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Pioglitazone in Early Parkinson's Disease

A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of Pioglitazone in Early Parkinson's Disease

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01280123
Enrollment
210
Registered
2011-01-20
Start date
2011-03-31
Completion date
2014-05-31
Last updated
2015-10-14

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

Conditions

Parkinson's Disease

Keywords

Parkinson's Disease, Biomarkers

Brief summary

This is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial of two dosages of oral pioglitazone (15 milligram(mg) and 45 milligram (mg)) for safety, tolerability, and futility. Subjects who are on stable dose of rasagiline 1 mg/day or selegiline 10 mg/day for at least 8 weeks but no more than 8 months, will be randomized to one of two dosages of oral pioglitazone (15 mg and 45 mg) or matching placebo. The study will measure disease progression by the change in total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score between the baseline visit and 44 weeks.

Detailed description

A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of Pioglitazone in Early Parkinson's Disease (PD). The patient population has early stage PD (\< 5 years from diagnosis), must be treated with 1 mg/day of rasagiline or 10 mg/day of selegiline for at least 8 weeks but not more than 8 months prior to enrollment. The primary objective of this clinical trial is to assess the futility of pioglitazone on PD disease progression as measured by the change in total UPDRS score between the baseline visit and 44 weeks. The secondary objectives of the study are to collect additional efficacy and safety/tolerability data to be used in planning a subsequent Phase III trial of pioglitazone in early, treated PD. Measures of cognition, mood and blood- and urine-based biomarkers will also be explored. Subjects in this trial are randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three study arms: 15 mg, 45 mg or placebo.

Interventions

DRUGplacebo

Placebo will contain microcrystalline cellulose. An over-encapsulation process will be conducted in accordance with Clinical Good Manufacturing Procedures (cGMP) regulations to create a dosage form for the active study drug that will be indistinguishable from the comparator (Placebo) capsule.

DRUGPioglitazone

Oral capsules of Pioglitazone (15 mg capsules) either 15 mg/qd or 45 mg/qd Subjects will titrate in a blinded fashion to 30 mg/day after 2 weeks and to 45 mg per day) 2 weeks later as tolerated.

Sponsors

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
CollaboratorNIH
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
CollaboratorOTHER
University of Rochester
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

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

Eligibility

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

Inclusion criteria

1. Willing and able to give informed consent. 2. Men and women with idiopathic PD of less than 5 years duration from diagnosis with a Hoehn and Yahr Stage \< 2. 3. On stable dosage of rasagiline 1 mg/day or selegiline 10 mg/day for at least 8 weeks but not more than 8 months prior to baseline. Expected to remain on stable dose of rasagiline or selegiline as the only treatment for their PD for the duration of the study (44 weeks). 4. Diagnosis must be confirmed by bradykinesia plus one of the other cardinal signs (resting tremor, rigidity) being present, without any other known or suspected cause of parkinsonism. The clinical signs must be asymmetric. 5. Subjects may be taking stable doses (30 days) of anticholinergics or creatine (\< 5gm/day) but must be expected to remain on the same dose. 6. Age \> 30 years. 7. Women who are not postmenopausal or surgically sterile must use a medically accepted contraceptive regimen for at least 60 days before the baseline visit, and agree to continue such use throughout the duration of the study and for 30 days after the final dose of study drug.

Exclusion criteria

1. Exposure to dopaminergic PD therapy or amantadine within 60 days prior to baseline visit or for 90 days or more at any point in the past 2. Use of any of the following drugs within 180 days prior to baseline: neuroleptics, metoclopramide, alpha-methyldopa, clozapine, olanzapine and flunarizine. 3. Use of any of the following drugs within 90 days prior to baseline: methylphenidate, cinnarizine, reserpine, tetrabenazine, amphetamine or monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors (pargyline, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine). 4. Presence of drug-induced parkinsonism (e.g., metoclopramide, flunarizine), metabolic identified neurogenetic disorders (e.g., Wilson's disease), encephalitis, or other atypical Parkinsonian syndromes (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy). 5. Participation in other drug studies or receipt of other investigational drugs within 30 days prior to baseline or during the study. 6. Presence of freezing. 7. Any clinically significant psychiatric or medical condition or laboratory abnormality, which would in the judgment of the Investigator interfere with the subject's ability to participate. 8. History of stereotaxic brain surgery for PD 9. Clinically significant structural brain disease that the investigator believes would interfere with study evaluations. 10. History of congestive heart failure. 11. Use of pioglitazone or rosiglitazone within 90 days before randomization. 12. Known intolerance to pioglitazone or rosiglitazone. 13. Allergy to rasagiline or selegiline, or contraindication to rasagiline or selegiline use. 14. Type I or Type II diabetes mellitus. 15. HgbA1C greater than or equal to 6% at Screening. 16. Known liver disease or elevation of AST or ALT greater than 2.5 times the upper limit of normal. 17. Known history of osteoporosis. All women ≥ 65 years of age or men and woman at high risk of osteoporosis should have documented evidence of screening for osteoporosis. Factors associated with high risk of osteoporosis include: previous non traumatic fracture, chronic glucocorticoid use, body weight under 58 kg, family history of hip fracture, current cigarette smoking, and excessive alcohol intake. 18. Drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would interfere with the safe conduct of the study. 19. Significant peripheral edema (2+ or more) of the extremities of any etiology. 20. Current or planned use of gemfibrozil or rifampin during the trial. 21. History of bladder cancer. 22. Evidence of hematuria which has not been evaluated for evidence of bladder cancer. (Documentation of work up or a repeat urine test that was negative for hematuria and the primary care physician or urologist does not feel that further work up is required.) 23. History of macular edema.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Score From Baseline to 44 Weeks44 weeksChange in total UPDRS score from baseline to 44 weeks (in subjects treated with rasagiline 1 mg/day or selegiline 10 mg/day). The Total UPDRS is the sum of parts I, II, and III. The possible range of the total UPDRS is from 0-176. Higher values indicate worse outcomes. The change is 44 weeks - baseline.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Ambulatory Capacity From Baseline to 44 Weeks44 weeksThis is the sum of the 5 UPDRS questions regarding ambulatory capacity: falling, freezing, walking, gait, postural stability. Ambulatory Capacity is calculated as the sum of items 13-15, 29, 30 of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). It ranges from 0-20. Higher scores are worse. Change is 44 weeks - baseline.
Change in Schwab and England Scale From Baseline to 44 Weeks44 weeksThe modified Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living is a single question ranging from 0-100% with anchors for each 10% interval. Higher scores are better (100% completely independent- 0% vegetative).
Change in Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) From Baseline to 44 Weeks44 weeksThe Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) is a short, 39 item measure of quality of life in subjects with Parkinson's disease. The questionnaire covers 8 aspects of quality of life: mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, stigma, social support, cognitions, communication and bodily discomfort. The total score ranges from 0 (never have difficulty) to 100 (always have difficulty). Lower scores reflect better quality of life.
Change in the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS-2)From Baseline to 44 Weeks44 weeksThe Mattis dementia rating scale is a psychometric instrument designed to assess the extent and nature of dementia. Mattis Dementia Rating scale (DRS-2) raw score is the sum of 5 raw sub-scores (attention has possible 37 points, initiation/perseveration has possible 37 points, construction has possible 6 points, conceptualization has possible 39 points, memory has possible 25 points). Total range is 0-144. Higher scores are better.
Change in the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)From Baseline to 44 Weeks44 weeksThe Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 is a short 15 yes or no question instrument for assessing depression in the elderly. It has been found to be particularly useful in assessing depression in Parkinson's Disease. A score of 0 to 5 is normal. A score greater than 5 suggests depression.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
15 mg Pioglitazone
15 mg pioglitazone Pioglitazone: Oral capsules of Pioglitazone (15 mg capsules) either 15 mg/qd or 45 mg/qd or matching placebo 44 weeks: Subjects who are on stable dose of rasagiline 1 mg/day or selegiline 10 mg/day, for at least 8 weeks but no more than 8 months, will begin randomized dose of study drug. Subjects will titrate in a blinded fashion to 30 mg/day after 2 weeks and to 45 mg per day) 2 weeks later as tolerated. Subjects will be followed on study drug for 44 weeks.
72
45 mg Pioglitazone
45 mg pioglitazone Pioglitazone: Oral capsules of Pioglitazone (15 mg capsules) either 15 mg/qd or 45 mg/qd or matching placebo 44 weeks: Subjects who are on stable dose of rasagiline 1 mg/day or selegiline 10 mg/day, for at least 8 weeks but no more than 8 months, will begin randomized dose of study drug. Subjects will titrate in a blinded fashion to 30 mg/day after 2 weeks and to 45 mg per day) 2 weeks later as tolerated. Subjects will be followed on study drug for 44 weeks.
67
Matching Placebo
Placebo placebo: Placebo will contain microcrystalline cellulose. An over-encapsulation process will be conducted in accordance with Clinical Good Manufacturing Procedures (cGMP) regulations to create a dosage form for the active study drug that will be indistinguishable from the comparator (Placebo) capsule.
71
Total210

Baseline characteristics

Characteristic45 mg PioglitazoneTotalMatching Placebo15 mg Pioglitazone
Age, Continuous58.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.2
59.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.9
59.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.9
61.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.6
Ambulatory capacity0.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.8
1.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
1.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
1.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
Duration of PD symptoms (years)2.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.2
2.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
2.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.3
2.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)1.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.3
1.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.6
1.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9
1.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.4
Mattis-Dementia Rating scale138.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.2
138.4 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.9
138 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.4
138.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.2
Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) Summary Index8.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.9
9.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.4
10.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.9
8.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.1
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Non-Latino whites
63 participants184 participants63 participants58 participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Racial/Ethnic Minority
4 participants26 participants8 participants14 participants
rasagiline/selegiline use
rasagiline use
57 participants177 participants60 participants60 participants
rasagiline/selegiline use
selegiline use
10 participants33 participants11 participants12 participants
Right-handed
No
5 participants24 participants9 participants10 participants
Right-handed
Yes
62 participants186 participants62 participants62 participants
Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living scale (SEADL)94.1 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5
93.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
93.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5
93.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9
Sex/Gender, Customized
Females
20 participants62 participants23 participants19 participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Males
47 participants148 participants48 participants53 participants
Time since PD diagnosis (years)0.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
0.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
0.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
0.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.7
Total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)21.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.8
22.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.2
21.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.7
23.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.9
UPDRS ADL5.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.9
5.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
5.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
5.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.2
UPDRS mental0.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
0.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1
0.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.1
0.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.9
UPDRS motor15.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.1
15.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.1
15.3 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.5
17.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.7
Years of education16.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.3
16.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.1
16.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
17.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.1

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
63 / 7251 / 6759 / 71
serious
Total, serious adverse events
6 / 729 / 673 / 71

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Score From Baseline to 44 Weeks

Change in total UPDRS score from baseline to 44 weeks (in subjects treated with rasagiline 1 mg/day or selegiline 10 mg/day). The Total UPDRS is the sum of parts I, II, and III. The possible range of the total UPDRS is from 0-176. Higher values indicate worse outcomes. The change is 44 weeks - baseline.

Time frame: 44 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
15 mg PioglitazoneChange in Total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Score From Baseline to 44 Weeks4.42 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.95
45 mg PioglitazoneChange in Total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Score From Baseline to 44 Weeks5.13 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.99
Matching PlaceboChange in Total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Score From Baseline to 44 Weeks6.25 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.96
Secondary

Change in Ambulatory Capacity From Baseline to 44 Weeks

This is the sum of the 5 UPDRS questions regarding ambulatory capacity: falling, freezing, walking, gait, postural stability. Ambulatory Capacity is calculated as the sum of items 13-15, 29, 30 of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). It ranges from 0-20. Higher scores are worse. Change is 44 weeks - baseline.

Time frame: 44 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
15 mg PioglitazoneChange in Ambulatory Capacity From Baseline to 44 Weeks0.39 units on a scale
45 mg PioglitazoneChange in Ambulatory Capacity From Baseline to 44 Weeks0.38 units on a scale
Matching PlaceboChange in Ambulatory Capacity From Baseline to 44 Weeks0.4 units on a scale
Secondary

Change in Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) From Baseline to 44 Weeks

The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) is a short, 39 item measure of quality of life in subjects with Parkinson's disease. The questionnaire covers 8 aspects of quality of life: mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, stigma, social support, cognitions, communication and bodily discomfort. The total score ranges from 0 (never have difficulty) to 100 (always have difficulty). Lower scores reflect better quality of life.

Time frame: 44 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
15 mg PioglitazoneChange in Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) From Baseline to 44 Weeks2.03 units on a scale
45 mg PioglitazoneChange in Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) From Baseline to 44 Weeks2.08 units on a scale
Matching PlaceboChange in Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) From Baseline to 44 Weeks0.08 units on a scale
Secondary

Change in Schwab and England Scale From Baseline to 44 Weeks

The modified Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living is a single question ranging from 0-100% with anchors for each 10% interval. Higher scores are better (100% completely independent- 0% vegetative).

Time frame: 44 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
15 mg PioglitazoneChange in Schwab and England Scale From Baseline to 44 Weeks-2.12 units on a scale
45 mg PioglitazoneChange in Schwab and England Scale From Baseline to 44 Weeks-2.52 units on a scale
Matching PlaceboChange in Schwab and England Scale From Baseline to 44 Weeks-1.84 units on a scale
Secondary

Change in the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)From Baseline to 44 Weeks

The Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 is a short 15 yes or no question instrument for assessing depression in the elderly. It has been found to be particularly useful in assessing depression in Parkinson's Disease. A score of 0 to 5 is normal. A score greater than 5 suggests depression.

Time frame: 44 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
15 mg PioglitazoneChange in the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)From Baseline to 44 Weeks0.13 units on a scale
45 mg PioglitazoneChange in the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)From Baseline to 44 Weeks0.38 units on a scale
Matching PlaceboChange in the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)From Baseline to 44 Weeks0.18 units on a scale
Secondary

Change in the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS-2)From Baseline to 44 Weeks

The Mattis dementia rating scale is a psychometric instrument designed to assess the extent and nature of dementia. Mattis Dementia Rating scale (DRS-2) raw score is the sum of 5 raw sub-scores (attention has possible 37 points, initiation/perseveration has possible 37 points, construction has possible 6 points, conceptualization has possible 39 points, memory has possible 25 points). Total range is 0-144. Higher scores are better.

Time frame: 44 weeks

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
15 mg PioglitazoneChange in the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS-2)From Baseline to 44 Weeks1.16 units on a scale
45 mg PioglitazoneChange in the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS-2)From Baseline to 44 Weeks2.11 units on a scale
Matching PlaceboChange in the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS-2)From Baseline to 44 Weeks3.16 units on a scale

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 17, 2026