A Pivotal Study of N-Acetyl-L-Leucine on Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T)
This important study, known as a Phase 3 trial, is looking into a new medicine called N-Acetyl-L-Leucine (also called IB1001) for people aged 4 and over who have Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T). We want to find out if this medicine is safe to use, how well people tolerate it, and if it helps with the symptoms of A-T. To do this, some participants will receive the active medicine, and others will receive a dummy treatment (placebo). This is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither the patient nor the study team will know who is getting which treatment until after the study ends. This helps us get the most accurate results about the medicine's effects.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Ataxia-Telangiectasia, often shortened to A-T, is a rare genetic condition that affects the brain and other parts of the body. It can cause problems with movement, balance, and speech, and can also impact the immune system. Researchers are always looking for new and better ways to help manage the symptoms of A-T and improve the quality of life for those living with it.
This study is a 'Phase 3' trial, which means it's a key step in testing whether a new medicine is ready to be used more widely. It's designed to compare the new medicine, N-Acetyl-L-Leucine (IB1001), with a ‘placebo’ – a treatment that looks just like the real medicine but contains no active drug. This is the best way to understand if any changes seen are truly due to the new medicine or if they might have happened anyway.
The main goal of this study is to find out if N-Acetyl-L-Leucine is safe for people with A-T, how well their bodies handle it, and most importantly, if it can make a positive difference to their symptoms. The results from this study could help decide if this medicine could one day become a new treatment option for A-T.
Key takeaways
- This study is testing a new medicine for Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T).
- It's a Phase 3 trial, a crucial step before broader use.
- Participants will receive both the active medicine and a placebo at different times.
- The study aims to check safety, how well it's tolerated, and if it helps A-T symptoms.
- It involves regular check-ups over about 6 months.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, people need to be at least 4 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) through genetic testing. Parents or legal guardians will need to give their permission for children to take part, and adults will give their own consent.
There are also some specific rules about pregnancy and contraception for both women and men. Women who could become pregnant must agree to use effective birth control during the study and for a period afterwards. This is to ensure the safety of any potential future pregnancies. Women who are past menopause or have had certain surgeries are also eligible.
Men participating in the study who are able to father children will also need to use condoms with spermicide during the study and for a period after their last dose of medication. These measures are common in clinical trials to protect participants and ensure the study's safety.
- Are you at least 4 years old?
- Do you have a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T)?
- Are you able to agree to the study's contraception guidelines (if applicable)?
- Can you commit to around 6 months for the main study with regular visits?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study will involve a few different stages. First, there's a short 'baseline' period of about two weeks, where doctors will get a clear picture of your current health and symptoms. After that, you'll be randomly assigned to receive either the study medicine (IB1001) or a dummy treatment (placebo) for about 12 weeks. This is done by chance, like flipping a coin. Neither you nor the study team will know which treatment you are getting at this stage.
After the first 12 weeks, you'll switch over to the other treatment – so if you had the medicine, you'll now get the placebo, and vice versa. This second treatment period will also last about 12 weeks. During each treatment period, you'll have two check-ups with the study team. In total, the main part of the study will last around 26 weeks. After the main study, some people might be given the chance to continue receiving the medicine in a special 'extension phase', which means they'd have continued access to IB1001.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (11)
- University of California Los AngelesLos Angeles, United States
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, United States
- The University of Texas Health (UT Health)Houston, United States
- University of CologneCologne, Germany
- University of GiessenGiessen, Germany
- Comenius University BratislavaBratislava, Slovakia
- University Hospital L. PasteurKošice, Slovakia
- Hospital Universitario La PazMadrid, Spain
- University of BernBern, Switzerland
- Royal Papworth HospitalCambridge, United Kingdom
- University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'placebo'?
A placebo is a dummy treatment that looks exactly like the study medicine but contains no active drug. It helps researchers see if the real medicine is having an effect.
What does 'double-blind' mean?
It means that neither you (the patient) nor the study doctors will know whether you are receiving the active medicine or the placebo. This helps prevent any bias.
Will I eventually get the actual medicine if I'm on the placebo?
Yes, because this study uses a 'cross-over' design, you will receive both the active medicine (IB1001) and the placebo at different times during the study.
How long will I be in the study?
The main part of the study will last about 26 weeks (roughly 6 months), including a short initial period and two 12-week treatment periods.
What happens after the study ends?
After the main study, you might have the option to join an 'extension phase' to continue receiving the study medicine, if the researchers decide it's appropriate.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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