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Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-RemittingPhase 1/2NCT02988401

Intranasal Insulin for Improving Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis

A Phase 1/2 study testing Insulin in people with Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting and Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary Progressive, run by Johns Hopkins University at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This study will evaluate if giving insulin that is administered in the nostrils (intranasal) is safe and tolerable for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is also being done to evaluate if intranasal insulin improves cognitive function in people with MS and to evaluate how it might be working. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years
What is being tested?
Insulin
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
105 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
1 Dec 2017to 17 Dec 2021
Phase
Phase 1/2
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 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Meets 2010 criteria for MS
  • No relapse in past 3 months
  • At least mild cognitive impairment (based off of SDMT/PST score)
  • Capacity to learn and self-administer intranasal insulin/placebo, or presence of a caregiver with such capacity who is willing to do it for the duration of the trial
  • Untreated/on the same MS therapy for at least 6 months, with no anticipated change in the next year
  • Willing to prevent pregnancy during study if female of childbearing potential

Who cannot join

  • Current, active major depression
  • No tricyclic antidepressant or anticonvulsant (except carbamazepine, pregabalin or gabapentin) use within 6 weeks of screening; if on oxybutynin or tolterodine, on stable dose for > 6 months without plans for changing dose in next year
  • If taking selective serotonin (± norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors, pregabalin, gabapentin, sympathomimetic, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, antipsychotic, amantadine, cholinesterase inhibitor, memantine, modafanil, armodafinil, or evening short-acting benzodiazepines, on stable dose for 6 weeks or greater
  • Pregnant or nursing
  • THC; illicit drug or alcohol abuse in past 3 months
  • History of diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance
  • Active liver disease, stage IV/V kidney disease or severe metabolic derangements
  • CNS disorder other than MS or headache

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21287

Other trials in United States

About this study

This study will evaluate if giving insulin that is administered in the nostrils (intranasal) is safe and tolerable for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is also being done to evaluate if intranasal insulin improves cognitive function in people with MS and to evaluate how it might be working.

Read the detailed description

Cognitive impairment is common in and devastating to people with MS. MS is a common, chronic, central nervous system (CNS) disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. One of the most devastating symptoms of this disease is impaired cognitive function, which is common and present in over 60% of individuals with MS. MS-related cognitive impairment is associated with lowered quality of life and reduced functional capacity, including loss of employment, impaired social relationships, compromised driving safety, and poor adherence to treatment. Impaired cognitive functioning has been observed early in the disease, sometimes even before diagnosis, and cognitive function has been shown to decline longitudinally, both over the short- and long-term. Several cognitive domains are impacted in people with MS, including attention, memory, executive functioning, and especially processing speed.

To date, multiple pharmacologic interventions have been assessed with disappointing results. There was no significant difference between treatment and placebo for cognition in randomized control trials of donepezil, aminopyridines, gingko biloba, and memantine. Psychostimulants demonstrated some efficacy, but only in secondary outcome measures. Behavioral interventions show promise but are understudied. Furthermore, cognitive rehabilitation is often time consuming, costly, and not universally available. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify or develop novel therapies that can help improve cognitive function in MS.

Intranasal insulin is extremely safe and tolerable in other populations, allowing for concentrated delivery to the nervous system. An intranasal delivery system provides a non-invasive way to bypass the blood-brain barrier and allow rapid delivery of a medication to the CNS via the olfactory and trigeminal perivascular channels.The main advantage of the delivery system is reducing systemic side effects via limiting a medication's exposure to peripheral organs and tissues.

Insulin administration has been shown to improve memory and learning in healthy people and in those with neurodegenerative diseases. Intranasal insulin has been shown to have neuroprotective and restorative effects in several human clinical trials. Overall, findings suggest that intranasal insulin not only affects cognitive function acutely, but that over time, there may be associated structural changes that lead to a more permanent treatment benefit. Cognitive dysfunction is very common in MS and can be devastating, therefore a treatment intervention (i.e., intranasal insulin) can help both acutely and longitudinally.

The primary aim of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of intranasal insulin in people with MS. The secondary aim is to evaluate if intranasal insulin improves learning and memory in people with MS. The third aim is to evaluate the impact of intranasal insulin on measures of oxidative stress, axonal injury, cellular stress, and energy metabolism in MS.

Being tested
Insulin, Placebo (Sterile diluent)
Medical subject headings
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive

What participants receive

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

  • InsulinDrug

    All patients will receive either insulin or placebo using the Vianase III N2B device during the first 24 weeks of the study.

  • Placebo (Sterile diluent)Drug

    All patients will receive either insulin or placebo using Vianase III N2B device during the first 24 weeks of the study.

Study groups in NCT02988401
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intranasal insulin 20 international unitsExperimentalSubjects will administer 20 I.U. of insulin in the nostrils using a ViaNaseTM controlled particle dispersion nasal device two times/day (BID) for 24 weeks.
Receives: Drug: Insulin
Intranasal insulin 10 international unitsExperimentalSubjects will administer 10 I.U. of insulin in the nostrils using a ViaNaseTM controlled particle dispersion nasal device two times/day (BID) for 24 weeks.
Receives: Drug: Insulin
Intranasal salinePlacebo comparatorSubjects will administer a sterile diluent containing inactive ingredients in the nostrils using a ViaNaseTM controlled particle dispersion nasal device two times/day (BID) for 24 weeks.
Receives: Drug: Placebo (Sterile diluent)

What is being measured

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

  1. Change in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)

    This task will be performed at five study visits. The SDMT is one of the most commonly used tests to assess processing speed in the MS population and is included in the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS). Higher scores reflect a better outcome (range 0 to 110). In order to account for all contributed data (even for those who did not complete the study but contributed some post-randomization data in the active study phase), the primary analyses include the SDMTs acquired within the active treatment phase (from baseline to week 24 visit). We then calculated and report the average change per week in the SDMT.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. Number of Participants With Adverse Events Leading to Study Discontinuation

    An adverse event will be defined as any occurrence or worsening of an undesirable or unintended sign, symptom (or abnormal laboratory test), or disease temporally associated with the use of a medicinal product or intervention, whether or not it is considered related to the product/intervention. We report overall adverse events in the relevant section. Here, we report adverse events that led to study discontinuation.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

  2. Fingerstick Blood Glucose (Subset)

    Fingerstick blood glucose levels were monitored twice within the 90 minutes following the first dose administration of study drug for the first 15 participants.

    Measured: At the baseline visit, monitored twice within the 90 minutes following the first dose administration of study drug

  3. Change From Baseline in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT)

    This test measures phonemic fluency. The test scores the number of words a participant can provide that begin with a specified letter within one minute, such that scores range from zero (worst) to an infinite number (better). Total score is sum of three 60-second trials. In order to account for all contributed data (even for those who did not complete the study but contributed some post-randomization data in the active study phase), the primary analyses include the COWAT scores acquired within the active treatment phase (from baseline to week 24 visit). We then calculated and report the average change per week in the score.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

  4. Change From Baseline in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II)

    This is a verbal learning and memory test. Scores range from zero to 16; a higher number is better. In order to account for all contributed data (even for those who did not complete the study but contributed some post-randomization data in the active study phase), the primary analyses include the CVLT-II scores acquired within the active treatment phase (from baseline to week 24 visit). We then calculated and report the average change per week in the score.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

  5. Change From Baseline in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMT-R) Delayed Recall

    This is a visual, nonverbal test of learning and memory. Scores range from zero to 12; higher is better. In order to account for all contributed data (even for those who did not complete the study but contributed some post-randomization data in the active study phase), the analyses include the BVMT-R delayed recall scores acquired within the active treatment phase (from baseline to week 24 visit). We then calculated and report the average change per week in the score.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

  6. Change in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the Rao-version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)

    The Rao-version of the PASAT evaluates processing speed, working memory, and basic addition skills. Scores range from zero to 60; higher is better. Herein we present 3-second PASAT results ("PASAT-3"). In order to account for all contributed data (even for those who did not complete the study but contributed some post-randomization data in the active study phase), the analyses include PASAT-3 scores acquired within the active treatment phase (from baseline to week 24 visit). We then calculated and report the average change per week in the SDMT.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

  7. Change From Baseline in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the Judgement of Line Orientation Test (JLO)

    Judgment of Line Orientation Test measures a person's ability to match the angle and orientation of lines in space. Scores range from zero to 30; higher is better. In order to account for all contributed data (even for those who did not complete the study but contributed some post-randomization data in the active study phase), the analyses include JLO data acquired within the active treatment phase (from baseline to week 24 visit). We then calculated and report the average change per week in the score.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

  8. Change From Baseline in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Sorting Test

    This test measures executive functioning, concept formation, and cognitive flexibility. Scores range from zero to 16; higher is better. In order to account for all contributed data (even for those who did not complete the study but contributed some post-randomization data in the active study phase), the analyses include DKEFS correct sort scores acquired within the active treatment phase (from baseline to week 24 visit). We then calculated and report the average change per week in the score.

    Measured: Up to week 24 visit

Timeline

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

  1. First posted9 Dec 2016 (estimated)
  2. Study start1 Dec 2017
  3. Primary completion17 Dec 2021
  4. Study completion17 Dec 2021

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 1/2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
105 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02988401
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB00095554
Status last verified
Feb 2023
First submitted
7 Dec 2016
Last updated
10 Mar 2023
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Benedict RH, Cookfair D, Gavett R, Gunther M, Munschauer F, Garg N, Weinstock-Guttman B. Validity of the minimal assessment of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MACFIMS). J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2006 Jul;12(4):549-58. doi: 10.1017/s1355617706060723.

    PubMed 16981607
  • DeLuca J. What we know about cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis. In: LaRocca N, Kalb R, eds. Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding the Cognitive Challenges. New York: Demos Health; 2006: 17-40.

  • Rao S. Cognitive Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Impairment and Treatment. IJMSC 2004;1:9-22.

  • Ruet A, Deloire M, Hamel D, Ouallet JC, Petry K, Brochet B. Cognitive impairment, health-related quality of life and vocational status at early stages of multiple sclerosis: a 7-year longitudinal study. J Neurol. 2013 Mar;260(3):776-84. doi: 10.1007/s00415-012-6705-1. Epub 2012 Oct 19.

    PubMed 23081755
  • Strober LB, Christodoulou C, Benedict RH, Westervelt HJ, Melville P, Scherl WF, Weinstock-Guttman B, Rizvi S, Goodman AD, Krupp LB. Unemployment in multiple sclerosis: the contribution of personality and disease. Mult Scler. 2012 May;18(5):647-53. doi: 10.1177/1352458511426735. Epub 2011 Dec 19.

    PubMed 22183935
  • Morrow SA, Drake A, Zivadinov R, Munschauer F, Weinstock-Guttman B, Benedict RH. Predicting loss of employment over three years in multiple sclerosis: clinically meaningful cognitive decline. Clin Neuropsychol. 2010 Oct;24(7):1131-45. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2010.511272. Epub 2010 Sep 8.

    PubMed 20830649
  • Schultheis MT, Weisser V, Ang J, Elovic E, Nead R, Sestito N, Fleksher C, Millis SR. Examining the relationship between cognition and driving performance in multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Mar;91(3):465-73. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.09.026.

    PubMed 20298841
  • Patti F. Optimizing the benefit of multiple sclerosis therapy: the importance of treatment adherence. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2010 Feb 4;4:1-9. doi: 10.2147/ppa.s8230.

    PubMed 20165593
  • Rao SM, Leo GJ, Ellington L, Nauertz T, Bernardin L, Unverzagt F. Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. II. Impact on employment and social functioning. Neurology. 1991 May;41(5):692-6. doi: 10.1212/wnl.41.5.692.

    PubMed 1823781
  • Amato MP, Razzolini L, Goretti B, Stromillo ML, Rossi F, Giorgio A, Hakiki B, Giannini M, Pasto L, Portaccio E, De Stefano N. Cognitive reserve and cortical atrophy in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study. Neurology. 2013 May 7;80(19):1728-33. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182918c6f. Epub 2013 Apr 10.

    PubMed 23576622
  • Amato MP, Ponziani G, Siracusa G, Sorbi S. Cognitive dysfunction in early-onset multiple sclerosis: a reappraisal after 10 years. Arch Neurol. 2001 Oct;58(10):1602-6. doi: 10.1001/archneur.58.10.1602.

    PubMed 11594918
  • Lacy M, Hauser M, Pliskin N, Assuras S, Valentine MO, Reder A. The effects of long-term interferon-beta-1b treatment on cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis: a 16-year longitudinal study. Mult Scler. 2013 Nov;19(13):1765-72. doi: 10.1177/1352458513485981. Epub 2013 May 7.

    PubMed 23652214
  • DeLuca J, Barbieri-Berger S, Johnson SK. The nature of memory impairments in multiple sclerosis: acquisition versus retrieval. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 1994 Apr;16(2):183-9. doi: 10.1080/01688639408402629.

    PubMed 8021305
  • DeLuca J, Gaudino EA, Diamond BJ, Christodoulou C, Engel RA. Acquisition and storage deficits in multiple sclerosis. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 1998 Jun;20(3):376-90. doi: 10.1076/jcen.20.3.376.819.

    PubMed 9845164
  • Thornton AE, Raz N, Tucke KA. Memory in multiple sclerosis: contextual encoding deficits. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2002 Mar;8(3):395-409. doi: 10.1017/s1355617702813200.

    PubMed 11939698

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1/2 study testing Insulin in people with Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting and Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary Progressive, run by Johns Hopkins University 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 6 inclusion and 8 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Mar 2023. 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.

What does this combined phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

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 10 Mar 2023). 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 in Cognitive Function as Assessed by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (time frame: Up to week 24 visit). 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 NCT02988401, which also lists 24 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 10 Mar 2023.

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