Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Acute Porphyria Biomarkers for Disease Activity

United States50 participantsStarted 2014-04-28

Plain-language summary

The long term objective of the research is to identify new biomarkers of disease activity in the human acute porphyrias. This pilot study is intended to provide pilot and feasibility data needed to plan larger and more definitive future studies.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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

. For AIP: Elevation in urine PBG, with normal or only slight increases in plasma and fecal porphyrins. Most (\~90%) will have deficient activity of erythrocyte PBGD.
. For HCP: Elevation in urine PBG, with substantial increases in fecal porphyrins (almost entirely coproporphyrin III). In the absence of skin photosensitivity, most will have normal or only slight increases in plasma porphyrins.
. For VP: Elevation in PBG, with substantial increases in fecal porphyrins (mostly coproporphyrin III and protoporphyrin), increased plasma total porphyrins and a fluorescence emission maximum of diluted plasma at neutral pH near 626 nm.

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

Potential biomarkers Biomarkers

Timeframe: 10 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02935400

SponsorThe University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Acute Intermittent Porphyria trials