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Effects of Suvorexant in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (MK-4305-032)

A Study to Evaluate the Effects of MK-4305 in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01293006
Enrollment
25
Registered
2011-02-10
Start date
2011-03-25
Completion date
2012-02-22
Last updated
2018-09-21

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

Conditions

Insomnia

Keywords

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Brief summary

This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effect of multiple doses of suvorexant (MK-4305) on respiratory function in participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a crossover study, so all participants will receive both suvorexant and placebo while on study. The primary hypothesis of this study is that multiple doses of suvorexant do not produce a clinically significant reduction of mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) during total sleep time in participants with COPD, as compared to placebo.

Interventions

DRUGsuvorexant

one tablet (30 or 40 mg suvorexant depending on participant age: 40 mg for participants \<65 years of age and 30 mg for participants ≥65 years of age), orally, once daily, for 4 consecutive days

DRUGPlacebo

one tablet matching suvorexant, orally, once daily, for 4 consecutive days

Sponsors

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Female participants of reproductive potential must demonstrate a serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level consistent with the nongravid state at the prestudy (screening) visit and agree to use (and/or have their partner use) two (2) acceptable methods of birth control beginning at the prestudy visit throughout the study (including washout intervals between treatment periods/panels) and until 2 weeks after the last dose of study drug in the last treatment period. Females of non-childbearing potential (postmenopausal without menses for at least 1 year and follicle stimulating hormone \[FSH\] value in the postmenopausal range, or status post hysterectomy, oophorectomy or tubal ligation. Documented hysterectomy or oophorectomy) * Body Mass Index (BMI) ≤40 kg/m2 at the prestudy (screening) * COPD documented by medical history and pulmonary function tests with spirometry measurements at Visit 1 meet all of the following COPD study criteria according to the modified Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria (forced expiratory volume \[FEV1\]/ forced vital capacity \[FVC\] ratio ≤70% and FEV1 ≥40% predicted \[inclusive\]) * Stable physical health for at least 2 weeks prior to entering the study * No clinically significant abnormality on electrocardiogram (ECG) * No clinically significant abnormality on the screening polysomnography (PSG) including no evidence of obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, parasomnia including nightmare disorder, sleep terror disorder and sleepwalking disorder but participants with insomnia may be enrolled * Nonsmoker or smokes ≤20 cigarettes or equivalent per day without the urge to wake up to smoke during the night * Sleeps for 4 hours or more per night with a usual bedtime between 8:00 post meridian (PM) and 12:30 ante meridian (AM) * Participant must complete a sleep diary for at least 5 consecutive days and up to 21 days prior to the screening PSG visit * Participant is reliably able to perform the study assessments; demonstrates ability to understand task instructions, and is physically capable

Exclusion criteria

* Participant is mentally or legally incapacitated, has significant emotional problems at the time of prestudy or expected during conduct of the study, or has a history or evidence of a clinically significant psychiatric disorder that would interfere with participation in the study * Abnormal pre-randomization laboratory values in alanine transaminase (ALT \>1.5 x the upper limit of normal \[ULN\]), aspartate transaminase (AST \>1.5 x ULN), total bilirubin \>1.5 x ULN, and serum creatinine of \>2 mg/dL * Participant has any history of a neurological disorder, including but not limited to seizure disorder (other than single episodes of childhood febrile seizures), stroke, transient ischemic attack, multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairment, or significant head trauma with sustained loss of consciousness within the last 10 years * History of bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder, or psychiatric condition requiring treatment with a prohibited medication, or psychiatric condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would interfere with the patient's ability to participate in the study * Participant has other than COPD and evidence of another clinically significant, active pulmonary disorder, such as such as bronchiectasis or asthma documented by history, physical examination, or chest x-ray * History within the past 6 months prior to the prestudy of acute coronary syndrome, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic syncope, cardiomyopathy, any symptomatic arrhythmia, orthostatic hypotension, or uncontrolled hypertension * History of neoplastic disease except adequately treated non-melanomatous skin carcinoma or carcinoma in situ of the cervix, malignancies which have been successfully treated ≥10 years prior to the prestudy and follow-up has revealed no evidence of recurrence from the time of treatment through the time of the prestudy, or in the opinion of the Investigator, are highly unlikely to sustain a recurrence for the duration of the study * History or diagnosis of narcolepsy, cataplexy (familial or idiopathic), circadian rhythm sleep disorder, parasomnia including nightmare disorder, sleep terror disorder, sleepwalking disorder, and REM behavior disorder, sleep-related Breathing Disorder (i.e., obstructive or central sleep apnea syndrome or central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome), periodic limb movement disorder, restless legs syndrome, or primary hypersomnia * Normal PSG recording at screening * Hematocrit \> 55% * Participant has been treated in an emergency room or has been hospitalized for COPD within 2 months prior to the screening visit, necessitating antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids, oxygen therapy * Positive screening urine alcohol test or drug test * Nursing mother * Condition, therapy, lab, or ECG abnormality or other circumstances that might confound the results of the study * Taking, or plans to take, one or more of the prohibited concomitant medications * Participant consumes excessive amounts of alcohol, defined as greater than 3 glasses of alcoholic beverages, or excessive amounts, defined as greater than 6 servings (1 serving is approximately equivalent to 120 mg of caffeine) of coffee, tea, cola, or other caffeinated beverages per day * Participant has had major surgery, donated or lost 1 unit of blood (approximately 500 mL) or participated in another investigational study within 4 weeks prior to the prestudy (screening) visit * History of significant multiple and/or severe allergies (including latex allergy), or has had an anaphylactic reaction or significant intolerability to prescription or non-prescription drugs or food * Currently a regular user (including recreational use) of any illicit drugs or has a history of drug (including alcohol) abuse within approximately 2 years * Need for more than 3 toilet visits during the night * Participant has a history of shift work (defined as permanent night shift or rotating day/night shift work) within the past 2 weeks or anticipates the need to perform shift work during the study * Travel across 3 or more time zones (transmeridian travel) within 1 week of study start * Participant is at imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others in the investigator's opinion * Concerns of the investigator regarding the safe participation of the participant in the study

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Mean Arterial Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) During Total Sleep TimeDay 4 of each periodEvaluation of the effect of multiple dose suvorexant (MK-4305) on SaO2 during total sleep time as measured by pulse oximetry. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment. Total sleep time is the total of all rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep in a sleep episode.
Number of Participants With Adverse EventsUp to 14 days after last doseAn adverse event (AE) is any unfavorable and unintended change in the structure, function or chemistry of the body temporally associated with study drug administration whether or not considered related to the use of the product.
Number of Participants Discontinued From Study Drug Due to an AEUp to 15 daysAn AE is any unfavorable and unintended change in the structure, function or chemistry of the body temporally associated with study drug administration whether or not considered related to the use of the product.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 1 and Day 4 of each periodEvaluation of the percentage of the night in which SaO2 is less than 90%, less than 85% and less than 80% following multiple dose administration of suvorexant and placebo. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment.
Mean Arterial SaO2 During Total Sleep TimeDay 1 of each periodEvaluation of the effect of multiple dose suvorexant on mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) during total sleep time as measured by pulse oximetry. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment. Total sleep time is the total of all rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep in a sleep episode.
Mean Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)Day 1 and Day 4 of each periodEvaluation of the effect of multiple dose administration of suvorexant on AHI as measured by polysomnography. The AHI is an overall index of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. The AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apneas and hypopneas by the number of hours of sleep. AHI values are categorized as mild OSA = 5 to \<15/hr and moderate OSA = 15 to \<30/hr.
Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 1 and Day 4 of each periodComparison of the mean SaO2 during different sleep stages (REM, Non-REM, and awake) following multiple dose administration of suvorexant and placebo. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment. Sleep stages were determined by polysomnography.

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Suvorexant (40 mg) Then Placebo
During Period 1, participants \<65 years of age were administered a 40-mg oral dose of suvorexant once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening. A washout period of, at least, 7 days followed Period 1. During Period 2, participants received one placebo tablet matching suvorexant, orally, once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening.
11
Suvorexant (30 mg) Then Placebo
During Period 1, participants ≥65 years of age were administered a 30-mg oral dose of MK-suvorexant once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening. A washout period of at least 7 days followed Period 1. During Period 2, participants received one placebo tablet matching suvorexant, orally, once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening.
2
Placebo Then Suvorexant (40 mg)
During Period 1, participants \<65 years of age received one placebo tablet matching suvorexant, orally, once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening. A washout period of at least 7 days followed Period 1. During Period 2, participants were administered a 40-mg oral dose of suvorexant once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening.
9
Placebo Then Suvorexant (30 mg)
During Period 1, participants ≥65 years of age received one placebo tablet matching suvorexant, orally, once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening. A washout period of at least 7 days followed Period 1. During Period 2, participants were administered a 30-mg oral dose of suvorexant once daily for 4 consecutive days in the evening.
3
Total25

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003
Period 2Lost to Follow-up1000

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicSuvorexant (40 mg) Then PlaceboSuvorexant (30 mg) Then PlaceboPlacebo Then Suvorexant (40 mg)Placebo Then Suvorexant (30 mg)Total
Age, Continuous54.9 years67.0 years56.7 years70.3 years58.2 years
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants2 Participants5 Participants1 Participants16 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
3 Participants0 Participants4 Participants2 Participants9 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
3 / 202 / 54 / 25
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 200 / 50 / 25

Outcome results

Primary

Mean Arterial Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) During Total Sleep Time

Evaluation of the effect of multiple dose suvorexant (MK-4305) on SaO2 during total sleep time as measured by pulse oximetry. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment. Total sleep time is the total of all rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep in a sleep episode.

Time frame: Day 4 of each period

Population: Twenty-four of the 25 participants were included in the primary evaluation of SaO2 and AHI data; one participant was excluded due to a protocol violation. During the Placebo periods, there were 22 evaluable participants at Day 4; 2 participants had either no data or missing data.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) During Total Sleep Time93.38 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) During Total Sleep Time92.99 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Comparison: Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.12, 0.91]Difference of Least Squares Means
Primary

Number of Participants Discontinued From Study Drug Due to an AE

An AE is any unfavorable and unintended change in the structure, function or chemistry of the body temporally associated with study drug administration whether or not considered related to the use of the product.

Time frame: Up to 15 days

Population: All participants were included in the Safety Population.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Number of Participants Discontinued From Study Drug Due to an AE0 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants Discontinued From Study Drug Due to an AE0 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants Discontinued From Study Drug Due to an AE0 participants
Primary

Number of Participants With Adverse Events

An adverse event (AE) is any unfavorable and unintended change in the structure, function or chemistry of the body temporally associated with study drug administration whether or not considered related to the use of the product.

Time frame: Up to 14 days after last dose

Population: All participants were included in the Safety Population.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Number of Participants With Adverse Events6 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Adverse Events2 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Adverse Events5 participants
Secondary

Mean Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)

Evaluation of the effect of multiple dose administration of suvorexant on AHI as measured by polysomnography. The AHI is an overall index of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. The AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apneas and hypopneas by the number of hours of sleep. AHI values are categorized as mild OSA = 5 to \<15/hr and moderate OSA = 15 to \<30/hr.

Time frame: Day 1 and Day 4 of each period

Population: Twenty-four of the 25 participants were included in the primary evaluation of SaO2 and AHI data; one participant was excluded due to a protocol violation. During the Placebo periods, there were 22 evaluable participants at Day 4; 2 participants had either no data or missing data.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)Day 1 (n = 24, 24)6.64 Events per hour
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)Day 4 (n = 24, 22)8.27 Events per hour
PlaceboMean Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)Day 1 (n = 24, 24)5.92 Events per hour
PlaceboMean Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)Day 4 (n = 24, 22)6.22 Events per hour
Comparison: Day 1, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.6, 2.04]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 4, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [0.33, 3.77]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Secondary

Mean Arterial SaO2 During Total Sleep Time

Evaluation of the effect of multiple dose suvorexant on mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) during total sleep time as measured by pulse oximetry. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment. Total sleep time is the total of all rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep in a sleep episode.

Time frame: Day 1 of each period

Population: Twenty-four of the 25 participants were included in the primary evaluation of SaO2 and AHI data; one participant was excluded due to a protocol violation.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial SaO2 During Total Sleep Time93.14 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial SaO2 During Total Sleep Time93.24 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Comparison: Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.5, 0.31]Difference in the Least Squares Means
Secondary

Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep Stages

Comparison of the mean SaO2 during different sleep stages (REM, Non-REM, and awake) following multiple dose administration of suvorexant and placebo. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment. Sleep stages were determined by polysomnography.

Time frame: Day 1 and Day 4 of each period

Population: Twenty-four of the 25 participants were included in the primary evaluation of SaO2 and AHI data; one participant was excluded due to a protocol violation. During the Placebo periods, there were 22 evaluable participants at Day 4; 2 participants had either no data or missing data.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 1 - Mean SaO2 during Wake (n = 24, 24)94.15 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 4 - Mean SaO2 during REM (n = 24, 22)93.21 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 4 - Mean SaO2 during Non-REM (n = 24, 22)93.35 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 4 - Mean SaO2 during Wake (n = 24, 22)94.31 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 1 - Mean SaO2 during REM (n = 24, 24)93.06 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Mean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 1 - Mean SaO2 during Non-REM (n = 24, 24)93.14 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 1 - Mean SaO2 during REM (n = 24, 24)93.02 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 1 - Mean SaO2 during Wake (n = 24, 24)94.37 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 4 - Mean SaO2 during Wake (n = 24, 22)93.86 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 4 - Mean SaO2 during REM (n = 24, 22)92.88 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 1 - Mean SaO2 during Non-REM (n = 24, 24)93.27 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
PlaceboMean Arterial SaO2 for Different Sleep StagesDay 4 - Mean SaO2 during Non-REM (n = 24, 22)93.09 Percentage of Oxygen Saturation
Comparison: Day 1, REM, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.41, 0.47]Difference in the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 1, Non-REM, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.53, 0.27]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 1, Wake, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.61, 0.18]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 4, REM, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.32, 0.98]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 4, Non-REM, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.26, 0.78]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 4, Wake, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [0.1, 0.8]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Secondary

Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%

Evaluation of the percentage of the night in which SaO2 is less than 90%, less than 85% and less than 80% following multiple dose administration of suvorexant and placebo. Lower SaO2 values are associated with sleep impairment.

Time frame: Day 1 and Day 4 of each period

Population: Twenty-four of the 25 participants were included in the primary evaluation of SaO2 and AHI data; one participant was excluded due to a protocol violation. During the Placebo periods, there were 22 evaluable participants at Day 4; 2 participants had either no data or missing data.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 1 (SaO2 is less than 90%) (n = 24, 24)6.01 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 1 (SaO2 is less than 85%) (n = 24, 24)0.32 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 1 (SaO2 is less than 80%) (n = 24, 24)NA Percentage of Total Sleep Time
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 4 (SaO2 is less than 90%) (n = 24, 22)7.45 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 4 (SaO2 is less than 85%) (n = 24, 22)0.32 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
Suvorexant (30 mg or 40 mg)Percentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 4 (SaO2 is less than 80%) (n = 24, 22)NA Percentage of Total Sleep Time
PlaceboPercentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 4 (SaO2 is less than 85%) (n = 24, 22)0.01 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
PlaceboPercentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 1 (SaO2 is less than 90%) (n = 24, 24)4.98 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
PlaceboPercentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 4 (SaO2 is less than 90%) (n = 24, 22)6.63 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
PlaceboPercentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 1 (SaO2 is less than 85%) (n = 24, 24)0.11 Percentage of Total Sleep Time
PlaceboPercentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 4 (SaO2 is less than 80%) (n = 24, 22)NA Percentage of Total Sleep Time
PlaceboPercentage of Total Sleep Time in Which SaO2 is Less Than 90%, 85% or 80%Day 1 (SaO2 is less than 80%) (n = 24, 24)NA Percentage of Total Sleep Time
Comparison: Day 1, SaO2 \<90%, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-1.3, 3.36]Difference of the Least Means Squares
Comparison: Day 1, SaO2 \<85%, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-0.08, 0.5]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 4, SaO2 \<90%, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [-5.77, 7.41]Difference of the Least Squares Means
Comparison: Day 4, SaO2 \<85%, Difference (Suvorexant - Placebo) of Least Squares Means90% CI: [0, 0.63]Difference of the Least Squares Means

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 18, 2026