Patent Publication Number: US-11020448-B2

Title: Methods comprising desmopressin

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/143,866, filed Dec. 30, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/732,161 filed Mar. 25, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/469,801, filed May 21, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/055,120, filed May 21, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     Only recently has nocturia been recognized as a clinical entity in its own right as opposed to one of many symptoms comprising various lower urinary tract conditions. It is currently defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as the complaint that the individual has to wake up at night one or more times to void. This applies to any number of voids at any time during the night provided the person is awake before voiding. (1) In general, the term nocturia refers to urination at night, especially when excessive. It is also referred to as “nycturia.” 
     There are three broad categories of pathophysiology which account for nocturia: global polyuria; bladder storage problems; and nocturnal polyuria. (2) 
     Global polyuria is defined as urine output&gt;40 ml/kg body weight during a 24 hour period. Causes of polyuria include diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and primary thirst disorders. 
     Bladder storage problems are characterized by frequent voids with small urine volumes. Causes of bladder storage problems include detrusor over activity (neurogenic and non-neurogenic); bladder hypersensitivity; bladder outlet obstruction; primary bladder pathology such as cystitis, calculi and neoplasia; and urogenital aging. A pattern of frequent waking and voiding is also characteristic of a primary sleep disturbance which should be part of the differential diagnosis in the evaluation of a patient with nocturia. 
     Nocturnal polyuria is defined as the production of an abnormally large volume of urine during sleep. Healthy young adults from 21-35 years of age excrete approximately 14±4% of their total urine between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. whereas older people excrete an average of 34±15%. (3-4) The ICS currently defines nocturnal polyuria as a nocturnal urine volume greater than 20-30% of total 24 hour urine volume, depending on age and in the absence of polyuria. (5) 
     Nocturnal polyuria may be secondary to systemic conditions such as congestive heart failure, peripheral edema due to venous stasis or lymphostasis, renal or hepatic failure, lifestyle patterns such as excessive nighttime drinking, and obstructive sleep apnea. Several studies suggest that some individuals with nocturia may have a loss of the normal circadian rhythmicity of arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion. (6-12) AVP is the hormone primarily responsible for the regulation of urine production. In healthy adults, there is a diurnal release of AVP with peak blood concentrations occurring during the hours of sleep. (13) Blunting of the nocturnal phase of AVP secretion in subjects with nocturia would provide one plausible physiologic explanation for increased nocturnal urine production. However, not all patients with nocturia lack circadian AVP variation, and not all patients lacking circadian AVP variation have nocturia. (14) There are multiple physiologic changes in the mechanisms governing water and sodium regulation which can alter the diurnal rhythm of urine excretion. These include age-related declines in renal concentrating ability and plasma renin concentrations. (15) 
     Estimates of nocturia prevalence vary widely depending on the definition used, analytical method employed and population and region surveyed. (16-28) Despite these limitations, the literature strongly indicates that nocturia is a common and bothersome condition in males and females that increases in both prevalence and severity with age. 
     One recent large survey, involving more than 19,000 males and females age 18 and older in five countries (Canada, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and utilizing the ICS definition of nocturia (one or more times per night) showed that nocturia was the most prevalent lower urinary tract symptom—reported by 48.6% of men and 54.5% of women—and increased from 34-44% in individuals less than 39 years old to over 70% in those aged 60 years or more. Even with a higher threshold of two or more voids per night, the nocturia prevalence of 21-24% exceeded that of any other lower urinary tract symptom. (29) 
     Older adults often cite nocturia as one of the most bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. In a community-based survey of 423 men age 40 and older in the UK, 58 (14%) reported nocturia at least twice per night. And 67% of these reported that it was “at least a bit of a problem”—the second most bothersome symptom after frequency at least 9 times per day (92%), and more bothersome even than nocturnal incontinence (60%). (30) A community-based survey conducted in the USA including 720 subjects with nocturia showed that as little as one void per night was not only bothersome, but negatively affected health-related quality of life and sleep. For respondents with nocturia ≥2 times per night, the impact on health related quality of life was similar to that of type 2 diabetes and greater than that of hypertension. (31) 
     The most pernicious effect of nocturia is not excessive voiding per se, but its impact on sleep quality and subsequent daytime function as a consequence of sleep disruption. There is a well established relationship between nocturia and sleep quality. A community-based Dutch survey of 1485 people age 50 and older reported that 25.3% reported disturbed sleep maintenance, for which nocturia was the most frequent cause (67.5%). (32) 
     Asplund and Aberg investigated the relationship between sleep and nocturia in a sample of 3000 women and found that sleep deteriorated in association with increased nighttime voiding. Women with 3 or more voids per night reported four times more often that they lacked sleep and suffered from daytime sleepiness. (33) 
     Insufficient sleep and daytime fatigue have been linked with depression, mood alteration and diminished quality of life. (34-36) A community-based Swedish survey of 203 working individuals with nocturia and 80 randomly selected controls showed that the group with nocturia had significantly lower levels of vitality and utility and greater impairment of work and activity as a consequence of sleep deprivation. (37) 
     Nocturia is also associated with an increased incidence of falls during the nighttime hours. (38) Falls are a major health problem among older persons and are the leading cause of death from injuries in this age group. (39) In a study evaluating the risk of falls in ambulatory patients 65 years of age and older with nocturia, the odds ratio for falling increased from 1.46 for subjects with one nocturia event to 2.15 for subjects reporting more than three nocturia events per night. (40) 
     Vasopressin is the primary physiologic determinant of free water excretion. It increases the water permeability of the luminal membrane of the renal cortical and medullary collecting ducts thereby promoting free water reabsorption and reducing urine production. As nocturia is the clinical consequence of excess nocturnal urine production relative to bladder capacity, reduction of nocturnal urine volume should logically result in fewer nighttime voiding episodes. 
     Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring hormone 8-arginine vasopressin, with modifications including deamination of 1-cysteine and substitution of L-arginine at position 8 by D-arginine. Desmopressin exhibits a high and specific antidiuretic effect as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,497,491. The resulting molecule has an antidiuretic-to-vasopressor ratio 3000-fold greater than vasopressin and a longer duration of action. (41) 
     Due to the bothersome nature and varied symptoms associated with nocturia, further investigation of desmopressin was warranted. Those investigations examined the efficacy and safety of desmopressin in broad populations. The result was surprising gender, age, and dose effects of desmopressin. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to gender, age, and dose effects of desmopressin on reducing nocturnal voids, increasing an initial period of undisturbed sleep, and/or reducing nocturnal urine volume. 
     For example, the present disclosure provides a method for increasing an initial period of undisturbed sleep in a patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period increases the patient&#39;s initial period of undisturbed sleep. 
     In further embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing nocturnal urine volume in a patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal urine volume. 
     In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing nocturnal voids in a female patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg or 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids. 
     In other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for increasing an initial period of undisturbed sleep in a female patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg or 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period increases the patient&#39;s initial period of undisturbed sleep. 
     In yet further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing nocturnal urine volume in a female patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg or 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal urine volume. 
     Further for example, the present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing nocturnal voids in a female patient above 50 years of age in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg or 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids. 
     In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for increasing an initial period of undisturbed sleep in a female patient above 50 years of age in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg or 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period increases the patient&#39;s initial period of undisturbed sleep. 
     In yet further embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing nocturnal urine volume in a female patient above 50 years of age in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 10 μg or 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal urine volume. 
     In other useful embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing nocturnal voids in a female patient above 65 years of age in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids. 
     In further useful embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for increasing an initial period of undisturbed sleep in a female patient above 65 years of age in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period increases the patient&#39;s initial period of undisturbed sleep. 
     In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing nocturnal urine volume in a female patient above 65 years of age in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 25 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal urine volume. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing nocturnal urine volume in a male patient in need thereof comprising: measuring the patient&#39;s serum sodium level; administering to the patient, with a serum sodium level of at least 130 mmol/L, prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of 100 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin; measuring the patient&#39;s serum sodium level at a time interval after administration; continuing the administration of the dose of desmopressin with the patient having at least 130 mmol/L serum sodium level; wherein the dose administered over a treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal urine volume. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of treating nocturia by administering to a subject in need thereof a sublingual daily dose of about 10 μg, 25 μg, 50 μg, or 100 μg desmopressin (measured as the free base). The subject to be treated has an average of a least 0.5 fewer nocturnal urinary voids per night after 28 days of treatment with desmopressin. 
     In a further embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for reducing nocturnal voids in a patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin ranging from 25 μg to 100 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a minimum treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids compared to the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids before administration of the dose. 
     In still yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a method for improving a reduction in nocturnal voids in a patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin ranging from 25 μg to 100 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose taken over a minimum treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids compared to before administration and improves the reduction in nocturnal voids over the duration of the minimum treatment period. 
     In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a method for maintaining a reduction in nocturnal voids in a patient in need thereof comprising: administering to the patient prior to bedtime an orodispersible dose of desmopressin of ranging from 25 μg to 100 μg, wherein the dose is measured as the free base of desmopressin and the dose is taken over a minimum treatment period reduces the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids compared to the patient&#39;s nocturnal voids before administration of the dose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  graphically illustrates the weekly change from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids along with the corresponding p-values. 
         FIG. 2  graphically illustrates the mean observed and predicted change in nocturnal voids by gender and dose. 
         FIG. 3  graphically illustrates the decrease in total and nocturnal urine volume for the placebo, 10 μg, 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg groups. 
         FIG. 4  graphically illustrates the mean observed and predicted change in nocturnal urine by gender and dose. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Particular aspects of the disclosure are described in greater detail below. The terms and definitions as used in the present application and as clarified herein are intended to represent the meaning within the present disclosure. The patent and scientific literature referred to herein and referenced above are hereby incorporated by reference. The terms and definitions provided herein control, if in conflict with terms and/or definitions incorporated by reference. 
     Terms and Definitions 
     The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise. 
     The terms “approximately” and “about” mean to be nearly the same as a referenced number or value. As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” should be generally understood to encompass ±10% of a specified amount, frequency or value. With regard to specific values, it should be understood that specific values described herein for subject populations (e.g., the subject of the described clinical trial) represent median values, unless otherwise indicated as, e.g., mean values. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure requiring a particular value in a subject are substantially supported herein by population data in which the relevant value is assessed to be a meaningful delimitation of the subject population. 
     As used herein, the term “first sleep period” refers to the time elapsed from bedtime to either first void or morning arising. 
     The term “hyponatraemia” as used herein refers to a serum sodium value below the lower limit of the normal reference range, for example, a serum sodium level&lt;130 mmol/L. 
     The term “nocturnal enuresis” as used herein refers to a condition in which a person who has bladder control while awake urinates while asleep. 
     As used herein, the term “nocturnal polyuria” refers to an increased nocturnal output of urine. For example, a ratio of nighttime urine volume over the 24-hour urine volume to be equal to or greater than 33%. 
     As used herein, the term “nocturnal urine” refers to the total urine volume from 5 minutes after bedtime until rising in the morning, including the first void within 30 minutes of rising. 
     The term “nocturnal void” as used herein refers to a void occurring from 5 minutes after bedtime until rising in the morning with the intention of getting up. 
     The term “nocturia” refers to the complaint that an individual has to wake up at night one or more times to void. 
     The term “overactive bladder” as used herein refers to urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia. 
     The term “polydipsia” as used herein refers to excessive fluid consumption. 
     The term “urine osmolaity” as used herein refers to the concentration of electrolytes in urine. 
     The term “uroflometry” as used herein refers to a measurement of the rate of urine expelled from the bladder during bladder emptying. Flow rate is measured as mL/sec voided. 
     The terms “administer,” “administration” or “administering” as used herein refer to (1) providing, giving, dosing and/or prescribing by either a health practitioner or his authorized agent or under his direction desmopressin, and (2) putting into, taking or consuming by the patient or person himself or herself, desmopressin. 
     List of Abbreviations 
                                 Abbreviations   Meaning of abbreviations in document                  AE   Adverse Event       ITT   Intention-To-Treat       LOCF   Last-Observation-Carried-Forward       MED   Minimum Effective Dose       OC   Observed Cases       PP   Per Protocol       SD   Standard Deviation       SAE   Serious Adverse Event       NQoL   Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire       PSQI   Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index       SF   Short Form       μg   Microgram       WebEZ   Web Based Centralized Patient Randomization System                    
Melt Formulation
 
     Desmopressin Melt tablets contain desmopressin acetate in a freeze-dried presentation formulated with fish gelatin, mannitol and citric acid. The resulting oral lyophilisate disintegrates instantaneously in the mouth without the need for water. An orodispersible pharmaceutical dosage form of desmopressin with good bioavailability is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/513,437 (U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0232997 A1), the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. The Melt dosage form is preferably provided as a desmopressin acetate salt. The desmopressin dosage may be expressed as free base, even though the desmopressin is actually supplied as the acetate salt. Except where otherwise indicated, the doses utilized in the present methods correspond to desmopressin free base even though the dosage form is a desmopressin acetate. Therefore, the 100 μg dose of desmopressin described herein is 100 μg of desmopressin free base, which corresponds to a proportionately higher weight value of desmopressin acetate (approximately 112.4 μg of desmopressin acetate for a desmopressin Melt preparation that is 89% w/w of desmopressin free base and for which the balance of 11% w/w is acetate, water and impurities). Similarly, the 50 μg, 25 μg, and 10 μg dosages all represent the weights of desmopressin free base, with the corresponding weights of desmopressin acetate being proportionately higher. Accordingly, 0.1 mg of desmopressin acetate is equivalent to about 89 μg of desmopressin free base. 
     The relative bioavailability between the tablet and melt formulations was investigated in an open-label, randomized crossover study in which 28 healthy subjects were administered 240 μg melt and 0.4 mg tablet (given as 2×0.2 mg tablets) separated by seven days. AUC, C max , T max  and t 1/2  were similar, indicating that 0.1 mg tablet results in exposure similar to that of a 60 μg melt (equivalent to 67 μg of desmopressin acetate). 
     Example: Clinical Study 
     Objectives 
     The primary objectives of Part I of this study (28-day efficacy) were: (1) to demonstrate the superiority of one or more doses of the Melt formulation of desmopressin to placebo in reducing the mean number of nocturnal voids in a broad population of adult patients with nocturia after 28 days of treatment; (2) to demonstrate the superiority of one or more doses of the Melt formulation of desmopressin to placebo in the proportion of subjects with &gt;33% reduction from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids after 28 days of treatment; and (3) treatment safety. 
     The primary objectives of Part II of this study (extension study) were: (1) to demonstrate the durability of effect achieved in Part I of one or more doses of desmopressin Melt; and (2) treatment safety. 
     The secondary objective of both Parts I and II was: to compare the effect of several doses of desmopressin Melt to placebo o sleep disturbance and quality of life. 
     Overall Study Design 
     This was a 2-part (Parts I and II), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study to investigate the efficacy and safety of 4 doses of a fast-dissolving (“Melt”) formulation of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia in adults. All treatments were administered orally once per night approximately 1 hour prior to bedtime; subjects were instructed to limit their fluid intake prior to drug self-administration. In Part I, subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups: placebo or desmopressin Melt 10 μg, 25 μg, 50 μg, or 100 μg. Randomization was to be stratified by age (&lt;65, ≥65 years) and by the absence/presence of nocturnal polyuria, defined as a ratio of nighttime urine volume/24-hour urine volume≥33%. To achieve the desired number of subjects within each stratum, enrollment of subjects in a particular stratum (age and/or presence/absence of nocturnal polyuria) could be halted. If this was necessary, all investigative sites were to be informed in writing at least 1 week in advance to stop screening in a population of subjects. 
     A total of 750 subjects were planned to be enrolled, with approximately 150 subjects per treatment group. Part I of the study was conducted in 7 visits. Screening (Visit 1) occurred within 21 days of dosing (Day 1, Visit 2); subjects returned for follow-up visits on Days 4, 8, 15, 22, and 28 (end of Part I). Duration of treatment in Part I was 28 days. 
     Immediately upon completion of Part I of the study, all subjects on active treatment continued into Part II on the same treatment for approximately 1 to 6 months. Subjects assigned to placebo in Part I were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 active treatments in Part II. To ensure that the study remained fully blinded during the full extent of both Parts I and II, re-randomization of subjects assigned to placebo after 4 weeks of treatment was predetermined at the time of initial randomization. 
     Subjects began Part II at the Final Visit for Part I (Day 28) and returned for follow-up visits on Days 4, 8, 15, 29, and every 4 weeks thereafter until the database was locked for Part I and the treatment groups were unblinded. The total treatment duration for each subject depended on when that subject was randomized in Part I and was estimated to be a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. 
     Upon completion of Part II of the study, subjects were given the option to participate in an open-label study with expected total treatment duration (double-blind extension plus open-label study) of at least 12 months (i.e., Part III). In Part III, subjects were assigned to the same treatment as in Part II, initially in a blinded manner. Subjects were unblinded and the study became open label only when all subjects in Parts I and II remaining in the study had entered Part III. During Part III, 10 μg was identified as a sub-therapeutic dose based on efficacy data from Part I. As a consequence, patients in the 10 μg treatment group were re-randomized (beginning Q4 2008) to one of the other treatment groups (i.e., 25 μg, 50 μg, or 100 μg). The total treatment duration was at least 12 months. 
     A total of 508 patients entered the open-labeled extension (i.e., Part III). In total, 367 patients had ≥1 year of treatment. 
     Selection of Doses in Study 
     A previous clinical program investigating the efficacy and safety of a Tablet formulation of desmopressin for nocturia utilized doses of 100 μg, 200 μg, and 400 μg. All 3 doses demonstrated a clear effect on pharmacodynamic and clinical endpoints. Although the use of a dose-titration scheme limits the interpretation of dose response, doses higher than 100 μg offered only a marginal improvement in efficacy. 
     The dose relationship between the Tablet and Melt formulations was investigated in an open-label, randomized crossover study in which 28 healthy subjects were administered 240 μg Melt and 400 μg Tablet (given as 2×200 μg Tablets) separated by 7 days. AUC, C max , T max , and t 1/2  were similar, indicating that 100 μg Tablet provides an exposure similar to that of 60 μg Melt. 
     The present study investigated dose levels substantially lower than those used in the Tablet study. While there are no data with the Melt formulation in the target population to guide dose selection for doses below 100 μg tablet/60 μg Melt, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies have been conducted in water-loaded healthy subjects and water-loaded children 6 to 12 years of age with nocturnal enuresis. Based on data from these 2 studies, a model simulating PK and PD has been developed. If antidiuretic activity is defined in terms of duration of urine osmolality greater than 200 mOsm/kg, the model indicates that a dose of 10 μg Melt may potentially be subtherapeutic and doses of 25 μg to 100 μg should provide 2.75 to 8.5 hours of antidiuretic activity. 
     Selection of Study Population: Inclusion Criteria 
     Subjects who met the following inclusion criteria were eligible for the study: provided written informed consent prior to the performance of any study-related activity, defined as any procedure that would not have been performed during the normal management of the subject; and was a male or female subject, 18 years of age and older, with an average of nocturnal voids per night determined via a 3-day frequency-volume chart during the screening period 
     Exclusion Criteria 
     The presence of any of the following excluded a subject from study enrollment: 
     Genitourinary Tract Conditions 
     Males: 
     Clinical suspicion of bladder outlet obstruction and/or urine flow &lt;5 mL/sec. If medical history and/or physical examination suggested bladder outlet obstruction, uroflowmetry was to be performed to confirm the diagnosis. 
     Surgical treatment, including transurethral ablative treatments, for bladder outlet obstruction/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) performed within the past 6 months. 
     Females: 
     Pregnancy; females of reproductive age were to document they were using a reliable method of contraception. 
     Use of pessary for pelvic prolapse. 
     Presence of unexplained pelvic mass. 
     Males and Females: 
     Clinical suspicion of urinary retention and/or post-void residual volume&gt;150 mL; if medical history and/or physical examination suggested urinary retention, bladder ultrasound or catheterization was to be performed to confirm the diagnosis. 
     Current or past urologic malignancies (e.g., bladder cancer, prostate cancer). 
     Clinical evidence of current genitourinary tract pathology that could interfere with voiding. 
     History of neurogenic detrusor activity (previously known as detrusor hyperreflexia). 
     Systemic Medical Conditions 
     Suspicion or evidence of cardiac failure. 
     Uncontrolled hypertension. 
     Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. 
     Renal insufficiency; serum creatinine was to be within normal limits and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was to be 60 mL/min. 
     Hepatic and/or biliary disease; aspartate transaminase (AST) and/or alanine transaminase (ALT) were not to be &gt;2×upper limit of normal (ULN) and total bilirubin was not to be &gt;1.5 mg/dL. 
     Hyponatraemia; serum sodium level was to be within normal limits as defined by the Sponsor and central laboratory. 
     Diabetes insipidus (urine output&gt;40 mL/kg over 24 hours). 
     Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). 
     Psychogenic or habitual polydipsia. 
     Obstructive sleep apnea requiring therapy. 
     Other 
     Known alcohol or substance abuse. 
     Work or lifestyle that potentially interfered with regular nighttime sleep (e.g., shift workers). 
     Previous desmopressin treatment for nocturia. 
     Any other medical condition, laboratory abnormality, psychiatric condition, mental incapacity, or language barrier that, in the judgment of the Investigator, rendered the subject unsuitable for a clinical trial or impaired subject participation in the study. 
     Use of loop diuretics (furosemide, torsemide, ethacrynic acid). Other classes of diuretics (thiazides, triamterene, chlorthalidone, amiloride, indapamide) were permitted, either as monotherapy or combination therapy. Subjects using a diuretic were to be encouraged to take it in the morning, if medically feasible. 
     Use of any other investigational drug within 30 days of screening. 
     Discontinuation Criteria 
     Any subject with a serum sodium value of 125 mmol/L or less at any point during the study was to be withdrawn immediately and further evaluated and treated as necessary. 
     Subjects had the right to withdraw from the study at any time for any reason without providing justification. However, the Investigator was to take appropriate steps to ensure that withdrawal was accomplished in a safe manner. A subject could also be discontinued at the discretion of the Investigator or Sponsor because of safety concerns or if judged noncompliant with the study procedures to an extent that could affect the study results. The Investigator and the Sponsor were to agree on subject discontinuation prior to withdrawal, and unnecessary withdrawal of subjects was to be avoided. 
     Subjects discontinued from the study were to be scheduled for an End-of-Study (EoS) assessment as soon as possible after the decision to withdraw the subject had been made. For any discontinuation, the Investigator was to obtain all the required data and document the date of the premature withdrawal and the main reason in the electronic case report form (eCRF). If the reason for withdrawal was an adverse event (AE), the specific event or laboratory abnormality was to be recorded in the eCRF. The Investigator was to make a thorough effort to document the outcome. Discontinued subjects were not replaced. 
     Treatments Administered 
     Study drug was administered as an orally disintegrating tablet of desmopressin (desmopressin Melt) or placebo. 
     Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 fixed-dose treatment groups in Part I: placebo or desmopressin Melt 10 μg, 25 μg, 50 μg, or 100 μg. All treatments were administered orally once per night approximately 1 hour prior to bedtime. Subjects were instructed to place the tablet under their tongue, without water. Subjects were provided with sufficient study drug for the duration of Part I. 
     Study Endpoints 
     The primary endpoints for efficacy assessment were: (1) change in mean number of nocturnal voids from baseline evaluation to final visit (Day 28); and (2) proportion of subjects with &gt;33% reduction in the mean number of nocturnal voids from baseline to final visit (Day 28). A further description and corresponding data directed to the second primary endpoint (i.e., portion of subjects with &gt;33% reduction in the mean number of nocturnal voids) are not provided herein. 
     The secondary efficacy endpoints were: (1) durability of effect achieved in Part I; (2) change in initial period of undisturbed sleep, defined as the elapsed time in minutes from going to bed with the intention of sleeping to the time of awakening for the first nocturnal void; and (3) change in duration of total sleep time. Additional secondary endpoints were collected, e.g., change in nocturia-specific quality of life as assessed by scores on the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Noctuira and the Noctuira Quality of Life Questionnaire, change in quality of sleep as assessed by the global score of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and change in overall quality of life as assessed by the short form-12v2. A description of the additional secondary efficacy endpoints and their accompanying data are not provided herein. 
     Changes in urine volume from baseline to the end of Day 28 were also assessed and included herein. 
     Flow Chart 
     A study flow chart, showing study assessments and procedures conducted at each study visit, are presented in Table 1 for Part I. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Study flow chart for Part I. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Visit 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 (screening) 1 
                 (randomization) 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 (EoS) a   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 ≤21 days of Visit 2 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Week 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 Procedure 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 1 
                 4 
                 8 
                 15 ± 3 
                 22 ± 3 
                 28 ± 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Informed consent 
                     X b   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Inclusion/exclusion criteria 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Login to WebEZ for Subject ID 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 number 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Demographic/medical history 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Body weight 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 Height 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Physical examination 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 Vital signs (BP, pulse) 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                 Concomitant medications 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                 Labs: chemistry (including serum 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 sodium), hematology, urinalysis 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Urine osmolality c  (exploratory) 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Urine pregnancy test 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 Uroflometry (males only) d   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Assess post void residual  
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 volume d   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Dispense sleep/voiding diary 
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
               
               
                 (3 days) e   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Actigraphy f   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
                   
               
               
                 Adverse events 
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                 Review voiding and/or sleep  
                   
                 X 
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                 diary 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Nocturia questionnaires: ICIQ-N, 
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 PSQI, NQoL, SF-12v2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Randomization via WebEZ 
                   
                 X 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Dispense voiding diary (3 days) e   
                   
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Serum sodium 
                   
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                   
               
               
                 Study drug accountability 
                   
                   
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                 Dispense study drug for Part II  
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 X 
               
               
                 (kit number assigned via WebEZ) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 EoS = End of Study; 
               
               
                 WebEZ = web-based centralized patient randomization system; 
               
               
                 BP = blood pressure; 
               
               
                 ICIQ-N = International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire − Nocturia; 
               
               
                 PSQI = Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; 
               
               
                 NQoL = Nocturia Quality of Life; 
               
               
                 SF-12v2 = Short Form-12, version 2 
               
               
                   a Discontinued subjects were to complete an End-of-Study Visit as soon as possible after study discontinuation. 
               
               
                   b Written informed consent was to be obtained prior to any study-related procedures. 
               
               
                   c Collection of first night-time urine void prior to randomization visit. 
               
               
                   d Uroflometry was collected in males only if there was suspicion of obstruction; post residual urine volume was measured using an ultrasound only if there was clinical suspicion of urinary retention. 
               
               
                   e Voiding diaries were completed for 3 consecutive 24-hour cycles; diaries for Weeks 1, 2, and 3 only required the “wake time” of the night-time void. 
               
               
                   f Actigraphy was used in a subset of subjects (at 6 study sites). 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Disposition of Subjects 
     A total of 1412 subjects were screened for Part I of the study; 613 subjects were screening failures and 799 subjects were randomized to treatment. The most common recorded reasons for screening failure were renal insufficiency (15%) and not averaging ≥2 nocturnal voids over the 3-day screening period (10%). A total of 710 (89%) subjects completed Part I of the study and 89 (11%) subjects prematurely discontinued. Across treatment groups, 6% to 16% of subjects prematurely discontinued. The most common reasons for discontinuation overall were withdrawal of consent (4%), adverse event (2%), and lost to follow-up (2%). 
     Data Sets Analyzed 
     Of the 799 randomized subjects in Part I, 757 subjects who received at least 1 dose of study drug and had follow-up data were included in the intent to treat (ITT) analysis dataset. Overall, 10% of ITT subjects had a major protocol violation and were excluded from the per-protocol (PP) analysis dataset. Of the 682 PP subjects, 10% did not have both screening and final visit data on number of nocturnal voids and were excluded from the observed cases (OC) analysis dataset. All 799 randomized subjects received at least 1 dose of study drug (desmopressin or placebo) and had at least 1 safety assessment and, therefore, were included in the safety analysis dataset. 
     Primary Efficacy Endpoint 
     Number of Nocturnal Voids 
     The mean number of nocturnal voids decreased from baseline to Day 28 in all treatment groups, with greater decreases observed with increasing dose of desmopressin. The reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids, compared to placebo, was statistically significant for the 100 μg (p&lt;0.0001) and 50 μg (p=0.0207) groups. 
     The trend of greater decreases in mean number of nocturnal voids with increasing dose of desmopressin was evident in subjects stratified by age (&lt;65 years, 65 years) and in subjects with nocturnal polyuria. Too few subjects (13 to 18 subjects per treatment group) did not have nocturnal polyuria to make meaningful comparisons. The reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids, compared to placebo, was statistically significant for the 100 μg group for all 4 stratification factors and for the 50 μg group for subjects with nocturnal polyuria. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit in the number of nocturnal voids is presented for all groups (ITT population) in Table 2. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal voids 
               
               
                 (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all groups. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Placebo 
                 156 
                 −0.86 
                 1.05 
                 0.08 
                 −4.00 
                 −0.83 
                 1.67 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 155 
                 −0.83 
                 1.07 
                 0.09 
                 −4.33 
                 −0.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 152 
                 −1.00 
                 1.13 
                 0.09 
                 −3.67 
                 −1.00 
                 2.33 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 148 
                 −1.18 
                 1.19 
                 0.10 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 146 
                 −1.43 
                 1.22 
                 0.10 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.33 
                 4.33 
               
               
                 Total 
                 757 
                 −1.05 
                 1.15 
                 0.04 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 4.33 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Mean decreases in the number of nocturnal voids were observed by Day 8, with a trend for greater decreases with increasing desmopressin doses; these findings continued at Day 15 and Day 22. Notably, compared to placebo, statistically significant differences were observed for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg doses on Day 8 and Day 15 of treatment, with significant differences for the 2 higher doses also on Day 22 and Day 28. Weekly change from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids, along with p-values for each desmopressin Melt dose compared to placebo, is displayed in  FIG. 1 . 
     Among females, the reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids, compared to placebo, was statistically significant for the 100 μg (p&lt;0.0001), 50 μg (p=0.0091), and 25 μg (p=0.0200) groups. Thus, among females, efficacy was demonstrated for the primary endpoint of nocturnal voids for all but the lowest dose of desmopressin. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit in the number of nocturnal voids is presented for all females, females over 50 years of age, and females over 65 years of age (ITT population) in Tables 3, 4 and 5. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal voids 
               
               
                 (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all females. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Placebo 
                  66 
                 −0.88 
                 1.01 
                 0.12 
                 −3.33 
                 −0.67 
                 1.00 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                  73 
                 −1.15 
                 1.07 
                 0.13 
                 −4.33 
                 −1.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                  65 
                 −1.22 
                 1.06 
                 0.13 
                 −3.33 
                 −1.33 
                 1.00 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                  71 
                 −1.23 
                 1.06 
                 0.13 
                 −4.00 
                 −1.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                  66 
                 −1.51 
                 1.14 
                 0.14 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.33 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 Total 
                 341 
                 −1.20 
                 1.08 
                 0.06 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant for the 10 μg group but statistically significant for the 25 μg group, there was a decrease observed in the median number of nocturnal voids identified in Table 3 for all females. For example, the 10 μg and 25 μg groups exhibited at least 1.0 fewer nocturnal urinary voids per night on desmopression treatment compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only 0.67 fewer nocturnal urinary voids per night compared to baseline. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal voids 
               
               
                 (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for females over 50 years of age. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Placebo 
                  45 
                 −0.74 
                 0.93 
                 0.14 
                 −2.67 
                 −0.67 
                 1.00 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                  51 
                 −1.08 
                 1.04 
                 0.15 
                 −4.33 
                 −1.00 
                 0.33 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                  49 
                 −1.35 
                 1.04 
                 0.15 
                 −3.33 
                 −1.33 
                 1.00 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                  55 
                 −1.15 
                 1.13 
                 0.15 
                 −4.00 
                 −1.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                  48 
                 −1.44 
                 1.24 
                 0.18 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.33 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 Total 
                 248 
                 −1.16 
                 1.10 
                 0.07 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant for the 10 μg group but statistically significant for the 25 μg group, there was a decrease observed in the median number of nocturnal voids identified in Table 4 for females over 50 years of age. For example, the 10 μg and 25 μg groups exhibited at least 1.0 fewer nocturnal urinary voids per night on desmopression treatment compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only 0.67 fewer nocturnal urinary voids per night compared to baseline. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal voids 
               
               
                 (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for females over 65 years of age. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Placebo 
                  21 
                 −0.51 
                 0.73 
                 0.16 
                 −2.33 
                 −0.33 
                 0.67 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                  25 
                 −0.93 
                 1.07 
                 0.21 
                 −4.33 
                 −0.67 
                 0.33 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                  22 
                 −1.27 
                 0.99 
                 0.21 
                 −2.67 
                 −1.67 
                 1.00 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                  20 
                 −0.97 
                 0.95 
                 0.21 
                 −2.33 
                 −1.00 
                 1.33 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                  25 
                 −1.00 
                 1.18 
                 0.24 
                 −3.00 
                 −1.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 Total 
                 113 
                 −0.94 
                 1.02 
                 0.10 
                 −4.33 
                 −1.00 
                 1.33 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Similarly to the other female groups, there was a decrease observed in the median number of nocturnal voids identified in Table 5 for females over 65 years of age at the 25 μg group. For example, the 25 μg group exhibited at least 1.67 fewer nocturnal urinary voids per night on desmopressin treatment compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only 0.33 fewer nocturnal urinary voids per night compared to baseline. 
     Among males, statistically significant differences from placebo were observed for the 100 μg group in the reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids (p=0.0049). 
     A summary of the changes from baseline to the final visit in the number of nocturnal voids is presented for all males and all males with monitoring (ITT population) in Tables 6 and 7. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all males. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 90 
                 −0.84 
                 1.09 
                 0.12 
                 −4.00 
                 −1.00 
                 1.67 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 82 
                 −0.54 
                 0.99 
                 0.11 
                 −3.00 
                 −0.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 87 
                 −0.83 
                 1.15 
                 0.12 
                 −3.67 
                 −0.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 77 
                 −1.13 
                 1.30 
                 0.15 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 1.33 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 80 
                 −1.38 
                 1.28 
                 0.14 
                 −4.33 
                 −1.33 
                 4.33 
               
               
                 Total 
                 416 
                 −0.94 
                 1.19 
                 0.06 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 4.33 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal voids 
               
               
                 (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all males with monitoring. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 74 
                 −0.88 
                 1.15 
                 0.13 
                 −4.00 
                 −1.00 
                 1.67 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 66 
                 −0.66 
                 0.97 
                 0.12 
                 −3.00 
                 −0.67 
                 1.33 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 72 
                 −0.91 
                 1.16 
                 0.14 
                 −3.67 
                 −0.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 52 
                 −1.09 
                 1.26 
                 0.17 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 1.33 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 60 
                 −1.41 
                 1.35 
                 0.17 
                 −4.33 
                 −1.67 
                 4.33 
               
               
                 Total 
                 324 
                 −0.97 
                 1.19 
                 0.07 
                 −5.00 
                 −1.00 
                 4.33 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The differences among males and females in the change in number of nocturnal voids is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 2 , the mean observed (full line) and predicted (broken line) change in number of voids by gender and dose demonstrate that the 10 μg and 25 μg groups for females exhibit a larger decrease in nocturnal voids compared to the 10 μg and 25 μg groups for males. The side-by-side comparison in  FIG. 2  highlights the gender and dose differences without the requirement of statistical significance. 
     Based on these gender differences, the minimum effective dose (MED) for females is 25 μg and the MED for males is 100 μg. 
     Long Term Data—Nocturnal Voids 
     At one year (Part III), the mean decrease in nocturnal voids per night was 1.4, 1.77, and 2.11 (for 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg, respectively) based on all eligible subjects. The mean decreases in nocturnal voids demonstrate that the decrease observed for the respective concentrations at Day 28 (i.e., Part I) are maintained over a longer treatment period (e.g., 52 weeks) and in some instances, are be even improved. A summary of the changes from baseline is presented for all eligible subjects. With respect to this particular data for Part III, “all eligible subjects” means those subjects that continued through Parts I, II, and III of the study on the same dose (i.e., re-randomized placebo subjects have been excluded) and completed the 1 year diary. 
     Applicants note that statistical significance cannot be demonstrated for the Part III data on nocturnal voids, as the placebo group was not maintained for Part III. However, based on the data below, the additional decreases in the number of voids can be characterized as clinically significant. As used here, “clinically significant” means a minimum worthwhile effect. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to day 28 and to week 52 in the number of nocturnal voids is present for all eligible groups in Tables A, B, and C for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg doses of desmopressin. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE A 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids for all eligible subjects at the 25 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 86 
                 3.24 
                 1.27 
                 2.00 
                 8.67 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 86 
                 −0.98 
                 1.15 
                 −3.33 
                 2.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 67 
                 −1.16 
                 1.13 
                 −3.33 
                 2.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 57 
                 −1.29 
                 1.14 
                 −3.00 
                 1.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 42 
                 −1.48 
                 1.05 
                 −3.67 
                 1.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 67 
                 −1.44 
                 1.20 
                 −4.33 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 86 
                 −1.41 
                 1.26 
                 −4.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE B 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline for 
               
               
                 all eligible subjects at the 50 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 76 
                 3.42 
                 1.08 
                 2.00 
                 7.00 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 76 
                 −1.22 
                 1.20 
                 −5.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 58 
                 −1.44 
                 1.05 
                 −4.00 
                 1.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 51 
                 −1.44 
                 1.09 
                 −3.67 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 48 
                 −1.80 
                 1.12 
                 −4.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 44 
                 −1.55 
                 1.21 
                 −5.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 76 
                 −1.80 
                 1.31 
                 −6.67 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE C 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline for 
               
               
                 all eligible subjects at the 100 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 73 
                 3.30 
                 1.11 
                 2.00 
                 7.00 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 73 
                 −1.406 
                 1.26 
                 −5.00 
                 4.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 62 
                 −1.61 
                 1.11 
                 −5.00 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 46 
                 −1.83 
                 1.12 
                 −5.00 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 43 
                 −1.95 
                 1.12 
                 −5.33 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 47 
                 −1.83 
                 0.86 
                 −4.67 
                 −0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 73 
                 −2.11 
                 1.14 
                 −6.33 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, the change from baseline to Week 52 in comparison to the change of baseline to day 28 demonstrates that for all eligible subjects, the decrease in frequency of nocturnal voids can be maintained and/or improved over a longer treatment period in a clinically significant manner. 
     Among females, the reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids from baseline to week 52 maintained or improved, particularly at the 25 μg dose. A summary of changes from baseline to week 52 in the number of nocturnal voids is presented for all females in Tables D-F for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg doses of desmopressin. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE D 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline for 
               
               
                 all eligible female subjects at the 25 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 38 
                 3.23 
                 1.31 
                 2.00 
                 8.67 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 38 
                 −1.26 
                 1.06 
                 −3.33 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 32 
                 −1.51 
                 0.83 
                 −3.00 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 29 
                 −1.66 
                 0.98 
                 −3.00 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 22 
                 −1.68 
                 0.96 
                 −3.00 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 27 
                 −1.86 
                 1.18 
                 −4.33 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 38 
                 −1.75 
                 1.16 
                 −4.67 
                 2.00 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE E 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal voids 
               
               
                 for all eligible female subjects at the 50 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 31 
                 3.17 
                 0.70 
                 2.00 
                 4.67 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 31 
                 −1.30 
                 1.16 
                 −4.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 26 
                 −1.60 
                 1.045 
                 −4.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 23 
                 −1.62 
                 1.072 
                 −3.33 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 18 
                 −1.93 
                 1.11 
                 −3.67 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 19 
                 −1.89 
                 0.88 
                 −3.33 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 31 
                 −1.95 
                 0.77 
                 −3.67 
                 −0.33 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE F 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal voids 
               
               
                 for all eligible female subjects at the 100 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 37 
                 3.08 
                 1.12 
                 2.00 
                 7.00 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 37 
                 −1.50 
                 1.22 
                 −5.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 32 
                 −1.69 
                 1.27 
                 −5.00 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 27 
                 −1.79 
                 1.23 
                 −5.00 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 22 
                 −1.98 
                 1.29 
                 −5.33 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 26 
                 −1.75 
                 1.01 
                 −4.67 
                 −0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 37 
                 −2.11 
                 1.35 
                 −6.33 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Among males, decreases in mean nocturnal voids from baseline to week 52 were observed. A summary of the changes from baseline to week 52 is presented for all eligible male subjects in Tables G-I. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE G 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids for all eligible male subjects at the 25 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 48 
                 3.26 
                 1.24 
                 2.00 
                 6.33 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 48 
                 −0.76 
                 1.18 
                 −2.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 35 
                 −0.84 
                 1.27 
                 −3.33 
                 2.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 28 
                 −0.90 
                 1.19 
                 −2.67 
                 1.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 20 
                 −1.25 
                 1.13 
                 −3.67 
                 1.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 40 
                 −1.15 
                 1.13 
                 −3.67 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 48 
                 −1.13 
                 1.28 
                 −4.33 
                 2.33 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE H 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids for all eligible male subjects at the 50 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 45 
                 3.59 
                 1.25 
                 2.00 
                 7.00 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 45 
                 −1.16 
                 1.23 
                 −5.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 32 
                 −1.31 
                 1.04 
                 −3.67 
                 1.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 28 
                 −1.30 
                 1.11 
                 −3.67 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 30 
                 −1.73 
                 1.13 
                 −4.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 25 
                 −1.28 
                 1.37 
                 −5.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 45 
                 −1.69 
                 1.58 
                 −6.67 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE I 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids for all eligible male subjects at the 100 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Min 
                 Max 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Day 0 
                 36 
                 3.53 
                 1.07 
                 2.00 
                 6.00 
               
               
                   
                 Day 28 
                 36 
                 −1.31 
                 1.31 
                 −3.67 
                 4.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 8 
                 30 
                 −1.52 
                 0.90 
                 −3.00 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
                 Week 12 
                 19 
                 −1.89 
                 0.96 
                 −3.33 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 20 
                 21 
                 −1.92 
                 0.93 
                 −3.33 
                 −0.33 
               
               
                   
                 Week 28 
                 21 
                 −1.92 
                 0.64 
                 −3.500 
                 −1.00 
               
               
                   
                 Week 52 
                 36 
                 −2.12 
                 0.89 
                 −4.00 
                 −0.33 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                   
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                   
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                   
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Tables J-L summarize the data for all subjects with or without an assessment at week 52. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE J 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids for all subjects at the 25 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Minimum 
                 Maximum 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Day 0 
                 158 
                 3.38 
                 1.35 
                 2.00 
                 8.67 
               
               
                 Day 28 
                 158 
                 −0.96 
                 1.12 
                 −3.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                 Week 
                 100 
                 −1.31 
                 1.16 
                 −4.67 
                 2.67 
               
               
                 Week 12 
                 85 
                 −1.42 
                 1.23 
                 −5.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 Week 20 
                 60 
                 −1.61 
                 1.16 
                 −6.00 
                 1.67 
               
               
                 Week 28 
                 87 
                 −1.39 
                 1.14 
                 −4.33 
                 1.33 
               
               
                 Week 52 
                 86 
                 −1.41 
                 1.26 
                 −4.67 
                 2.33 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE K 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids for all subjects at the 50 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Minimum 
                 Maximum 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Day 0 
                 157 
                 3.39 
                 1.05 
                 2.00 
                 7.33 
               
               
                 Day 
                 157 
                 −1.10 
                 1.19 
                 −5.00 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 Week 
                 92 
                 −1.43 
                 1.28 
                 −6.33 
                 2.33 
               
               
                 Week 12 
                 77 
                 −1.51 
                 1.16 
                 −4.00 
                 1.33 
               
               
                 Week 20 
                 64 
                 −1.71 
                 1.16 
                 −4.00 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 Week 28 
                 61 
                 −1.55 
                 1.28 
                 −5.00 
                 1.67 
               
               
                 Week 52 
                 76 
                 −1.80 
                 1.31 
                 −6.67 
                 0.33 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE L 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Baseline at day 0 and changes from baseline of nocturnal 
               
               
                 voids for all subjects at the 100 μg dosage. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 n 
                 Mean 
                 Std Dev 
                 Minimum 
                 Maximum 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Day 0 
                 160 
                 3.22 
                 1.06 
                 2.00 
                 7.33 
               
               
                 Day 28 
                 160 
                 −1.31 
                 1.23 
                 −5.00 
                 4.33 
               
               
                 Week 8 
                 104 
                 −1.47 
                 1.08 
                 −5.00 
                 0.67 
               
               
                 Week 12 
                 81 
                 −1.73 
                 1.04 
                 −5.00 
                 0.33 
               
               
                 Week 20 
                 64 
                 −1.86 
                 1.08 
                 −5.33 
                 0 
               
               
                 Week 
                 61 
                 −1.80 
                 0.90 
                 −4.67 
                 0.67 
               
               
                 Week 52 
                 73 
                 −2.11 
                 1.14 
                 −6.33 
                 0.67 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Secondary Efficacy Endpoints 
     The secondary efficacy variables were changes from baseline in duration of initial period of undisturbed sleep, duration of total sleep time, and changes in nocturnal urine volume. As noted, the additional secondary efficacy variables data collected (i.e., global (overall) scores of the NQoL, PSQI, and SF-12v2, and scores of the ICIQ-N) are not presented herein. 
     Duration of Initial Period of Undisturbed Sleep 
     The most pernicious effect of nocturia is not excessive voiding per se, but its impact on sleep quality and subsequent daytime function as a consequence of sleep disruption. The duration of the initial period of undisturbed sleep increased from baseline to Day 28 in all treatment groups, with greater increases observed with increasing dose of desmopressin. Mean increases in initial sleep duration were 83, 85, and 107 minutes in the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg groups, respectively. Subjects treated with 25 μg and 50 μg desmopressin had a median increase in their initial period of sleep of approximately 1 hour while subjects treated with the 100 μg dose had a median increase in initial sleep duration of approximately 1½ hours. The 95% confidence intervals for the mean difference from placebo in change from baseline did not include zero for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg groups, indicating statistically significant treatment group differences. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit in initial period of undisturbed sleep is presented for all groups (ITT population) in Table 8. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in duration of initial 
               
               
                 period of undisturbed sleep (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all groups. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 126 
                 39 
                 89 
                 8 
                 −273 
                 42 
                 386 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 126 
                 51 
                 111 
                 10 
                 −317 
                 51 
                 457 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 121 
                 83 
                 106 
                 10 
                 −104 
                 62 
                 413 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 123 
                 85 
                 109 
                 10 
                 −233 
                 63 
                 453 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 121 
                 107 
                 116 
                 11 
                 −166 
                 96 
                 399 
               
               
                 Total 
                 617 
                 72 
                 109 
                 4 
                 −317 
                 60 
                 457 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, an increase in the initial period of undisturbed sleep is evident for the 10 μg group as compared to placebo based on median values identified in Table 8 for all groups. For example, the 10 μg group exhibited a median increase of 51 minutes compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only a median increase of 42 minutes compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 5% range from the median increase for the 10 μg group, increases in an initial period of undisturbed sleep range from 48 minutes to 54 minutes compared to baseline before treatment. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit in initial period of undisturbed sleep is presented for all females, females over 50 years of age, and females over 65 years of age (ITT population) in Tables 9, 10 and 11. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) 
               
               
                 in duration of initial period of undisturbed sleep  
               
               
                 (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all females. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 49 
                 37 
                 94 
                 13 
                 −168 
                 12 
                 386 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 60 
                 54 
                 117 
                 15 
                 −317 
                 46 
                 457 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 51 
                 113 
                 118 
                 17 
                 −70 
                 95 
                 413 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 61 
                 98 
                 125 
                 16 
                 −233 
                 70 
                 453 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 57 
                 114 
                 130 
                 17 
                 −166 
                 93 
                 399 
               
               
                 Total 
                 278 
                 84 
                 121 
                 7 
                 −317 
                 63 
                 457 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, an increase in the initial period of undisturbed sleep is evident for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups as compared to placebo based on median values identified in Table 9 for all female patients. For example, the 10 μg group exhibited a median increase of 46 minutes and the 25 μg group exhibited a median increase of 95 minutes compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only a median increase of 12 minutes compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median increase for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups, increases in an initial period of undisturbed sleep ranges from 37 minutes to 114 minutes, such as from 37 minutes to 55 minutes for the 10 μg group and from 76 minutes to 114 minutes for the 25 μg group compared to baseline for all females. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in duration of 
               
               
                 initial period of undisturbed sleep (ITT analysis dataset in 
               
               
                 Part I) for females over 50 years of age 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 38 
                 25 
                 77 
                 13 
                 −168 
                 11 
                 168 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 40 
                 33 
                 112 
                 18 
                 −317 
                 27 
                 293 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 39 
                 122 
                 123 
                 20 
                 −70 
                 96 
                 413 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 48 
                 83 
                 126 
                 18 
                 −233 
                 63 
                 453 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 42 
                 108 
                 129 
                 20 
                 −166 
                 89 
                 330 
               
               
                 Total 
                 207 
                 75 
                 121 
                 8 
                 −317 
                 54 
                 453 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, an increase in the initial period of undisturbed sleep is evident for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups as compared to placebo based on median values identified in Table 10 for female patients over 50 years of age. For example, the 10 μg group exhibited a median increase of 27 minutes and the 25 μg group exhibited a median increase of 96 minutes compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only a median increase of 11 minutes compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median increase for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups, increases in an initial period of undisturbed sleep ranges from 22 minutes to 115 minutes, such as from 22 minutes to 32 minutes for the 10 μg group and from 77 minutes to 115 minutes for the 25 μg group, compared to baseline before treatment for females over 50 years of age. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in duration of 
               
               
                 initial period of undisturbed sleep (ITT analysis dataset in 
               
               
                 Part I) for females over 65 years of age. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 19 
                 50 
                 60 
                 14 
                 −50 
                 52 
                 168 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 18 
                 18 
                 125 
                 29 
                 −317 
                 46 
                 243 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 15 
                 131 
                 126 
                 32 
                 −70 
                 113 
                 413 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 19 
                 42 
                 131 
                 30 
                 −233 
                 30 
                 288 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 21 
                 81 
                 119 
                 26 
                 −118 
                 70 
                 275 
               
               
                 Total 
                 92 
                 62 
                 118 
                 12 
                 −317 
                 53 
                 413 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, an increase in the initial period of undisturbed sleep is evident for the 25 μg group as compared to placebo based on median values identified in Table 11 for female patients over 65 years of age. For example, the 25 μg group exhibited a median increase of 113 minutes compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only a median increase of 52 minutes compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median increase for the 25 μg group, increases in an initial period of undisturbed sleep range from 90 minutes to 136 minutes, such as from 102 minutes to 124 minutes, compared to baseline before treatment for females over 65 years of age. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit in initial period of undisturbed sleep is presented for all males and all males with monitoring (ITT population) in Tables 12 and 13. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in 
               
               
                 duration of initial period of undisturbed sleep 
               
               
                 (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all males 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 77 
                 40 
                 86 
                 10 
                 −273 
                 47 
                 285 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 66 
                 48 
                 107 
                 13 
                 −158 
                 56 
                 370 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 70 
                 61 
                 90 
                 11 
                 −104 
                 55 
                 259 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 62 
                 72 
                 90 
                 11 
                 −165 
                 55 
                 292 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 64 
                 100 
                 103 
                 13 
                 −152 
                 101 
                 363 
               
               
                 Total 
                 339 
                 63 
                 97 
                 5 
                 −273 
                 58 
                 370 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in duration of 
               
               
                 initial period of undisturbed sleep (ITT analysis dataset in 
               
               
                 Part I) for all males with monitoring 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 70 
                 44 
                 85 
                 10 
                 −273 
                 48 
                 285 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 60 
                 54 
                 107 
                 14 
                 −145 
                 59 
                 370 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 62 
                 57 
                 87 
                 11 
                 −104 
                 54 
                 259 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 45 
                 64 
                 89 
                 13 
                 −165 
                 59 
                 291 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 52 
                 108 
                 103 
                 14 
                 −152 
                 116 
                 363 
               
               
                 Total 
                 289 
                 64 
                 96 
                 6 
                 −273 
                 58 
                 370 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Duration of Total Sleep Time 
     Total sleep time increased in all treatment groups in Part I; however, no pattern was observed by dose of desmopressin. Based on F-tests of effects, computed overall sleep duration and reported overall sleep duration were statistically significant predictors of change from baseline to Day 28 in total sleep time (p&lt;0.0001). 
     A summary of change from baseline to Day 28 in total sleep time is presented by treatment group in Table 14. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in total sleep time (Part I). 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Placebo 
                 10 μg 
                 25 μg 
                 50 μg 
                 100 μg 
               
               
                 Total Sleep Time (min) 
                 (N = 156) 
                 (N = 155) 
                 (N = 152) 
                 (N = 148) 
                 (N = 146) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Calculated Sleep Time 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Baseline 
                 (N = 156) 
                 (N = 155) 
                 (N = 152) 
                 (N = 148) 
                 (N = 146) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Mean (SD) 
                 399 
                 (97.0) 
                 397 
                 (92.2) 
                 397 
                 (90.3) 
                 404 
                 (95.8) 
                 414 
                 (85.0) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Median 
                 410   
                 402   
                 412   
                 415   
                 418   
               
               
                 Minimum, maximum 
                  (15, 732) 
                  (135, 720) 
                  (95, 577) 
                  (20, 577) 
                  (72, 638) 
               
               
                 Change from Baseline 
                 (N = 138) 
                 (N = 137) 
                 (N = 142) 
                 (N = 138) 
                 (N = 133) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Mean (SD) 
                 31.4 
                 (89.22) 
                 9.7 
                 (91.40) 
                 19.7 
                 (71.67) 
                 24.2 
                 (79.60) 
                 9.7 
                 (77.33) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Median 
                 19.5 
                 10.0 
                 15.3 
                 14.2 
                 12.0 
               
               
                 Minimum, maximum 
                 (−167, 420) 
                 (−332, 282) 
                 (−191, 318) 
                 (−235, 218) 
                 (−300, 227) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Reported Sleep Time 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Baseline 
                 (N = 156) 
                 (N = 155) 
                 (N = 152) 
                 (N = 148) 
                 (N = 146) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Mean (SD) 
                 403 
                 (83.7) 
                 411 
                 (72.8) 
                 401 
                 (77.8) 
                 403 
                 (83.7) 
                 413 
                 (81.3) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Median 
                 408   
                 400   
                 410   
                 409   
                 410   
               
               
                 Minimum, maximum 
                  (135, 625) 
                  (190, 613) 
                  (77, 555) 
                  (100, 580) 
                  (100, 674) 
               
               
                 Change from Baseline 
                 (N = 139) 
                 (N = 137) 
                 (N = 141) 
                 (N = 138) 
                 (N = 133) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Mean (SD) 
                 24.6 
                 (80.66) 
                 7.8 
                 (58.55) 
                 15.9 
                 (53.92) 
                 24.9 
                 (72.21) 
                 19.0 
                 (68.94) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Median 
                 20.3 
                 10.0 
                 10.0 
                 20.0 
                 20.0 
               
               
                 Minimum, maximum 
                 (−135, 525) 
                 (−130, 163) 
                 (−113, 228) 
                 (−168, 293) 
                 (−160, 197) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Change in Urine Volume 
     Pharmacodynamic studies indicate that desmopressin has a very pronounced antidiuretic effect. Nocturnal urine volume decreased in all treatment groups, with greater decreases observed with increasing desmopressin dose. For change from baseline to Day 28 in nocturnal urine volume, based on F-tests of effects, treatment (p&lt;0.0001), age (p=0.0067), and baseline nocturnal urine volume (p&lt;0.0001) were statistically significant predictors for change from baseline. The 95% confidence intervals for the mean difference from placebo in change from baseline did not include zero for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg groups, indicating statistically significant treatment group differences. 
     Similarly, total urine volume, which included both day and nocturnal voids, decreased in all treatment groups, with greater decreases observed with increasing desmopressin dose. In the 50 μg group, a slight mean increase in urine output occurred during the day and, as a result, the nocturnal mean urine reduction was greater than the total mean urine reduction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the majority of the decrease in total urine volume was a decrease in nocturnal volume. The decreases in nocturnal urine volume for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg groups were statistically significant. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit in of nocturnal urine volume is presented for all groups (ITT population) in Table 15. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal urine 
               
               
                 volume (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all groups. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 140 
                 −109 
                 246 
                 21 
                 −817 
                 −94 
                 800 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 137 
                 −164 
                 277 
                 24 
                 −983 
                 −150 
                 568 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 144 
                 −224 
                 264 
                 22 
                 −1,084 
                 −233 
                 567 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 138 
                 −272 
                 296 
                 25 
                 −1,017 
                 −233 
                 717 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 135 
                 −312 
                 275 
                 24 
                 −1,238 
                 −283 
                 408 
               
               
                 Total 
                 694 
                 −216 
                 281 
                 11 
                 −1,238 
                 −200 
                 800 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, a decrease in nocturnal urine volume is evident for the 10 μg group as compared to placebo based on median decreases identified in Table 15 for all groups. For example, the 10 μg group exhibited a median value decrease of 150 ml compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only a median decrease of 94 ml compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median decrease for the 10 μg group, decreases in nocturnal urine volume include at least 120 ml and for example, range from 120 ml to 180 ml, compared to baseline before treatment for all groups. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit of nocturnal urine volume is presented for all females, females over 50 years of age, and females over 65 years of age (ITT population) in Tables 16, 17 and 18. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of noctural urine 
               
               
                 volume (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all females. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 60 
                 −86 
                 278 
                 36 
                 −817 
                 −56 
                 800 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 66 
                 −207 
                 292 
                 36 
                 −983 
                 −179 
                 538 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 61 
                 −307 
                 276 
                 35 
                 −1,084 
                 −298 
                 292 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 66 
                 −257 
                 282 
                 35 
                 −1,017 
                 −204 
                 717 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 60 
                 −321 
                 239 
                 31 
                 −933 
                 −283 
                 25 
               
               
                 Total 
                 313 
                 −236 
                 285 
                 16 
                 −1,084 
                 −217 
                 800 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, a decrease in nocturnal urine volume is evident for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups as compared to placebo based on median decreases identified in Table 16 for all females. For example, the 10 μg group exhibited a median decrease of 179 ml and the 25 μg group exhibited a median decrease of 298 ml compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only a median decrease of 56 ml compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median decreases for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups, decreases in nocturnal urine volume include at least 143 ml and for example, range from 143 ml to 358 ml, such as from 143 ml to 215 ml for the 10 μg group and from 238 ml to 358 ml for the 25 μg group, compared to baseline before treatment for all females. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) 
               
               
                 of nocturnal urine volume (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) 
               
               
                 for females over 50 years of age. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 44 
                 −102 
                 242 
                 36 
                 −817 
                 −56 
                 268 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 45 
                 −197 
                 319 
                 48 
                 −983 
                 −150 
                 538 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 46 
                 −356 
                 281 
                 41 
                 −1,084 
                 −383 
                 292 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 52 
                 −249 
                 289 
                 40 
                 −1,017 
                 −196 
                 717 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 45 
                 −317 
                 252 
                 38 
                 −933 
                 −275 
                 25 
               
               
                 Total 
                 232 
                 −245 
                 290 
                 19 
                 −1,084 
                 −217 
                 717 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, a decrease in nocturnal urine volume is evident for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups as compared to placebo based on median decreases identified in Table 17 for females over 50 years of age. For example, the 10 μg group exhibited a median decrease of 150 ml and the 25 μg group exhibited a median decrease of 383 ml compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited a median decrease of 56 ml compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median decreases for the 10 μg and 25 μg groups, decreases in nocturnal urine volume include at least 120 ml and for example, range from 120 ml to 460 ml, such as from 120 ml to 180 ml for the 10 μg group and from 306 ml to 460 ml for the 25 μg group, compared to baseline before treatment for females over 50 years of age. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal urine 
               
               
                 volume (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for females over 65 years of age. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 20 
                 −90 
                 170 
                 38 
                 −557 
                 −47 
                 133 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 22 
                 −91 
                 302 
                 64 
                 −742 
                 −54 
                 538 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 19 
                 −372 
                 270 
                 62 
                 −867 
                 −383 
                 25 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 20 
                 −208 
                 323 
                 72 
                 −703 
                 −203 
                 717 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 23 
                 −323 
                 261 
                 54 
                 −817 
                 −285 
                 25 
               
               
                 Total 
                 104 
                 −216 
                 290 
                 28 
                 −867 
                 −171 
                 717 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Although not statistically significant, a decrease in nocturnal urine volume is evident for the 25 μg group as compared to placebo based on median decreases identified in Table 18 for females over 65 years of age. For example, the 25 μg group exhibited a median decrease of 383 ml compared to the placebo median decrease of 47 ml compared to baseline before treatment. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median decrease for the 25 μg group, decreases in nocturnal urine volume include at least 211 ml and for example, range from 238 ml to 290 ml, compared to baseline before treatment for females over 65 years of age. 
     A summary of changes from baseline to the final visit of nocturnal urine volume is presented for all males and all males with monitoring (ITT population) in Tables 19 and 20. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 19 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal urine 
               
               
                 volume (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all males. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 80 
                 −125 
                 219 
                 25 
                 −727 
                 −111 
                 583 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 71 
                 −125 
                 257 
                 30 
                 −750 
                 −117 
                 568 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 83 
                 −162 
                 238 
                 26 
                 −873 
                 −200 
                 567 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 72 
                 −286 
                 309 
                 36 
                 −984 
                 −246 
                 422 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 75 
                 −306 
                 302 
                 35 
                 −1,238 
                 −270 
                 408 
               
               
                 Total 
                 381 
                 −199 
                 276 
                 14 
                 −1,238 
                 −192 
                 583 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 20 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) of nocturnal urine 
               
               
                 volume (ITT analysis dataset in Part I) for all males with monitoring 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Dose 
                 n 
                 mean 
                 stddev 
                 stderr 
                 min 
                 median 
                 max 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Placebo 
                 72 
                 −128 
                 229 
                 27 
                 −727 
                 −111 
                 583 
               
               
                  10 ug 
                 63 
                 −122 
                 269 
                 34 
                 −750 
                 −83 
                 568 
               
               
                  25 ug 
                 72 
                 −146 
                 219 
                 26 
                 −608 
                 −167 
                 567 
               
               
                  50 ug 
                 50 
                 −286 
                 313 
                 44 
                 −984 
                 −235 
                 357 
               
               
                 100 ug 
                 60 
                 −296 
                 275 
                 36 
                 −867 
                 −264 
                 408 
               
               
                 Total 
                 317 
                 −188 
                 268 
                 15 
                 −984 
                 −183 
                 583 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 n—population size; 
               
               
                 stddev—standard deviation; 
               
               
                 stderr—standard error; 
               
               
                 min—minimum; and 
               
               
                 max—maximum 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     From Table 20, a decrease in nocturnal urine volume is evident for the 100 μg group as compared to placebo based on median decreases from baseline. For example, the 100 μg group exhibited a median decrease of 264 ml compared to baseline before treatment. The placebo exhibited only a median decrease of 111 ml compared to baseline. Taking into consideration a 20% range from the median decrease for the 100 μg group, decreases in nocturnal urine volume include at least 211 ml and for example, range from 211 ml to 317 ml, such as from 238 ml to 290 ml, compared to baseline before treatment for males with monitoring. 
     The differences among males and females in the change in nocturnal urine volume is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 4 , the mean observed (full line) and predicted (broken line) change in nocturnal urine volume demonstrate the greater sensitivity to lower doses (i.e., 10 μg and 25 μg groups) in females than males. The side-by-side comparison in  FIG. 4  highlights the gender and dose differences without the requirement of statistical significance. 
     Statistical/Analytical Issues—Handling of Dropouts or Missing Data 
     Missing values concerning number of nocturnal voids at Day 8, Day 15, Day 22, and Day 28 in Part I were imputed using last observation carried forward (LOCF). Missing values concerning sleep disturbance and urine volume (for average 24-hour urine volume and average nocturnal urine volume) were not imputed. 
     Drug Dose, Drug Concentration and Relationships to Response 
     Four doses of desmopressin (10 μg, 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg) were included in this study. Both the primary endpoint of the number of nocturnal voids generally demonstrated an increase in efficacy with increasing dose of desmopressin. An additional analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint was performed by gender and demonstrated gender differences in response. Among females, efficacy was demonstrated for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg doses of desmopressin for the primary endpoint. Among males, the 100 μg desmopressin dose was superior to placebo for the primary endpoint. Based on these gender differences, the MED for females is 25 μg and for males is 100 μg. 
     Efficacy Conclusions 
     Four doses of desmopressin (10 μg, 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg) were compared to placebo in this study for the primary endpoint in Part I: change in the mean number of nocturnal voids from baseline to final visit (Day 28). 
     The mean number of nocturnal voids decreased from baseline to Day 28 in all treatment groups, with greater decreases observed with increasing dose of desmopressin. The reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids, compared to placebo, was statistically significant for the 100 μg and 50 μg groups. The trend of greater decreases in mean number of nocturnal voids with increasing dose of desmopressin was evident in subjects stratified by age (&lt;65 years, 65 years) and in subjects with nocturnal polyuria. Too few subjects did not have nocturnal polyuria to make meaningful comparisons. The reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids, compared to placebo, was statistically significant for the 100 μg group for all 4 stratification factors and for the 50 μg group for subjects with nocturnal polyuria. When decreases in mean number of nocturnal voids were examined by week of treatment, statistically significant differences, compared to placebo, were observed for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg doses on Day 8 and Day 15 of treatment, with significant differences for the 2 higher doses also on Day 22 and Day 28. 
     An additional analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint was performed by gender, and a gender difference in response was observed. Among females, the reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids was statistically significantly superior to placebo for the 100 μg, 50 μg, and 25 μg groups. Among males, statistically significant differences from placebo were observed for the primary endpoint for the 100 μg group. Based on these gender differences, the MED for females is 25 μg and the MED for males is 100 μg. 
     Nocturnal urine volume, as well as total urine volume, decreased in all treatment groups, with greater decreases observed with increasing desmopressin dose. Based on 95% confidence intervals that did not include zero, the decreases in nocturnal urine volume for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg groups were statistically significant. 
     The secondary efficacy endpoint of change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in duration of initial period of undisturbed sleep also demonstrated greater increases with increasing dose of desmopressin. Subjects treated with 25 μg and 50 μg had a median increase in their initial period of sleep of approximately 1 hour while subjects treated with the 100 μg dose had a median increase in initial sleep duration of approximately 1½ hours; the 95% confidence intervals for the mean difference from placebo indicated statistically significant differences for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg groups. 
     In summary, the efficacy of 100 μg desmopressin was demonstrated superior to placebo for the primary endpoint overall; for the primary endpoint, among males and among females; proportions of subjects with &gt;50% and &gt;75% reductions in the mean number of nocturnal voids; change from baseline to final visit (Day 28) in duration of the initial period of undisturbed sleep; and reductions in nocturnal urine volume. The efficacy of 50 μg desmopressin was superior to placebo for change from baseline to Day 28 in the mean number of nocturnal voids; for the primary endpoint among females; duration of the initial period of undisturbed sleep; and reductions in nocturnal urine volume. In addition, numerical superiority was observed for 50 μg desmopressin compared to placebo for the proportion of subjects with &gt;33% reductions (53% vs. 47%), &gt;50% reductions (28% vs. 20%), and &gt;75% reductions (10% vs. 5%) in the mean number of nocturnal voids on Day 28. The 25 μg dose was superior to placebo for the primary endpoint among females; in reducing the mean number of nocturnal voids; change from baseline to Day 28 in duration of the initial period of undisturbed sleep; and reductions in nocturnal urine volume. The 10 μg dose did not demonstrate statistically superiority over placebo for the primary or secondary efficacy endpoint. A gender difference in response was observed. For the primary endpoint, superiority to placebo was demonstrated for the 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg doses among females and for the 100 μg dose among males. 
     Results of Study CS29 demonstrated that the 100 μg dose was clearly efficacious, while the 10 μg dose can be considered subtherapeutic for the primary efficacy parameter for the overall study population. Based on the observed gender differences, the MED for females is 25 μg and the MED for males is 100 μg. 
     At 1 year, the mean decrease in nocturnal voids was 1.4, 1.77, and 2.11 (for 25 μg, 50 μg, and 100 μg, respectively) based on all eligible subjects. 
     Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation: Hyponatraemia and Serum Sodium Monitoring 
     The reported event of hyponatraemia, defined as serum sodium &lt;130 mmol/L, was an adverse event of special interest. A total of 34 (4%) subjects developed hyponatraemia during Part I. There was essentially no difference in the occurrence of hyponatraemia between placebo and the 10 μg and 25 μg groups; however, the incidence of serum sodium &lt;130 mmol/L rose from 1.3% in the 25 μg group to 7.0% in the 50 μg group and to 11.3% in the 100 μg group. Hyponatraemia tended to occur early in treatment, usually during the first week, and was more common in subjects 65 years of age. 
     Since hyponatraemia is a potentially serious adverse event associated with daily doses of desmopressin, serum sodium was monitored throughout the study in all subjects. Based on the results of Study CS29, the following sodium monitoring criteria were applied to the CS29 data. 
     In subjects below 50 years of age: 
     Baseline serum sodium level≥135 mmol/L. 
     In subjects 50 years of age and above: 
     Baseline serum sodium level≥135 mmol/L 
     Day 4 serum sodium level≥135 mmol/L 
     Day 28 serum sodium level≥135 mmol/L. 
     Subjects who did not meet these criteria would be removed. Without monitoring, serum sodium levels below 125 mmol/L occurred in 3 subjects each in the 50 μg and 100 μg groups on Day 4 and 1 subject in each of these groups on Day 8. It should be remembered that serum sodium monitoring occurred the day after the evening dose of study drug. 
     Based on these findings, serum sodium monitoring at Day 4 and Day 28 is recommended in males older than 65 years of age at 100 μg. The serum sodium levels at Day 4 and Day 28 should be ≥135 mmol/L. In males below 65 years of age who are treated at 100 μg, no further monitoring appears to be warranted. In female subjects who are treated at 25 μg, no further monitoring appears to be warranted. 
     Dosing 
     Results of Study CS29 demonstrated that the 10 μg dose was considered a subtherapeutic dose for the primary efficacy parameters when looking at the overall population. While the 100 μg dose was clearly efficacious, the risk of hyponatraemia was greater than with the lower doses of desmopressin. Although not as effective as the 100 μg dose, the benefit:risk ratio favored the 25 μg and 50 μg doses. The 25 μg dose was clearly less likely to cause hyponatraemia than the 50 μg and 100 μg doses and was statistically significantly superior to placebo in the primary efficacy endpoint among females. Among males, the 100 μg desmopressin dose was statistically significantly superior to placebo for the primary endpoint. Based on these gender differences, the MED for females is 25 μg and the MED for males is 100 μg. 
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     Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the following claims.