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Comparing Tolerability and Absorption of Racemic and R-lipoic Acid in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Comparing Gastrointestinal Tolerability and Absorption of Racemic Lipoic Acid and R-lipoic Acid in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: a Randomized Crossover Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03493841
Enrollment
20
Registered
2018-04-11
Start date
2018-06-08
Completion date
2019-01-25
Last updated
2019-03-22

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

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Brief summary

This is a three-week crossover study that will compare how the body absorbs and tolerates two different forms of lipoic acid: R form and racemic form.

Detailed description

This three-week double-blind crossover trial will compare two different forms of lipoic acid (LA). Every participant will take one week of daily oral 600mg R LA, have a one week washout period without LA, and take one week of daily oral 1200mg racemic LA. The order of LA type will be determined by randomization. Blood analyses will be performed to determine which form is better absorbed and a side effects questionnaire will be completed at each visit in order to determine which form is better tolerated.

Interventions

DRUGAlpha Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid is an over the counter supplement. Two different forms, R and racemic are available. R-lipoic acid is the naturally occurring form. Racemic lipoic acid is the most commonly available supplement.

Sponsors

Rebecca Spain
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

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

Eligibility

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

Inclusion criteria

* Diagnosis of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis * 18 years of age or older * Able to give informed consent and adhere to the study activities * Able to swallow large oral capsules

Exclusion criteria

* Clinical Multiple Sclerosis relapse in the prior 1 year * Oral or IV steroids in the prior 3 months * Have taken LA in last 30 days * Clinically significant kidney disease as determined by the PI including, but not limited to, major kidney disease diagnoses, abnormal laboratory values related to renal function, or other related conditions * Insulin-dependent diabetes * Other significant ongoing medical illness that may interfere with study procedures * Taking oral anticoagulants (e.g. Coumadin). Aspirin, clopidogrel, and dipyridamole are acceptable to take * Pregnant or breast-feeding * Any condition which would make the patient, in the opinion of the investigator, unsuitable for the study

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Comparison of oral tolerance between R-LA and racemic LAObtained at first (Visits 1 and 3) and last doses (visits 2 and 4) of each form of LA. Each visit is approximately a week apart.Oral tolerance will be determined by the completion of a modified Monitoring of Side Effects Scale at each study visit. This scale asks the participant to rate the following side effects: abdominal pain, appetite: decreased, appetite: increased, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea/vomiting, taste abnormality (metallic, etc.), thirst: increased, thirst: decreased, and weight: increased. Each side effect will be rated on severity. 0 - the lowest possible score represents not present. 4 - the highest possible score represents severe. The relative change in total tolerance score will be compared between R-LA and racemic LA.
Comparison of serum bioavailability as measured by Area Under the Curve (0-infinity) between R-LA and racemic LAObtained at first (Visits 1 and 3) and last doses (visits 2 and 4) of each form of LA. Each visit is approximately a week apart.Serum bioavailability, as measured by Area Under the Curve (0-infinity) will be compared between R-LA and racemic LA by obtaining concentration values at times 0, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after ingestion of LA dose on the first (visits 1 and 3) and last doses (visits 2 and 4) of each LA form.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

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