Mitochondrial diseases, estimated prevalence 1 in 4,300 adults, is caused by pathogenic mutations in genes finally encoding for mitochondrial proteins of the various enzyme complexes of the OXPHOS. Among these mutations, the 3243A\>G nucleotide change in the mitochondrially encoded transfer RNALeu(UUR) leucine 1 gene (MT TL 1) is the most prevalent one. The OXPHOS dysfunction resulting from such mutations leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately leading to irreversible oxidative damage of macromolecules, or to more selective and reversible redox modulation of cell signaling that may impact (adult) neurogenesis. Despite advances in the understanding of mitochondrial disorders, treatment options are extremely limited and, to date, largely supportive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel treatments. KH176, a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), is an orally bio-available small molecule under development for the treatment of these disorders (see Section 1.4). The current study will further evaluate the effect of KH176 in various cognitive domains and evaluate the effect of different doses of KH176 (See Section 1.5). In view of the growing recognition of the importance of mitochondrial function in maintaining cognitive processes in the brain, as well as the understanding of the safety profile and pharmacokinetics of KH176 following the two clinical studies described above, a more detailed study is indicated of the effects of KH176 in various cognitive domains, using the confirmed safe and well-tolerated KH176 dose of 100 mg bid, as well as a lower dose of 50 mg bid. The primary objective is an evaluation of KH176 in the attention domain of cognitive functioning, as assessed by the visual identification test score of the Cogstate computerised cognitive testing battery.
For this study, a 3 x 3 crossover design will be applied, i.e., with 3 treatments, 3 sequences and 3 periods, employing a Latin square assignment. Using this design, each subject will function as his/her own control. This will reduce variability and thus increase the chances of observing true effects between treatment periods (effects of treatment compared to placebo). In each treatment period, assessments will be performed at baseline prior to dosing and post dosing, enabling a change from baseline analysis and enabling the possibility to compare baseline conditions for each treatment period. The treatment period in each treatment is 28 days (4 weeks), which is supported by the pre-clinical toxicology program. In mouse studies, a 4-week period was sufficient to observe clinically relevant effects.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
27
Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Friedrich-Baur Institut
München, Bavaria, Germany
Radboud University Medical Center
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Institute for Ageing and Health Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Cognitive functioning: Attention
The attention domain score of cognitive functioning, as assessed by the visual Identification Test of the Cogstate computerised cognitive testing battery
Time frame: One month
Executive functioning
The executive functioning domain score of cognitive functioning, as assessed by the Groton Maze Learning Test of the Cogstate computerised cognitive testing battery
Time frame: One month
Psychomotor function
The psychomotor functioning domain score of cognitive functioning, as assessed by the Detection Test of the Cogstate computerised cognitive testing battery
Time frame: One month
Working Memeory
The working memory domain score of cognitive functioning, as assessed by the One Back Test of the Cogstate computerised cognitive testing battery
Time frame: One month
Visual learning
The visual learning domain score of cognitive functioning, as assessed by the One Card Learning Test of the Cogstate computerised cognitive testing battery
Time frame: One month
Verbal learning
The verbal learning functioning domain score of cognitive functioning, as assessed by the International Shopping List Test of the Cogstate computerised cognitive testing battery
Time frame: One month
Test of Attentional Performance (TAP)
Standardised test to evaluate alertness and mental flexibility
Time frame: One month
Beck Depression Inventory
21-question multiple-choice self-report inventory, for measuring the severity of depression
Time frame: One month
Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS)
Subject-reported outcome measure and comprises 14 items equally divided over the two subscales anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D)
Time frame: One month
Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Scale for Adults (NMDAS)
Semi-quantitative clinical rating scale designed for mitochondrial disease. The rating scale explores several domains: current function, system specific involvement, current clinical assessment and quality of life
Time frame: One month
Number of headache days
Self report diary
Time frame: One month
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
Standardized test measure individual hearing threshold levels
Time frame: One month
University of Penn Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)
Test to measure the individual's ability to detect odors at a suprathreshold level.
Time frame: One month
Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ)
Questionnaire to evaluate subjective cognitive functioning.
Time frame: One month
Neuro-QoL Fatigue Short Form (quality in life in neurological disorders)
8-item self assessment questionnaire evaluating the perception of fatigue and its impact in daily life activities
Time frame: One month
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.