Phase III Confirmatory Study in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) (NCT00979745) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 3
Phase III Confirmatory Study in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP)
Finland, France, Germany74 participantsStarted 2009-09
Plain-language summary
Afamelanotide is a man-made drug being studied for use as a preventative medication for EPP sufferers. It is a synthetically produced analogue of human alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and is not yet available on the market.
The purpose of this study is to look at whether afamelanotide can reduce the number and severity of EPP symptoms when patients are exposed to light. This study will also look at how the drug is tolerated when taken by people with EPP.
The study will involve the use of an implant, which comes in the form of a small rod (approximately 2 cm x 0.15 cm) to be administered under the skin. The implant may contain the study drug afamelanotide or a placebo (inactive medication).
Over 450 subjects have been treated with afamelanotide to date with no serious safety concerns identified. For this study, afamelanotide has been formulated as a controlled release depot injection (implant). This means that the afamelanotide will be released slowly into the body over a few days. Once inserted, the implant will remain in the body after afamelanotide has been released and will slowly dissolve.
This study will help to provide more information about afamelanotide. This information will be used to determine the safety and efficacy (the ability of the drug to produce an effect) of this drug in EPP sufferers.
Up to 70 people will participate in this study from study sites across Europe.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male or female subjects with a diagnosis of EPP (confirmed by elevated free protoporphyrin in peripheral erythrocytes) of sufficient severity that they have requested treatment to alleviate their symptoms.
* Aged 18 - 70 years (inclusive)
* Written informed consent prior to the performance of any study-specific procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Any allergy to afamelanotide or the polymer contained in the implant or to lignocaine or other local anaesthetic to be used during the administration of study medication.
* EPP patients with significant hepatic involvement.
* Personal history of melanoma or dysplastic nevus syndrome.
* Current Bowen's disease, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or other malignant or premalignant skin lesions.
* Any other photodermatosis such as PLE, DLE or solar urticaria.
* Any evidence of clinically significant organ dysfunction or any clinically significant deviation from normal in the clinical or laboratory determinations.
* Acute history of drug or alcohol abuse (in the last 12 months).
* Patient assessed as not suitable for the study in the opinion of the Investigator (e.g. noncompliance history, allergic to local anaesthetics, faints when given injections or giving blood).
* Female who is pregnant (confirmed by positive serum β-HCG pregnancy test prior to baseline) or lactating.
* Females of child-bearing potential (pre-menopausal, not surgically sterile) not using adequate contraceptive measures (i.e. oral c…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
The Duration of Direct Sunlight Exposure Between 10:00 and 15:00 Hours on Days When Patients Did Not Report Phototoxicity-related Pain (Likert Pain Scale Score of 0)