A randomized, open-label, controlled, ascending dose cohort, PK, and safety study assessing standard of care (i.e., non-pharmacologic measures and morphine when indicated) with or without lofexidine for the treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms in neonates due to intrauterine exposure to opioids, described as neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This study has been designed to assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of the lofexidine in neonates experiencing NOWS. The effectiveness of lofexidine on the severity of NOWS will also be evaluated. Results from this study will be used to support dosing recommendations in neonates and to inform further studies in the pediatric patient population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
Participants will be randomized 3:1 to treatment with standard of care with or without lofexidine. Subjects randomized to standard of care with lofexidine will be sequentially assigned to 1 of 3 dose levels: Dose 1 (32 μg/kg/day, administered as 4 μg/kg/day q3h), Dose 2 (20 μg/kg/day, administered as 5 μg/kg/day q6h), or Dose 3 (16 μg/kg/day to 24 μg/kg/day administered q6h, with the final daily dose level to be decided based on data collected in participants receiving Dose 2).
Participants will be randomized 3:1 to treatment with standard of care with or without lofexidine. Subjects randomized to standard of care without lofexidine wilt receive non-pharmacologic measures and morphine when indicated.
Marshall Health
Huntington, West Virginia, United States
Plasma concentrations following single dose and repeated lofexidine administration in participants
To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of lofexidine granules for reconstitution
Time frame: Day 1 through Day 7
Single dose and steady-state maximum concentrations
To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of lofexidine granules for To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of lofexidine granules for reconstitution
Time frame: Day 1 through Day 7
Extent of accumulation (i.e., Accumulation Ratio [AR]) with repeated dosing
To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of lofexidine granules for reconstitution
Time frame: Day 1 through Day 7
Examination of dose proportionality
To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of lofexidine granules for reconstitution
Time frame: Day 1 through Day 7
Estimation of apparent clearance
To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of lofexidine granules for reconstitution
Time frame: Day 1 through Day 7
Estimation of apparent volume of distribution
To evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of lofexidine granules for reconstitution
Time frame: Day 1 through Day 7
Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs)
To evaluate the safety of lofexidine during administration in infants experiencing NOWS
Time frame: Day 1 through 30 day follow-up
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.