Clinical trial NCT05359653: Assessing Changes in Multi-parametric MRI in MS Patients Taking Clemastine Fumarate as a Myelin Repair Therapy
Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Delayed Treatment, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Assess the Changes in Multi-parametric MRI in MS Patients Taking Clemastine Fumarate as a Myelin Repair Therapy
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: PHASE1
PHASE2
Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting
Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive
Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive
Multiple Sclerosis Relapse
Multiple Sclerosis Brain Lesion
Multiple Sclerosis Benign
Keywords: multiple sclerosis
mri
brain
spinal cord
Lead sponsor: University of California, San Francisco
Sponsor class: OTHER
Collaborators: name: United States Department of Defense
First posted: 2022-05-04
Enrollment: 74
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 55
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: CROSSOVER
Intervention model description: This is a 6-month randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled, delayed treatment study examining clemastine fumarate as a remyelinating agent in participants with multiple sclerosis. This trial will include n = 74 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Patients who fulfill the enrollment criteria will be randomly assigned (1:1) via block randomization using a random number generator to receive either clemastine for 90 days followed by placebo for 90 days (Clemastine 8 mg, then Placebo) or placebo for 90 days followed by clemastine for 90 days (Placebo, then Clemastine 8 mg).

If they are on one, patients will be permitted to remain on their standard disease-modifying treatment during the course of the study. These therapies have no identified effect on remyelination.
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: The clinical trial is intended to assess for clinical evidence of Clemastine Fumarate as a myelin repair therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory injury-causing demyelination as measured by multi-parametric MRI assessments.

No reparative therapies exist for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Clemastine fumarate was identified along with a series of other antimuscarinic medications as a potential remyelinating agent using the micropillar screen (BIMA) developed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Following in vivo validation, an FDA IND exemption was granted to investigate clemastine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the context of chronic optic neuropathy. That pilot study was recently completed and is the first randomized control trial documenting efficacy for a putative remyelinating agent for the treatment of MS. The preselected primary efficacy endpoint (visual evoked potential) was met and a strong trend to benefit was seen for the principal secondary endpoint assessing function (low contrast visual acuity). That trial number was 13-11577.

This study seeks to follow up on that study and examine clemastine fumarate's protective and reparative effects in the context of chronic demyelinating brain lesions as imaged by multi-parametric MRI assessments. The investigators will be assessing the effects of clemastine fumarate as a remyelinating therapy and assessing its effect on MRI metrics of chronic lesions found in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

In addition to using conventional multi-parametric MRI assessments, this study will also evaluate a new MRI technique called Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE) MRI to assess the effects of clemastine fumarate as a remyelinating therapy of chronic lesions found in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and compare it to the other assessments.

Detailed description: Treatments capable of remyelination are a major unmet need for multiple sclerosis and other diseases that involve myelin damage, loss, or dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS). Chronic demyelination of axons is believed to be injurious to neurons and serves as a major contributor to irreversible cell loss that underlies permanent disability. Available MS treatments are primarily immunosuppressing, without directly addressing or fully preventing axonal degeneration and disability. Clemastine fumarate was identified along with a series of other antimuscarinic medications as a potential remyelinating agent using the micropillar screen (BIMA) developed at UCSF. The screen demonstrated that clemastine promoted the differentiation of the endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) into mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. Following in vivo validation, an FDA investigational new drug (IND) exemption was granted to investigate clemastine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the context of chronic optic neuropathy. That pilot study was recently completed and is the first randomized control trial documenting efficacy for a putative remyelinating agent for the treatment of MS. The preselected primary efficacy endpoint (visual evoked potential) was met and a strong trend to benefit was seen for the principal secondary endpoint assessing function (low contrast visual acuity). That trial number was 13-11577.

This clinical trial is intended to assess magnetic resonance imaging evidence of remyelination using Clemastine Fumarate in patients with chronic demyelinated lesions. Specifically speaking, the primary objective will assess various multi-parametric MRI sequences on the corpus callosum region, a region that animal models studies identified as a promising candidate for assessing remyelination. The aim was to help define the potential for MRI in measuring remyelination in MS, determine the optimal sequences and location for measuring myelin recovery, and help guide trial design for future remyelinating trials. Finally, the study is designed to assess tolerability and clinical efficacy of Clemastine using outcomes intended to assess for (a) adverse events and (b) recovery of myelin.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent must be obtained prior to any assessment being performed.
* Patients diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and a disease duration of \< 15 years
* Male or female patients aged 18-55 years (inclusive)
* Use of appropriate contraception during period of trial (women). Before entry women must be:

  * Post-menopausal for at least 1 year OR
  * Surgically sterile (have had a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy, tubal ligation, male partner vasectomy or otherwise incapable of pregnancy) OR
  * Practicing a highly effective method of birth control if sexually active, including hormonal prescription oral contraceptives, contraceptive injections, contraceptive patch, intrauterine device, double barrier method (e.g., condoms, diaphragm or cervical cap with spermicidal foam, cream or gel), or male partner sterilization consistent with local regulations regarding use of birth control methods for patients participating in clinical trials, for the duration of their participation in the study OR
  * Not heterosexually active (patients who are not heterosexually active at screening must agree to utilize a highly effective method of birth control if they become heterosexually active during their participation in the study) OR
  * Practicing true abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the subject) Period abstinence (e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post ovulation methods) is not an acceptable method.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Radiologic identification of marked brain atrophy relative to patients age based on recent MRI and interpretation of expert neuroradiologist or PI
* New lesion in most recent MRI (within 3 months)
* Hypersensitivity to clemastine or other arylalkylamine antihistamines, or any of the excipients.
* Treatment with corticosteroids within 30 days prior to screening.
* Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥ 4.5
* History of significant cardiac conduction block.
* History of cancer.
* Suicidal ideation or behavior in 6 months prior to baseline.
* Pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
* Involved with other study protocols simultaneously without prior approval.
* Concomitant use of any other putative remyelinating therapy as determined by the investigator.
* Prior treatment with total lymphoid irradiation, T cell or T cell receptor vaccination.
* Prior treatment with alemtuzumab, mitoxantrone, or cyclophosphamide.
* Serum creatinine \> 1.5 mg/dL; aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), or alkaline phosphatase \> 2 times the upper limit of normal. (Reported within 72 hours)
* History of drug or alcohol abuse within the past year.
* Untreated B12 deficiency (as determined by B12 serological assessments and metabolites including methylmalonic acid \[MMA\] and homocysteine) or untreated hypothyroidism.
* Clinically significant cardiac, metabolic, hematologic, hepatic, immunologic, urologic, endocrinologic, neurologic, pulmonary, psychiatric, dermatologic, allergic, renal, or other major diseases that in the PI's judgment may affect the interpretation of study results or patient safety.
* History of or presence of clinically significant medical illness or laboratory abnormality that, in the opinion of the investigator would preclude participation in the study
* Inability to participate in MRI, including extreme claustrophobia.
* Any dental braces or permanent or undetachable metals in the jaw or face.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Corpus Callosum Myelin Water Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum Myelin Water Fraction at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum Myelin Water Fraction at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Corpus Callosum T1 Relaxation Time
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum T1 Relaxation Time at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum T1 Relaxation Time at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Corpus Callosum UTE Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum UTE Fraction at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum UTE Fraction at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Optic Radiation Myelin Water Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Optic Radiation Myelin Water Fraction at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Optic Radiation Myelin Water Fraction at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Corticospinal Tract Myelin Water Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corticospinal Tract Myelin Water Fraction at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corticospinal Tract Myelin Water Fraction at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Optic Radiation T1 Relaxation time
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Optic Radiation T1 Relaxation Time at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Optic Radiation T1 Relaxation Time at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Corticospinal Tract T1 Relaxation Time
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corticospinal T1 Relaxation Time at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corticospinal Tract T1 Relaxation Time at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Optic radiation UTE Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Optic radiation UTE Fraction at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Optic radiation UTE Fraction at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Corticospinal Tract UTE Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corticospinal Tract UTE Fraction at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Corticospinal Tract UTE Fraction at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Lesion of interest (LOI) MWF
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in LOI MWF at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in LOI MWF at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: LOI T1 Relaxation Time
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in LOI T1 Relaxation Time at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in LOI T1 Relaxation Time at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: LOI UTE Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in LOI UTE Fraction at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in LOI UTE Fraction at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Whole Brain MWF
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Whole Brain MWF at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Whole Brain MWF at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Whole Brain T1 Relaxation Time
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Whole Brain T1 Relaxation Time at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Whole Brain T1 Relaxation Time at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Whole Brain UTE Fraction
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Whole Brain UTE Values at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Whole Brain UTE Values at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Clemastine Tolerability
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Change from Baseline in Clemastine Tolerability at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
measure: Change from Baseline in Clemastine Tolerability at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
measure: Informative Outcomes
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
measure: Informative Outcomes at 3 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the 3-month visit.
measure: Informative Outcomes at 6 Months
timeFrame: This will be assessed at the 6-month visit.
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: San Francisco
country: United States
facility: Sandler Neurosciences Building, Neurological Clinical Research Unit
state: California
Study officials:
affiliation: University of California, San Francisco
name: Ari J Green, MD, MCR
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References:
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citation: Sheth V, Shao H, Chen J, Vandenberg S, Corey-Bloom J, Bydder GM, Du J. Magnetic resonance imaging of myelin using ultrashort Echo time (UTE) pulse sequences: Phantom, specimen, volunteer and multiple sclerosis patient studies. Neuroimage. 2016 Aug 1;136:37-44. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.05.012. Epub 2016 May 5.
citation: Green AJ, Gelfand JM, Cree BA, Bevan C, Boscardin WJ, Mei F, Inman J, Arnow S, Devereux M, Abounasr A, Nobuta H, Zhu A, Friessen M, Gerona R, von Budingen HC, Henry RG, Hauser SL, Chan JR. Clemastine fumarate as a remyelinating therapy for multiple sclerosis (ReBUILD): a randomised, controlled, double-blind, crossover trial. Lancet. 2017 Dec 2;390(10111):2481-2489. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32346-2. Epub 2017 Oct 10.
citation: Gagliardo A, Galli F, Grippo A, Amantini A, Martinelli C, Amato MP, Borsini W. Motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis patients without walking limitation: amplitude vs. conduction time abnormalities. J Neurol. 2007 Feb;254(2):220-7. doi: 10.1007/s00415-006-0334-5. Epub 2007 Feb 17.