Proof of Concept Study on Pitolisant Effect on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children and Adolescents
This research study is investigating a new medication called Pitolisant for children and teenagers, specifically boys aged 6 to 17, who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main goal is to understand if Pitolisant can help improve some of the symptoms associated with ASD and if it is safe and well-tolerated. Participants will receive either Pitolisant or a placebo (a dummy pill with no active medicine) without knowing which one they are getting. We also want to learn how the body processes Pitolisant in this age group. This is the first time this medication has been studied in children and adolescents with ASD, and it will last for about 12 weeks for each participant.
En un coup d'œil
De quoi parle cette étude ?
This study, called a 'Proof of Concept' study, is designed to see if a new medication named Pitolisant could be helpful for boys aged 6 to 17 who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It's a small-scale study, meaning it's an early step to gather information about whether the treatment works and is safe before larger studies are considered. The researchers want to find out if Pitolisant can improve some of the challenges associated with ASD and how well young people tolerate it.
Participants will be placed into one of two groups at random: one group will receive Pitolisant, and the other will receive a placebo, which looks like the study drug but contains no active medicine. Neither the participants, their families, nor the study team will know who is getting which – this is known as a 'double-blind' study and helps make the results fairer and more reliable. The study also aims to understand how the body absorbs, uses, and gets rid of Pitolisant, which is important for determining the right dose.
This is the very first time Pitolisant has been studied in children and teenagers with ASD. The study will last for 12 weeks and is taking place in several different locations to gather a wide range of information. The insights gained from this research are crucial for potentially developing new treatment options for young people with ASD in the future.
Points clés
- This study evaluates an experimental medication, Pitolisant, for boys with ASD.
- Participation involves receiving either Pitolisant or a placebo for 12 weeks.
- The study aims to check if Pitolisant helps ASD symptoms and is safe.
- It's a 'double-blind' study, meaning no one knows who gets the active medicine.
- Close medical supervision and free study-related care are provided.
- Vous pouvez vous retirer de l'étude à tout moment.
Qui peut être éligible ?
To join this study, we are looking for boys who are between 6 and 17 years old. They must have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by a doctor, using specific recognised assessments like the DSM-5 criteria, and further confirmed by ADOS-2 or ADI-R tests. It's also important that they, along with their parent or guardian, are happy and willing to take part and understand what the study involves.
Participants should also have an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of 70 or higher, as measured by standard tests, and a specific score on the Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition (SRS-2), which helps us understand social communication skills. This ensures that the study includes individuals who meet specific criteria for the research.
There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if there's a known genetic cause for their ASD (like Fragile X syndrome), or if they have a history of seizures after the age of 5. The study also cannot include individuals who have had recent thoughts or actions of self-harm, or certain heart or liver problems, as these could make the study medication unsafe for them.
Cet étude pourrait-elle vous convenir ?
Répondez à ces questions rapides pour voir si vous êtes éligible. Ceci est un guide uniquement — l'équipe de recherche prend la décision finale.
- Is your child a boy aged between 6 and 17?
- Does your child have a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Does your child have an IQ of 70 or higher?
- Does your child NOT have a known genetic cause for their ASD (e.g., Fragile X Syndrome)?
- Has your child NOT had any seizures after the age of 5?
- Has your child NOT had serious thoughts or actions of self-harm in the last year?
En quoi consiste la participation ?
If you or your child decides to take part in this study, it would involve several visits to the study clinic over a period of about 12 weeks. During these visits, the study team will carry out various assessments. These might include detailed discussions about your child's well-being, physical check-ups, and taking blood or urine samples to understand how the body is reacting to the medication. They might also complete questionnaires or specific tasks to measure how their ASD symptoms are progressing.
Your child will be given either the study medication, Pitolisant, or a placebo (a dummy pill) to take regularly as instructed by the study doctor. Neither you nor the study team will know which one your child is receiving. Throughout the study, the team will closely monitor your child's health and any side effects. There will be regular follow-up calls or visits to ensure everything is progressing safely. The total duration of active participation in the study for your child will be approximately 12 weeks.
Risques et avantages potentiels
Locations (15)
- Centre Hospitalier Charles PerrensCode postal vérifiéBordeaux, France
- Nantes University HospitalCode postal vérifiéNantes, France
- CH le RouvrayCode postal vérifiéSotteville-lès-Rouen, France
- IRCCS-Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaCode postal vérifiéBologna, Italy
- Istituto Scientifico IRCCS E. MedeaCode postal vérifiéBosisio Parini, Italy
- Clinica Di Neuropsichiatria InfantileCode postal vérifiéCagliari, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella MarisCode postal vérifiéCalambrone, Italy
- A.O.U Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia- Cardiologia (U.O.C)Code postal vérifiéFoggia, Italy
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino PulejoCode postal vérifiéMessina, Italy
- Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico IICode postal vérifiéNaples, Italy
- IRCCS Instituto Neurologico Casimiro MondinoCode postal vérifiéPavia, Italy
- Azienda ospedaliero-universitaria SeneseCode postal vérifiéSiena, Italy
Questions fréquentes
What is Pitolisant?
Pitolisant is an investigational medication being studied for its potential effects on symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Will my child automatically get Pitolisant if we join?
No, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Pitolisant or a placebo (a dummy pill), and neither you nor the doctors will know which one they are getting.
How long does the study last for each child?
Each child will participate in the study for approximately 12 weeks.
Are there any costs involved if my child joins?
No, participation in the clinical study, including all study-related treatments and assessments, will be free of charge.
Can we stop participating at any time?
Yes, you are free to withdraw your child from the study at any point, for any reason, without it affecting their regular treatment.
Comment en savoir plus
Parlez toujours à votre médecin généraliste ou spécialiste avant de décider de participer à une étude.
Discussion
Discussion communautaire
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