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Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

A Phase 2, Multicenter, Single-blinded, Randomized Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Sotatercept (MK-7962) Administered Using Either a Weight-based or Weight-banded Approach in Participants With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) on Standard of Care

This study is investigating a new medication, sotatercept, for individuals living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a serious condition affecting the blood vessels in the lungs. In this trial, researchers are carefully studying how the body processes sotatercept and looking out for any unwanted effects or side effects. Participants will receive sotatercept, and the study is designed to compare different ways of giving the medicine, either based on a person's exact weight or within certain weight groups. This is a randomised study, which means that participants are put into groups by chance. The main goal is to understand the medicine better to ensure it's given safely and effectively.

At a glance

Status
Ongoing, recruiting
Phase
Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)
Sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Enrolment target
81
Start
25 Nov 2024

What is this study about?

This research study is focused on a new medicine called sotatercept, which is being investigated as a potential treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a serious lung and heart condition where the blood vessels in the lungs become narrowed or blocked, making it hard for the heart to pump blood through them. This can lead to symptoms like breathlessness, tiredness, and chest pain.

The main purpose of this study is to learn more about how sotatercept works in the body. Specifically, researchers are looking at how different ways of giving the medicine, either based on a person's exact weight or within certain weight categories, affect the amount of medicine in the blood over time. They also want to identify any side effects or problems that might occur with the treatment. Understanding these details is important to make sure the medicine is given safely and at the right dose if it becomes available in the future.

This is called a 'Phase 2' study, meaning it's an earlier stage of research where doctors are trying to find the best dose and further check for safety. Participants will be carefully monitored throughout the study. The information gained will help scientists decide if sotatercept is promising enough to move into larger studies, with the ultimate goal of finding better treatments for people with PAH.

Key takeaways

  • This study is testing a new medicine, sotatercept, for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
  • It aims to understand how the body processes the medicine and identify any side effects.
  • Researchers are comparing different dosing approaches (weight-based or weight-banded).
  • Participants will continue their standard PAH treatments.
  • It's a Phase 2 study, an early stage to assess safety and find the best dose.
  • Participation involves clinic visits, blood tests, and health checks.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit, meaning older adults can also participate.

Both men and women are welcome to join this study. The researchers are looking for a wide range of participants to ensure the results are helpful for everyone with PAH.

Beyond age and sex, there will be other specific medical checks to see if this study is right for you. These will likely involve a review of your current health, your PAH diagnosis, and any other medicines you are taking. Your doctor or the study team will discuss all these points in detail to make sure the study is a good fit for your health and safety.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you 18 years old or older?
  2. Do you have a diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)?
  3. Are you currently receiving standard care for your PAH?
  4. Are you comfortable attending regular clinic visits and having blood tests?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be given the study medicine, sotatercept, as an injection. The study will look at two different ways of deciding your dose: either based on your exact body weight or within a specific weight group. You will receive this treatment alongside your usual care for PAH.

Your participation will involve several visits to the clinic. At these visits, the study team will take blood samples to measure the amount of sotatercept in your body, just like they check other medicines. They will also carry out various health checks to monitor your overall well-being and look for any side effects. These checks might include physical examinations and discussions about how you are feeling. Throughout the study, you will continue to receive the standard treatments that your doctor has prescribed for your PAH. The total duration of the study, including follow-up appointments, will be explained in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any medical study has potential benefits and risks. You might not directly benefit from taking part, but the information gained will help future patients with PAH. Potential risks could include side effects from the study medicine, sotatercept, or from the procedures involved like blood tests. The study team will explain all known potential side effects and monitor you closely. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (8)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.
  • Unverified
    Czechia
  • Unverified
    Poland
  • Unverified
    Spain
  • Unverified
    France
  • Unverified
    Germany
  • Unverified
    Italy
  • Unverified
    Netherlands
  • Unverified
    Hungary

Common questions

What is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?

PAH is a serious condition where blood vessels in the lungs become narrow, making it hard for the heart to pump blood, leading to breathlessness and tiredness.

What is sotatercept?

Sotatercept is a new medicine being tested in this study as a possible treatment for PAH. It’s an investigational drug, meaning it’s not yet approved for general use.

Why are researchers looking at weight-based or weight-banded doses?

They want to find the safest and most effective way to give the medicine so it works best for people with different body weights.

Will I still take my regular PAH medicines if I join?

Yes, you will continue to take your usual prescribed treatments for PAH alongside the study medicine, sotatercept.

What does a 'randomised study' mean?

It means that you are put into a treatment group by chance, like flipping a coin. This helps make the study fair and the results reliable.

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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