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SinusitisNCT02454608

Trial of Verapamil in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

A study testing Verapamil HCl in people with Sinusitis and Nasal Polyps, run by Benjamin Bleier at 1 site in United States.

Terminated

Stopped early. The study ended before it was planned to and will not resume.

Official record
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Trial summary

Verapamil is an L-type calcium channel blocker(CCB) which has been shown to reduce inflammation in a variety of tissues. Verapamil has also been shown to improve eosinophilic inflammation in an animal model of asthma and also functions as a P-glycoprotein(P-gp) inhibitor. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 80 years
Conditions the study is for
Sinusitis, Nasal Polyps
What is being tested?
Verapamil HCl
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
29 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
May 2015to May 2017
Phase
Interventional
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 18 to 80 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients presenting to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Sinus Center
  • Age 18-80 yrs old
  • Diagnosed with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps according to the EPOS 2012 consensus criteria

Who cannot join

  • Patients with the following comorbidities:
  • GI Hypomotility
  • Heart Failure
  • Liver Failure
  • Kidney Disease
  • Muscular Dystrophy
Show all 26Show fewer
  • Pregnant or Nursing Females
  • Steroid Dependency
  • Patients taking the following medications:
  • Aspirin
  • Beta-blockers
  • Cimetidine(Tagamet)
  • Clarithromycin(Biaxin)
  • Cyclosporin
  • Digoxin
  • Disopyramide(Norpace)
  • Diuretics
  • Erythromycin
  • Flecainide
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors(Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir)
  • Quinidine
  • Lithium
  • Pioglitazone
  • Rifampin
  • St Johns Wort
  • Patients with cardiac or conduction abnormality picked up by screening EKG

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Verapamil in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Verapamil is an L-type calcium channel blocker(CCB) which has been shown to reduce inflammation in a variety of tissues. Verapamil has also been shown to improve eosinophilic inflammation in an animal model of asthma and also functions as a P-glycoprotein(P-gp) inhibitor. A major subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS) is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation as well as P-gp overexpression. The goal of this study is to therefore see whether Verapamil may be used to treat CRS.

Read the detailed description

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) impacts more than 30 million Americans resulting in $6.9 to $9.9 billion in annual healthcare expenditures and $12.8 billion in productivity costs. The prevalence of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps(CRSwNP) in Europe has been estimated to be 2-4.3% and is thought to be similar in the United States. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment although novel therapies are being developed based on an evolving understanding of the inflammatory pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. CRSwNP is characterized by the presence of edematous polypoid mucosa and predominantly eosinophilic inflammation. Recent evidence has focused on the sinonasal epithelial cell as a primary driver of the local dysregulated immune response through secretion of type 2 helper T-cell(Th2) promoting cytokines. While these studies suggest that epithelial cells are capable of orchestrating a local immune response, the mechanisms responsible for regulating cytokine secretion are poorly understood and may be influenced by the efflux function of epithelial P-glycoprotein(P-gp).

P-gp is a 170 kiloDalton membrane protein which belongs to sub-family B of the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette(ABC) transporter superfamily. P-gp utilizes ATP hydrolysis to transport a wide range of substrates across the plasma membrane. P-gp mediated transport has been observed in the regulation of cytokine secretion in both human T-cells as well as sinonasal epithelial cells implicating a potential immunomodulatory role. Studies by our group have demonstrated that P-gp is overexpressed in the mucosa of patients with Th2 skewed CRS endotypes including CRSwNP and is capable of regulating the secretion of Th2 polarizing cytokines. Together, these findings suggest that P-gp participates in the non-canonical regulation of cytokine secretion within CRSwNP and may thereby represent a druggable target.

Verapamil Hydrochloride(HCl) was one of the first inhibitors of P-gp to be identified in 1982 and also functions as a calcium channel blocker(CCB). Verapamil has since been categorized as a first generation P-gp inhibitor as more potent and selective 2nd and 3rd generation molecules were subsequently developed for use as chemotherapy sensitizers. Several studies, including those by our group, have reported that Verapamil is capable of modulating inflammatory responses in human T-cells, animal models of asthma, and nasal polyps. Using an organotypic explant model, we have previously shown that Verapamil has similar effects to dexamethasone in its ability to abrogate Interleukin(IL)-5, IL-6, and Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin secretion. While Verapamil is cardioactive, it is considered the first-line prophylactic drug for cluster headache and is usually well tolerated by otherwise healthy patients.

In light of our prior studies demonstrating the immunomodulatory role of P-gp in promoting Th2 skewing cytokine secretion in CRSwNP, we hypothesized that low dose Verapamil HCl monotherapy would be safe and effective in the treatment of CRSwNP.

Being tested
Verapamil HCl, Placebo
Medical subject headings
Sinusitis, Nasal Polyps

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Verapamil HClDrug

    Also called Verapamil

    Verapamil represents a calcium channel blocker which binds to the alpha subunit of L-type voltage dependent calcium (Cav1) channels thereby blocking the influx of calcium ions into the host cell. While Verapamil is classically used to promote the relaxation of cardiac and smooth muscle cells, recent evidence has suggested that it may also function as an immunomodulator in astrocytes, hepatocytes, and T-cells. Further research has demonstrated that Verapamil is capable of specifically reducing Th2 associated inflammation in asthma. These findings raise the provocative question as to whether Verapamil could also be effective in reducing inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

  • PlaceboOther

    Capsule with the same characteristics (size, color, smell) as Verapamil HCl.

Study groups in NCT02454608
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
TreatmentExperimentalVerapamil HCl, capsules for oral administration, 80mg, TID, for 8 weeks
Receives: Drug: Verapamil HCl
ControlPlacebo comparatorPlacebo, capsules for oral administration, TID, for 8 weeks
Receives: Other: Placebo
Open LabelExperimentalVerapamil HCl, capsules for oral administration, 80mg, TID, for 1 year
Receives: Drug: Verapamil HCl

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Subjective Sinonasal Symptoms on Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22(SNOT-22)

    Minimum Score: 0 Maximum Score: 110 A higher score indicates a worse outcome

    Measured: baseline to week 8

  2. Subjective Sinonasal Symptoms on 10cm Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)

    Minimum Score: 0 Maximum Score: 100 A higher score indicates a worse outcome.

    Measured: baseline to week 8

  3. Subjective Sinonasal Symptoms on Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22(SNOT-22)

    Minimum Score: 0 Maximum Score: 110 A higher score indicates a worse outcome

    Measured: baseline to week 56

  4. Subjective Sinonasal Symptoms on 10cm Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)

    Minimum Score: 0 Maximum Score: 100 A higher score indicates a worse outcome.

    Measured: baseline to week 56

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Objective Sinonasal Symptoms on Lund-Kennedy Score(LKS)

    Minimum Score: 0 Maximum Score: 12 Higher value represents worse outcome.

    Measured: baseline to week 8

  2. Objective Sinonasal Symptoms on Lund-McKay Score(LMS)

    Minimum Score: 0 Maximum Score: 24 Higher value represents worse outcome.

    Measured: Week 8

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 May 2015 (estimated)
  2. Study startMay 2015
  3. Primary completionMar 2016
  4. Study completionMay 2017

Why it stopped: Evidence that the dose is insufficient.

Resources

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 N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
29 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02454608
Sponsor's protocol ID
15-009H
Status last verified
May 2018
First submitted
11 May 2015
Last updated
14 Jun 2018
Data monitoring committee
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Chin D, Harvey RJ. Nasal polyposis: an inflammatory condition requiring effective anti-inflammatory treatment. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013 Feb;21(1):23-30. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0b013e32835bc3f9.

    PubMed 23172039
  • Poetker DM, Jakubowski LA, Lal D, Hwang PH, Wright ED, Smith TL. Oral corticosteroids in the management of adult chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps: an evidence-based review with recommendations. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2013 Feb;3(2):104-20. doi: 10.1002/alr.21072. Epub 2012 Aug 7.

    PubMed 22887970
  • Khakzad MR, Mirsadraee M, Mohammadpour A, Ghafarzadegan K, Hadi R, Saghari M, Meshkat M. Effect of verapamil on bronchial goblet cells of asthma: an experimental study on sensitized animals. Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2012 Apr;25(2):163-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pupt.2011.11.001. Epub 2011 Nov 25.

    PubMed 22133887
  • Matsumori A, Nishio R, Nose Y. Calcium channel blockers differentially modulate cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Circ J. 2010 Mar;74(3):567-71. doi: 10.1253/circj.cj-09-0467. Epub 2010 Jan 30.

    PubMed 20118567
  • Hashioka S, Klegeris A, McGeer PL. Inhibition of human astrocyte and microglia neurotoxicity by calcium channel blockers. Neuropharmacology. 2012 Sep;63(4):685-91. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.05.033. Epub 2012 May 30.

    PubMed 22659089
  • Li G, Qi XP, Wu XY, Liu FK, Xu Z, Chen C, Yang XD, Sun Z, Li JS. Verapamil modulates LPS-induced cytokine production via inhibition of NF-kappa B activation in the liver. Inflamm Res. 2006 Mar;55(3):108-13. doi: 10.1007/s00011-005-0060-y.

    PubMed 16673153
  • Bacon KB, Westwick J, Camp RD. Potent and specific inhibition of IL-8-, IL-1 alpha- and IL-1 beta-induced in vitro human lymphocyte migration by calcium channel antagonists. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1989 Nov 30;165(1):349-54. doi: 10.1016/0006-291x(89)91076-0.

    PubMed 2686646
  • Becker WJ. Cluster headache: conventional pharmacological management. Headache. 2013 Jul-Aug;53(7):1191-6. doi: 10.1111/head.12145. Epub 2013 Jun 14.

    PubMed 23773141
  • Cohen AS, Matharu MS, Goadsby PJ. Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with cluster headache on verapamil therapy. Neurology. 2007 Aug 14;69(7):668-75. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000267319.18123.d3.

    PubMed 17698788
  • Lanteri-Minet M, Silhol F, Piano V, Donnet A. Cardiac safety in cluster headache patients using the very high dose of verapamil (>/=720 mg/day). J Headache Pain. 2011 Apr;12(2):173-6. doi: 10.1007/s10194-010-0289-x. Epub 2011 Jan 22.

    PubMed 21258839
  • Fokkens WJ, Lund VJ, Mullol J, Bachert C, Alobid I, Baroody F, Cohen N, Cervin A, Douglas R, Gevaert P, Georgalas C, Goossens H, Harvey R, Hellings P, Hopkins C, Jones N, Joos G, Kalogjera L, Kern B, Kowalski M, Price D, Riechelmann H, Schlosser R, Senior B, Thomas M, Toskala E, Voegels R, Wang de Y, Wormald PJ. European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012. Rhinol Suppl. 2012 Mar;23:3 p preceding table of contents, 1-298.

    PubMed 22764607
  • Hopkins C, Gillett S, Slack R, Lund VJ, Browne JP. Psychometric validity of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test. Clin Otolaryngol. 2009 Oct;34(5):447-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-4486.2009.01995.x.

    PubMed 19793277

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Verapamil HCl in people with Sinusitis and Nasal Polyps, run by Benjamin Bleier at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 26 exclusion criteria. 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: stopped early, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jun 2018. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. 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.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 28 Dec 2016). 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?

Subjective Sinonasal Symptoms on Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22(SNOT-22) (time frame: baseline to week 8). 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 NCT02454608, which also lists 12 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 14 Jun 2018.

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