The efficacy and safety of setmelanotide in individuals with Bardet-Biedl syndrome or Alström syndrome: Phase 3 trial design.

BACKGROUND

A phase 2 trial has suggested that treatment with the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist setmelanotide is associated with a decrease in hunger and weight-related outcomes in participants with Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) and Alström syndrome. Here, we present the study design of an ongoing, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity and hyperphagia in individuals with BBS or Alström syndrome (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03746522).

METHODS

It was initially planned that ~30 participants aged ≥6 years with a clinical diagnosis of BBS or Alström syndrome would be enrolled. Participants with obesity as defined by a body mass index ≥30 kg/m (in those aged ≥16 years) or a weight >97th percentile (in those aged 6-15 years) are included. Participants are initially randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive setmelanotide or placebo for 14 weeks (period 1). Following period 1, all participants receive 38 weeks of open-label treatment with setmelanotide (period 2). In each treatment period, setmelanotide is administered at 3 mg once a day following completion of dose escalation. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants aged ≥12 years achieving a clinically meaningful reduction from baseline (≥10%) in body weight after ~52 weeks (eg, following period 2). Safety and tolerability are assessed by frequency of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This pivotal trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of setmelanotide for the treatment of obesity and hyperphagia in individuals with BBS and Alström syndrome.

SUBMISSION CATEGORY

Study Design, Statistical Design, Study Protocols.