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Exploratory Study to Evaluate the Effect of SYN111 (Rufinamide) in Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A Multi-Center,Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2, Exploratory Study to Evaluate the Effect of Rufinamide on Anxiety in Patients With Moderate to Severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00595231
Enrollment
239
Registered
2008-01-16
Start date
2008-03-31
Completion date
2008-10-31
Last updated
2019-02-27

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

Conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Keywords

GAD

Brief summary

A Multi-Centered Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2, Exploratory Study to Evaluate the Effect of Rufinamide on Anxiety in Patients with Moderate to Severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Detailed description

This was an exploratory study to evaluate the effect of 500 or 1000 mg per day for 8 weeks of Rufinamide compared to placebo on measures of anxiety in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and to determine tolerability of Rufinamide in this population.

Interventions

DRUGSYN111

500 mg for 1 week followed by 1000 mg for 7 weeks

DRUGPlacebo

0 mg tablets

Sponsors

Syneos Health
CollaboratorOTHER
Biotie Therapies Inc.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

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

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Outpatient 18-65 * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual,(DSM) IV criteria for GAD * Have moderate to severe anxiety * Sign IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved consent and can comply with visits and procedures * Women of childbearing potential must use acceptable method of contraception

Exclusion criteria

* Have diagnosis of adjustment disorder or anxiety disorder Not otherwise specified (NOS) * Have diagnosis of specific phobia * Have diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder or other Axis II Disorder * Have diagnosis of substance abuse disorder within 3 months of study entry * Have diagnosis of major depressive disorder or panic disorder within 6 months of study entry * Have diagnosis of PTSD, eating disorder substance dependence disorder within 12 months of study entry * Have diagnosis anytime during lifetime of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, bipolar mood disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), psychosurgery * Require medication to treat GAD other than study medication * Failed to show improvement with past treatment for GAD * Excessively consume caffeine * Are receiving treatment with prohibited medications * Uncontrolled thyroid condition * Positive urine drug screen * Obese * Clinically significant ECG finding * Participating in other clinical trial * Clinically significant out of range lab value * Past exposure to rufinamide * Pregnant or nursing females

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - Observed8 WeeksThe Hamilton Anxiety Scale is a 14-item test measuring the severity of anxiety symptoms. It provides measures of overall anxiety, psychic anxiety (mental agitation and psychological distress), and somatic anxiety (physical complaints related to anxiety). The interviewer then rated the individuals on a 5-point scale for each of the 14 items. Seven of the items specifically address psychic anxiety and the remaining 7 items address somatic anxiety. The total anxiety score ranges from 0 to 56. The 7 psychic anxiety items elicit a psychic anxiety score that ranges from 0 to 28. The remaining 7 items yield a somatic anxiety score that also ranges from 0 to 28. A score of 17 or less indicates mild anxiety severity. A score from 18 to 24 indicates mild to moderate anxiety severity, a score of 25 to 30 indicates a moderate to severe anxiety and lastly a score of 31-56 is very severe. HAM-A total score is the sum of items 1 - 14.
Change From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary Statistics8 WeeksThe Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale is a self screening questionnaire for depression and anxiety. It consists of 14 questions, seven for anxiety and seven for depression. The 14 statements are relevant to either generalized anxiety (7 statements) or 'depression' (again 7). Each question has 4 possible responses. Responses are scored on a scale from 3 to 0. The maximum score is therefore 21 for depression and 21 for anxiety. A score of 11 or higher indicates the probable presence of the mood disorder with a score of 8 to 10 being just suggestive of the presence of the respective state. The 2 subscales, anxiety and depression, have been found to be independent measures. In its current form the HADS is now divided into 4 ranges: normal (0-7), mild (8-10), moderate (11-15) and severe (16-21). Anxiety score = sum of items 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. Depression score = sum of items 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.
Change From Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) Summary Statistics.8 WeeksThe MADRS (Montgomery and Asberg 1979) is a clinician-rated instrument that measures the presence and severity of depression. This instrument consists of 10 items. Each item is rated on a defined step scale of 0 to 6 with anchors at 2-point intervals. The MADRS total score is the sum of the 10 items and ranges from 0 to 60. A high numeric rating shows a greater degree of symptom severity.
Change From Baseline in Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of Illness: (CGI-S)8 weeksSeverity of illness is the first scale in the CGI. A rating is filled in by the investigator at the start of treatment based on a 0-7 point weighted scale. It goes from not assessed (0), to among the most extremely ill patients (7).
Change From Baseline Raskin Depression Scale.8 weeksIt explores the extent to which an individual demonstrates depression on three sub-scales (rated 1-5): verbal self-report, behavior and secondary symptoms of depression. Scores range from 3-15, with higher scores indicating greater severity.
Change From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics Observed8 weeksThe Covi Anxiety Scale is a simple 3 item scale for the assessment of severity of anxiety symptoms. The scale measures 3 dimensions: verbal report, behavior and somatic symptoms of anxiety. Each item scored on a scale of 1 - 5. (1)not at all, (2)somewhat, (3)moderately, (4) considerably, and (5)very much), hence the scale is a 5- to 15 point range. The three items are the patient's verbal report (feeling shaky, jittery, jumpy), observed behavior consistent with anxiety during the interview (e.g. appearing frightened, shaky, restless) and somatic complains (e.g., sweating, trembling, heart pounding). COVI Rating Scale total score is the sum of items 1 - 3.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

A total of 239 subjects were randomized into the trial from 19 of the 20 study sites initiated.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Rufinamide
500 mg for 1 week followed by 1000 mg for 7 weeks
115
Placebo
Placebo, 0 mg tablets
114
Total229

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicRufinamideTotalPlacebo
Age, Continuous38.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.47
37.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.07
35.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.53
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
12 Participants31 Participants19 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
103 Participants198 Participants95 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
12 Participants20 Participants8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
14 Participants31 Participants17 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
7 Participants25 Participants18 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
82 Participants151 Participants69 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
115 participants229 participants114 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
76 Participants157 Participants81 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
39 Participants72 Participants33 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 1150 / 114
other
Total, other adverse events
75 / 11572 / 114
serious
Total, serious adverse events
1 / 1151 / 114

Outcome results

Primary

Change From Baseline in Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of Illness: (CGI-S)

Severity of illness is the first scale in the CGI. A rating is filled in by the investigator at the start of treatment based on a 0-7 point weighted scale. It goes from not assessed (0), to among the most extremely ill patients (7).

Time frame: 8 weeks

Population: ITT Population: Randomized and received at least one dose of the study drugs.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of Illness: (CGI-S)4.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.6
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of Illness: (CGI-S)4.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.56
Primary

Change From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics Observed

The Covi Anxiety Scale is a simple 3 item scale for the assessment of severity of anxiety symptoms. The scale measures 3 dimensions: verbal report, behavior and somatic symptoms of anxiety. Each item scored on a scale of 1 - 5. (1)not at all, (2)somewhat, (3)moderately, (4) considerably, and (5)very much), hence the scale is a 5- to 15 point range. The three items are the patient's verbal report (feeling shaky, jittery, jumpy), observed behavior consistent with anxiety during the interview (e.g. appearing frightened, shaky, restless) and somatic complains (e.g., sweating, trembling, heart pounding). COVI Rating Scale total score is the sum of items 1 - 3.

Time frame: 8 weeks

Population: ITT Population: Randomized and received at least one dose of the study drugs.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedScreening10.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.39
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedBaseline10.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.35
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedWeek 38.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.51
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedWeek 67.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.51
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedWeek 87.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.5
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedLast Observation7.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.73
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedWeek 87.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.17
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedScreening10.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.26
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedWeek 67.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.21
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedBaseline10.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.33
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedLast Observation7.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.29
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Covi Anxiety Scale (CAS) - Index Total Score: Summary Statistics ObservedWeek 38.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.99
Primary

Change From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - Observed

The Hamilton Anxiety Scale is a 14-item test measuring the severity of anxiety symptoms. It provides measures of overall anxiety, psychic anxiety (mental agitation and psychological distress), and somatic anxiety (physical complaints related to anxiety). The interviewer then rated the individuals on a 5-point scale for each of the 14 items. Seven of the items specifically address psychic anxiety and the remaining 7 items address somatic anxiety. The total anxiety score ranges from 0 to 56. The 7 psychic anxiety items elicit a psychic anxiety score that ranges from 0 to 28. The remaining 7 items yield a somatic anxiety score that also ranges from 0 to 28. A score of 17 or less indicates mild anxiety severity. A score from 18 to 24 indicates mild to moderate anxiety severity, a score of 25 to 30 indicates a moderate to severe anxiety and lastly a score of 31-56 is very severe. HAM-A total score is the sum of items 1 - 14.

Time frame: 8 Weeks

Population: ITT Population: Randomized and received at least one dose of the study drugs.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedScreening25.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.7
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedBaseline25.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.77
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 121.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.04
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 220.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.29
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 318.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.45
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 615.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.34
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 815.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.76
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedLast Observation16.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.91
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedLast Observation16.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.65
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedScreening25.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.77
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 317.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.02
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedBaseline25.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.74
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 815.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.19
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 121.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.71
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 616.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.32
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) - Total Score: Summary Statistics - ObservedWeek 219.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.97
Primary

Change From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary Statistics

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale is a self screening questionnaire for depression and anxiety. It consists of 14 questions, seven for anxiety and seven for depression. The 14 statements are relevant to either generalized anxiety (7 statements) or 'depression' (again 7). Each question has 4 possible responses. Responses are scored on a scale from 3 to 0. The maximum score is therefore 21 for depression and 21 for anxiety. A score of 11 or higher indicates the probable presence of the mood disorder with a score of 8 to 10 being just suggestive of the presence of the respective state. The 2 subscales, anxiety and depression, have been found to be independent measures. In its current form the HADS is now divided into 4 ranges: normal (0-7), mild (8-10), moderate (11-15) and severe (16-21). Anxiety score = sum of items 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. Depression score = sum of items 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.

Time frame: 8 Weeks

Population: ITT Population: Randomized and received at least one dose of the study drugs.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 1-0.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.66
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 2-0.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.42
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 3-1.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.14
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 6-1.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.57
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 8-2.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.61
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsLast Observation-1.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.74
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 8-1.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.07
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 1-0.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.02
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 6-1.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.2
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 2-0.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.69
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsLast Observation-1.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.01
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Summary StatisticsWeek 3-0.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.91
Primary

Change From Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) Summary Statistics.

The MADRS (Montgomery and Asberg 1979) is a clinician-rated instrument that measures the presence and severity of depression. This instrument consists of 10 items. Each item is rated on a defined step scale of 0 to 6 with anchors at 2-point intervals. The MADRS total score is the sum of the 10 items and ranges from 0 to 60. A high numeric rating shows a greater degree of symptom severity.

Time frame: 8 Weeks

Population: ITT Population: Randomized and received at least one dose of the study drugs.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
RufinamideChange From Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) Summary Statistics.15.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.51
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) Summary Statistics.16.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.86
Primary

Change From Baseline Raskin Depression Scale.

It explores the extent to which an individual demonstrates depression on three sub-scales (rated 1-5): verbal self-report, behavior and secondary symptoms of depression. Scores range from 3-15, with higher scores indicating greater severity.

Time frame: 8 weeks

Population: ITT Population: Randomized and received at least one dose of the study drugs.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
RufinamideChange From Baseline Raskin Depression Scale.5.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.22
PlaceboChange From Baseline Raskin Depression Scale.5.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.2

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026