Clinical trial NCT03682601
Conditions: Sexual Pain Disorders Postmenopausal Symptoms Vulvovaginal Atrophy Female Sexual Dysfunction Dyspareunia Vulvodynia Vestibulodynia Arousal Disorders, Sexual Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Keywords: Sexual Pain Postmenopausal Symptoms Vulvovaginal Atrophy Vulvodynia Dyspareunia Vestibulodynia Female Sexual Dysfunction Arousal Disorders, Sexual Painful Penetration Painful intercourse Vulvar Pain Pain at vaginal opening Entrance Pain Lack of Lubrication Lack of Arousal
Sponsor: GTO Pharmaceutical, LLC
Start date: 2018-08-30; Completion date: 2021-02-13
Enrollment: 32 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
This study will evaluate the use of topical 5 or 10% sinecatechins, a botanical drug derived from green tea for the alleviation of sexual pain in the area around the vaginal opening (the vulvar vestibule), that is a main source of pain during sexual contact or dyspareunia, in postmenopausal women, with vulvovaginal atrophy. Women may or may not be using estrogens. Half of the women will receive the study drug, 5 or 10% sinecatechins and half will receive placebo. In addition to the reduction or elimination of pain upon penetration, women may also experience increase in lubrication, arousal and intensity of orgasm

Detailed description:
Topical Veregen (15% sinecatechins) is an FDA approved botanical drug derived from green tea and is approved to be used as multiple doses, three times a day to treat all visible external genital warts.

Topical green tea ointment has been shown to alleviate pain and improve wound healing in the vulvar vestibule for women who have had a recent episiotomy in the medical literature. In private clinical practice, dilute Veregen, sinecatechins ointment, has been effective in alleviating , sexual pain, vulvar vestibular pain, dyspareunia, in postmenopausal women as well as improving overall sexual satisfaction,( increasing lubrication, arousal and quality of orgasm). In this study, dilute Veregen, (5 or 10% sinecatechins) or placebo is being applied, as a single dose, topically, three times/week up to once a day, to alleviate pain in the vulvar vestibule, penetration pain, upon sexual contact or other manipulation of this area in postmenopausal women. Women are eligible whether or not they are currently using any form of estrogen or other hormonal treatments (eg. DHEA). Please note that women not using estrogen or who maybe taking aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, SERMS, are also eligible to be included.

Arms: arm 1: 15 postmenopausal women will apply a 1/2 inch strand of Placebo ointment once daily to their vulvar vestibule for a total of 4 weeks.

They will come for three office visits with the gynecologist, who will exam their vulvar vestibule and perform a Qtip test. The Qtip test consists of applying pressure with a cotton tipped swab to the vulvar vestibule and asking the participant to rate the degree of pain that they experience on a scale from 0-10 ( 0=no pain; 1-3=mild pain; 4-6=moderate pain; 7-9=significant pain; 10=severe pain).

A swab will be taken of the lateral vaginal wall for to assess the degree of vaginal atrophy.

The participant will fill out questionnaire during office visits with the gynecologist. In addition, questionnaire will be filled out online on a HIPAA compliant web based survey at the end of weeks 1 and 3 and one week after stopping study ointment. arm 2: 15 postmenopausal women will apply a 1/2 inch strand of 5% sinecatechins topical ointment once daily to their vulvar vestibule for a total of 4 weeks.

They will come for three office visits with the gynecologist, who will exam their vulvar vestibule and perform a Qtip test. The Qtip test consists of applying pressure with a cotton tipped swab to the vulvar vestibule and asking the participant to rate the degree of pain that they experience on a scale from 0-10 ( 0=no pain; 1-3=mild pain; 4-6=moderate pain; 7-9=significant pain; 10=severe pain).

A swab will be taken of the lateral vaginal wall for to assess the degree of vaginal atrophy.

The participant will fill out questionnaire during office visits with the gynecologist. In addition, questionnaire will be filled out online on a HIPAA compliant web based survey at the end of weeks 1 and 3 and one week after stopping study ointment. arm 3: 15 postmenopausal women will apply a 1/2 inch strand of 10% sinecatechins topical ointment once daily to their vulvar vestibule for a total of 4 weeks.

They will come for three office visits with the gynecologist, who will exam their vulvar vestibule and perform a Qtip test. The Qtip test consists of applying pressure with a cotton tipped swab to the vulvar vestibule and asking the participant to rate the degree of pain that they experience on a scale from 0-10 ( 0=no pain; 1-3=mild pain; 4-6=moderate pain; 7-9=significant pain; 10=severe pain).

A swab will be taken of the lateral vaginal wall for to assess the degree of vaginal atrophy.

The participant will fill out questionnaire during office visits with the gynecologist. In addition, questionnaire will be filled out online on a HIPAA compliant web based survey at the end of weeks 1 and 3 and one week after stopping study ointment.
Interventions: intervention 1: 5% sinecatechins ointment intervention 2: Placebo intervention 3: 10% sinecatechins ointment
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Topical 5% sinecatechins ointment will be applied once daily. intervention 2: Aquaphor/vehicle intervention 3: Topical 10% sinecatechins ointment will be applied three times per week up to once daily.

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_005.pdf: 
OFFICIAL TITLE: Study of Dilute Veregen ®, 10%  
sinecatechins ointment, a botanical FDA approved drug 
derived from Green Tea Leaves Camellia sinensis, for the 
Treatment of Significant to Severe Vulvar Pain from 
Secondary Provoked Vestibulodynia in Sexually Active, 
Post-Menopausal Women with Vulvovaginal Atrophy  
 
DOCUMENT DATE: MAY 13, 2020 
NCT:   03682601 
 
 
 
 
Protocol Amendment: Dated May 13, 2020 
 
Wendy Epstein, M.D., F.A.A.D. 
GTO Pharmaceutical, LLC 
Protocol Title: Study of Dilute Veregen ®, 10%  sinecatechins ointment, a botanical 
FDA approved drug derived from Green Tea Leaves Camellia sinensis, for the 
Treatment of Significant to Severe Vulvar Pain from Secondary Provoked 
Vestibulodynia in Sexually Active, Post-Menopausal Women with Vulvovaginal Atrophy  
 
Rationale for Request for Amendment: 
The study of postmenopausal women not taking estrogens has shown that the vaginal 
maturation index did not change with the topical dilute Veregen® ointment. This was an 
expected outcome. Veregen ®, or 15% sinecatechins ointment derived from green tea 
is a known antiproliferative, anticancer drug evidenced in the medical literature. The 
lack of change in the vaginal maturation index will continue to enable postmenopausal 
women who chose not to or can not use estrogens to use a topical botanical drug made 


from green tea to help alleviate provoked vestibular pain. They will continue to be 
enrolled in the trial. 
It is now our mission to also enable postmenopausal women who are already using an 
estrogen to maintain the beneficial effects of their estrogen treatments on their vaginal 
epithelium but who may still be experiencing provoked vulvar vestibular pain to have 
access to a topical drug to address their vulvar vestibular pain. 
The requested changed in the protocol is the elimination of the exclusion criteria of 
estrogen (or an estrogen prodrug usage): 
1. Have taken estrogen-containing treatments, either by systemic or local route, for 
three months or more. 
2. Have used estrogen, including vaginal conjugated equine estrogen, or estrogen 
progestin therapy, vaginal oestriol or low-dose vaginal oestradiol or any other 
exogenous estrogenic compound pharmaceutical including OTC plant based 
estrogenic substances in the last 12 weeks. Have used tablet or powder forms of 
phyto-estrogens for less than 12 weeks prior to Visit 1 (Week 0).  
3. Have occasionally used (averaging more than once a week) in the past 30 days 
the following preparations that may interfere with the study purpose: DHEA or 
other drugs or supplements that may, in the opinion of the Investigator, affect 
sexual function. 
 
 


PROTOCOL: Study of Dilute Veregen ®, 10%  sinecatechins ointment, a botanical FDA 
approved drug derived from Green Tea Leaves Camellia sinensis, for the Treatment of 
Significant to Severe Vulvar Pain from Secondary Provoked Vestibulodynia in Sexually 
Active, Post-Menopausal Women with Vulvovaginal Atrophy 
 
1. STUDY SYNOPSIS: 
 
Introduction:  
Secondary provoked vestibulodynia is defined as significant to severe pain of at least 3 
months durations, in the vulvar vestibule during normal manipulation of the vulvar 
vestibule that is significant enough to cause the afflicted woman distress. Secondary vs 
primary provoked vestibulodynia is distinguished by whether the pain has been present 
since the patient’s first episode of vaginal penetration (ie, lifelong or primary provoked 
vestibulodynia (PPVD) or after a period of pain-free activities (ie acquired or secondary 
provoked vestibulodynia (SPVD). This study is for women with secondary provoked 
vestibulodynia where a woman recalls a previous time when she did not experience 
vestibulodynia. Provoked indicates that a stimulus is needed to invoke the pain. For 
example, intercourse, masturbation, a tampon, digital manipulation or any other 
provocation. Pain at rest without manipulation is considered “unprovoked” and not the 
subject of this study. 
One cause of secondary provoked vestibulodynia may be the use of exogenous 
progesterone(s) leading to the aberrant proliferation of nociceptive (pain) sensory fibers 
in the vulvar vestibule. Topical estrogen creams are among the many different 
inconsistent or non-efficacious treatments for SPVD in post-menopausal women. Leclair 
CM1, Goetsch MF, Li H, Morgan TK. Histopathologic characteristics of menopausal 
vestibulodynia Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Oct;122(4):787-93. Not all menopausal women 
wish to take estrogen and for some women this type of treatment is medically 
contraindicated.  
The study drug is Veregen® (sinecatechins) Ointment, an FDA approved, 2006, 
marketed botanical drug product for topical use in the treatment of external genital 
warts. The drug Veregen® is 15% sinecatechins, which is a partially purified fraction of 
the water-soluble extract of green tea leaves from Camellia sinensis, and is a mixture of 
catechins and other green tea components. Veregen ® is indicated to be topically 
applied as multiple 0.5 cm strands (i.e., to each and every visible genital wart) three 
times a day, continuously, for up to 16 weeks. In contrast, the study will be using 
Veregen ® ointment diluted, by the certified compounding pharmacy, with USP 
petrolatum w/w, to a drug concentration of 10%  sinecatechins.  


This diluted Veregen,10%  sinecatechins ointment, will be topically applied to the 
external genitalia, (vulvar vestibule) as a single ½ inch strand, once a day, for 4 weeks.  
The rationale for using 10% Veregen once daily as a single ½ inch strand for a total of 4 
weeks vs 6 weeks is that it was demonstrated in private practice to be both 
therapeutically efficacious during this time interval and without irritation. 
In a small group of 12 patients in Wendy Epstein, M.D., F.A.A.D.’s private clinical 
practice it was found that the topical daily application of 5% sinecatechins, diluted 
Veregen ®, applied as a single, daily dose of 0.5cm strand to the vulvar vestibule 
relieved or eliminated secondary provoked vestibulodynia, (SPVD) in post- menopausal 
patients. Further testing in private clinical practice of Wendy Epstein, M.D., F.A.A.D. 
demonstrated that the topical application of 10%  sinecatechins, diluted Veregen ® 
applied as a single, daily dose of ½  inch strand to the vulvar vestibule relieved or 
eliminated secondary provoked vestibulodynia (SPVD) in postmenopausal patients. 
This effect was seen without a change in the vaginal maturation index. The vaginal 
maturation index (VMI) is an assessment done to establish the estrogen effect on the 
vagina. This is a ratio obtained by checking out on a smear the three main cell types 
found in the vagina: the parabasal cells, intermediate cells and superficial cells. This 
was a fortuitous clinical discovery because many post-menopausal women are unwilling 
or unable to use any form of exogenous estrogens. The current study is being 
independently conducted in order to demonstrate, compared to placebo, whether  10% 
sinecatechins ointment, applied locally to the vulvar vestibule, can reduce or eliminate 
SPVD in post- menopausal women without effecting the vaginal maturation index, thus 
not having an estrogenic effect on the vaginal epithelium. The National Vulvodynia 
Association’s website is https://www.nva.org/  and is an excellent resource for detailed 
information about vestibulodynia. An overview of vulvodynia including secondary 
provoked vestibulodynia (SPVD) maybe found in an excellent review of vulvodynia 
(Vulvodynia: Definition, Prevalence, Impact, and Pathophysiological Factors (Caroline 
F. Pukall, PhD, Andrew T. Goldstein, MD,Sophie Bergeron, PhD, David Foster, MD, 
Amy Stein, DPT, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, PhD, and Gloria Bachmann, MD J Sex Med 
2016;13:291-304). 
 
 


Study Design:  
The study design is a prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded, 
clinical trial on the efficacy of 10%  sinecatechins, green tea ointment in alleviating 
significant to severe vulvar pain in post-menopausal women with secondary provoked 
vestibulodynia.   
Study Related Procedures:  
Your clinical trial gynecologist and their medical assistants will perform a standard of 
care routine gynecologic examination of the external genitalia and vagina. In order to 
establish an objective baseline of vestibular appearance, a visual inspection will be 
documented, including presence or absence of erythema. In order, to further establish 
the post-menopausal, non -estrogenized state of the vagina, testing of the vaginal pH as 
well as superficial smears of the lateral vaginal wall will be taken to determine vaginal 
maturation index, as is the standard of care. To document localization of areas of 
significant/severe pain in the vulvar vestibule, a standard of care, Q-tip test will be 
performed. The Q-tip test involves palpating the vulvar vestibule with a soft, cotton wool-
tipped stick and noting both location and intensity of any pain. These procedures are 
standard of care. None of these procedures are experimental. 
Industry standard questionnaires will be administered to subjects at the initial screening 
and each of the three subsequent study clinic visits. These include the following industry 
standard, well established in the literature, questionnaires: Female Sexual Function 
Index (FSFI) Wiegel M et al J. Sex Marital Ther. 2005; 31: 1-20, Vulvovaginal 
Symptoms Questionnaire (VVSQ) Erekson et al, Menopause 2013 September: 20(9): 
973-979, Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (SDS-R) DeRogatis L, et al J. Sex Med. 2008: 
5: 37-364., In addition, the subjects will be asked to keep a weekly diary documenting 
their pain on a 0- 10 point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) of pain intensity where (0) is 
no pain; (1-3) is mild pain; (4-6) is moderate pain (7-9) is significant pain and ( 10) is 
severe pain, and to fill out the industry well established in the literature questionnaire: 
Sexual Activities Log (SAL) DeRogatis, L R, et al. J. Sex Med 2009;6:175-183 in order 
to document that they are sexually active and the impact that the study medication has 
or has not had on their sexual activity.  
By definition, vestibulodynia, a manifestation of Genito-pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder, 
a Female Sexual Disorder must be of significant to severe pain that causes a woman 
distress with a duration of at least 3 months. The Numerical Rating Scale, pain scale, 
establishes that they meet the criteria of significant to severe pain to be included in the 
study. The Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire characterizes qualities of the pain. 
The Sexual Distress Scale-Revised demonstrates whether that the pain is significant 
enough to cause a women distress.  


The Female Sexual Function Index corroborates the existence of the pain and its effect 
on a woman’s sexual function in 6 areas: sexual interest, sexual arousal, lubrication, 
orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. These questionnaires are standard of care. None of 
these questionnaires are experimental. 
No costs will be incurred by the subjects. The Sponsor is funding the costs of the 
procedures. 
Background:  
There is no known effective treatment for secondary provoked vestibulodynia and 
therefore a review of the literature is relevant only to illustrate what has not been 
effective in alleviating this common human malady. The National Vulvodynia Society 
and its website contains extensive documentation of the condition and accompanying 
literature relevant to the epidemiology, characterization and ineffective or marginally 
effective treatments.  
3, OBJECTIVES: 
The main objective in this study is to demonstrate whether topical 10%  sinecatechins 
ointment is significantly more efficacious than placebo in alleviating or curing significant 
to severe vulvar pain due to secondary provoked vestibulodynia, as the most 
bothersome symptom, in post-menopausal women with evidence of estrogen deficiency 
(vulvovaginal atrophy) without estrogenic effects on their vaginal epithelium.   
4. SUBJECT SELECTION: 
64 women will be recruited from the practices of gynecologists and their colleagues. 
Inclusion criteria will include being sexually active (either with partner or self), post- 
menopausal, (without spontaneous menses for at least one year, a non-estrogenized 
vaginal maturation index and a vaginal pH >4.6); experiencing at least 3 months 
duration with, at least, significant pain on the Numerical Rating Scale  (NRS) 0-10-point 
scale (0-no pain, 1-3 mild, 4-6-moderate, 7-9-significant, 10-severe pain) from 
secondary provoked vestibulodynia (SPVD). The pain must be significant enough to 
cause them distress as measured by Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). 
A score of ≥11 effectively discriminates between women with Female Sexual Distress 
and no FSD. The pain must be significant enough to affect their sexual function, Female 
Sexual Function Index (FSFI) with a score of 26 or less and effect their sexual activities 
noted weekly with the standard Sexual Activities Log (SAL).  
The intake pelvic examination, including of the vagina, will be normal for a woman’s age 
and years since menopause.   


Subjects may or may not have points of erythema in the vulvar vestibule as is common 
in women suffering from provoked secondary vestibulodynia.  
A subject to be included in the study, must have at least significant (7) or above on the 
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of pain intensity (NRS) during the Q-tip test performed at 
the initial screening visit.  Whereas, the Q-tip test must elicit at least significant pain 
intensity, visible erythema is not necessary to be included in the study. The descriptive 
characteristics of the pain will be documented using the standard Vulvovaginal 
Symptoms Questionnaire (VVSQ).  
Inclusion Criteria: 
Generally healthy women must meet the following eligibility criteria: 
1. For surgically menopausal women, be 20-70 years of age and at least 12 months 
post menopause. 
2. For naturally postmenopausal women, be 40-70 years of age and at least 1 year 
post menopause (defined as no spontaneous menses for 1 year). 
3. In screening their vaginal pH will be 4.6 or greater and their vaginal maturation 
index will be consistent with vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is thinning, drying 
and of the vaginal walls due to having less estrogen in the body. 
4. Be, sexually functional, both psychologically and physically, whereby a woman is 
to be psychologically interested in sexual activity and physically sexually active 
with regular vestibular including vaginal introital genital manipulation whether 
through masturbation or partner sex, whether using digits, oral sexual contact, 
sex toys, and/or penile penetration present at regular intervals each month during 
the 4-week pre-treatment and the 4 - week treatment period of the study and the 
6 th- week follow-up period of the study.  
5. Be able and willing to participate in the study as evidenced by providing written 
informed consent. 
6. Answer affirmatively to ALL of the following questions: 
a. Before your vulvar pain, would you say that in general, your sex life was 
good and satisfying? 
b. Since you have been experiencing vulvar pain, do you feel you have 
experienced a meaningful loss in your desire for sex? 
c. Since experiencing vulvar pain, do you feel you have experienced a 
significant decrease in your sexual activity? 
d. Are you concerned or bothered by your current level of arousal, desire for 
or interest in sex? 
e. Would you like to see an increase in your level of interest, arousal or 
desire for sex and sexual activity?  
 
 


Exclusion Criteria: 
Women will be screened for study participation according to the following exclusion 
criteria at Visit 1 (Week -4) or as specified. Eligible women must not: 
1. Have any physical limitations or sexual trauma that would interfere with 
normal sexual function. 
2. Have used within the last 12 weeks any of the following 
medications/preparations that may interfere with the study purpose: systemic 
corticosteroids (acute use for fewer than 7 days is accepted), SSRI’s, tricyclic 
antidepressants, anti-androgens, spironolactone, PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra ®),  
3. Be experiencing any chronic or acute life stress relating to any major life 
change, such as recent loss of income or the death of a close family member, 
that may, in the opinion of the Investigator, significantly interfere with sexual 
function. 
4. Have significant psychiatric disorder, a significant alcohol or drug dependency 
and/or be receiving pharmacologic treatment for such illness or disorder.  
5. Have evidence of clinically significant organic disorder on the history and/or 
physical examination that would, in the opinion of the Investigator, put the 
patient at risk, present the patient from completing the study, or otherwise 
affect the outcome of the study. 
6. Have a history of genital herpes because of the episodic nature of genital 
herpes and of the known possibility of occurrence of herpetic pain without 
visible dermatologic manifestations of herpes. Genital herpes and its 
accompanying genital pain may obscure the source of the genital pain 
experienced and confound the ability to determine the efficacy of 
treatment/placebo on endpoint of alleviation of pain in women with SPVD. 
7. Have any infection of the genitalia 
8. Have lichen sclerosis, lichen planus, contact dermatitis, psoriasis or any 
inflammatory condition or abrasions of the vulva 
9. Have an episiotomy scar in the area where pain is perceived as it may 
confound the etiology of the perceived pain 
10. Have diabetes. 
 
 
 


5. STUDY PROCEDURES: 
Duration of Study:  
Once subjects are screened and enrolled into the study, the duration of participation in 
the study will be 4  weeks from the beginning of the study to the last visit. Follow up 
questionnaires will be filled out at 6  weeks and electronically entered or mailed in to 
your clinical trial gynecologist’s study clinic office. 
Subjects will be given a written description of the study and possible untoward effects of 
the protocol.   They will sign the IRB-approved informed consent. The schedule and 
activities of visits will be given to the subject, along with instructions about notification in 
case of untoward events. 
Accepted subjects will be randomized and only a non-participant in the clinical trial will 
hold the code. Except for subjects who decide to leave the trial because of any adverse 
reactions (i.e.. irritation), prior to its completion, the code will not be broken prior to the 
completion of the last subject's protocol. 
Study Procedures:   
Each and every procedure performed is a standard procedure. These procedures will 
be performed at a screening visit and each of the three subsequent study clinic visits. 
Initial screening; week 0, week 2; week 4 . Please note, in addition to study related 
procedures that a standard of care medical history, including past and current medical 
history, medications, allergies, height, weight and blood pressure will be taken initially 
and reviewed for any changes on each study clinic visit. 
Examination: The intake pelvic examination, including of the vulva and vagina, will be 
normal for a woman’s age and years since menopause.  
Documentation of Erythema:  At each visit, erythema of the vestibule will be noted as 
“present” or “not present” and its location and that of the Q-tip induced pain entered as a 
drawing on the study chart, see below. There will be no photographic documentation of 
subjects. 
The Q-tip test will be performed at the initial screening visit and all subsequent clinic 
visits (week 0, 2 , 4 ). The Q-tip test is a standardized test and involves palpating the 
vulvar vestibule with a soft, cotton wool-tipped stick and noting the existence of any 
pain, its location and intensity. Documentation is then made of both the location and 
intensity of any pain. The intensity of the pain is rated using a standard Numeric Rating 
Scale (NRS) of pain intensity where. (0) is no pain; (1-3) is mild pain; (4-6) is moderate 
pain (7-9) is significant pain and (10) is severe pain. Upon initial screening the pain 
intensity must be at least 7 (significant).  


Documentation of sites of elicited or provoked pain will be noted on a clock face 
standardized clock face diagrammatic drawing with 6 o’clock being at the center of the 
posterior fourchette of the vulvar vestibule.  
Assessment of vaginal atrophy:  The Vaginal Maturation Index and Vaginal pH 
together will be used to establish the lack of estrogenic effect on the vaginal epithelium. 
Weber MA1, Limpens J, Roovers JP Assessment of vaginal atrophy: a review Int 
Urogynecol J. 2015 Jan;26(1):15-28. . Tucker KM, Godha, Mirkin  Archer DF Vaginal 
pH: a simple assessment highly correlated with vaginal morphology and symptoms in 
postmenopausal women Menopause. 2018 Mar 5.  
 
Vaginal Maturation Index: Vaginal smears will be taken from the upper one third of the 
lateral vaginal wall for the Vaginal Maturation Index.   The Vaginal Maturation Index 
quantifies the relative proportion of the vaginal parabasal (P), intermediate (I), and 
superficial (S) cells presented as % P / % I / % S. Vulvovaginal atrophy or estrogen 
deficiency will be demonstrated by a high percentage of parabasal cells, some 
intermediate cells and a paucity of superficial cells.  
Vaginal pH: Vaginal pH > 4.6 as indication of atrophy, in the absence of infection or 
semen, of the vaginal epithelium using standard pH paper. Subjects will be asked not to 
have intercourse with semen deposited in the vagina 24 hours prior to their clinic study 
visit. 
The schedule and activities of visits will be given to the subject, along with instructions 
about notification in case of untoward events. 
WEEK 
0    
1    
2 
3    4    6 
 
 
3  
4 
5 
6 
12 
 
Pain level (NRS), SAL 
X    
X    
X 
X    X 
 X 
 
 
 
diary Mail-
in 
 
History, Exam, MI, pH, Q-tip X    X 
 
X 
 
 
 
— 
x 
 
 
FSFI, VVSQ, FSD-R 
X    X 
 
X 
 X 
 
 
x 
x 
Mail-
in 
 
 
Patients will be enrolled in the study and randomized to treatment only after all the 
inclusion and exclusion criteria have been satisfied. 
 
 


(Visit 1) Week 0 
Patients will come to the study clinic to be screened according to the protocol 
inclusion/exclusion criteria at their first visit prior to randomization into the study. Site 
personnel must register the patient with the interactive voice response system (IVRS) at 
this visit to obtain a patient number.  
After patients have signed the informed consent, site personnel will review the inclusion 
and exclusion criteria to ensure that the patient is eligible for the study. The following 
information will be recorded, or procedures performed for eligible patients. Verbal 
questioning is to be completed before any invasive procedures are undertaken. 
1. Personal and demographic information. 
2. Medical/gynecological history including year of last menstrual period to 
establish post-menopausal state. 
3. Drug history (prescription/non-prescription/herbal supplements, including 
DHEA) for the previous 3 months. 
4. Physical examination: The intake pelvic examination, including of the vulva 
and vagina, will be normal for a woman’s age and years since menopause. 
5. Vaginal Maturation Index 
6. Vaginal pH, bacterial screening swab 
7. Q-tip Test to establish localization and rating NRS of vulvar, vestibular pain. 
8. Vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate (after sitting 5 minutes) 
and body temperature, height and weight. 
9. Assessment of acute life stress relating to any major life change that 
interferes with sexual function. 
10. Status of patient’s sexually functional, both psychologically and physically  
11. Establishing that patient is sexually active with self (masturbation) and/ or with 
partner. 
12. During the consent process, all of the questionnaires (including SAL, FSFI, 
NRS, VVSQ, FSDQ-R) will be reviewed with the patients to allow them to 
read what they will be expected to complete during their participation in the 
pre-treatment, treatment and post-treatment periods of the study. 
13. At this visit, the study coordinator or other designated study personnel should 
read the SAL instructions to the patient and ask her if she has any questions. 
At the end of the initial visit, each patient will be given  instructions that they 
will receive an email in order to fill out questionnaires online at the end of 
week 1 (one) , and week 3 (three)    to be completed at home, at the end of 
Day 7 of those weeks, during the treatment period. They will receive a final 
email at the end of week 6 with instructions to fill out questionnaires 
anonymously online. 


14. All questionnaires, both in clinic and at home, should be completed by each 
patient, on her own, in a private place.  The patient will turn in the completed 
questionnaires over to the Investigator, with the option of inserting the 
questionnaire into an envelope which will be labeled with the patient number, 
name of the questionnaire and visit number. This will be done to enhance the 
confidentiality of questionnaires for the patient. The Investigator will fax the 
documents to the Sponsor via the IRIS Imaging System. Originals will be 
retained at the site. Alternatively, the subject may fill out the questionnaires 
on the secure, HIPAA compliant, website. 
15. The vaginal pH, pH should indicate non-estrogenized vaginal epithelium 
according to the state criteria. bacterial screen results must be reviewed, 
signed, and dated by the Investigator prior to dispensing the study 
medication. 
Patients will be enrolled in the study and randomized to treatment only after all 
the inclusion and exclusion criteria have been satisfied. 
At the end of Visit 1, Week 0, site personnel will obtain investigational medication 
from IVRS and patients will receive a 2-week, 15 gram, supply of the 
investigational drug or the placebo (“the ointment”). They will be instructed on 
how to apply “the ointment”. They will be given written instructions on how to 
apply the ointment. 
Instruction Sheet for Use of “The Ointment”:  
 
• Use “the ointment” only on the area affected exactly as indicated by your clinical trial 
gynecologist.  
 
• Wash your hands before and after application of the ointment. A small amount ½  inch  
of the ointment should be applied to the affected area using your finger(s), dabbing it on 
to ensure complete coverage and leaving a thin layer of the ointment as directed by 
your clinical trial gynecologist.   
 
• Apply the ointment once a day; if any irritation occurs stop using the ointment and 
notify your clinical trial gynecologist Do not restart to use the ointment until your irritation 
completely resolves. You will then be instructed to reduce the frequency of application 
to twice per week or less depending on your discussion with and instructions from your 
clinical trial gynecologist .  
 
• Do not wash off the ointment from the treated area before the next application. When 
you wash the treatment area or bathe, apply the ointment afterwards, not before. 
 
• Treatment with the ointment should be continued for a total of 4 weeks as instructed 
by your clinical trial gynecologist.. You will be seen at regular intervals during this time 
period by your clinical trial gynecologist. 


•The ointment is not a cure for any condition and your condition may reoccur during or 
after treatment and may need further treatment. 
What should I avoid while using catechins ointment? 
 
• Do not apply the ointment on open wounds.  
 
• While being treated with the ointment, and you do choose to have sexual contact, 
(genital, anal or oral) note that the ointment may weaken condoms and vaginal 
diaphragms therefore you must wash off the ointment carefully before having protected 
sexual contact. Talk to your doctor about safe sex practices. 
 
• Avoid contact with your eyes, nostrils and mouth while ointment is on your finger(s). 
 
• Do not expose the genital area treated with the ointment to sunlight, sunlamps or 
tanning beds. 
 
• Do not cover the treated area. Loose-fitting undergarments can be worn after the 
ointment  
 
PLEASE NOTE• The ointment is naturally a light reddish-tan color and therefore may 
stain your light-colored clothes and bedding. It is recommended to wear darker colored 
undergarments or an unscented disposable cotton panty liner while using the ointment. 
 
How should I store catechins ointment? 
 
• Store the ointment refrigerated or up to 77ºF (25ºC). • Do not freeze the ointment. 
• Make sure the cap on the tube is tightly closed. 
• Bring the tube of the ointment when you come to your scheduled clinic study visits. 
 
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Do not give the ointment to other 
people, even if they have the same symptoms. 
 
All subsequent visit dates for the treatment period will be calculated from Week 0 
(Visit 1) date. 
 
 


Week 2  (Visit 2) 
The following procedures will be performed at the study clinic at the end of Week 2: 
1. Tubes of “the ointment” will be collected. 
2. Update to medical/gynecologic/drug history. 
3. Physical examination: An examination, including of the vulva and vagina. 
4. Vaginal pH 
5. Q-tip Test to establish localization and rating NRS of vulvar, vestibular pain. 
6. Vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate (after sitting 5 minutes) 
and body temperature, height and weight. 
7. Assessment of acute life stress relating to any major life change that 
interferes with sexual function. 
8. Status of patient’s sexually functional, both psychologically and physically  
9. Establishing that patient is sexually active with self (masturbation) and/ or with 
partner. 
10. Collection of completed SAL’s or verifying that questionnaire filled out on 
secure website. 
11. Distribution of new copies of the SAL or verifying that questionnaire to be 
filled out on secure website 
12. Completion of the other questionnaires: FSFI, NRS, VVSQ, FSDQ-R 
13. At the end of Visit 2, site personnel will distribute to the subject, a new 2-
week, 15 gram, supply of the investigational drug or the placebo (“the 
ointment”). The subjects will be instructed on how to apply “the ointment”. The 
subject will be given written instructions on how to apply the ointment. 
 
Week 4  (Visit 3) 
The following procedures will be performed at the study clinic at the end of Week 4: 
1. Site personnel will collect all tubes of “the ointment”. 
2. Update to medical/gynecologic/drug history. 
3. Physical examination: An examination, including of the vulva and vagina. 
4. Vaginal Maturation Index 
5. Vaginal pH 
6. Q-tip Test to establish localization and rating NRS of vulvar, vestibular pain. 
7. Vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate (after sitting 5 minutes) 
and body temperature, height and weight. 
8. Assessment of acute life stress relating to any major life change that 
interferes with sexual function. 
9.  Status of patient’s sexually functional, both psychologically and physically  


10. Establishing that patient is sexually active with self (masturbation) and/ or with 
partner. 
11. Collection of completed SAL’s or verifying that questionnaire filled out on 
secure website. 
12. Completion of the other questionnaires: FSFI, NRS, VVSQ, FSDQ-R 
13. The tubes of the investigational drug or placebo will be collected at this last 
clinic visit. 
Distribution of new copies of the SAL, FSFI, NRS, VVSQ, FSDQ-R, a question 
about any change in medications, along with self-addressed envelopes which will 
be labeled with the patient number for their return to the Investigator. Instructions 
will be given to complete the questionnaires at the conclusion of week 6 .  
Alternatively, subject will be filling out questionnaires on secure, HIPAA 
compliant, website. 
 
Consent Protocol:  
Subjects will be given a written description of the study and possible untoward effects of 
the protocol.   They will sign the IRB-approved informed consent. 
Accepted subjects will be randomized and only a non-participant in the clinical trial will 
hold the code. Except for subjects who are excused from the trial prior to its completion 
because of any adverse reaction (i.e. irritation) the code will not be broken prior to the 
completion of the last subject's protocol. 
Subjects will be consented at the initial study visit by the clinical trial gynecologist.. The 
clinical trial gynecologist  will be available for consent discussion.  
The Study Treatment: Drugs – The 10% GTO (10% 7.5% sinecatechins ointment, 
diluted Veregen ®) in petrolatum ointment will be furnished by Town Total 
Compounding Center Pharmacy (415 Crossways Park Dr Suite B, Woodbury, Y 11797), 
at week 0, in numbered, but otherwise unmarked compressible opaque, 15 gram tubes 
that will be examined at each visit. The placebo will be petrolatum ointment with an inert 
vegetable dye to visually appear the same as the drug. Subjects will be instructed to 
bring in their tubes at their 2  and 4 -week visits. The subjects will be instructed in the 
application of one ½ inch strand of either the study drug: 10%  (diluted Veregen) or 
placebo once daily to the vulvar vestibule. Application – Subjects will be instructed to 
apply a ½ inch strand, lightly to painful or reddened areas of the vulvar vestibule.  This 
is done daily for four  weeks.  Subjects will apply with a fingertip, taking care to avoid 
placing it into the vagina. (detailed instructions provided in this document) . 
Compliance: At each visit the tubes will be weighed. 


6. Risks/Safety Information- The risks of full strength topical Veregen ® (15% 
sinecatechins ointment) are well known and well documented in the accompanying 
package insert. Veregen ® Medigene, (Green Tea ointment, (GTO), 15% sinecatechins) 
is a topical FDA approved drug (2006) indicated for the treatment of external genital 
warts, since 2006. The package insert specifies it to be applied to each and every 
visible wart three times a day. The safety profile for Veregen ® has been well 
established. The application of one ½ inchstrand of 10%  (diluted Veregen) once daily to 
the vulvar vestibule does not cause the potential irritation that multiple 0.5cm strands of 
15% (full strength Veregen) can cause.  
The use of significantly lesser doses of the drug (one ½ inch strand), once a day vs the 
use of multiple 0.5cm strands three times a day and use of a lower concentration of the 
study drug 10%  sinecatechins will significantly reduce the risk of adverse reactions to 
the drug as seen in the on-label use of the marketed drug Veregen ® 15% 
sinecatechins. In fact, the use of 10%  sinecatechins, ½ inch strand, topically applied, 
once daily to the vulvar vestibule was found to be soothing, and reduced or eliminated 
vulvar pain in post-menopausal women with secondary provoked vestibulodynia 
(SPVD).  
In Phase 3 clinical trials, a total of 397 subjects received Veregen® (15% sinecatechins) 
three times per day topical application for the treatment of external genital and perianal 
warts for up to 16 weeks. 
Local irritation is the main potential side effect and in fact the goal of treatment of 
external genital warts with full strength Veregen (15% sinecatechins ointment) by 
simultaneously applying a 0.5cm strand to each and every one of multiple visible genital 
warts three times daily for up to 16 weeks. The mechanism of action of Veregen in 
clearing genital warts is unknown. (see package insert for Veregen). It was discovered 
that the off-labeled use of diluted Veregen (10%  sinecatechins ointment) applied as a 
single ½ inch strand once daily was safe and effective in alleviating the pain from 
SPVD, as demonstrated in the off-labeled use of Veregen with patients in private 
practice as also seen with 5% sinecatechins ointment (see US Patent 9750716). The 
mechanism of action of Veregen for treating secondary provoked vestibulodynia (SPVD) 
is unknown but may be due to Veregen’s (sinecatechins, green tea extract) known 
action as an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory.  
The study medication and placebo have a red brown color and may therefore stain 
underwear. Subjects will be advised to wear panty liners every day that they apply the 
study medication in order to avoid staining of their underwear with the medication or 
placebo. 
 
 


7.Monitoring and Reporting of Adverse Events/Serious Adverse Events: During the 
study, if you experience any medical problems, suffer a research-related injury, or have 
questions, concerns or complaints about the study, please contact your clinical trial 
gynecologist.  If you seek emergency care, or hospitalization is required, alert the 
treating physician that you are participating in a research study being conducted by  
your clinical trial gynecologist.   
Monitoring of Adverse Events will be done by patients reporting any adverse event to 
their clinical trial gynecologist. No serious adverse events are expected. 
8. Study Oversight: In the unlikely event of the need to prematurely terminate this study 
of 10% , Dr. Nachtigall will be the one to decide to terminate the study. The study will be 
made available for monitoring, auditing, IRB review and regulatory inspection by 
providing direct access to study related source data. 
9. Data Management- Preliminary Power Analyses and Sample Size Estimates 
Power Analyses 
For Primary Outcome: Pain Score: 
Sample size was calculated to achieve at least 80% power with a significance level of 
0.05 using a two-tailed, two-sample t test. A sample size of 56 subjects (28 subjects in 
treatment group and 28 subjects in the placebo group) was estimated to achieve 80% 
power to detect at least 2.0-points mean difference between treatment and placebo 
groups. The Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials 
suggests that reductions in pain intensity of at least 15–20%, or 2 points in the 0–10 
scale, reflect clinically important changes (Dvorkin et al, Core Outcome Measures for 
Chronic Pain Clinical Trials:  
 
IMMPACT Recommendations Pain: 2005 Jan; 113 (1-2) pp: 9-19)). The pain 
classification on a 0-10 scale will be as follows: 0 no pain; 1-3 mild pain; 4-6 moderate 
pain; 7-9 significant pain; 10 severe pain. To compensate for possible withdrawal of 
15% of patients in the vulvodynia study, a total sample size of 64 participants (32 in the 
treatment group, 32 in the placebo group) will be required. 


The power analyses were based on previous research data on the effectiveness of the 
off label use of dilute Veregen (5% sinecatechins ointment) green tea extract (GTE) for 
the treatment of significant to severe vulvar pain (Patent US 2016/0271102 A1).   
Statistical Analyses 
Participants randomized to the dilute Veregen (10%   sinecatechins ointment) green tea 
extract (GTE) arm will be compared to those randomized to placebo arm on 
demographic, descriptive and clinical variables at baseline using chi-square analysis for 
categorical variables, Student t test and ANOVA test for parametric data and Mann-
Whitney U test for nonparametric data.  
 
The ordinal variables (scores from the FSFI, Sexual Distress Scale revised, and the 
Sexual Activity Log questionnaires) will be analyzed using ANOVA test. 
 
The nominal variables (binary categories from the Vulvovaginal Symptom 
Questionnaire, Erythema presence/absence and the Sexual Activities Log) will be 
analyzed using chi-square test. The p-values of less than 0.05 will be considered as 
statistically significant. These measures will be analyzed at the following assessment 
points (baseline, 2-week visit, 4-week visit, and 6-week follow-up).  
 
10. IRB Review/Ethics/Informed Consent: Please see attached Informed Consent 
Document submitted. 
IRB Review/Ethics/Informed Consent  
 
This study will be conducted in accordance with the ethical principles that have their 
origin in the Declaration of Helsinki and that are consistent with Good Clinical Practice 
and applicable regulatory requirements. The study will be conducted in accordance with 
the regulations of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as described 
in 21 CFR 50 and 56 [add 312 for IND studies or 812 for device studies], applicable 
laws and the IRB requirements.  
 
The Sponsor will submit any change to the protocol to the IRB for review and approval 
before implementation. A protocol change intended to eliminate an apparent immediate 
hazard to subjects will be implemented immediately provided the FDA and the reviewing 
IRB are notified within 10 working days.  


The investigator will provide each subject with full and adequate verbal and written 
information using the IRB approved informed consent document, including the objective 
and procedures of the study and the possible risks involved before inclusion in the 
study. Informed consent will be obtained prior to performing any study-related 
procedures, including screening and changes in medications including any washout of 
medications. A copy of the signed informed consent will be given to the study subject.  
 
11. Confidentiality: 
a) Records of the subject’s participation in this study will be held confidential except 
when sharing the information is required by law or as described in the informed 
consent.  The Investigator, the sponsor or persons working on behalf of the 
sponsor, and under certain circumstances, the United States Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) will be able to 
inspect and copy confidential study-related records which identify the subject by 
name.  This means that absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.  If the 
results of this study are published or presented at meetings, the subjects will not 
be identified. 
 
b) This study for which this IRB is submitted complies with all the requirements of 
the FDA under FDA regulation 21 CFR 312.2 to qualify for an IND exemption.  
 
c) The study will be made available for monitoring, auditing, IRB review and 
regulatory inspection by providing direct access to study related source data, 
medical records. 
 
d) All study-related records identifying the subject will be kept confidential and, to 
the extent permitted by applicable laws and/or regulations will not be made 
publicly available;  
 
e) If any results of the study are published; all subject’s identities will remain 
confidential. 
 
f) In order to ensure strict privacy and confidentiality, subjects will not be identified 
by their name or other individual identifying characteristics. Each and every 
subject will be identified by a unique numerical code on all subject related study 
records. 
 
 


12. Intended Use of the Data: Should the study confirm the efficacy of 10%  
sinecatechins ointment (diluted Veregen ®) in relieving or curing secondary provoked 
vestibulodynia in post-menopausal women without any significant effect on the 
maturation of the vaginal epithelium an excellent option will be available for women who 
suffer with this life altering condition.  It would be a therapeutic option for 
postmenopausal women especially who because of a past history of gynecologic 
malignancy would be unwilling or unable to use estrogens A paper may be formulated 
and presented for publication in the medical literature. 
The data is intended to test and therefore confirm the efficacy of local 10%  
sinecatechins ointment (Green Tea ointment) in the reduction or elimination of 
secondary provoked vestibulodynia with the added benefits of increasing lubrication and 
improving sexual function without demonstrable effects on the vaginal epithelium.