to any person 
who is not a study subject under the terms and conditions set forth in this protocol.  The study 
medication is to be prescribed by the Investigator or designee and may not be used for any purpose 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
29 
other than that described in this protocol. At study completion, all drug supplies including partially 
used and empty containers must be returned to Sponsor or designee. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
30 
7 
SAFETY MANAGEMENT 
Clinical adverse events (AEs) will be monitored throughout the study.  
Subject safety will be monitored by adverse events, blood draw, vital signs, and physical 
examination findings and concomitant medication usage. 
 
Dr. Bennett or the developmental behavioral pediatrician on call, will be on call during all MEG 
exams. Specifically, Dr. Bennett will review pre-MEG vital signs (either in person or over the 
phone) prior to medication administration. Dr. Bennett will administer the SMURF and evaluate the 
vital sign pre-and post-MEG in person for the initial and final study visits. For the visits in between 
SMURF and vital signs pre- and post-MEG will be done by an approved study staff and Dr. Bennett 
will be on call to evaluate the results.  
All tests will be promptly reviewed by one of the psychologists on the study team.  Any clinical 
significant findings will be verbally reported to the parent-- either in person during the study visit or 
later via telephone, depending on when the concern is identified.   Parents will be provided with 
mental health services referrals or will be advised to take their child to a hospital emergency room in 
the event of an acute care concern.   
7.1 Adverse Event Reporting 
The risks to potential participants are expected to be minimal and precautions will be taken to 
minimize all risks. All unanticipated problems related to research events will be reported to the IRB. 
A log of all unexpected adverse events will be kept at the study coordinators office for tracking these 
events and the potential impact on the participants and study.   
7.2 Definition of an Adverse Event 
An adverse event is any untoward medical occurrence in a subject who has received an intervention 
(drug, biologic, or other intervention).  The occurrence does not necessarily have to have a causal 
relationship with the treatment.  An AE can therefore be any unfavorable or unintended sign 
(including an abnormal laboratory finding, for example), symptom, or disease temporally associated 
with the use of a medicinal product, whether or not considered related to the medicinal product. 
All AEs (including serious AEs) will be noted in the study records and on the case report form with a 
full description including the nature, date and time of onset, determination of non-serious versus 
serious, intensity (mild, moderate, severe), duration, causality, and outcome of the event. 
7.3 
Definition of a Serious Adverse Event (SAE) 
An SAE is any adverse drug experience occurring at any dose that results in any of the following 
outcomes:  
• 
death, 
• 
a life-threatening event (at risk of death at the time of the event),  
• 
requires inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, 
• 
a persistent or significant disability/incapacity, or 
• 
a congenital anomaly/birth defect in the offspring of a subject.   
Important medical events that may not result in death, be life-threatening, or require hospitalization 
may be considered a serious adverse drug event when, based upon appropriate medical judgment, 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
31 
they may jeopardize the subject and may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of 
the outcomes listed in this definition. 
A distinction should be drawn between serious and severe AEs.  A severe AE is a major event of its 
type.  A severe AE does not necessarily need to be considered serious.  For example, nausea which 
persists for several hours may be considered severe nausea, but would not be an SAE.  On the other 
hand, a stroke that results in only a limited degree of disability may be considered a mild stroke, but 
would be an SAE.  
7.3.1 
Relationship of SAE to study drug or other intervention 
The relationship of each SAE to the study intervention should be characterized using one of the 
following terms in accordance with CHOP IRB Guidelines: definitely, probably, possibly, unlikely 
or unrelated.  
7.4 
IRB/IEC Notification of SAEs and Other Unanticipated Problems 
The Investigator will promptly notify the IRB of all on-site unanticipated, serious Adverse Events 
that are related to the research activity. Other unanticipated problems related to the research 
involving risk to subjects or others will also be reported promptly. Written reports will be filed using 
the eIRB system and in accordance with the timeline below. External SAEs that are both unexpected 
and related to the study intervention will be reported promptly after the investigator receives the 
report.  
Type of Unanticipated 
Problem 
Initial Notification  
(Phone, Email, Fax) 
Written Report 
Internal (on-site) SAEs 
Death or Life Threatening  
24 hours 
Within 2 calendar days 
Internal (on-site) SAEs 
All other SAEs 
7 days 
Within 7 business days 
Unanticipated Problems 
Related to Research 
7 days  
Within 7 business days 
All other AEs 
N/A 
Brief Summary of important 
AEs may be reported at time 
of continuing review 
7.4.1 
Follow-up report 
If an SAE has not resolved at the time of the initial report and new information arises that changes 
the investigator’s assessment of the event, a follow-up report including all relevant new or reassessed 
information (e.g., concomitant medication, medical history) should be submitted to the IRB. The 
investigator is responsible for ensuring that all SAE are followed until either resolved or stable.  
7.5 Investigator Reporting of a Serious Adverse Event to Sponsor 
Reporting must be consistent with regulatory, sponsor or GCRC requirements (if applicable) 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
32 
8 
STUDY ADMINISTRATION 
8.1 
Treatment Assignment Methods 
8.1.1 
Randomization 
Across three visits, participants will be randomly assigned a single dose of placebo and in order of 
smallest to largest a single dose of STX209 (15mg, 30mg). Upon entry into the study, the study 
pharmacist will assign each subject to one of the below dosage orders, and at each visit providing the 
research coordinator with the needed pills for that particular visit.  
 
 
 
Imaging Assessment 1 
Visit 1 
Imaging Assessment 2 
Visit 2 
Imaging Assessment 3 
Visit 3 
Placebo 
15mg 
15mg 
15mg 
Placebo 
30mg 
30mg 
30mg 
Placebo 
 
8.1.2 
Blinding 
Participants will be blind to dosage order. Clinical Research Associates, LLC (CRA) will provide the 
needed STX209 tablets and identical placebo tablets. For each subject, the pharmacist at CHOP will 
create three 2-pill combinations.  
8.1.3 
Unblinding 
In case an emergency arises or a situation where unblinding becomes necessary. The pharmacy will 
unblind the medical monitor and the PI.  
8.2 
Data Collection and Management 
 An electronic database (REDCap) will be used to store all data relating to this study. All electronic 
data will be stored on the CHOP SAN. We will design case report forms (CRF) using the database 
itself and in a manner to enable both easy completion of forms and easy data entry. Additionally, the 
CRF form also acts as a document to record direct source data (i.e. vitals). The database enables 
modifications of data collection forms and data entry using computer screens that are identical to the 
data collection forms. Subjects will be assigned a unique identification number and the database will 
be password protected to insure confidentiality and security. Database system (REDCap) will be 
established to allow query of information relating to relevant aspects of the datasets. Through queries 
to the database, we will be able to create summary reports as needed, and prepare data sets for 
statistical analyses. The CHOP SAN drive is backed up daily to insure data safety. 
8.3 
Confidentiality 
All data and records generated during will be kept confidential in accordance with Institutional 
policies and HIPAA on subject privacy and that the Investigator and other site personnel will not use 
such data and records for any purpose other than conducting the study (see exception below).  
In order to keep protected health information (PHI) from disclosure, all data will be coded and 
identified only by a code label assigned to the participant upon entry into the study. All information 
will be stored on a CHOP SAN password protected server. Hardcopy documents will be stored in a 
locked filing cabinet in a locked office of one of the approved study staff. When a need for further 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
33 
medical evaluation or treatment is identified during the research, participants will be appropriately 
referred and upon obtaining consent, study information made available to the health-care provider. 
The information collected as a part of this study will be retained for at least 5 years or until the study 
is completed, whichever is longer. At that time, the research information will either be destroyed or 
all the information that identifies the subject will be removed from the study results. 
8.4 
Regulatory and Ethical Considerations 
8.4.1 
Data and Safety Monitoring Plan 
The Office of Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (ORCRA) will begin monitoring 
activities for this study within three months of the first subject’s enrollment into the study. 
Thereafter, ORCRA will monitor this study annually unless circumstances necessitate more frequent 
monitoring, e.g., an increase in risk to the subjects, less than ideal study conduct, higher than 
expected accrual rates. Monitoring activities will be guided by ICH E6 section 5.18. 
Monitoring of subject data will be initiated at 100% verification of the data recorded. This may be 
amended, and a tapered approach to monitoring may be employed, if conduct and documentation of 
the study reaches a level of reliability that would permit valid conclusions based upon a sampling of 
data. 
 
Monitoring reports will be communicated to the sponsor, the principal investigator, and the IND/IDE 
Support Program within 30 days after the monitoring visit has concluded. 
 
Any serious or persistent noncompliant activity or violation that is observed during the course of 
monitoring will be reported to the sponsor and/or the principal investigator, and to the ORCRA 
Director. The ORCRA Director will evaluate the report of noncompliant activities and discuss with 
the sponsor and/or principal investigator any necessary reporting requirements and corrective and 
preventative actions plans.  
8.4.2 
Risk Assessment 
As with any study of a novel therapeutic, there are at least minor risks associated for participants 
receiving the study drug.  Adverse effects associated with STX209 in human trials have included 
sedation, agitation, irritability, psychomotor hyperactivity, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. 
However, rates of adverse effects and rates of withdrawal due to adverse effects were lower than for 
racemic baclofen, which is already in clinical use.  Additional adverse effects reported with use of 
racemic baclofen, and rarely (< 1%) occurring in previous studies of STX209, included 
neuromuscular weakness, worsening of seizures in a known seizure disorder, and mild 
hallucinations. In addition, a time commitment of approximately 12.5 hours is expected in total for 
the four visits, which may be inconvenient. Some of the questions the children will be asked during 
the WASI testing may be hard for them (e.g., challenging problem solving, block design), which 
may cause some nervousness. The examiner will make every effort to reduce frustration and provide 
breaks when needed. In the second session, children may find lying on the MEG bed slightly 
uncomfortable and/or feel mildly “closed-in” (or claustrophobic) -with his/her head inside the MEG 
machine. We will make every effort to reduce any discomfort including pillows, blankets and the 
availability of video movies (during times when visual stimuli are not presented). There are no 
known medical risks associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, children may 
experience mild discomfort or feelings of claustrophobia. Each child will be provided with a squeeze 
ball alarm as well as voice intercom to indicate that they would like to stop the MRI scan. Ear plugs 
will be provided to reduce the noise of the MRI scan. A video movie will be presented during MRI 
to make the experience more comfortable 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
34 
8.4.3 
Potential Benefits of Trial Participation 
This information is likely to help us understand more about the children with an autism spectrum 
disorder.  Participants will not benefit directly from the study. Science and society in general will 
benefit from our improved understanding of the risks associated with autism spectrum disorder. This 
information may lead to possible intervention and prevention strategies for developmental problems.  
These benefits are believed to outweigh the minimal risk to individual participants. Subjects may 
benefit from the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of scientific understanding of Autism 
Spectrum Disorders. 
8.4.4 
Risk-Benefit Assessment 
Since risks associated with the procedures are negligible the risk/benefit ratio is favorable. 
8.5 
Recruitment Strategy 
Recruitment will first focus on families of children between the ages 14-17.75 years who have a pre-
existing ASD diagnosis, have participated in a previous MEG study (#5385) in the Radiology 
Department, and meet this study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only families who have agreed to 
be contacted about future studies and to have their data used for other research studies can be 
contacted.  The study coordinator will contact these families via phone, mailing or email. If families 
who agreed to participate in future research are contacted via email, the initial email will only 
include the IRB-approved recruitment flyers. If the family is interested, the coordinator will proceed 
with screening, which will include phone screen, eligibility, verbal consent and pre-intake 
questionnaire. The coordinator will then schedule these subjects for their study visit.  
Additional recruitment sources for participants with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will be 
CHOP’s Regional Autism Center. An additional recruitment source will be AutismMatch via the 
Center for Autism Research at CHOP. Potential participants will be identified by CAR staff via the 
autismMatch database. Subjects who agreed to be contacted about future research will also 
potentially be recruited from the Center for Autism Research studies including: #7275: Autism, 
Genes, Brain, and Behavior; 11-00824: Oxytocin and Learning in Autism. These names will be 
given to the research coordinator of this study, who will then send out recruitment letters to these 
families. Additionally, Dr. Amanda Bennett (study physician) and/or Dr. Nathan Blum (division 
chief) from the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics will send out a recruitment letter 
(attached to eIRB) to the parents or guardians of eligible children in the desired age range from 
those seen at the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.   
We have attached our flyers for review. These flyers will be posted and/or distributed in public 
spaces at CHOP as well as in cafes, libraries, schools, hospitals and other public places; we will 
obtain permission from these location prior to posting/distributing our flyers. We will also post these 
flyers on Internet sites, such as Craig’s List, in local newspapers and magazines.  
In addition, we will also send out emails/eBLASTs or provide information for research study listings 
on autism-related listservs and websites, such as the Autism Society of America (ASA) local 
Philadelphia chapter listserv, the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) database, the Center for Autism 
Research (CAR) at CHOP and/or post our approved study flyer on the CAR website. In these cases, 
we will send an email to the listserv/website administrator and ask them to email or post the IRB-
approved study flyer and/or IRB-approved email text (these documents are separately attached to the 
eIRB application and labeled appropriately). Contacts from the IAN database will receive the 
recruitment letter (attached to the eIRB application) via email and interested individuals will have 
the option to either select “interested” or “not interested.” For individuals who select “interested” 
they will be prompted to complete a REDCap screening form (attached to the eIRB application - 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
35 
https://redcap.chop.edu/surveys/?s=TAR9EPWFED) online to give us permission to contact them in 
regards to the study.  
Some of the organizations  utilize social media; in these cases, we will provide short headline text 
(see document in eIRB) that then links to the IRB-approved flyer or email text.  Additionally, 
Autism related agencies/organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Simons Foundation 
occasionally do news features or interviews with Dr. Roberts (PI) on his research studies. In these 
cases, we will provide the approved email/eBLAST text with pertinent recruitment information to be 
included at the end of the features. The eBLAST text (attached to the eIRB application) will be 
included in the body of emails for the listed listservs for the groups mentioned above, in addition to 
the eBLAST text a link to the study flyer will also be provided in the email.  
We will also post the MEG Lab’s “My MEG Scan” video 
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhXTX7IiS3U) with study information on CHOP’s Research 
Institute YouTube channel, blog and/or CHOP Research Institute related CHOP only social media 
outlets. Currently, the social media websites/outlets are not maintained by the MEG Lab (i.e. CHOP 
Research Institute, ASA, IAN or CAR) and will be monitored by the groups controlling/managing 
these pages. Interested families are encouraged to contact us to begin the process of enrolling in the 
study.  
We will also utilize CHOP’s Recruitment Enhancement Core (REC). The Recruitment Enhancement 
Core (REC) provides assistance with recruitment plan development and may assist in identifying and 
contacting potential participants using the CRU, the CHOP Recruitment Registry and internal 
communication resources. REC will contact potential subjects directly, on behalf of the investigators, 
and that the investigators will not have access to their names or contact information until interested 
individuals contact them directly. Families will be contacted through the REC by either postal mail 
or email and the correspondence will contain opt out language for future communications. 
Recruitment documents for REC will be generated in collaboration with the REC Director, Chris 
Gantz, and then submitted for IRB approval prior to distribution. 
We will utilize Simons Foundation’s autism research database SPARK (Simons Foundation 
Powering Autism Research for Knowledge) to recruit participants (https://sparkforautism.org/). 
SPARK is a collaborative online initiative that aims to recruit individuals from North America with a 
professional diagnosis of autism, and their family members, into an online research cohort. Based on 
our recruitment requests, SPARK will contact each potentially eligible family to obtain permission to 
send their contact information to our lab. Once granted permission, we will be granted access to 
contact information on participants through a secure web portal. 
 
8.6 
Informed Consent and HIPAA Authorization 
The adult consent for the study is attached. Study staff will send home a copy of the informed 
consent to all participants before they come in for their study visit. Subjects are encouraged to 
contact the study coordinator with any questions or concerns about the study if they arise.  The study 
coordinator or one of the study investigators will obtain consent when the subject arrives for their 
screening visit and answer any questions they may have. Informed consent will be obtained prior to 
any data collection. 
8.6.1 
Waiver of Documentation of Consent 
A waiver of documentation of consent for the screening portion only (consisting of the phone screen) 
is necessary since study staff will be communicating with interested subjects over the phone in order 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
36 
to conduct a short phone screen, during which PHI will be collected in order to determine eligibility.  
This waiver will not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the subjects because written consent 
will be obtained when the subject comes in for the study visit.  
8.6.2 
Alteration of HIPAA Authorization 
Alteration of HIPAA authorization is necessary to obtain verbal HIPAA authorization for the phone 
screen. The phone screener, and thus the screening portion for this study, cannot practically be 
conducted without this alteration of HIPAA since PHI will be collected without written consent over 
the phone.  An appropriate plan is in place to protect identifying information from disclosure as well 
as a plan to destroy identifiers. 
8.7 
Informed Consent/Assent and HIPAA Authorization 
In-Person Consent  
Study staff will go over all study procedures with potential participants both over the phone and 
when they come in for their study visit. Consent will take place a in a private room at one of the 
following CHOP locations: 3550 Market Street, Roberts Pediatric Research Center or Main Hospital 
(depends on location of Screening Visit and Family and/or Clinician Preference of Location). Parents 
are encouraged to ask the study coordinator questions/voice any concerns at any time. The study 
staff will make sure all questions are satisfactorily answered before the parent grants consent at the 
beginning of the study visit. Dr. Bennett is immediately available at the time of the consent 
discussion, if desired or needed by the family Consent from both parents and assent from the child 
participant (if applicable) will be obtained before any data is collected. 
Phone Consent:  
We require both parents to sign and complete a hardcopy of the consent form. It is in our best practice to 
have at least one parent complete consent in person for child’s participation. However, due to unforseen and 
uncontrollable ciricumstances there can be incidences where both parents are unble to attend the child’s first 
study visit and in these cases where both parents are involved in the consent processvia phone the study 
physician will lead the consent conversation. A hardcopy of the consent form is sent to us via mail before the 
child’s first study visit. In both cases the following procedures will take place during an informed consent 
process via phone:  
• 
Study Staff will document reasons why parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are unable to come in 
person to consent for their child to participate  
• 
Consent forms will be made available to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) prior to phone 
consent process  
• 
During the phone consent process study staff will ensure it is communicated that the 
parent(s)/legal guardian(s) can talk to the PI or study physician at any time to discuss 
any issues they are concerned about. When both parents are involved in the consent 
conversation over the phone, a physician will lead the consent conversation.  
• 
Study staff will share PI and study physician contact information with the parent(s)/legal 
guardian(s) 
• 
In cases where the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) communicate they would like to speak to 
the PI and/or study physician the study coordinator will assist in scheduling a time for 
both parties to talk. In all cases the study physician will always be available and 
connected to the parents via the consent conference. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
37 
• 
The study staff will make a plan to get original copies of signed consent forms (i.e. bring 
during screening visit, mail before screening visit etc.) 
• 
The study staff will draft a detail note to file in real time outlining the ICF phone 
procedures that occurred.  
8.8 
Payment to Subjects/Families 
There will be no cost to the families for participating in our study. Subjects will be compensated at a 
total rate of $20 per hour for their participation Payment of $20 per hour will be given for 
participation in the study. Payment of $20 per hour will be calculated from the start of the testing 
visit to the end of the visit appointment. Full payment will be given to the participant’s parent in the 
form of a bankcard (18+). Some of this hourly payment is to reimburse them for costs including 
parking and transportation. The remaining dollars are for their time and inconvenience for taking part 
in the study. Subjects' parents will additionally receive a parking pass to validate parking after each 
visit. Additionally, participants who successfully complete all 4 study visits will be given an 
additional $100 as a completion bonus, which will be added to the assigned bankcard. 
If participation is discontinued voluntarily or by the request of the PI, the subject will receive part of 
the payment according to the duration of their participation.  
Each subject will receive a small gift regardless of whether they complete all study procedures or 
not, as a token of appreciation. 
9 
PUBLICATION 
If the results of this study are presented at scientific meetings or published in professional journals, 
the report will not contain any information that could be used to identify participants or family 
members. 
10 REFERENCES 
1. 
Rubenstein, J.L. and M.M. Merzenich, Model of autism: increased ratio of 
excitation/inhibition in key neural systems. Genes Brain Behav, 2003. 2(5): p. 255-67. 
2. 
Fatemi, S.H., et al., GABA(A) receptor downregulation in brains of subjects with autism. J 
Autism Dev Disord, 2009. 39(2): p. 223-30. 
3. 
Isaacson, J.S. and B. Hille, GABA(B)-mediated presynaptic inhibition of excitatory 
transmission and synaptic vesicle dynamics in cultured hippocampal neurons. Neuron, 1997. 
18(1): p. 143-52. 
4. 
Scanziani, M., et al., Presynaptic inhibition of miniature excitatory synaptic currents by 
baclofen and adenosine in the hippocampus. Neuron, 1992. 9(5): p. 919-27. 
5. 
Pacey, L.K., S.P. Heximer, and D.R. Hampson, Increased GABA(B) receptor-mediated 
signaling reduces the susceptibility of fragile X knockout mice to audiogenic seizures. Mol 
Pharmacol, 2009. 76(1): p. 18-24. 
6. 
Bear, M.F., Therapeutic implications of the mGluR theory of fragile X mental retardation. 
Genes Brain Behav, 2005. 4(6): p. 393-8. 
7. 
Olmos-Serrano, J.L., et al., Defective GABAergic neurotransmission and pharmacological 
rescue of neuronal hyperexcitability in the amygdala in a mouse model of fragile X 
syndrome. J Neurosci, 2010. 30(29): p. 9929-38. 
8. 
Gaetz, W., et al., Relating MEG measured motor cortical oscillations to resting gamma-
aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. Neuroimage, 2011. 55(2): p. 616-21. 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
38 
9. 
Roberts, T.P., et al., MEG detection of delayed auditory evoked responses in autism 
spectrum disorders: towards an imaging biomarker for autism. Autism Res, 2010. 3(1): p. 8-
18. 
10. 
Roberts, T.P., et al., Auditory magnetic mismatch field latency: a biomarker for language 
impairment in autism. Biol Psychiatry, 2011. 70(3): p. 263-9. 
11. 
Roberts, T.P., et al., Delayed magnetic mismatch negativity field, but not auditory M100 
response, in specific language impairment. Neuroreport, 2012. 23(8): p. 463-8. 
12. 
Gandal, M.J., et al., Validating gamma oscillations and delayed auditory responses as 
translational biomarkers of autism. Biol Psychiatry, 2010. 68(12): p. 1100-6. 
13. 
Edgar, J.C., et al., Neuromagnetic oscillations predict evoked-response latency delays and 
core language deficits in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental 
Disorder, 2013. in press. 
14. 
Lord, C., et al., The autism diagnostic observation schedule-generic: a standard measure of 
social and communication deficits associated with the spectrum of autism. J Autism Dev 
Disord, 2000. 30(3): p. 205-23. 
15. 
Lord C, R.M., DiLavore PC, et al., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition. 
Western Psychological Services, 2012. 
16. 
Lord, C., M. Rutter, and A. Le Couteur, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised: a revised 
version of a diagnostic interview for caregivers of individuals with possible pervasive 
developmental disorders. J Autism Dev Disord, 1994. 24(5): p. 659-85. 
17.  
Mandema JW, HeijligerS Feijen CD, Tukker E, et al. Modeling of the effect site 
equilibration kinetics and pharmacodynamics of racemic baclofen and its enantiomers using 
quantitative EEG effect measures. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1992;261(1):88-95. 
18.  
Mutschler E, Gietl Y, Krauss D, et al. Stereospecific analysis and human pharmacokinetics 
of the enantiomers of drugs administered as racemates. In Chirality and Biological Activity. 
New York, NY: Alan R. Liss;1990:199-220. 
19. 
Port RG, Edgar, J.C., Ku, M., Bloy, L., Murray, R., Blaskey, L., Levy, S.E., Roberts, T.P. 
(2016) Maturation of auditory neural processes in autism spectrum disorder - A longitudinal 
MEG study. Neuroimage Clinical 6(11):566-577. 
20.  
Pruessmann, K.P., et al., SENSE: sensitivity encoding for fast MRI. Magn Reson Med, 1999. 
42(5): p. 952-62. 
21. 
Papp, N. and P. Ktonas, Critical evaluation of complex demodulation techniques for the 
quantification of bioelectrical activity. Biomed Sci Instrum, 1977. 13: p. 135-45. 
22.  
Van Bree JB, Heijligers-Feijen CD, de Boer AG, Danhof M, Breimer DD.Stereoselective 
transport of baclofen across the blood-brain barrier in rats as determined by the unit impulse 
response methodology. Pharmaceutical Research. 1991;8(2):259-262. 
23.  
 Wuis EW, Dirks MJ, Termond EF, et al. Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of 
intravenously administered rac-baclofen and its (-)-(R)- and (+)-(S)-enantiomers in dogs. Int 
J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1989;9(4):239-246. 
 
 


 
  
IRB #: 14-010857 
Version Date: 11/08/2018 
39 
 
 
 
APPENDIX A 
ALLOWED CONCOMITANT PSYCHOACTIVE MEDICATIONS 
The following drugs are examples of concomitant medications that are allowed during the study. 
Drugs prescribed for any condition besides the FDA-approved indication(s) are prohibited. This 
list is not exhaustive and other drugs that meet all requirements in Section 7.4 may be permitted. 
All questions on psychoactive medications should be directed to the Medical Monitor. 
 
Drug Name FDA-Approved Indication(s) 
atomoxetine Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
clonidine Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Hypertension 
dexmethylphenidate Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
dextroamphetamine Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Narcolepsy 
guanfacine Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
lacosamide Seizures 
lamotrigine Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder 
levetiracetam Seizures 
methylphenidate Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Narcolepsy 
oxcarbazepine Seizures 
pregabalin Seizures, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathic Pain, Neuralgia 
topiramate Seizures, Migraine prophylaxis 
valproic acid Seizures, Mania associated with Bipolar Disorder, or Migraine prophylaxis 
vyvanse Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
zonisamide Seizures