A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-resistant Depression

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and dose response of intranasal esketamine (Panel A: 28 mg, 56 mg, and 84 mg and Panel B: 14 mg and 56 mg) compared with placebo in improving depressive symptoms in participants with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Detailed Description
-----------------
This will be a 2-panel, randomized ( participants are assigned different treatments based on chance), double-blind (neither investigator nor participant knows which treatment the participant receives), placebo-controlled (placebo is an inactive substance that is compared with a drug to test whether the drug has a real effect in a clinical trial), multicenter study. Approximately 100 male and female adult participants diagnosed with TRD will participate in this study. For participants in both panels (Panel A and Panel B), there will be 4 study phases: a 4-week screening phase, a double-blind treatment phase (Day 1 to Day 15), an optional open-label treatment phase (Panel A: Day 15 to 74; Panel B: Day 15 to 25), and an 8-week post-treatment (follow-up) phase. Depending on the treatment Panel, patients will be assigned to intranasal placebo or intranasal esketamine 14 mg, 28 mg, 56 mg, or 84 mg. Safety assessments will be performed throughout the study. The maximum study duration for a participant will be 23 weeks for Panel A and 16 weeks for Panel B.

Official Title
-----------------
A Double-Blind, Doubly-Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Intranasal Esketamine in an Adaptive Treatment Protocol to Assess Safety and Efficacy in Treatment-Resistant Depression (SYNAPSE)

Conditions
-----------------
Treatment Resistant Depressive Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Drug: Esketamine 14 mg
* Drug: Esketamine 28 mg
* Drug: Esketamine 56 mg
* Drug: Esketamine 84 mg
* Drug: Placebo


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: --Participant must meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -Fourth Edition -Text Revised (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), without psychotic features, based upon clinical assessment, and confirmed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)-Participant's major depressive episode and treatment response must be deemed valid by remote independent raters-Participant must have had an inadequate response to at least 2 antidepressants, at least one of which is in the current episode of depression; the antidepressant treatment response questionnaire (ATRQ) will be used to assess antidepressant treatment response during the current episode; prior medication history will be used to determine antidepressant treatment response in prior episode(s) -Have an Inventory of Depressive Symptoms-Clinician rated, 30-item (IDS-C30) total score >=34 at Screening and predose at Day 1 Exclusion Criteria: -Participant has a current DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of bipolar and related disorders, intellectual disability, or cluster b personality disorder (e.g., borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder) -Participant has a current or prior DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, MDD with psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) -Anatomical or medical conditions that may impede delivery or absorption of study medication (e.g., undergone facial reconstruction, rhinoplasty, significant structural or functional abnormalities of the nose or upper airway; obstructions or mucosal lesions of the nostrils or nasal passages; undergone sinus surgery in the previous 2 years; signs and symptoms of rhinitis) -Has an abnormal or deviated nasal septum with any 1 or more of the following symptoms: blockage of 1 or both nostrils, nasal congestion (especially 1-sided), frequent nosebleeds, frequent sinus infections, and at times has facial pain, headaches, and postnasal drip -Has a history of substance abuse (drug or alcohol) or dependence (except nicotine or caffeine) within the previous 1 year of the screening visit -Participant has known allergies, hypersensitivity, intolerance, or contraindication to esketamine/ketamine or its excipients

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 64 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Esketamine 14 mg<br>Participants in Panel B will self-administer intranasal esketamine 14 milligram or placebo on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 during the double-blind phase and intranasal esketamine on Days 15, 18, 22, and 25 during the optional open-label phase. During the optional open-label phase, participants will start with treatment with a 56-mg dose of intranasal esketamine on Day 15 (the dose of esketamine can be adjusted if desired based on the Investigator's clinical judgment of efficacy and tolerability). | Drug: Esketamine 14 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 14 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable during the optional open-label phase for up to 4 days<br>Drug: Esketamine 56 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 56 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for up to 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Placebo<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of placebo self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 2 days (Days 1 and 4) or depending on response on Day 8, for 4 days (Days 1,4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase<br>|
| Experimental: Esketamine 28 mg<br>Participants in Panel A will self-administer intranasal esketamine 28 mg or placebo on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 during the double-blind phase and intranasal esketamine on Days 15, 18, 22, 25, 32, 39, 46, 60, and 74 during the optional open-label phase. During the optional open-label phase, all participants will start treatment with a 56-mg dose of intranasal esketamine on Day 15 (the dose of esketamine can be adjusted if desired based on the Investigator's clinical judgment of efficacy and tolerability). | Drug: Esketamine 28 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 28 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 4 days (Days 1,4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Esketamine 56 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 56 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for up to 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Placebo<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of placebo self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 2 days (Days 1 and 4) or depending on response on Day 8, for 4 days (Days 1,4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase<br>|
| Experimental: Esketamine 56 mg<br>Participants in Panel A and Panel B will self-administer intranasal esketamine 56 mg or placebo on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 during the double-blind phase. During the optional open-label phase, participants in Panel A will self-administer intranasal esketamine on Days 15, 18, 22, 25, 32, 39, 46, 60, and 74 and participants in Panel B will self-administer intranasal esketamine on Days 15, 18, 22, and 25. During the optional open-label phase, all participants will start treatment with a 56-mg dose of intranasal esketamine on Day 15 (the dose of esketamine can be adjusted if desired based on the Investigator's clinical judgment of efficacy and tolerability). | Drug: Esketamine 56 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 56 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for up to 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Placebo<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of placebo self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 2 days (Days 1 and 4) or depending on response on Day 8, for 4 days (Days 1,4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase<br>|
| Experimental: Esketamine 84 mg<br>Participants in Panel A will self-administer intranasal esketamine 84 mg or placebo on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 during the double-blind phase and intranasal esketamine on Days 15, 18, 22, 25, 32, 39, 46, 60, and 74 during the optional open-label phase. During the optional open-label phase, all participants will start treatment with a 56-mg dose of intranasal esketamine on Day 15 (the dose of esketamine can be adjusted if desired based on the Investigator's clinical judgment of efficacy and tolerability). | Drug: Esketamine 56 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 56 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for up to 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Esketamine 84 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 84 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for up to 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Placebo<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of placebo self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 2 days (Days 1 and 4) or depending on response on Day 8, for 4 days (Days 1,4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>Participants in Panel A and B will self-administer intranasal placebo on Days 1 and 4 during the double-blind phase. Depending on response on Day 8, participants will receive intranasal placebo on Days 8 and 11 or be re-randomized to receive intranasal placebo or esketamine at a dose of 28 mg, 56 mg, or 84 mg (Panel A) or 14 mg or 56 mg (Panel B) on Day 8 and Day 11. | Drug: Esketamine 14 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 14 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable during the optional open-label phase for up to 4 days<br>Drug: Esketamine 28 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 28 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 4 days (Days 1,4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Esketamine 56 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 56 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for up to 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Esketamine 84 mg<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of esketamine 84 mg self-administered as an intranasal formulation for up to 4 days (Days 1, 4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase and if applicable, during the optional open-label phase for up to 9 days<br>Drug: Placebo<br>* 1 to 6 sprays of placebo self-administered as an intranasal formulation for 2 days (Days 1 and 4) or depending on response on Day 8, for 4 days (Days 1,4, 8, 11) during the double-blind phase<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 1) in Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total Score at Day 8- Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) Analysis | MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. A negative change in score indicates improvement. | Baseline (Day 1) and Endpoint (Day 8) of Period 1 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 8) in Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale Total Score at Day 15- ANCOVA Analysis | MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. A negative change in score indicates improvement. | Baseline (Day 8) and Endpoint (Day 15) of Period 2 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Panel A and B: Percentage of Participants With Sustained Response Based on MADRS Total Score in Participants Who Have Completed the Double-Blind Phase and Received the Same Treatment for Both Periods | Sustained response was defined as at least 50% improvement from baseline in the MADRS total score with onset by Day 2 that is maintained to study Day 15. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. | Day 2 Up to Day 15 | 
| Panel A and B: Percentage of Participants With Sustained Response Based on MADRS Total Score in Participants Who Received the Same Treatment for Both Periods, Including Participants Who Did Not Complete the Double-blind Phase | Sustained response was defined as at least 50 percent (%) improvement from baseline in the MADRS total score with onset by Day 2 that is maintained to study Day 15. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. | Day 2 Up to Day 15 | 
| Panel A and B: Percentage of Participants With Response Based on MADRS Total Score | A participant is defined a responder at a given time point if the percent improvement in MADRS is greater than or equal to (>=) 50%. Participant who do not meet such criterion, worsen or discontinue during the DB phase for any reason was considered as non-responders, that is, was assigned a value of 0. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. | Period 1: Days 1 (2 hour), 2 and 8 of Double-blind Phase | 
| Panel A and B: Percentage of Participants With Response Based on MADRS Total Score | A participant is defined a responder at a given time point if the percent improvement in MADRS is >=50%. Participant who do not meet such criterion, worsen or discontinue during the DB phase for any reason was considered as non-responders, that is, was assigned a value of 0. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. | Period 2: Days 1 (2 hour), 2 and 8 of Double-blind Phase | 
| Panel A and B: Percentage of Participants in Remission Based on MADRS Total Score at Days 1, 2 and 8 of Double-blind Phase | Participants who had a MADRS total score of <=10 were considered remitters. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. | Days 1, 2 and 8 of Double-blind Phase of Period 1 | 
| Panel A and B: Percentage of Participants in Remission Based on MADRS Total Score at Days 1, 2 and 8 of Double-blind Phase | Participants who had a MADRS total score of less than or equal to (<=10) were considered remitters. MADRS is clinician-rated scale designed to measure depression severity, and to detect changes due to antidepressant treatment. Scale consists of 10 items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, inner tension, sleep, appetite, concentration, lassitude, interest level, pessimistic thoughts, and suicidal thoughts), each of which is scored from 0 (item is not present or is normal) to 6 (severe or continuous presence of symptoms), summed for a total possible score of 0 to 60. Higher scores represent more severe condition. A negative change in score indicates improvement. | Days 1, 2 and 8 of Double-blind Phase of Period 2 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 1) in Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-16-item Self Report (QIDS-SR16) Total Score at Day 8 in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase- ANCOVA Analysis | QIDS-SR16 is self-rated scale assesses severity of depressive symptoms. Total scores range from 0-27. Higher score indicates greater severity of depression. Negative change in score indicates improvement. Total score obtained by adding scores for each of 9 symptom domains of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th edition major depressive disorder (DSM-IV MDD) criteria: depressed mood, loss of interest/pleasure, concentration/decision making, self-outlook, suicidal ideation, energy/fatigability, sleep, weight/appetite change, psychomotor changes. 16 items used to rate 9 criterion domains: 4 items used to rate sleep disturbance (early/middle/late insomnia/hypersomnia); 2 items used to rate psychomotor disturbance (agitation, retardation); 4 items used to rate appetite/weight disturbance. 1 item used to rate 6 domains (depressed mood, decreased interest, decreased energy, worthlessness/guilt, concentration/decision making, suicidal ideation). Each item was rated 0-3. | Baseline (Day 1) and Endpoint (Day 8) of Period 1 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 8) in Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-16-item Self Report Total Score at Day 15 in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase- ANCOVA Analysis | QIDS-SR16 is self-rated scale assesses severity of depressive symptoms. Total scores range from 0-27. Higher score indicates greater severity of depression. Negative change in score indicates improvement. Total score obtained by adding scores for each of 9 symptom domains of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th edition major depressive disorder (DSM-IV MDD) criteria: depressed mood, loss of interest/pleasure, concentration/decision making, self-outlook, suicidal ideation, energy/fatigability, sleep, weight/appetite change, psychomotor changes. 16 items used to rate 9 criterion domains: 4 items used to rate sleep disturbance (early/middle/late insomnia/hypersomnia); 2 items used to rate psychomotor disturbance (agitation, retardation); 4 items used to rate appetite/weight disturbance. 1 item used to rate 6 domains (depressed mood, decreased interest, decreased energy, worthlessness/guilt, concentration/decision making, suicidal ideation). Each item was rated 0-3. | Baseline (Day 8) and Endpoint (Day 15) of Period 2 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 1) in Clinical Global Impression - Severity (CGI-S) Total Score at Day 8 in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase- ANCOVA Analysis on Ranks | CGI-S provides measure of severity of participant's illness including participant's history, psychosocial circumstances, symptoms, behavior and impact of symptoms on ability to function. CGI-S evaluates severity of psychopathology on scale of 0 to 7. Considering total clinical experience, participant is assessed on severity of mental illness according to: 0=not assessed; 1=normal (not at all ill); 2=borderline mentally ill; 3=mildly ill; 4=moderately ill; 5=markedly ill; 6=severely ill; 7=among most extremely ill patients. CGI-S permits global evaluation of participant's condition at given time. A negative change in score indicates improvement. | Baseline (Day 1) and Endpoint (Day 8) of Period 1 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 8) in Clinical Global Impression - Severity Total Score at Day 15 in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase- ANCOVA Analysis on Ranks | CGI-S provides measure of severity of participant's illness including participant's history, psychosocial circumstances, symptoms, behavior and impact of symptoms on ability to function. CGI-S evaluates severity of psychopathology on scale of 0 to 7. Considering total clinical experience, participant is assessed on severity of mental illness according to: 0=not assessed; 1=normal (not at all ill); 2=borderline mentally ill; 3=mildly ill; 4=moderately ill; 5=markedly ill; 6=severely ill; 7=among most extremely ill patients. CGI-S permits global evaluation of participant's condition at given time. A negative change in score indicates improvement. | Baseline (Day 8) and Endpoint (Day 15) of Period 2 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 1) in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Total Score at Day 8 (Double-Blind Treatment Phase) ANCOVA Analysis | GAD-7 is a brief and validated 7-item self-report assessment of overall anxiety. Participants respond to each item using a 4-point scale with response categories of 0=not at all, 1=several days, 2=more than half the days, and 3=nearly every day. Item responses are summed to yield a total score with a range of 0 to 21, where higher scores indicate more anxiety. The recall period is 2 weeks. The severity of the GAD-7 is categorized as follows: None (0-4), Mild (5-9), Moderate (10-14) and Severe (15 -21). | Baseline (Day 1) and Endpoint (Day 8) of Period 1 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 8) in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Total Score at Day 15 (Double-Blind Treatment Phase)- ANCOVA Analysis | GAD-7 is a brief and validated 7-item self-report assessment of overall anxiety. Participants respond to each item using a 4-point scale with response categories of 0=not at all, 1=several days, 2=more than half the days, and 3=nearly every day. Item responses are summed to yield a total score with a range of 0 to 21, where higher scores indicate more anxiety. The recall period is 2 weeks. The severity of the GAD-7 is categorized as follows: None (0-4), Mild (5-9), Moderate (10-14) and Severe (15 -21). | Baseline (Day 8) and Endpoint (Day 15) of Period 2 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 1) in Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S) Score Total Score at Day 8 in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase- ANCOVA Analysis on Ranks | PGI-S is a patient-rated scale that assesses the severity of their illness at the time of assessment, relative to participants past experience. It is a 4-point (1 to 4) scale in response to the question 'Considering all aspects of your depression right now would you say your depression is?' with scores as follows: 1: none; 2: mild; 3: moderate; 4: severe. A higher score implies a more severe condition. | Baseline (Day 1) and Endpoint (Day 8) of Period 1 | 
| Panel A and B: Change From Baseline (Day 8) in Patient Global Impression of Severity Score Total Score at Day 15 in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase- ANCOVA Analysis on Ranks | PGI-S is a patient-rated scale that assesses the severity of their illness at the time of assessment, relative to participants past experience. It is a 4-point (1 to 4) scale in response to the question 'Considering all aspects of your depression right now would you say your depression is?' with scores as follows: 1: none; 2: mild; 3: moderate; 4: severe. A higher score implies a more severe condition. A negative change in score indicates improvement. | Baseline (Day 8) and Endpoint (Day 15) of Period 2 | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Treatment resistant depressive disorder, Intranasal esketamine, Efficacy, SYNAPSE, JNJ-54135419