The current protocol is composed of two studies. The first study is designed to carefully evaluate the safety of high-dose salmeterol/fluticasone (Advair HFA) versus placebo (hydrofluoroalkane, HFA) administration over 7 days, as well as the efficacy of the study drug to increase exercise performance, in healthy individuals exercising under hypoxic, simulated high-altitude conditions (Phase 1/2a study). The second study will examine sensitive measures of cardiopulmonary function using invasive cardiopulmonary testing, in both HAPE-sensitive and HAPE-resistant individuals, to assess the potential efficacy of salmeterol/fluticasone to prevent pulmonary edema and to enhance exercise capacity (Phase 2a) in these individuals.
Both Study 1 and Study 2 are double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-period, crossover studies. Study 1 (Phase 1/2a) is a Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, 2 Period, Crossover study examining safety and efficacy in healthy subjects dosed with salmeterol/fluticasone 126mcg/270mcg twice daily vs. placebo, for 7 days. Subjects will exercise under hypoxic conditions one time during each study period with the primary efficacy outcome being maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and secondary outcomes of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), alveolar-arterial oxygen (Aa) gradient, and blood lactate levels. Continuous cardiac monitoring will occur during study drug dosing and for 5 days after drug discontinuation. ECGs and safety lab tests will be assessed at key intervals during drug dosing. A pause in enrollment will occur for a planned data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) safety analysis after four subjects have completed Study 1. There will also be a full review of safety data once Study 1 is complete prior to initiating Study 2. Study 2 (Phase 2a) is a Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, 2 Period, Crossover study examining efficacy and safety in both healthy (HAPE-resistant) and HAPE-susceptible subjects dosed with salmeterol/fluticasone 126mcg/270mcg twice daily. Subjects will take study drug for two days prior to hypoxic exercise testing in each period of this study, then discontinue study drug when the exercise is completed. Efficacy assessments will include VO2 max (primary outcome), right heart catheter measurements, PaO2, A-a gradients, and blood lactate. For both studies, investigators and subjects will be blinded to assignment group (order of study drug vs. placebo).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
60
6 puffs (total: salmeterol 126 ug and fluticasone 270 ug) twice daily
HFA134a inhaler
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States
RECRUITINGVO2 max
peak oxygen consumption with exercise
Time frame: day 3 of treatment
Aa Gradient
alveolar-arterial oxygen Gradient during peak hypoxic exercise
Time frame: day 3 of treatment
blood lactate
peak arterial blood lactate during peak hypoxic exercise
Time frame: day 3 of treatment
nadir PaO2
lowest arterial partial pressure of oxygen during peak hypoxic exercise
Time frame: day 3 of treatment
highest PaO2
highest arterial partial pressure of oxygen during peak hypoxic exercise
Time frame: day 3 of treatment
MPAP
highest mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) during hypoxic exercise
Time frame: day 3 of treatment
cardiac output
highest cardiac output during hypoxic exercise
Time frame: day 3 of treatment
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.