TerminatedPhase 4

A Trial of Neuroprotection With ACTH in Acute Optic Neuritis

Stopped: Sponsor requested

United States37 participantsStarted 2013-05

Plain-language summary

We hypothesize that the novel melanocortin-mediated anti-inflammatory effects of ACTH will reduce axonal loss following ON by limiting inflammatory optic nerve injury. We will compare the effect of ACTH and intravenous methylprednisolone therapy on axonal injury following ON using OCT, a sensitive, reproducible and noninvasive tool to measure RNFL thickness. The primary outcome will be the average RNFL thickness at 6 months. Additional pre-specified statistical analyses will compare the difference in the mean RNFL thickness at 6 months in the affected eye between the IV methylprednisolone- and Acthar-treated groups, and the mean 6-month affected eye RNFL thicknesses adjusted for the baseline unaffected eye RNFL. The secondary outcome measure will examine the frequency of optic nerves with RNFL swelling between the IV methylprednisolone- and Acthar-treated groups at 1 and 3 months. A predefined exploratory outcome will compare the ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (GC+IPL) thickness at 6 months between treatment groups. Additional tertiary outcome will be the assessment of changes in fatigue, mood, visual function depression, and quality of life in patients with AON. Assessment will be completed by administration of the following questionnaires: Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life 54 Instrument, 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire with 10-item supplement, Beck's Depression Inventory. These questionnaires have been validated for the MS (AON) population. Descriptive and correlative analysis will be done at each visit time point to assess for QOL for this study population.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 55 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Ability to provide written informed consent before any study assessment is performed.
. Male and female patients aged between 18 and 55 years, inclusive.
. Diagnosis of clinically unilateral acute demyelinating optic neuritis (ADON)
. Clinical signs and symptoms of ADON starting within the 14 day prior to intended randomization (loss of vision, pain on movement, impairment of color vision).
. The qualifying episode of optic neuritis must be the first clinical episode of optic neuritis in the affected eye.
. Able to undergo treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone or Acthar gel.

Exclusion criteria

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

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01838174

SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-01-13

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