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Rapid Antidepressant Effects of Leucine

A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study to Investigate Rapid Antidepressant Effects of Leucine

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03079297
Enrollment
16
Registered
2017-03-14
Start date
2017-03-09
Completion date
2021-10-04
Last updated
2023-01-26

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

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder

Keywords

Antidepressant, Inflammation, Biomarker, Depression, Treatment Resistant Depression, Leucine

Brief summary

This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study seeks to evaluate the antidepressant effect of L-leucine, an essential amino acid, in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Detailed description

This is a pilot phase II clinical trial of L-leucine to test its efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms in MDD patients, especially those who exhibit increased inflammation. The determination of increased inflammation will be done post-hoc. During the screening visit, all study participants will provide demographic information and complete self-report assessments and clinician evaluations and examinations. Blood and urine tests will also be performed. All participants who meet eligibility criteria and are willing to proceed with the study will enter this 6-week study after being randomized to two-week course of either L-leucine or placebo. In this cross-over study, participants will be crossed over to the second treatment after 2 weeks of washout. The study period will last 42 days (6 weeks) from the baseline visit. Both L-leucine and placebo will be provided as an effervescent mixture powder. Investigators hypothesize that MDD subjects will have greater reduction in depression severity on leucine as compared to placebo.

Interventions

L-leucine is an essential amino acid which will be provided as an effervescent powder mixture to participants.

OTHERMaltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a nonsweet carbohydrate which will be provided as an effervescent powder mixture similar in taste and appearance to the L-leucine containing effervescent powder mixture

Sponsors

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

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

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 64 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Current primary diagnosis of nonpsychotic major depressive disorder. * Stable antidepressant dose of no more than one antidepressant medication for 4 weeks and no anticipated changes during the study period. * Stable doses of all concomitant medications for over 6 weeks. * No more than two failed antidepressant trials of adequate dose and duration, as defined by ATRQ, in the current episode.

Exclusion criteria

* Psychiatric co-morbidity posing safety risk. * Pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant over the ensuing 2 months following study entry or are sexually active and not using adequate contraception * Exclusionary psychiatric conditions (such as substance dependence in the last 6 months, substance abuse in the last 2 months, or lifetime history of psychotic disorders. * Unstable or terminal general medical condition (GMC). * Concomitant medications that interact with L-leucine (e.g. sildenafil). * Vagus nerve stimulation, ECT, or rTMS, or other somatic antidepressant treatment during current episode * Inadequately controlled hypothyroidism. * Therapy that is depression specific, such as CBT or Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression. * Hypersensitivity to L-leucine * Have Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in QIDS-SR From Baseline at 14 DaysBaseline to 14 daysThe Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report (QIDS-SR), self-report is a 16-item measure of depression severity that includes the 9 criterion symptoms for MDD. Items are scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 3 (total score range, 0-27). Totals scores of ≤ 5 indicate no depression; 6-10 indicates mild depression; 11-15 indicates moderate depression; 16-20 indicates severe depression; and ≥ 21 indicates very severe depression. For purposes of this report, severe and very severe categories were combined as severe to very severe depression (≥ 16). The QIDS-A self-report has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percentage of MDD Patients With QIDS-SR Score Less Than or Equal to 5 at 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.14 daysRemission operationalized as QIDS-SR \<=5. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report (QIDS-SR), self-report is a 16-item measure of depression severity that includes the 9 criterion symptoms for MDD. Items are scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 3 (total score range, 0-27). Totals scores of ≤ 5 indicate no depression; 6-10 indicates mild depression; 11-15 indicates moderate depression; 16-20 indicates severe depression; and ≥ 21 indicates very severe depression. For purposes of this report, severe and very severe categories were combined as severe to very severe depression (≥ 16). The QIDS-A self-report has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.
Rates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 daysAdverse effect burden will be measured with Frequency Intensity and Burden of Side-effect rating scale (FIBSER). The Frequency, Intensity, Burden of Side Effects Rating (FIBSER) scale was designed by Dr. Stephen Wisniewski for use in the U.S. STAR\*D effectiveness study. It is a 3-item scale to assess side effects from antidepressant treatment. To use the FIBSER in measurement-based care, clinicians should consider item 3 (Burden). If the score is 0 to 2 (None to Mild interference with activities), no change in medication is needed. If the score is 3-4 (Moderate to Marked interference with activites), the side effects need to be addressed (i.e., change in dose, side effect antidote, etc). If the score is 5-6 (Severe interference with activities or Unable to Function), the dose needs to be decreased or the medication needs to be switched.
Percentage of MDD Patients With 50% or Greater Reduction in Depression Severity After 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Baseline to 14 daysResponse criteria defined based on QIDS-SR score at baseline and 14 days after treatment initiation. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report (QIDS-SR), self-report is a 16-item measure of depression severity that includes the 9 criterion symptoms for MDD. Items are scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 3 (total score range, 0-27). Totals scores of ≤ 5 indicate no depression; 6-10 indicates mild depression; 11-15 indicates moderate depression; 16-20 indicates severe depression; and ≥ 21 indicates very severe depression. For purposes of this report, severe and very severe categories were combined as severe to very severe depression (≥ 16). The QIDS-A self-report has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.
Change in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 daysPsychosocial function will be measured using Work and Social Adjustment Scale The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) is a 5-item measure for impairment in functioning. Items are scored on an 8-point scale on how much participants' problems impaired their ability to carry out the activity (from Not at all to Very severely). Item scores are summed to create a sum score. The maximum score of the WSAS is 40, lower scores are better. A WSAS score above 20 appears to suggest moderately severe or worse psychopathology. Scores between 10 and 20 are associated with significant functional impairment but less severe clinical symptomatology. Scores below 10 appear to be associated with subclinical populations.
Change in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 daysAnhedonia will be measured using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) is a 14-item scale that measures anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure. The items cover the domains of: social interaction, food and drink, sensory experience, and interest/pastimes. A score of 2 or less constitutes a normal score, while an abnormal score is defined as 3 or more. Each item has four possible responses: strongly disagree, disagree, agree, or strongly agree. Either of the disagree responses score one point, and either of the agree responses score 0 points. Thus, the final score ranges from 0 to 14.
Change in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 daysFatigue will be measured with Multidimensional fatigue inventory The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is a 20-item self-report instrument designed to measure fatigue. It contains five scales: general fatigue (items 1, 5, 12, 16), mental fatigue (items 7, 11, 13, 19), physical fatigue (items 2, 8, 14, 20), reduced motivation (items 4, 9, 15, 18) and reduced activity (items 3, 6, 10, 17). Items are scored on a 5-point scale on which the participant expressed the degree to which the statement applied to him or her (from agreement yes, that is true to disagreement no, that is not true) in the previous days. Item scores are summed to create a sum score for each scale, ranging between 4 (best condition) and 20 (worst condition). Higher scores indicate more fatigue.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

16 participants were consented, of which 5 were determined as eligible after screening. Of those 5, 1 reported exclusionary criteria at the baseline visit and 4 were randomized.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
A/B (L-leucine/Maltodextrin)
Starts with 4 gm L-leucine by mouth twice daily for two weeks, then washout for two weeks, then 4 gm maltodextrin by mouth twice daily for two weeks.
2
B/A (Maltodextrin/L-leucine)
Starts with 4 gm maltodextrin by mouth twice daily for two weeks, then washout for two weeks, then 4 gm L-leucine by mouth twice daily for two weeks.
2
Total4

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicA/B (L-leucine/Maltodextrin)B/A (Maltodextrin/L-leucine)Total
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
2 Participants2 Participants4 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
2 Participants2 Participants4 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
0 Participants2 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 40 / 40 / 40 / 4
other
Total, other adverse events
1 / 41 / 42 / 42 / 4
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 40 / 40 / 40 / 4

Outcome results

Primary

Change in QIDS-SR From Baseline at 14 Days

The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report (QIDS-SR), self-report is a 16-item measure of depression severity that includes the 9 criterion symptoms for MDD. Items are scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 3 (total score range, 0-27). Totals scores of ≤ 5 indicate no depression; 6-10 indicates mild depression; 11-15 indicates moderate depression; 16-20 indicates severe depression; and ≥ 21 indicates very severe depression. For purposes of this report, severe and very severe categories were combined as severe to very severe depression (≥ 16). The QIDS-A self-report has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.

Time frame: Baseline to 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
L-leucineChange in QIDS-SR From Baseline at 14 Days-6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.16
MaltodextrinChange in QIDS-SR From Baseline at 14 Days-8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.27
p-value: 0.412895% CI: [-3.56, 7.56]t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Change in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)

Anhedonia will be measured using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) is a 14-item scale that measures anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure. The items cover the domains of: social interaction, food and drink, sensory experience, and interest/pastimes. A score of 2 or less constitutes a normal score, while an abnormal score is defined as 3 or more. Each item has four possible responses: strongly disagree, disagree, agree, or strongly agree. Either of the disagree responses score one point, and either of the agree responses score 0 points. Thus, the final score ranges from 0 to 14.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
L-leucineChange in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)Anhedonia 3 days Change-0.21 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.75
L-leucineChange in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)Anhedonia 7 days Change0.79 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.75
L-leucineChange in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)Anhedonia 14 days Change-0.07 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.66
MaltodextrinChange in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)Anhedonia 3 days Change-0.46 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.65
MaltodextrinChange in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)Anhedonia 7 days Change-1.46 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.65
MaltodextrinChange in Anhedonia From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)Anhedonia 14 days Change-2.21 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.65
p-value: 0.7839MMRM
p-value: 0.0248MMRM
p-value: 0.0199MMRM
Secondary

Change in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.

Fatigue will be measured with Multidimensional fatigue inventory The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is a 20-item self-report instrument designed to measure fatigue. It contains five scales: general fatigue (items 1, 5, 12, 16), mental fatigue (items 7, 11, 13, 19), physical fatigue (items 2, 8, 14, 20), reduced motivation (items 4, 9, 15, 18) and reduced activity (items 3, 6, 10, 17). Items are scored on a 5-point scale on which the participant expressed the degree to which the statement applied to him or her (from agreement yes, that is true to disagreement no, that is not true) in the previous days. Item scores are summed to create a sum score for each scale, ranging between 4 (best condition) and 20 (worst condition). Higher scores indicate more fatigue.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Physical fatigue 14 days Change-2.55 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.08
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.General fatigue 3 days Change-1.59 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.93
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.General fatigue 7 days Change-3.59 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.93
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.General fatigue 14 days Change-0.74 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.67
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Mental fatigue 3 days Change-2.36 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.71
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Mental fatigue 7 days Change-1.02 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.71
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Mental fatigue 14 days Change-3.46 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.62
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Physical fatigue 3 days Change-3.58 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.16
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Physical fatigue 7 days Change0.09 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.16
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced motivation 3 days Change-.032 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.72
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced motivation 7 days Change-0.71 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.94
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced motivation 14 days Change-5.51 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.59
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced activity 3 days Change-2.80 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.68
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced activity 7 days Change-4.14 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.68
L-leucineChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced activity 14 days Change-4.47 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.51
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced motivation 14 days Change-2.76 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.59
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Physical fatigue 7 days Change-1.80 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.08
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.General fatigue 3 days Change-0.70 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.66
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Physical fatigue 14 days Change-3.80 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.08
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.General fatigue 7 days Change-3.20 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.66
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced activity 7 days Change-3.97 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.51
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.General fatigue 14 days Change-3.70 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.66
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced motivation 3 days Change-0.26 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.59
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Mental fatigue 3 days Change-0.71 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.62
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced activity 3 days Change-0.47 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.51
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Mental fatigue 7 days Change-4.71 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.62
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced motivation 7 days Change-1.26 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.59
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Mental fatigue 14 days Change-3.96 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.62
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Reduced activity 14 days Change-8.14 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.68
MaltodextrinChange in Fatigue Symptoms From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured With Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory.Physical fatigue 3 days Change-0.55 units on a scaleStandard Error 1.08
p-value: 0.6768MMRM
p-value: 0.7282MMRM
p-value: 0.8781MMRM
p-value: 0.226MMRM
p-value: 0.2158MMRM
p-value: 0.0081MMRM
p-value: 0.0076MMRM
p-value: 0.0858MMRM
p-value: 0.2065MMRM
p-value: 0.9712MMRM
p-value: 0.7572MMRM
p-value: 0.0588MMRM
p-value: 0.1857MMRM
p-value: 0.9225MMRM
p-value: 0.0414MMRM
Secondary

Change in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.

Psychosocial function will be measured using Work and Social Adjustment Scale The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) is a 5-item measure for impairment in functioning. Items are scored on an 8-point scale on how much participants' problems impaired their ability to carry out the activity (from Not at all to Very severely). Item scores are summed to create a sum score. The maximum score of the WSAS is 40, lower scores are better. A WSAS score above 20 appears to suggest moderately severe or worse psychopathology. Scores between 10 and 20 are associated with significant functional impairment but less severe clinical symptomatology. Scores below 10 appear to be associated with subclinical populations.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
L-leucineChange in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.Psychosocial function 3 days Change1.49 units on a scaleStandard Error 5.14
L-leucineChange in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.Psychosocial function7 days Change-1.18 units on a scaleStandard Error 5.14
L-leucineChange in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.Psychosocial function 14 days Change-9.38 units on a scaleStandard Error 4.46
MaltodextrinChange in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.Psychosocial function7 days Change-7.57 units on a scaleStandard Error 4.44
MaltodextrinChange in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.Psychosocial function 3 days Change-2.57 units on a scaleStandard Error 4.44
MaltodextrinChange in Psychosocial Function From Baseline After 3, 7, and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments Measured Using Work and Social Adjustment Scale.Psychosocial function 14 days Change-7.32 units on a scaleStandard Error 4.44
p-value: 0.4603MMRM
p-value: 0.2521MMRM
p-value: 0.6635MMRM
Secondary

Percentage of MDD Patients With 50% or Greater Reduction in Depression Severity After 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.

Response criteria defined based on QIDS-SR score at baseline and 14 days after treatment initiation. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report (QIDS-SR), self-report is a 16-item measure of depression severity that includes the 9 criterion symptoms for MDD. Items are scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 3 (total score range, 0-27). Totals scores of ≤ 5 indicate no depression; 6-10 indicates mild depression; 11-15 indicates moderate depression; 16-20 indicates severe depression; and ≥ 21 indicates very severe depression. For purposes of this report, severe and very severe categories were combined as severe to very severe depression (≥ 16). The QIDS-A self-report has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.

Time frame: Baseline to 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
L-leucinePercentage of MDD Patients With 50% or Greater Reduction in Depression Severity After 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.0 percentage of patients
MaltodextrinPercentage of MDD Patients With 50% or Greater Reduction in Depression Severity After 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.50 percentage of patients
p-value: 0.4286Fisher Exact
Secondary

Percentage of MDD Patients With QIDS-SR Score Less Than or Equal to 5 at 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.

Remission operationalized as QIDS-SR \<=5. The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, self-report (QIDS-SR), self-report is a 16-item measure of depression severity that includes the 9 criterion symptoms for MDD. Items are scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 3 (total score range, 0-27). Totals scores of ≤ 5 indicate no depression; 6-10 indicates mild depression; 11-15 indicates moderate depression; 16-20 indicates severe depression; and ≥ 21 indicates very severe depression. For purposes of this report, severe and very severe categories were combined as severe to very severe depression (≥ 16). The QIDS-A self-report has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.

Time frame: 14 days

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
L-leucinePercentage of MDD Patients With QIDS-SR Score Less Than or Equal to 5 at 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.0 percentage of patients
MaltodextrinPercentage of MDD Patients With QIDS-SR Score Less Than or Equal to 5 at 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.25 percentage of patients
p-value: 0.999Fisher Exact
Secondary

Rates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.

Adverse effect burden will be measured with Frequency Intensity and Burden of Side-effect rating scale (FIBSER). The Frequency, Intensity, Burden of Side Effects Rating (FIBSER) scale was designed by Dr. Stephen Wisniewski for use in the U.S. STAR\*D effectiveness study. It is a 3-item scale to assess side effects from antidepressant treatment. To use the FIBSER in measurement-based care, clinicians should consider item 3 (Burden). If the score is 0 to 2 (None to Mild interference with activities), no change in medication is needed. If the score is 3-4 (Moderate to Marked interference with activites), the side effects need to be addressed (i.e., change in dose, side effect antidote, etc). If the score is 5-6 (Severe interference with activities or Unable to Function), the dose needs to be decreased or the medication needs to be switched.

Time frame: Baseline to 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
L-leucineRates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Adverse effect burden 3 days Change0 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.07
L-leucineRates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Adverse effect burden function 7 days Change0 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.07
L-leucineRates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Adverse effect burden function 14 days Change0 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.06
MaltodextrinRates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Adverse effect burden function 14 days Change-.25 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.06
MaltodextrinRates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Adverse effect burden 3 days Change0 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.06
MaltodextrinRates of Adverse Effects After 3 Days, 7 Days and 14 Days of LEU and PBO Treatments.Adverse effect burden function 7 days Change0 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.06
p-value: 0.9932MMRM
p-value: 0.9932MMRM
p-value: 0.2242MMRM

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