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Dutasteride to Treat Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA)

Phase II Clinical Trial to Examine the Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride in Patients With Kennedy's Disease (Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy)

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00303446
Enrollment
57
Registered
2006-03-16
Start date
2006-03-31
Completion date
2009-12-31
Last updated
2011-01-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Kennedy's Disease, Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy

Keywords

Motor Neuron, Androgen Receptor, Polyglutamine, X-Linked, Ligand Dependency, Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy, SBMA, Kennedy Disease

Brief summary

This study will determine if the drug dutasteride can improve weakness, mobility, functioning, nerve function, and quality of life in patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Patients with this inherited disease have an abnormal androgen receptor protein. The male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) bind to this abnormal receptor, causing damage to nerve cells that innervate muscle and leading to weakness. Dutasteride decreases DHT production. Lowering DHT levels may decrease the harmful effects of DHT to the nerves and improve strength in people with SBMA. Males 18 years of age and older with SBMA who have neurological symptoms and can walk 100 feet (with or without assistive devices) may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a blood test and a review of their medical records and genetic studies. Participants undergo the following procedures: * Blood and urine tests, history and physical examination, assessment of muscle strength * Quality-of-life questionnaire * Tests to assess functional abilities, such walking up steps, keeping the head up while lying down, and other measures * Nerve conduction study and motor unit number estimation to assess nerve damage. A probe placed on the skin delivers small electrical impulses and wires taped to the skin record the impulses. * Quantitative muscle testing to measure strength. The subject pushes and pulls levers attached to a gauge. Strength is recorded by a computer. * Medication. Participants are divided into two groups. One group is given the study drug, dutasteride; the other receives a placebo (sugar pill). All participants take their assigned medication once a day for 24 months. * Follow-up evaluations. Every 6 months for 2 years, participants return to NIH to repeat the tests described above to determine the effects of the dutasteride. Nerve and quantitative muscle testing is not done at the 6- and 18-month visits. * In addition to their follow-up appointments here at the NIH every 6 months, participants will also have blood tests and a physical examination performed after 3, 9, 15 and 21 months of treatment by the patient's local physician.

Detailed description

Background: Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) or Kennedy's disease is a slowly progressive, X-linked motor neuron disease for which there is currently no treatment. It is caused by a mutation in the androgen receptor that results in a polyglutamine repeat expansion. Recent animal studies have demonstrated that decreasing endogenous androgen levels leads to functional improvement and increased survival. Studies have also shown that high levels of 5 alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are present in the ventral spinal cord, while low levels of this enzyme are found within skeletal muscle. Thus, by selectively decreasing levels of DHT with dutasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, it is hypothesized that there will be a selective protection of motor neurons, without the adverse effects of reducing the anabolic effects of androgen on muscle. Objective: This will be a phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining the safety and efficacy of the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor dutasteride in inhibiting the progression of neurodegeneration in patients with Kennedy's disease. Natural history data will also be obtained from the placebo control arm. Study Population: We aim to enroll 50 men with genetically confirmed Kennedy's disease. Design: Our objective is to examine the safety and efficacy of dutasteride given at a dose of 0.5 mg a day for 2 years in an outpatient setting. This will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 25 subjects in each arm. The subjects will be evaluated neurologically and endocrinologically every 6 months at the NIH Clinical Center. In addition to their clinical visits at the NIH, subjects will also be examined by their primary physician after 3, 9, 15, and 21 months of treatment. The primary objective is to examine the effects of dutasteride on inhibiting or reversing the rate of progression of weakness as measured by quantitative muscle testing. Following informed consent, patients will undergo an initial medical history and physical followed by testing of specific neurological and endocrinological measures over a two-day outpatient visit. Patients will provide blood samples for analysis of hormonal levels and extent of muscle damage every three months. In addition, at the initial, one-year, and two-year follow-up visits patients will have nerve conduction studies as well as quantitative and functional strength evaluation. Each patient will be randomized to the treatment or placebo arm and will be given a 3 month supply of the study drug or a matched placebo at each visit. In between clinic visits, the NIH clinical pharmacy will send an additional 3 month supply to each subject until the subsequent visit. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure used will be quantitative muscle testing (QMT). Secondary outcome measures include the Adult Myositis Assessment Tool (AMAT), 2-minute walk, a quality of life measure (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2, SF-36v2), neurophysiological testing (sensory nerve action potentials, and statistical motor unit number estimation). Changes in hormone levels (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, estradiol), and creatine kinase levels will also be measured and correlated with changes in strength. Evaluation of disease severity and course as related to CAG repeat length and androgen levels will also be assessed. Future Directions: The results of this phase II study will assist us in developing a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial. In addition, natural history data will be obtained from the control arm that will be important in future clinical trials of SBMA.

Interventions

DRUGDutasteride

Dutasteride 0.5 mg/day

DRUGPlacebo

Matched placebo

Sponsors

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Lead SponsorNIH

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Genetically confirmed SBMA * Neurological symptoms of SBMA * Ability to ambulate 100 feet with or without the use of assistive devices * Willingness to participate in all aspects of trial design and follow-up * Male sex

Exclusion criteria

* Age less than 18 years * Female sex * A history of hypersensitivity to dutasteride or 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. * Exposure to 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, anti-androgens, testosterone, or steroids in the preceding 6 months * Patients who are taking potent cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors for over 4 weeks * Patients with any pre-existing liver disease * Alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, or direct bilirubin greater than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal * Alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal in subjects with normal creatine kinase levels * Creatinine greater than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal * Platelet count, white blood cell count or hemoglobin below the lower limit of normal * Other clinically significant medical disease that, in the judgment of the investigators, would expose the patient to undue risk of harm or prevent the patient from completing the study

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Muscle Strength Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsQuantitative muscle assessment (QMA) was done with a fixed frame dynamometer, a strain gauge tensiometer, and a computer-aided acquisition system. Maximal voluntary isometric muscle contractions were measured twice, the average was calculated, and the results were summed over 22 muscle groups (11 on each side). The total force was scaled for body weight and expressed as percent change from baseline. Measurements were performed at 0, 12, and 24 months. The calculated percent changes at 12 and 24 months are shown.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Manual Muscle Testing, Change From Baseline.0, 12, and 24 monthsManual muscle testing was performed using a modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale (0=worst, 5=best); the average muscle score was based on 22 muscle groups.
Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsThe Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool rates physical function and muscle endurance, with higher scores indicating better performance; it includes 7 timed functional tasks and 6 endurance tasks (0=worst, 45=best).
Timed 2-minute Walk, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsThe subjects did the 2-minute walk in a 50-foot (15.2-meter) corridor three times, and the average distance was calculated. The subjects were allowed to use an assistive device and rest between the trials.
Swallow Score Average, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsModified barium swallow studies were done at 0, 12, and 24 months. Twenty-five domains were assessed, and six were chosen for final analysis based on the abnormal findings in subjects evaluated at baseline: vallecular pooling and repeated-swallow, each assessed with thin liquids, purees, and solids (rated 1-4, abnormal to normal).
Bulbar Rating Scale, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsThe Bulbar Rating Scale includes eight domains each rated on a 1-4 scale, abnormal to normal. The original 8-32 point scale was transformed to a 0-100% scale to represent the responses as percentages.
Sensory Nerve Action Potential Average, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsNerve conduction studies were done on four sensory nerves (median, ulnar, radial, sural), and the amplitudes of the evoked responses were averaged. Loss of amplitude indicates impairment of conduction.
Creatine Kinase, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsSerum creatine kinase was determined in venous blood samples analyzed at the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the NIH Clinical Center.
Peroneal Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsNerve conduction studies were done on the peroneal nerve, and the compound muscle action potential amplitude was determined. Loss of amplitude indicates impairment of conduction.
Motor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsMotor unit number estimation (MUNE) was done with a statistical MUNE program, on the abductor pollicis brevis. All subjects were evaluated on the right side unless severe atrophy produced very low compound muscle action potentials; in this case, the left side was investigated or the abductor digiti minimi was substituted. A decrease in MUNE indicates a loss of motor units.
Activities of Daily Living, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsSubjects rated their daily activity with a modified 9-question Activities of Daily Living (ADL) questionnaire (0-4, fully impaired to normal).
Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Physical Component Summary, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsSubjects completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2), in which they rated their physical quality of life over the preceding 4 weeks. Raw SF-36v2 scores were converted to norm-based scales and component summaries using the scoring code provided by QualityMetric (mean=50, standard deviation (SD)=10).
Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Mental Component Summary, Percent Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsSubjects completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2), in which they rated their mental quality of life over the preceding 4 weeks. Raw SF-36v2 scores were converted to norm-based scales and component summaries using the scoring code provided by QualityMetric (mean=50, standard deviation (SD)=10), and percent change in the norm-based scale was calculated.
International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF), Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsSexual function was rated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The total IIEF score (5-75, worst-best) was reported as the percent maximum (0-100%).
Median Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From Baseline0, 12, and 24 monthsNerve conduction studies were done on the median motor nerve, and the compound muscle action potential amplitude was determined. Loss of amplitude indicates impairment of conduction.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

57 subjects were evaluated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center.

Pre-assignment details

7 subjects were excluded on the basis of screening blood test abnormalities. 50 subjects were randomized.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Placebo
Matched placebo, one tablet daily
25
Dutasteride
Dutasteride 500 micrograms, one tablet daily.
25
Total50

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyDeath01
Overall StudyPhysician Decision01
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject22

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicDutasteridePlaceboTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
4 Participants4 Participants8 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
21 Participants21 Participants42 Participants
Age Continuous51.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.5
53.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.2
53.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.5
Region of Enrollment
United States
25 participants25 participants50 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
25 Participants25 Participants50 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
23 / 2523 / 25
serious
Total, serious adverse events
2 / 255 / 25

Outcome results

Primary

Muscle Strength Change From Baseline

Quantitative muscle assessment (QMA) was done with a fixed frame dynamometer, a strain gauge tensiometer, and a computer-aided acquisition system. Maximal voluntary isometric muscle contractions were measured twice, the average was calculated, and the results were summed over 22 muscle groups (11 on each side). The total force was scaled for body weight and expressed as percent change from baseline. Measurements were performed at 0, 12, and 24 months. The calculated percent changes at 12 and 24 months are shown.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

Population: The participants analyzed were those who were available for analysis at 12 and 24 months.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboMuscle Strength Change From BaselineMuscle Strength Change From Baseline at 12 Months-2.2 percent changeStandard Deviation 9.4
PlaceboMuscle Strength Change From BaselineMuscle Strength Change From Baseline at 24 Months-4.5 percent changeStandard Deviation 13.5
DutasterideMuscle Strength Change From BaselineMuscle Strength Change From Baseline at 12 Months3.1 percent changeStandard Deviation 27.1
DutasterideMuscle Strength Change From BaselineMuscle Strength Change From Baseline at 24 Months1.3 percent changeStandard Deviation 24.2
p-value: 0.28Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Activities of Daily Living, Change From Baseline

Subjects rated their daily activity with a modified 9-question Activities of Daily Living (ADL) questionnaire (0-4, fully impaired to normal).

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboActivities of Daily Living, Change From BaselineActivities of Daily Living, Change at 12 months0.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.3
PlaceboActivities of Daily Living, Change From BaselineActivities of Daily Living, Change at 24 months1.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.3
DutasterideActivities of Daily Living, Change From BaselineActivities of Daily Living, Change at 12 months0.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.8
DutasterideActivities of Daily Living, Change From BaselineActivities of Daily Living, Change at 24 months1.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.2
p-value: 1Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change From Baseline

The Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool rates physical function and muscle endurance, with higher scores indicating better performance; it includes 7 timed functional tasks and 6 endurance tasks (0=worst, 45=best).

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change From BaselineAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change at 12 mos.-2.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.7
PlaceboAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change From BaselineAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change at 24 mos.-2.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.2
DutasterideAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change From BaselineAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change at 12 mos.-0.7 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.4
DutasterideAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change From BaselineAdult Myopathy Assessment Tool, Change at 24 mos.-1.5 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.9
p-value: 0.13Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Bulbar Rating Scale, Change From Baseline

The Bulbar Rating Scale includes eight domains each rated on a 1-4 scale, abnormal to normal. The original 8-32 point scale was transformed to a 0-100% scale to represent the responses as percentages.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboBulbar Rating Scale, Change From BaselineBulbar Rating Scale, Change at 12 months5.7 percentage of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 6.7
PlaceboBulbar Rating Scale, Change From BaselineBulbar Rating Scale, Change at 24 months6.4 percentage of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 5.8
DutasterideBulbar Rating Scale, Change From BaselineBulbar Rating Scale, Change at 12 months2.6 percentage of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 6.8
DutasterideBulbar Rating Scale, Change From BaselineBulbar Rating Scale, Change at 24 months3.9 percentage of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 4.6
p-value: 0.08Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Creatine Kinase, Change From Baseline

Serum creatine kinase was determined in venous blood samples analyzed at the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the NIH Clinical Center.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboCreatine Kinase, Change From BaselineCreatine kinase change at 12 months-36 Units/literStandard Deviation 360
PlaceboCreatine Kinase, Change From BaselineCreatine kinase change at 24 months-19 Units/literStandard Deviation 494
DutasterideCreatine Kinase, Change From BaselineCreatine kinase change at 12 months-32 Units/literStandard Deviation 375
DutasterideCreatine Kinase, Change From BaselineCreatine kinase change at 24 months-62 Units/literStandard Deviation 472
p-value: 0.86Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF), Change From Baseline

Sexual function was rated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The total IIEF score (5-75, worst-best) was reported as the percent maximum (0-100%).

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboInternational Index for Erectile Function (IIEF), Change From BaselineIIEF, Change at 12 months-2.4 percent of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 10.2
PlaceboInternational Index for Erectile Function (IIEF), Change From BaselineIIEF, Change at 24 months-0.3 percent of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 16.4
DutasterideInternational Index for Erectile Function (IIEF), Change From BaselineIIEF, Change at 12 months-2.1 percent of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 11.6
DutasterideInternational Index for Erectile Function (IIEF), Change From BaselineIIEF, Change at 24 months-3.5 percent of maximum scoreStandard Deviation 6.9
p-value: 0.61Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Manual Muscle Testing, Change From Baseline.

Manual muscle testing was performed using a modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale (0=worst, 5=best); the average muscle score was based on 22 muscle groups.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboManual Muscle Testing, Change From Baseline.Manual Muscle Testing, Change at 12 months0.04 MRC units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.7
PlaceboManual Muscle Testing, Change From Baseline.Manual Muscle Testing, Change at 24 months0.02 MRC units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.7
DutasterideManual Muscle Testing, Change From Baseline.Manual Muscle Testing, Change at 12 months-0.25 MRC units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.8
DutasterideManual Muscle Testing, Change From Baseline.Manual Muscle Testing, Change at 24 months0.01 MRC units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.5
Comparison: Comparison of changes from baseline in manual muscle testing results.p-value: 0.47Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Median Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From Baseline

Nerve conduction studies were done on the median motor nerve, and the compound muscle action potential amplitude was determined. Loss of amplitude indicates impairment of conduction.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboMedian Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselineMedian Motor Action Potential, Change at 12 months0.04 mVoltsStandard Deviation 2.15
PlaceboMedian Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselineMedian Motor Action Potential, Change at 24 months-0.24 mVoltsStandard Deviation 1.84
DutasterideMedian Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselineMedian Motor Action Potential, Change at 12 months0.52 mVoltsStandard Deviation 2.63
DutasterideMedian Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselineMedian Motor Action Potential, Change at 24 months0.24 mVoltsStandard Deviation 1.89
p-value: 0.37Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Mental Component Summary, Percent Change From Baseline

Subjects completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2), in which they rated their mental quality of life over the preceding 4 weeks. Raw SF-36v2 scores were converted to norm-based scales and component summaries using the scoring code provided by QualityMetric (mean=50, standard deviation (SD)=10), and percent change in the norm-based scale was calculated.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Mental Component Summary, Percent Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Mental Component Sum., Change at 12 mos.0.6 percent changeStandard Deviation 11.1
PlaceboMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Mental Component Summary, Percent Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Mental Component Sum., Change at 24 mos.3.3 percent changeStandard Deviation 9.3
DutasterideMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Mental Component Summary, Percent Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Mental Component Sum., Change at 12 mos.0.1 percent changeStandard Deviation 7.9
DutasterideMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Mental Component Summary, Percent Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Mental Component Sum., Change at 24 mos.-3.2 percent changeStandard Deviation 10.2
p-value: 0.033t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Physical Component Summary, Change From Baseline

Subjects completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2), in which they rated their physical quality of life over the preceding 4 weeks. Raw SF-36v2 scores were converted to norm-based scales and component summaries using the scoring code provided by QualityMetric (mean=50, standard deviation (SD)=10).

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Physical Component Summary, Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Physical Component Sum., Change at 12 mos.-0.9 percent changeStandard Deviation 6.5
PlaceboMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Physical Component Summary, Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Physical Component Sum., Change at 24 mos.-3.6 percent changeStandard Deviation 8.4
DutasterideMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Physical Component Summary, Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Physical Component Sum., Change at 12 mos.2.5 percent changeStandard Deviation 5.9
DutasterideMedical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) Physical Component Summary, Change From BaselineSF-36v2 Physical Component Sum., Change at 24 mos.2.1 percent changeStandard Deviation 6.1
p-value: 0.014Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Motor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change From Baseline

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) was done with a statistical MUNE program, on the abductor pollicis brevis. All subjects were evaluated on the right side unless severe atrophy produced very low compound muscle action potentials; in this case, the left side was investigated or the abductor digiti minimi was substituted. A decrease in MUNE indicates a loss of motor units.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change From BaselineMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change at 12 months-4.2 motor unit numberStandard Deviation 18.9
PlaceboMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change From BaselineMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change at 24 months-2.2 motor unit numberStandard Deviation 23.3
DutasterideMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change From BaselineMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change at 12 months-4.2 motor unit numberStandard Deviation 18.7
DutasterideMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change From BaselineMotor Unit Nerve Estimation, Change at 24 months-2.6 motor unit numberStandard Deviation 17.5
p-value: 0.99Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Peroneal Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From Baseline

Nerve conduction studies were done on the peroneal nerve, and the compound muscle action potential amplitude was determined. Loss of amplitude indicates impairment of conduction.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboPeroneal Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselinePeroneal Motor Action Potential, Change at 12 mos.0.16 mVoltsStandard Deviation 1.07
PlaceboPeroneal Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselinePeroneal Motor Action Potential, Change at 24 mos.0.15 mVoltsStandard Deviation 1.37
DutasteridePeroneal Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselinePeroneal Motor Action Potential, Change at 12 mos.0.02 mVoltsStandard Deviation 0.84
DutasteridePeroneal Compound Muscle Action Potential, Change From BaselinePeroneal Motor Action Potential, Change at 24 mos.0.04 mVoltsStandard Deviation 0.81
p-value: 0.65Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Sensory Nerve Action Potential Average, Change From Baseline

Nerve conduction studies were done on four sensory nerves (median, ulnar, radial, sural), and the amplitudes of the evoked responses were averaged. Loss of amplitude indicates impairment of conduction.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSensory Nerve Action Potential Average, Change From BaselineSensory Nerve Action Potential, Change at 12 mos.0 microVoltsStandard Deviation 1
PlaceboSensory Nerve Action Potential Average, Change From BaselineSensory Nerve Action Potential, Change at 24 mos.0 microVoltsStandard Deviation 1
DutasterideSensory Nerve Action Potential Average, Change From BaselineSensory Nerve Action Potential, Change at 12 mos.0 microVoltsStandard Deviation 1
DutasterideSensory Nerve Action Potential Average, Change From BaselineSensory Nerve Action Potential, Change at 24 mos.0 microVoltsStandard Deviation 1
p-value: 0.73Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Swallow Score Average, Change From Baseline

Modified barium swallow studies were done at 0, 12, and 24 months. Twenty-five domains were assessed, and six were chosen for final analysis based on the abnormal findings in subjects evaluated at baseline: vallecular pooling and repeated-swallow, each assessed with thin liquids, purees, and solids (rated 1-4, abnormal to normal).

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSwallow Score Average, Change From BaselineSwallow Score Average, Change at 12 months-0.25 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.4
PlaceboSwallow Score Average, Change From BaselineSwallow Score Average, Change at 24 months-0.53 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.5
DutasterideSwallow Score Average, Change From BaselineSwallow Score Average, Change at 12 months0.06 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.6
DutasterideSwallow Score Average, Change From BaselineSwallow Score Average, Change at 24 months-0.14 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.5
p-value: 0.11Generalized estimating equation model
Secondary

Timed 2-minute Walk, Change From Baseline

The subjects did the 2-minute walk in a 50-foot (15.2-meter) corridor three times, and the average distance was calculated. The subjects were allowed to use an assistive device and rest between the trials.

Time frame: 0, 12, and 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboTimed 2-minute Walk, Change From BaselineTimed 2-minute Walk, Change at 12 months8.1 metersStandard Deviation 29.8
PlaceboTimed 2-minute Walk, Change From BaselineTimed 2-minute Walk, Change at 24 months2.2 metersStandard Deviation 32.6
DutasterideTimed 2-minute Walk, Change From BaselineTimed 2-minute Walk, Change at 12 months-0.8 metersStandard Deviation 28.5
DutasterideTimed 2-minute Walk, Change From BaselineTimed 2-minute Walk, Change at 24 months-1.6 metersStandard Deviation 29.6
p-value: 0.46Generalized estimating equation model

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 29, 2026