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Phase 2 N=94 Randomized Quadruple-blind Treatment

Valproic Acid and Carnitine in Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Enrolled (actual)
94
Serious AEs
9.6%
Results posted
May 2011
Primary outcome: Primary: Safety Labs

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Interventions
Valproic Acid and Levocarnitine (Drug); Placebo (Drug)
Age
Pediatric · 2+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
University of Utah
Primary completion
Nov 2007

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Safety Labs
PRIMARY
Efficacy, Measured Through Motor Function Assessments
PRIMARY
Modified Hammersmith Change From Baseline to 6 Months
20.0; 16.6; 20.6; 16.8; 0.6; 0.2
SECONDARY
Quantitative Assessment of SMN mRNA From Blood Samples
SECONDARY
Peds QL™ Assessment: Parental Version (All), Child Versions (> 5yrs)
SECONDARY
Max CMAP Amplitude (Mean)
2.28; 2.93; 5.52; 2.32; 2.37; 6.56
SECONDARY
Max CMAP Amplitude Median
1.91; 2.2; 5.3; 1.44; 1.8; 5.85
SECONDARY
Ulnar MUNE
SECONDARY
Growth and Vital Sign Parameters
SECONDARY
Nutritional Status
SECONDARY
DEXA
SECONDARY
Max CMAP Area (Mean)
5.46; 5.45; 14.85; 5.28; 5.26; 16.26
SECONDARY
Max CMAP Area (Median)
3.6; 4.6; 13.65; 3.74; 3.4; 16.85

Summary

This is a multi-center trial to assess safety and efficacy of a combined regimen of oral valproic acid (VPA) and carnitine in patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) 2 to 17 years of age. Cohort 1 is a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized intention to treat protocol for SMA "sitters" 2 - 8 years of age. Cohort 2 is an open label protocol for SMA "standers and walkers" 3 - 17 years of age to explore responsiveness of efficacy outcomes. Outcome measures will include blood chemistries, functional testing, pulmonary function testing, electrophysiological evaluations, PedsQL quality of life assessment, quantitative assessments of survival motor neuron (SMN) mRNA from blood samples, growth and vital sign parameters. Six centers will enroll a total of 90 patients.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Cohort 1

  • Confirmed genetic diagnosis of 5q SMA
  • SMA 2 or non-ambulatory SMA 3: all subjects must be able to sit independently for at least 3 seconds without support
  • Age 2 to 8 years at time of enrollment

Cohort 2

  • Confirmed genetic diagnosis of 5q SMA
  • SMA subjects (SMA types 2 or 3) who can stand independently without braces or other support for up to 2 seconds, or walk independently
  • Age 3 to 17 years at time of study enrollment

Exclusion Criteria

Cohort 1

  • Need for BiPAP support > 12 hours per day
  • Spinal rod or fixation for scoliosis or anticipated need within six months of enrollment
  • Inability to meet study visit requirements or cooperate reliably with functional testing
  • Coexisting medical conditions that contraindicate travel, testing or study medications
  • Use of medications or supplements which interfere with valproic acid or carnitine metabolism within 3 months of study enrollment.
  • Current use of either VPA or carnitine. If study subject is taking VPA or carnitine then patient must go through a washout period of 12 weeks before enrollment into the study
  • Body Mass Index > 90th % for age

Cohort 2

  • Spinal rod or fixation for scoliosis or anticipated need within six months of enrollment
  • Inability to meet study visit requirements or cooperate with functional testing
  • Transaminases, amylase or lipase > 3.0 x normal values, WBC 90th % for age
  • Pregnant women/girls, or those intending to try to become pregnant during the course of the study.
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00227266). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

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