Not Yet RecruitingPhase 2

Atomoxetine in Melanocortin Obesity Syndrome

United States20 participantsStarted 2025-04

Plain-language summary

This is a phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial to determine the safety and efficacy of atomoxetine for treating obesity caused by loss-of-function variants in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), the most common cause of genetic obesity disorders. Atomoxetine was selected for this pilot trial because it has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) within the central nervous system and in peripheral circulation. Targeting BDNF is a specific strategy for treating MC4R abnormalities because BDNF functions as a downstream mediator of MC4R signaling.

Who can participate

Age range

6 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: * Age 6 years and above * Documented MC4R variant classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or variant of uncertain significance per ACMG criteria. If testing was done in a research lab, it will be confirmed by a CLIA-approved lab prior to randomization. * Obesity defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m2 in adults or ≥95th percentile for age and sex in children Exclusion criteria: * Use of atomoxetine, viloxazine (another selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor), methylphenidate, amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, phentermine, or any other stimulant medication in the past 30 days. If on other ADHD medications, such as guanfacine and clonidine, must be on a stable dose for \>3 months. * Weight loss \>5% in the past 3 months. * Initiation of new weight loss program, including diet or medications. If on weight loss medications, must be on a stable dose for \>3 months. * Inability to swallow capsules. * History of hypersensitivity to atomoxetine. * Narrow angle glaucoma. * History of pheochromocytoma. * Uncontrolled Stage 2 hypertension (≥95th percentile + 12 mmHg or \>140/90, whichever is lower) at screening. If on antihypertensive medication, must be on stable dose for \>3 months. * Hepatic insufficiency including cirrhosis and acute hepatitis (AST or ALT \>3x upper limit of normal) * Uncontrolled asthma requiring albuterol more than once weekly over the past 3 months * History of a cardiac arrhythmia (not including bradycardia) * Current use of mon…

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

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Timeframe: 16 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06899178

SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-07

Contact for this trial

Joan C Han, MD

212-241-3744 joan.han@mountsinai.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Melanocortin Obesity Syndrome trials