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Clinical Study of Droxidopa in Patients With Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH)

Phase III, Multi-Center, Study to Assess the Clinical Effect of Droxidopa in Subjects With Primary Autonomic Failure, Dopamine Beta Hydroxylase Deficiency or Non-Diabetic Neuropathy and Symptomatic NOH

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00633880
Acronym
NOH302
Enrollment
181
Registered
2008-03-12
Start date
2008-01-31
Completion date
2009-09-30
Last updated
2014-05-20

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

Conditions

Dopamine Beta Hydroxylase Deficiency, Non-diabetic Neuropathy, Primary Autonomic Failure, Symptomatic Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH)

Keywords

NOH, Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension, Orthostatic hypotension, PAF, Pure Autonomic Failure, MSA, Multiple System Atrophy, Neuropathy, Autonomic Failure, Parkinson, Dopamine Deficiency, Dopamine, Droxidopa

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to see whether droxidopa is effective in treating symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in patients with Primary Autonomic Failure (Pure Autonomic Failure, Multiple System Atrophy, Parkinson's Disease), Non-diabetic neuropathy, or Beta Hydroxylase deficiency.

Detailed description

Systolic blood pressure is transiently and minimally decreased in healthy individuals upon standing. Normal physiologic feedback mechanisms work through neurally-mediated pathways to maintain the standing blood pressure, and thus maintain adequate cerebral perfusion. The compensatory mechanisms that regulate blood pressure upon standing are dysfunctional in subjects with orthostatic hypotension (OH), a condition that may lead to inadequate cerebral perfusion with accompanying symptoms of syncope, dizziness or lightheadedness, unsteadiness and blurred or impaired vision, among other symptoms. The autonomic nervous system has a central role in the regulation of blood pressure. Primary Autonomic Failure is manifested in a variety of syndromes. Orthostatic hypotension is a usual presenting symptom. Primary Autonomic Failure may be the primary diagnosis, and classifications include pure autonomic failure (PAF), also called idiopathic orthostatic hypotension (Bradbury-Eggleston syndrome) autonomic failure with multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome) and also Parkinson's disease. Regardless of the primary condition, autonomic dysfunction underlies orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension may be a severely disabling condition which can seriously interfere with the quality of life of afflicted subjects. Currently available therapeutic options provide some symptomatic relief in a subset of subjects, but are relatively ineffective and are often accompanied by severe side effects that limit their usefulness. Support garments (tight-fitting leotard) may prove useful in some subjects, but is difficult to don without family or nursing assistance, especially for older subjects. Midodrine, fludrocortisone, methylphenidate, ephedrine, indomethacin and dihydroergotamine are among some of the pharmacological interventions that have been used to treat orthostatic hypotension, although only midodrine is specifically approved for this indication. The limitations of these currently available therapeutic options, and the incapacitating nature and often progressive downhill course of disease, point to the need for an improved therapeutic alternative. The current withdrawal design study will measure the efficacy of droxidopa on symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in patients randomized to continued droxidopa treatment versus placebo, following 14 days of double-blind treatment. droxidopa droxidopa \[also, known as L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine, L-threo-DOPS, or L-DOPS\] is the International non-proprietary name (INN) for a synthetic amino acid precursor of norepinephrine (NE), which was originally developed by Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Limited, Japan. It has been approved for use in Japan since 1989. Droxidopa has been shown to improve symptoms of orthostatic hypotension that result from a variety of conditions including Shy Drager syndrome (Multiple System Atrophy), Pure Autonomic Failure, and Parkinson's disease. There are four stereoisomers of DOPS; however, only the L-threo-enantiomer (droxidopa) is biologically active. The exact mechanism of action of droxidopa in the treatment of symptomatic NOH has not been precisely defined; however, its NE replenishing properties with concomitant recovery of decreased noradrenergic activity are considered to be of major importance. Droxidopa has been marketed in Japan since 1989. Data from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance programs conducted in Japan show that the most commonly reported adverse drug reactions with droxidopa are increased blood pressure, nausea, and headache. In clinical studies, the prevalence and severity of droxidopa adverse effects appear to be similar to those reported by the placebo control arm.

Interventions

DRUGPlacebo

100 mg, oral, three times per day 200 mg, oral, three times per day 300 mg, oral, three times per day 400 mg, oral, three times per day 500 mg, oral, three times per day 600 mg, oral, three times per day

DRUGDroxidopa

100 mg, oral, three times per day 200 mg, oral, three times per day 300 mg, oral, three times per day 400 mg, oral, three times per day 500 mg, oral, three times per day 600 mg, oral, three times per day

Sponsors

Chiltern International Inc.
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
Chelsea Therapeutics
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

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

Eligibility

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

Inclusion criteria

PATIENT INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Male or female and aged 18 years or over; * Clinical diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension associated with Primary Autonomic Failure (PD, MSA and PAF), Dopamine Beta Hydroxylase Deficiency or Non-Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathies; * A documented fall in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg, or in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg, within 3 minutes after standing; * Provide written informed consent to participate in the study and understand that they may withdraw their consent at any time without prejudice to their future medical care. MAIN PATIENT

Exclusion criteria

* Taking ephedrine or midodrine; Patients taking ephedrine or midodrine may enroll after a minimum 7 day washout period; * Taking anti-hypertensive medication; * Have a history of more than moderate alcohol consumption; * Women who are pregnant or lactating; * Have a history of closed angle glaucoma; * Have pre-existing sustained severe hypertension (BP \> 180/110 mmHg in the sitting position); * Have atrial fibrillation or, in the investigator's opinion, have any other significant cardiac arrhythmia; * In the investigator's opinion, have any other significant systemic, hepatic, cardiac or renal illness; * Have diabetes mellitus or insipidus; * Have a known or suspected malignancy; * Have known gastrointestinal illness or other gastrointestinal disorder that may, in the investigator's opinion, affect the absorption of study drug; * In the investigator's opinion, have clinically significant abnormalities on clinical examination or laboratory testing; * Have a serum creatinine level \> 130 µmol/L;

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Dizziness/ Lightheadedness/ Feeling Faint/ or Feeling Like You Might Blackout (OHSA Item 1)14 daysOHSA item 1 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Weakness (OHSA Item 3)14 daysOHSA item 3 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Vision (OHSA Item 2)14 daysOHSA item 2 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Concentration (OHSA Item 5)14 daysOHSA item 5 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Head/Neck Discomfort (OHSA Item 6)14 daysOHSA item 6 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Fatigue (OHSA Item 4)14 daysOHSA item 4 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Score (OHSA Composite)14 daysThe OHSA scale is the average of six items: 1) Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint or feeling like you might black out; 2) Problems with vision; 3) Weakness; 4) Fatigue; 5) Trouble concentrating; and 6) Head/neck discomfort. Each asks the patient to rate their symptoms over the past week. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Scores Excluding Dizziness (OHSA Composite Items 2-6)14 daysOHSA composite scale (items 2-6) is the average of five OHSA items: 2) Problems with vision; 3) Weakness; 4) Fatigue; 5) Trouble concentrating; and 6) Head/neck discomfort. Each asks the patient to rate their symptoms over the past week. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Measurements 3 Minutes Post Standing;14 daysChange: standing systolic blood pressure at end of study minus standing systolic blood pressure at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a negative score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .
Change in Ability to Conduct Activities of Daily Living Score (OHDAS Composite Score)14 daysThe OHDAS scale is the average of four items: 1) Standing for a short time; 2) Standing for a long time; 3) Walking for a short time; and 4) Walking for a long time. Each asks the patient to rate their disease impact over the past week. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Countries

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Not Randomized
Entered open-label droxidopa dose titration, but did not randomize
80
Droxidopa
Double-blind Droxidopa: 100 mg, oral, three times per day 200 mg, oral, three times per day 300 mg, oral, three times per day 400 mg, oral, three times per day 500 mg, oral, three times per day 600 mg, oral, three times per day
50
Placebo
Double-blind Placebo: 100 mg, oral, three times per day 200 mg, oral, three times per day 300 mg, oral, three times per day 400 mg, oral, three times per day 500 mg, oral, three times per day 600 mg, oral, three times per day
51
Total181

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
Open Label TitrationAdverse Event1300
Open Label TitrationLack of Efficacy100
Open Label TitrationPhysician Decision100
Open Label TitrationProtocol Violation600
Open Label TitrationTreatment Failure5500
Open Label TitrationWithdrawal by Subject400

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicDroxidopaTotalNot RandomizedPlacebo
Age, Continuous63.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.76
66.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.62
69.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.74
66.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.25
Primary Clinical Diagnosis
Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency
0 participants1 participants0 participants1 participants
Primary Clinical Diagnosis
Multiple System Atrophy
17 participants51 participants21 participants13 participants
Primary Clinical Diagnosis
Non-Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
2 participants7 participants2 participants3 participants
Primary Clinical Diagnosis
Other
2 participants4 participants1 participants1 participants
Primary Clinical Diagnosis
Parkinson's Disease
21 participants82 participants38 participants23 participants
Primary Clinical Diagnosis
Pure Autonomic Failure
8 participants36 participants18 participants10 participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants2 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
49 Participants178 Participants80 Participants49 Participants
Region of Enrollment
Australia
2 participants16 participants8 participants6 participants
Region of Enrollment
Canada
9 participants19 participants8 participants2 participants
Region of Enrollment
New Zealand
1 participants3 participants1 participants1 participants
Region of Enrollment
Poland
10 participants23 participants5 participants8 participants
Region of Enrollment
United Kingdom
3 participants10 participants5 participants2 participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
25 participants110 participants53 participants32 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
20 Participants74 Participants35 Participants19 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
30 Participants107 Participants45 Participants32 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
4 / 5011 / 5144 / 181
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 501 / 514 / 181

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Dizziness/ Lightheadedness/ Feeling Faint/ or Feeling Like You Might Blackout (OHSA Item 1)

OHSA item 1 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

Population: Missing data were imputed using the last observation carry forward method.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Dizziness/ Lightheadedness/ Feeling Faint/ or Feeling Like You Might Blackout (OHSA Item 1)1.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.75
PlaceboChange in Dizziness/ Lightheadedness/ Feeling Faint/ or Feeling Like You Might Blackout (OHSA Item 1)1.9 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.16
p-value: 0.509Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Change in Ability to Conduct Activities of Daily Living Score (OHDAS Composite Score)

The OHDAS scale is the average of four items: 1) Standing for a short time; 2) Standing for a long time; 3) Walking for a short time; and 4) Walking for a long time. Each asks the patient to rate their disease impact over the past week. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

Population: One placebo patient excluded from analysis because OHDAS values were not evaluable.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Ability to Conduct Activities of Daily Living Score (OHDAS Composite Score)-0.24 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.35
PlaceboChange in Ability to Conduct Activities of Daily Living Score (OHDAS Composite Score)0.91 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.5
Secondary

Change in Concentration (OHSA Item 5)

OHSA item 5 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Concentration (OHSA Item 5)0.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.74
PlaceboChange in Concentration (OHSA Item 5)0.9 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.67
Secondary

Change in Fatigue (OHSA Item 4)

OHSA item 4 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Fatigue (OHSA Item 4)0.7 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.61
PlaceboChange in Fatigue (OHSA Item 4)1.5 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.72
Secondary

Change in Head/Neck Discomfort (OHSA Item 6)

OHSA item 6 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Head/Neck Discomfort (OHSA Item 6)-0.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.45
PlaceboChange in Head/Neck Discomfort (OHSA Item 6)1.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.19
Secondary

Change in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Score (OHSA Composite)

The OHSA scale is the average of six items: 1) Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint or feeling like you might black out; 2) Problems with vision; 3) Weakness; 4) Fatigue; 5) Trouble concentrating; and 6) Head/neck discomfort. Each asks the patient to rate their symptoms over the past week. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Score (OHSA Composite)0.6 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.27
PlaceboChange in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Score (OHSA Composite)1.35 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.53
Secondary

Change in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Scores Excluding Dizziness (OHSA Composite Items 2-6)

OHSA composite scale (items 2-6) is the average of five OHSA items: 2) Problems with vision; 3) Weakness; 4) Fatigue; 5) Trouble concentrating; and 6) Head/neck discomfort. Each asks the patient to rate their symptoms over the past week. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

Population: One placebo patient excluded from analysis per the SAP because all baseline values in the composite were zero.~LOCF was used to impute values for patients who did not have an end of study visit.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Scores Excluding Dizziness (OHSA Composite Items 2-6)0.44 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.29
PlaceboChange in Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Scores Excluding Dizziness (OHSA Composite Items 2-6)1.07 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.25
Secondary

Change in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Measurements 3 Minutes Post Standing;

Change: standing systolic blood pressure at end of study minus standing systolic blood pressure at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a negative score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

Population: three placebo patients excluded from the analysis due to missing standing blood pressure values at either randomization or end of study.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Measurements 3 Minutes Post Standing;-7.6 mmHgStandard Deviation 19.71
PlaceboChange in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Measurements 3 Minutes Post Standing;-5.2 mmHgStandard Deviation 26.83
Secondary

Change in Vision (OHSA Item 2)

OHSA item 2 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Vision (OHSA Item 2)1.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.79
PlaceboChange in Vision (OHSA Item 2)0.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.24
Secondary

Change in Weakness (OHSA Item 3)

OHSA item 3 scale range: 0 (none) -10 (worst), likert scale. Change: score at end of study minus score at randomization. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Weakness (OHSA Item 3)0.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.88
PlaceboChange in Weakness (OHSA Item 3)1.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.7
Post Hoc

Change in Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire Score (OHQ)

The OHQ is the average of two sub-scales, the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Scale (OHSA) and the Orthostatic Hypotension Daily Activities Scale (OHDAS). Each asks the patient to rate their symptoms or disease impact over the past week. The OHSA sub-scale is the average of six items: 1) Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint or feeling like you might black out; 2) Problems with vision; 3) Weakness; 4) Fatigue; 5) Trouble concentrating; and 6) Head/neck discomfort. The OHDAS sub-scale is the average of four items: 1) Standing for a short time; 2) Standing for a long time; 3) Walking for a short time; and 4) Walking for a long time. Each item is scored on a Likert scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most severe. In this withdrawal design, a positive score indicates worsening during the double-blind randomized phase relative to value at randomization (on open-label drug) .

Time frame: 14 days

Population: 3 droxidopa patients and 2 placebo patients were excluded from the analysis due to missing randomization values.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
DroxidopaChange in Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire Score (OHQ)0.11 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.176
PlaceboChange in Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire Score (OHQ)1.22 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.39
p-value: 0.026Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 7, 2026