Vaginal AtrophyPhase 3NCT01256684
DHEA Against Vaginal Atrophy - 3-Month Efficacy Study
A Phase 3 study testing DHEA in people with Vaginal Atrophy, run by EndoCeutics Inc. at 33 sites in 2 countries.
Trial summary
The purpose of this Phase III trial is to confirm the efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 75 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Vaginal Atrophy
- What is being tested?
- DHEA
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 255 participants
- Where
- 33 sitesin 2 countries
- Study dates
- Dec 2010to Nov 2011
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 75 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Main Inclusion Criteria:
- Postmenopausal women (hysterectomized or non-hysterectomized)
- Women between 40 and 75 years of age.
- Willing to participate in the study and sign an informed consent.
- Women who have self-identified symptom(s)of vaginal atrophy.
- For non-hysterectomized women, willing to have endometrial biopsy at screening and end of study.
Main Exclusion Criteria:
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
- Hypertension equal to or above 140/90 mm Hg.
- The administration of any investigational drug within 30 days of screening visit.
- Endometrial hyperplasia, cancer or endometrial histology showing proliferative, secretory or menstrual type characteristics at histologic evaluation of endometrial biopsy performed at screening.
Trial locations and contacts
33 sites in 2 countries.
33 sites in 2 countries
United States24 sites
EndoCeutics site # 27
Baltimore, Maryland, 21285-6815
EndoCeutics site # 45
Boynton Beach, Florida, 33472
EndoCeutics site # 31
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903
EndoCeutics site # 05
Cleveland, Ohio, 44122
EndoCeutics site # 15
Columbus, Ohio, 43213
EndoCeutics site # 36
Denver, Colorado, 80218
EndoCeutics site # 16
Durham, North Carolina, 27713
EndoCeutics site # 26
Jacksonville, Florida, 32207
EndoCeutics site # 22
Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49009
EndoCeutics site # 25
Lincoln, Nebraska, 68510
EndoCeutics site # 10
Meridian, Idaho, 83642
EndoCeutics site # 42
Milford, Connecticut, 06460
EndoCeutics site # 39
Montgomery, Alabama, 36117
EndoCeutics site # 28
Moorestown, New Jersey, 08057
EndoCeutics site # 44
New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901
EndoCeutics site # 19
New York, New York, 10016
EndoCeutics site # 03
Norfolk, Virginia, 23507
EndoCeutics site # 35
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15206
EndoCeutics site # 21
Sacramento, California, 95821
EndoCeutics site # 30
San Diego, California, 92108
EndoCeutics site # 17
San Diego, California, 92120
EndoCeutics site # 23
Sandy Springs, Georgia, 30328
EndoCeutics site # 14
Tucson, Arizona, 85712
EndoCeutics site # 09
West Jordan, Utah, 84088
Canada9 sites
EndoCeutics site # 06
Bathurst, New Brunswick, E2A 4X7
EndoCeutics site # 13
Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4L7
EndoCeutics site # 04
Drummondville, Quebec, J2B 7T1
EndoCeutics site # 12
Montreal, Quebec, H4N 3C5
EndoCeutics site # 02
Québec, Quebec, G1S 2L6
EndoCeutics site # 01
Québec, Quebec, G1V 2L9
EndoCeutics site # 18
Saint Romuald, Quebec, G6W 5M6
EndoCeutics site # 08
Shawinigan, Quebec, G9N 2H6
EndoCeutics site # 11
Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 1Z1
About this study
Official title: DHEA Against Vaginal Atrophy (Placebo-controlled, Double-blind and Randomized Phase III Study of 3-month Intravaginal DHEA)
The purpose of this Phase III trial is to confirm the efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy.
- Conditions
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Being tested
- Placebo, DHEA
- Keywords
- Vulvar/vaginal atrophy, Atrophic Vaginitis, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, Prasterone, Vaginorm, Menopause, Intrarosa
- Medical subject headings
- Atrophic Vaginitis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
PlaceboDrug
Placebo vaginal suppository
DHEADrug
Also called Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone
Vaginal suppository containing 0.25% (3.25 mg) DHEA; daily dosing with one suppository for 12 weeks.
DHEADrug
Also called Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone
Vaginal suppository containing 0.50% (6.5 mg) DHEA; daily dosing with one suppository for 12 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Not described Receives: Drug: Placebo |
| 0.25% DHEA | Experimental | Not described Receives: Drug: DHEA |
| 0.5% DHEA | Experimental | Not described Receives: Drug: DHEA |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Percentage of Parabasal Cells in the Maturation Index of the Vaginal Smear
The percentage of parabasal cell was determined from the vaginal smears collected during the study. A 100-cell count was performed by a central laboratory to classify cells as parabasal (P) (including the basal), intermediate (I), and superficial (S) squamous cell types. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Percentage of Superficial Cells in the Maturation Index of the Vaginal Smear
The percentage of superficial cell was determined from the vaginal smears collected during the study. A 100-cell count was performed by a central laboratory to classify cells as parabasal (P) (including the basal), intermediate (I), and superficial (S) squamous cell types. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Vaginal pH
A pH strip fixed on an Ayre spatula (or equivalent) was applied directly to the lateral wall of the vagina. The change in color of the pH indicator strip was compared to the color chart for pH evaluation. The corresponding pH value (with one decimal) was recorded. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of the Most Bothersome Symptom of Dyspareunia
The severity of dyspareunia was evaluated by a questionnaire filled out by women. The severity of dyspareunia recorded as none, mild, moderate or severe was analyzed using the score values of 0, 1, 2 or 3, respectively. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Secondary outcomes (5)
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Dryness
The severity of vaginal dryness was evaluated by a questionnaire filled out by women. The severity of vaginal dryness recorded as none, mild, moderate or severe was analyzed using the score values of 0, 1, 2 or 3, respectively. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Secretions
To evaluate the aspect of the mucosa and the local tolerance to DHEA suppositories, the vaginal secretions (one of the four main signs of vaginal atrophy) evaluated by the physician/gynecologist as corresponding to none, mild, moderate, or severe atrophy were then analyzed using the score values of 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Epithelial Integrity
To evaluate the aspect of the mucosa and the local tolerance to DHEA suppositories, the vaginal epithelial integrity (one of the four main signs of vaginal atrophy) evaluated by the physician/gynecologist as corresponding to none, mild, moderate, or severe atrophy was then analyzed using the score values of 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Epithelial Surface Thickness
To evaluate the aspect of the mucosa and the local tolerance to DHEA suppositories, the vaginal epithelial surface thickness (one of the four main signs of vaginal atrophy) evaluated by the physician/gynecologist as corresponding to none, mild, moderate, or severe atrophy was then analyzed using the score values of 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Color
To evaluate the aspect of the mucosa and the local tolerance to DHEA suppositories, the vaginal color (one of the four main signs of vaginal atrophy) evaluated by the physician/gynecologist as corresponding to none, mild, moderate, or severe atrophy was then analyzed using the values of 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Dec 2010 (estimated)
- Study startDec 2010
- Primary completionAug 2011
- Study completionNov 2011
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Vaginal AtrophyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 255 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- EndoCeutics Inc.
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- David F Archer, MD, Principal investigator, Clinical Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01256684
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ERC-231
- Status last verified
- May 2017
- First submitted
- 3 Dec 2010
- Last updated
- 26 Jun 2017
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
Publications
Archer DF, Labrie F, Bouchard C, Portman DJ, Koltun W, Cusan L, Labrie C, Cote I, Lavoie L, Martel C, Balser J; VVA Prasterone Group. Treatment of pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia) with intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone). Menopause. 2015 Sep;22(9):950-63. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000428.
PubMed 25734980Portman DJ, Labrie F, Archer DF, Bouchard C, Cusan L, Girard G, Ayotte N, Koltun W, Blouin F, Young D, Wade A, Martel C, Dube R; other participating members of VVA Prasterone Group. Lack of effect of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, prasterone) on the endometrium in postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2015 Dec;22(12):1289-95. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000470.
PubMed 25968836Martel C, Labrie F, Archer DF, Ke Y, Gonthier R, Simard JN, Lavoie L, Vaillancourt M, Montesino M, Balser J, Moyneur E; other participating members of the Prasterone Clinical Research Group. Serum steroid concentrations remain within normal postmenopausal values in women receiving daily 6.5mg intravaginal prasterone for 12 weeks. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 May;159:142-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.03.016. Epub 2016 Mar 10.
PubMed 26972555
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Jun 2017. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- DHEA Against Vaginal Atrophy (Placebo-controlled, Double-blind and Randomized Phase III Study of 3-month Intravaginal DHEA)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01256684
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ERC-231
- Conditions
- Vaginal Atrophy
- Keywords
- Vulvar/vaginal atrophy, Atrophic Vaginitis, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, Prasterone, Vaginorm, Menopause, Intrarosa
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 255 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- EndoCeutics Inc.Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- Dec 2010
- Primary completion
- Aug 2011 (actual)
- Study completion
- Nov 2011 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Dec 2010 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 25 Apr 2017
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this Phase III trial is to confirm the efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Drug: Placebo |
| 0.25% DHEA | Experimental | Drug: DHEA |
| 0.5% DHEA | Experimental | Drug: DHEA |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 75 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| PlaceboPlacebo vaginal suppository | Drug | Placebo |
| DHEAAlso: Prasterone, DehydroepiandrosteroneVaginal suppository containing 0.25% (3.25 mg) DHEA; daily dosing with one suppository for 12 weeks. | Drug | 0.25% DHEA |
| DHEAAlso: Prasterone, DehydroepiandrosteroneVaginal suppository containing 0.50% (6.5 mg) DHEA; daily dosing with one suppository for 12 weeks. | Drug | 0.5% DHEA |
Primary outcome
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Percentage of Parabasal Cells in the Maturation Index of the Vaginal Smear
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
The percentage of parabasal cell was determined from the vaginal smears collected during the study. A 100-cell count was performed by a central laboratory to classify cells as parabasal (P) (including the basal), intermediate (I), and superficial (S) squamous cell types. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Percentage of Superficial Cells in the Maturation Index of the Vaginal Smear
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
The percentage of superficial cell was determined from the vaginal smears collected during the study. A 100-cell count was performed by a central laboratory to classify cells as parabasal (P) (including the basal), intermediate (I), and superficial (S) squamous cell types. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Vaginal pH
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
A pH strip fixed on an Ayre spatula (or equivalent) was applied directly to the lateral wall of the vagina. The change in color of the pH indicator strip was compared to the color chart for pH evaluation. The corresponding pH value (with one decimal) was recorded. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of the Most Bothersome Symptom of Dyspareunia
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
The severity of dyspareunia was evaluated by a questionnaire filled out by women. The severity of dyspareunia recorded as none, mild, moderate or severe was analyzed using the score values of 0, 1, 2 or 3, respectively. Data obtained at Baseline and Week 12 as well as the change from Baseline to Week 12 are presented.
5 secondary outcomes
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Dryness
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Secretions
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Epithelial Integrity
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Epithelial Surface Thickness
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Severity of Vaginal Atrophy as Evaluated From Vaginal Color
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Jun 2017.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Results publication: PubMed 25734980Archer DF, Labrie F, Bouchard C, Portman DJ, Koltun W, Cusan L, Labrie C, Cote I, Lavoie L, Martel C, Balser J; VVA Prasterone Group. Treatment of pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia) with intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone). Menopause. 2015 Sep;22(9):950-63. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000428.
- Results publication: PubMed 25968836Portman DJ, Labrie F, Archer DF, Bouchard C, Cusan L, Girard G, Ayotte N, Koltun W, Blouin F, Young D, Wade A, Martel C, Dube R; other participating members of VVA Prasterone Group. Lack of effect of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, prasterone) on the endometrium in postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2015 Dec;22(12):1289-95. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000470.
- Results publication: PubMed 26972555Martel C, Labrie F, Archer DF, Ke Y, Gonthier R, Simard JN, Lavoie L, Vaillancourt M, Montesino M, Balser J, Moyneur E; other participating members of the Prasterone Clinical Research Group. Serum steroid concentrations remain within normal postmenopausal values in women receiving daily 6.5mg intravaginal prasterone for 12 weeks. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 May;159:142-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.03.016. Epub 2016 Mar 10.
Related trials for Vaginal Atrophy
RecruitingPhase 3
Testing Laser Therapy for Treatment of Vaginal Dryness in Survivors of Breast Cancer, The Revitalize Trial
Vaginal Atrophy, Breast Carcinoma
RecruitingPhase 2
Proof of Concept Study of Vaginal AZU-101 in Vulvovaginal Atrophy in Postmenopausal Women
Vulvo Vaginal Atrophy (VVA)
Recruiting
F-GYN for Vaginal Dryness and Vulvovaginal Atrophy
Atrophic Vaginitis, Atrophic Vulvovaginitis
Recruiting
A Laser and Topical Treatment Combination in the Vulvo-vaginal Atrophy Management in Breast Cancer Patients.
Female Urogenital Diseases, Breast Cancer Female
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Retrospective Cohort Study of Symptoms and Quality of Life in Women With Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.
Vulvar Atrophy, Vulvovaginal Signs and Symptoms
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
David F Archer, MD principal investigator
Clinical Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
33 sites in 2 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing DHEA in people with Vaginal Atrophy, run by EndoCeutics Inc. at 33 sites in 2 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Jun 2017. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 33 sites in United States, Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 25 Apr 2017). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change From Baseline to Week 12 in Percentage of Parabasal Cells in the Maturation Index of the Vaginal Smear (time frame: Baseline and Week 12). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01256684, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Jun 2017.