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Bremelanotide in Premenopausal Women With Female Sexual Arousal Disorder and/or Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

A Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Parallel Group, Dose-finding Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneously Administered Bremelanotide in Premenopausal Women With FSAD (Female Sexual Arousal Disorder) and/or HSDD (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder)

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01382719
Enrollment
612
Registered
2011-06-27
Start date
2011-06-30
Completion date
2012-09-30
Last updated
2014-12-18

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

Conditions

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Keywords

FSAD, HSDD, female sexual dysfunction, FSD, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Brief summary

This trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3 fixed dose levels of bremelanotide, administered subcutaneously on an as-needed basis under conditions of home use, for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or mixed FSAD/HSDD in premenopausal women.

Interventions

Subjects will administer drug on an as needed basis, prior to anticipated sexual activity. Investigational product: Bremelanotide aqueous solution for subcutaneous (SC) injection, provided as pre-filled syringes containing 0.75, 1.25, or 1.75 mg in 0.3 mL volume. Subjects will self-administer bremelanotide by SC injection into the anterior thigh or abdomen. Placebo: Same formulation as the investigation product but without the active ingredient, provided as pre-filled syringes containing 0.3 mL volume. Subjects will self-administer the placebo by SC injection in the same manner as the investigational product.

Sponsors

Palatin Technologies, Inc
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

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

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
21 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Female, at least 21 years of age, and premenopausal Previously experienced sexual arousal during sexual activity and/or normal level of desire in the past for least 2 years. Willing to engage in sexual activities Currently in stable relationship with a partner(male or female)for at least 6 months. If subject has a male sexual partner, has recorded a score of not impotent or minimally impotent on Single-question Assessment of ED. For at least 6 months before Screening, has met diagnostic criteria for FSAD, HSDD, or mixed FSAD/HSDD Has a negative serum pregnancy test (hCG) at Screening and, if subject's partner is male, has used a medically acceptable form of contraception for the 3 months before Screening (Visit 1), and is willing to continue for the duration of the trial and 1 month following the last dose of trial drug. Has a normal pelvic examination. At Screening or documented within 12 months before Screening, has:normal Pap test results with or without history of positive HPV, dysplasia, or ASCUS that has resolved or been treated;Pap test results positive for ASCUS and negative for HPV;Pap test results positive for HPV AND no ASCUS or dysplasia on Pap or condyloma present upon examination. At Screening and Visit 2, meets all necessary questionnaire scores.

Exclusion criteria

Medical condition that is unstable or uncontrolled despite current therapy. History of unresolved sexual trauma or abuse. Pregnant or nursing. Lifelong anorgasmia, vaginismus, sexual pain disorder, sexual aversion disorder, or persistent sexual arousal disorder. Female sexual dysfunction caused by untreated endocrine disease. Has or has had any of the following: hepatitis C, other infectious hepatitis, infectious blood disorders such as HIV; myocardial infarction;stroke. Has or has had any of the following within 12 months before Screening:chronic dyspareunia not attributable to vaginal dryness; pelvic inflammatory disease; chronic or complicated UTI, or an active STD other than herpes and condyloma; cervical dysplasia, including LGSIL and HGSIL and/or ASCUS with HPV; significant cervicitis as manifested by mucopurulent discharge from the cervix. Has had any of the following within 6 months before Screening:≥ 2 outbreaks of genital herpes; occurrence/recurrence of clinically significant condyloma;clinically unstable angina or clinically unstable arrhythmia;significant CNS diseases;AST or ALT concentrations \> 3 times the ULN;serum creatinine \> 2.5 mg/dL;any other clinically significant abnormal laboratory result. Has used prohibited medications within the 3 months before Screening: Has currently active moderate to severe vaginitis or a clinically significant vaginal infection. Has one or more significant gynecologic conditions . Is taking or has received treatment for psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, and/or alcohol/substance abuse within 6 months before Screening. Is currently receiving psychotherapy for the treatment of FSAD and/or HSDD. Has any of the following: Uncontrolled hypertension;Systolic BP of ≥ 140 mm Hg at Screening;Diastolic BP of ≥ 90 mm Hg at Screening; Treatment for hypertension that has changed in the 3 months before Screening. Had a hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy. Had a hysterectomy without bilateral oophorectomy AND meets several other criteria. Is taking contraceptives that have affected the menstrual cycle or caused amenorrhea AND did not have a normal menstrual cycle before starting the contraceptive medication.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The Primary Efficacy Endpoint is Change From Baseline to End of Study in the Number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSE)4 - 12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks). Baseline was the 4-week single-blind placebo period.The primary efficacy endpoint is change from baseline to end of study in the number of satisfying sexual events (SSEs), computed as the number of events during the last 4 weeks of treatment with FSEP-R Q10 = Yes minus the number of baseline events with FSEP-R Q10 = Yes. Efficacy analyses were done with the MITT population which consisted of all randomized subjects who took at least 1 dose of double-blind treatment after the 2 in-clinic doses of double-blind medication and who had at least 1 follow-up visit (Visit 10 or later) to ensure that FSEP-R data were reviewed and confirmed by the investigative site.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Satisfaction With Arousal as Measured by GAQ Question 14-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)This is the change in Baseline to End-of-Study in Satisfaction with Arousal as measured by GAQ Question 1. GAQ (Global Assessment Questions) is a questionnaire that evaluates overall satisfaction level experienced while using the study drug. Question 1 is Compared to the start of the study (prior to taking the study drug), how would you describe your satisfaction with your arousal while using the study drug? The score range is 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much better).
Desire Domain From Female Sexual Function Index4-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)The FSFI is brief self-report questionnaire that measures female sexual function. The change from baseline to end of study in the desire domain were obtained from the FSFI Q1 and Q2. The score range is 1-5. For each of the 2 time points, the score was computed programmatically using the algorithm described by Rosen \[6\], resulting in a score from 0 (min) to 6 (max).
Change From Baseline to End-of-Study in Arousal Domain Score From Female Sexual Function Index4-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)The FSFI is brief self-report questionnaire that measures female sexual function. The change from baseline to end of study in the arousal domain were obtained from the FSFI Q3 through Q6. The score range is 0-5. For each of the 2 time points, the score was computed programmatically using the algorithm described by Rosen \[6\], resulting in a score from 0 (min) to 6 (max).
Quality of Relationship With Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 44-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)This is the change in Baseline to End-of-Study in Quality of Relationship with Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 4. GAQ (Global Assessment Questions) is a questionnaire that evaluates overall satisfaction level experienced while using the study drug. Question 4 is Compared to the start of the study (prior to taking the study drug), how has taking the study drug changed your relationship with your partner? The score range is 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much better).
FSDS-DAO Total Score4 - 12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)FSDS-DAO (Female Sexual Distress Scale - Desire/Arousal/Orgasm) is an assessment tool to measure female sexual distress. The change from baseline to end of study in the FSDS-DAO (total score) was measured. There are 15 questions, eg, How often do you feel: Distressed about your sex life and the score range was 0 (Never), 1 (Rarely), 2 (Occasionally), 3 (Frequently), 4 (Always). The score for each subject at each time point was computed as the sum of the scores from the 15 questions, resulting in a possible score at each time point between 0 and 60.
Satisfaction With Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 24-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)This is the change in Baseline to End-of-Study in Satisfaction with Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 2. GAQ (Global Assessment Questions) is a questionnaire that evaluates overall satisfaction level experienced while using the study drug. Question 2 is Compared to the start of the study (prior to taking the study drug), how would you describe your satisfaction with your desire while using the study drug? The score range is 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much better).

Countries

Canada, United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

A total of 1142 subjects were screened at 69 medical sites in the US and Canada, 612 subjects were enrolled, and 488 subjects entered the single-blind placebo treatment period; 397 were randomized, and 394 were dosed with randomized treatment.

Pre-assignment details

A total of 91 subjects were not randomized due to failing the resting blood pressure criteria (36), withdrawal of consent (24), being lost to follow-up (9), adverse events (5), non-compliance (5), and other reasons (12).

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Placebo
identical formulation without active ingredient
97
Bremelanotide Arm 1
low dose 0.75 mg BMT
100
Bremelanotide Arm 2
middle dose 1.25 mg BMT
99
Bremelanotide Arm 3
high dose 1.75 mg BMT
98
Total394

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicBremelanotide Arm 1Bremelanotide Arm 3TotalBremelanotide Arm 2Placebo
Age, Continuous37.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.76
37.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.56
36.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.57
35.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.22
37.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.7
Body Mass Index28.47 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.616
29.92 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.181
28.82 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.802
29.17 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.096
27.73 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.171
Diagnosis
FSAD
3 Participants2 Participants12 Participants3 Participants4 Participants
Diagnosis
HSDD
20 Participants24 Participants92 Participants24 Participants24 Participants
Diagnosis
Mixed FSAD/HSDD
77 Participants72 Participants290 Participants72 Participants69 Participants
Menses Frequency
2 or more skipped cycles, and amenorrhea for 60 or
6 Participants1 Participants11 Participants2 Participants2 Participants
Menses Frequency
N.A.
13 Participants12 Participants44 Participants6 Participants13 Participants
Menses Frequency
Regular
75 Participants79 Participants312 Participants86 Participants72 Participants
Menses Frequency
Variable cycle length (<7 days different from nor
4 Participants4 Participants15 Participants4 Participants3 Participants
Menses Frequency
Variable cycle length (>7 days different from nor
2 Participants2 Participants12 Participants1 Participants7 Participants
Natural Hair Color
Other Than Red
95 Participants92 Participants371 Participants93 Participants91 Participants
Natural Hair Color
Red
5 Participants6 Participants23 Participants6 Participants6 Participants
Of Childbearing Potential
Data Missing
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Of Childbearing Potential
Of Childbearing Potential
76 Participants65 Participants283 Participants70 Participants72 Participants
Of Childbearing Potential
Surgically Sterile
24 Participants32 Participants110 Participants29 Participants25 Participants
Oral Contraceptive Use within 30 Days of Visit 1
No
85 Participants83 Participants341 Participants88 Participants85 Participants
Oral Contraceptive Use within 30 Days of Visit 1
Yes
15 Participants15 Participants53 Participants11 Participants12 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants1 Participants5 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
0 Participants2 Participants2 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Black or African American
25 Participants23 Participants99 Participants32 Participants19 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other
3 Participants2 Participants5 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
71 Participants70 Participants281 Participants65 Participants75 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
100 Participants98 Participants394 Participants99 Participants97 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Weight168.17 Pound
STANDARD_DEVIATION 37.867
179.15 Pound
STANDARD_DEVIATION 45.872
171.41 Pound
STANDARD_DEVIATION 42.532
173.97 Pound
STANDARD_DEVIATION 43.229
164.40 Pound
STANDARD_DEVIATION 42.05
Weight Quartile
>143 - 165 pounds
36 Pound24 Pound103 Pound25 Pound18 Pound
Weight Quartile
>165 - 200.6 pounds
26 Pound24 Pound101 Pound28 Pound23 Pound
Weight Quartile
>200.6 - 350 pounds
17 Pound28 Pound87 Pound23 Pound19 Pound
Weight Quartile
95 - 143 pounds
21 Pound21 Pound102 Pound23 Pound37 Pound
Weight Quartile
Data Missing
0 Pound1 Pound1 Pound0 Pound0 Pound

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
49 / 9764 / 10061 / 9967 / 98
serious
Total, serious adverse events
3 / 971 / 1001 / 991 / 98

Outcome results

Primary

The Primary Efficacy Endpoint is Change From Baseline to End of Study in the Number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSE)

The primary efficacy endpoint is change from baseline to end of study in the number of satisfying sexual events (SSEs), computed as the number of events during the last 4 weeks of treatment with FSEP-R Q10 = Yes minus the number of baseline events with FSEP-R Q10 = Yes. Efficacy analyses were done with the MITT population which consisted of all randomized subjects who took at least 1 dose of double-blind treatment after the 2 in-clinic doses of double-blind medication and who had at least 1 follow-up visit (Visit 10 or later) to ensure that FSEP-R data were reviewed and confirmed by the investigative site.

Time frame: 4 - 12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks). Baseline was the 4-week single-blind placebo period.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboThe Primary Efficacy Endpoint is Change From Baseline to End of Study in the Number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSE)0.2 SSEsStandard Deviation 2.29
Bremelanotide Arm 1The Primary Efficacy Endpoint is Change From Baseline to End of Study in the Number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSE)0.6 SSEsStandard Deviation 3.55
Bremelanotide Arm 2The Primary Efficacy Endpoint is Change From Baseline to End of Study in the Number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSE)0.7 SSEsStandard Deviation 1.81
Bremelanotide Arm 3The Primary Efficacy Endpoint is Change From Baseline to End of Study in the Number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSE)0.8 SSEsStandard Deviation 2.86
p-value: <0.0595% CI: [0, 1]Van Elteren
p-value: <0.0595% CI: [0, 0.06]Van Elteren
Secondary

Change From Baseline to End-of-Study in Arousal Domain Score From Female Sexual Function Index

The FSFI is brief self-report questionnaire that measures female sexual function. The change from baseline to end of study in the arousal domain were obtained from the FSFI Q3 through Q6. The score range is 0-5. For each of the 2 time points, the score was computed programmatically using the algorithm described by Rosen \[6\], resulting in a score from 0 (min) to 6 (max).

Time frame: 4-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboChange From Baseline to End-of-Study in Arousal Domain Score From Female Sexual Function Index0.51 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.371
Bremelanotide Arm 1Change From Baseline to End-of-Study in Arousal Domain Score From Female Sexual Function Index0.35 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.457
Bremelanotide Arm 2Change From Baseline to End-of-Study in Arousal Domain Score From Female Sexual Function Index0.71 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.112
Bremelanotide Arm 3Change From Baseline to End-of-Study in Arousal Domain Score From Female Sexual Function Index1.06 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.146
p-value: <0.05ANCOVA
Secondary

Desire Domain From Female Sexual Function Index

The FSFI is brief self-report questionnaire that measures female sexual function. The change from baseline to end of study in the desire domain were obtained from the FSFI Q1 and Q2. The score range is 1-5. For each of the 2 time points, the score was computed programmatically using the algorithm described by Rosen \[6\], resulting in a score from 0 (min) to 6 (max).

Time frame: 4-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboDesire Domain From Female Sexual Function Index0.39 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.075
Bremelanotide Arm 1Desire Domain From Female Sexual Function Index0.33 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.093
Bremelanotide Arm 2Desire Domain From Female Sexual Function Index0.55 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.794
Bremelanotide Arm 3Desire Domain From Female Sexual Function Index0.95 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.003
p-value: <0.05Van Elteren
Secondary

FSDS-DAO Total Score

FSDS-DAO (Female Sexual Distress Scale - Desire/Arousal/Orgasm) is an assessment tool to measure female sexual distress. The change from baseline to end of study in the FSDS-DAO (total score) was measured. There are 15 questions, eg, How often do you feel: Distressed about your sex life and the score range was 0 (Never), 1 (Rarely), 2 (Occasionally), 3 (Frequently), 4 (Always). The score for each subject at each time point was computed as the sum of the scores from the 15 questions, resulting in a possible score at each time point between 0 and 60.

Time frame: 4 - 12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboFSDS-DAO Total Score-6.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.57
Bremelanotide Arm 1FSDS-DAO Total Score-7.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.47
Bremelanotide Arm 2FSDS-DAO Total Score-9.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.79
Bremelanotide Arm 3FSDS-DAO Total Score-13.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.93
p-value: <0.05ANCOVA
Secondary

Quality of Relationship With Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 4

This is the change in Baseline to End-of-Study in Quality of Relationship with Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 4. GAQ (Global Assessment Questions) is a questionnaire that evaluates overall satisfaction level experienced while using the study drug. Question 4 is Compared to the start of the study (prior to taking the study drug), how has taking the study drug changed your relationship with your partner? The score range is 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much better).

Time frame: 4-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboQuality of Relationship With Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 40.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.2
Bremelanotide Arm 1Quality of Relationship With Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 40.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.24
Bremelanotide Arm 2Quality of Relationship With Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 40.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.22
Bremelanotide Arm 3Quality of Relationship With Partner as Measured by GAQ Question 40.6 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.22
p-value: <0.05Van Elteren
Secondary

Satisfaction With Arousal as Measured by GAQ Question 1

This is the change in Baseline to End-of-Study in Satisfaction with Arousal as measured by GAQ Question 1. GAQ (Global Assessment Questions) is a questionnaire that evaluates overall satisfaction level experienced while using the study drug. Question 1 is Compared to the start of the study (prior to taking the study drug), how would you describe your satisfaction with your arousal while using the study drug? The score range is 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much better).

Time frame: 4-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSatisfaction With Arousal as Measured by GAQ Question 10.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.37
Bremelanotide Arm 1Satisfaction With Arousal as Measured by GAQ Question 10.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.43
Bremelanotide Arm 2Satisfaction With Arousal as Measured by GAQ Question 10.5 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.46
Bremelanotide Arm 3Satisfaction With Arousal as Measured by GAQ Question 10.9 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.18
p-value: <0.0595% CI: [0, 1]Van Elteren
Secondary

Satisfaction With Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 2

This is the change in Baseline to End-of-Study in Satisfaction with Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 2. GAQ (Global Assessment Questions) is a questionnaire that evaluates overall satisfaction level experienced while using the study drug. Question 2 is Compared to the start of the study (prior to taking the study drug), how would you describe your satisfaction with your desire while using the study drug? The score range is 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much better).

Time frame: 4-12 weeks from baseline to end of study (total study duration 20 weeks)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
PlaceboSatisfaction With Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 20.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.31
Bremelanotide Arm 1Satisfaction With Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 20.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.32
Bremelanotide Arm 2Satisfaction With Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 20.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.44
Bremelanotide Arm 3Satisfaction With Desire as Measured by GAQ Question 20.9 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.2
p-value: <0.05Van Elteren

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 1, 2026