Menkes Disease study: Droxidopa Oral Product
Official title NORTHERA (DROXIDOPA) for Dysautonomia in Pediatric Survivors of Menkes Disease
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07398508
What this study is testing
What is Northera (Droxidopa)?
An investigational oral medication being studied for children with Menkes disease to address dysautonomia symptoms. is designed to increase norepinephrine levels by acting as a precursor to dopamine-beta-hydroxylase.
Also referred to as Droxidopa.
Plain-language explanation of the investigational treatment. It is being studied and is not an approved or proven therapy. The study team can confirm the details.
- What it's testing
- The study will see if Northera is safe and can improve blood pressure, nerve chemicals, and symptoms of dysautonomia in these children.
- Who it's for
- Children and teens aged 7 to 17 who have Menkes disease and symptoms like fainting, dizziness, low blood pressure when standing, heart rhythm problems, or bowel/bladder issues.
- What's involved
- Participants will take oral Northera or a placebo in a double‑blind crossover design, with careful dose adjustments. They will have blood tests, tilt‑table tests, blood pressure checks, and physical exertion tests, plus fill out a symptom questionnaire.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts about 8 weeks per treatment period, with visits for dosing, tests, and questionnaires, and each child will receive both active drug and placebo in separate periods.
- Phase 2: a mid-size study of how well it works
- You might receive a placebo (an inactive treatment) instead of the study drug, decided by chance. You may not know which one you got.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 7 to 17
You may be able to join if
- Children or adolescents with Menkes disease who survived beyond the expected natural history, attained independent ambulation, and attend school...
- History of at least thrice weekly occurrence of dizziness/feeling lightheaded while standing upright and/or thrice weekly episodes of diarrhea or an...
- Documented mutation in ATP7A.
- One parent must sign and date an Informed Consent Form (ICF) and patient must also assent.
- Age 7 to 17 years. (Enrollment will be staggered so that at least the first two children enrolled are aged 12-17 years.)
You likely can't join if
- Pre-existing liver (e.g., hepatitis, biliary atresia, cirrhosis) or kidney disease (i.e., calculated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min).
- History of age-adjusted stage 1 hypertension (≥ 95th percentile) [1] (Also see Attachment A).
- History of anti-hypertensive therapy, heart failure (or decreased ejection fraction), cardiac arrhythmia, or bleeding diatheses.
- Any disease or condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, has a high probability of precluding the subject from completing the study or...
- Any alpha-1 adrenoreceptor agonist, beta-blocker, DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, midodrine, ephedrine, or any triptan medication as a concomitant...
See the full eligibility criteria
- Children or adolescents with Menkes disease who survived beyond the expected natural history, attained independent ambulation, and attend school after early CuHis treatment for three years, who manifest clinical signs...
- History of at least thrice weekly occurrence of dizziness/feeling lightheaded while standing upright and/or thrice weekly episodes of diarrhea or an urgent need to defecate after food ingestion for more than four weeks...
- Documented mutation in ATP7A.
- One parent must sign and date an Informed Consent Form (ICF) and patient must also assent.
- Age 7 to 17 years. (Enrollment will be staggered so that at least the first two children enrolled are aged 12-17 years.)
- Ability to adhere to the prescribed oral Northera (Droxidopa) regimen.
- Willingness to comply with all study visits and procedures.
- Pre-existing liver (e.g., hepatitis, biliary atresia, cirrhosis) or kidney disease (i.e., calculated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min).
- History of age-adjusted stage 1 hypertension (≥ 95th percentile) [1] (Also see Attachment A).
- History of anti-hypertensive therapy, heart failure (or decreased ejection fraction), cardiac arrhythmia, or bleeding diatheses.
- Any disease or condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, has a high probability of precluding the subject from completing the study or where the subject cannot or will not appropriately comply with study...
- Any alpha-1 adrenoreceptor agonist, beta-blocker, DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, midodrine, ephedrine, or any triptan medication as a concomitant medication.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- New York, New York, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 7 years to 17 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at New York, New York, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.