Dose-finding and pharmacokinetic studies of praziquantel in patients infected with Opisthorchis viverrini
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN77186750 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN77186750 |
| Protocol serial number | N/A |
| Sponsor | Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Switzerland) |
| Funder | Swiss National Science Foundation (Switzerland) |
- Submission date
- 22/07/2014
- Registration date
- 27/08/2014
- Last edited
- 22/01/2019
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Infections and Infestations
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Opisthorchiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by liver flukes (parasites) for which only a single drug is available, praziquantel. Praziquantel doses used for the treatment are still experimental and the nature of the drug has not yet been studied. We aim to compare the effectiveness and safety of four oral praziquantel doses in patients infected with Opisthorchis viverrini and to measure praziquantel disposition using dried blood spot technology.
Who can participate?
Adult men and women infected with O. viverrini can participate in the study.
What does the study involve?
Three stool samples will be collected on different days within a maximum of 5 days. Medical history of patients participating in the study will be assessed with a standardized and previously used questionnaire, in addition to a full clinical examination carried out by the study doctor. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of the four praziquantel doses or to receive a placebo (dummy). Praziquantel will be given based on weight. A small amount of blood will be collected by pricking the tip of the middle or ring finger. Blood will be collected at different time points after dosing. A few drops of blood will be transferred at each time point onto filter paper and dried for about 1 hour. The dried blood spot cards will be transported to Basel, Switzerland and stored at -20° C until they are analysed. Side effects will be carefully studied up to 72 hours after treatment by experienced doctors. The effectiveness of the treatment will be determined 19-25 days after treatment by collecting another three stool samples, collected on consecutive days, and microscopically examining the samples for eggs. Patients will be considered Opisthorchis negative if no eggs have been found in the stool or specimens.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
This study will increase our understanding of the nature of the drug praziquantel. All procedures in this study are routinely conducted at a health facility. They do not bear any particular additional risks. Side effects are mild and include stomach pain and dizziness.
Where is the study run from?
The study will take in a village in remote Laos (single study site).
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study starts in August 2014 and runs until December 2014.
Who is funding the study?
Swiss National Science Foundation, Switzerland.
Who is the main contact?
Prof Jennifer Keiser
jennifer.keiser@unibas.ch
Contact information
Scientific
Socinstr. 57
PO Box
Basel
4051
Switzerland
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomized, controlled phase 2 single-blind dose-finding trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Dose-finding and pharmacokinetic studies of praziquantel in patients infected with Opisthorchis viverrini: a randomized, controlled phase 2 single-blind dose-finding trial |
| Study acronym | Opipraz |
| Study objectives | The currently used praziquantel dosages are empirical and could be improved through dose-finding and pharmacokinetic studies. |
| Ethics approval(s) | EKNZ 2014-163 and ethical clearance Lao PDR |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Opisthorchiasis |
| Intervention | Participants will be randomized to one of four treatment groups or a control group (given a placebo) 1. Praziquantel 30 mg/kg 2. Praziquantel 40 mg/kg 3. Praziquantel 50 mg/kg 4. Praziquantel 3 x 25 mg/kg |
| Intervention type | Drug |
| Phase | Phase II |
| Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s) | Praziquantel |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Cure rate: measured 21 days post-treatment |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Egg reduction rate: measured 21 days post-treatment |
| Completion date | 01/12/2014 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 200 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Written informed consent signed by participant 2. Age 15-65 years 3. Able and willing to be examined by a study physician at the beginning of the study and 3 weeks after treatment 4. Able and willing to provide three stool samples at the beginning of the study and 3 weeks after treatment 5. Able and willing to provide 11 finger prick blood samples for PK studies 6. Infected with O. viverrini 7. Absence of major systemic illnesses as assessed by a medical doctor, upon initial clinical assessment 8. No known allergy to study medications |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. No written informed consent 2. Presence of any abnormal medical condition, judged by the study physician 3. History of acute or severe chronic disease such as liver or renal disease 4. Recent use of anthelminthic drug (within past 4 weeks) 5. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 6. Administration of any investigational product or use of any investigational device within 30 days prior to praziquantel administration. Subjects who have used drugs that may affect thepharmacokinetics of praziquantel from 15 days before dosing until the last PK sample, e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazapine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, rifampicin, nelfinavir, ritonavir, griseofulvin, oral ketoconazole 7. Consumption of substances known to be potent inhibitors or inducers of CYP P450s such as grapefruit juice, grapefruit juice containing products, and herbal remedies or dietary supplements containing St Johns Wort, in the two weeks before dosing 8. Attending other clinical trials during the study 9. Below 15 years of age 10. Negative diagnostic result for Opisthorchis 11. Allergy to praziquantel |
| Date of first enrolment | 15/08/2014 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/12/2014 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Lao People's Democratic Republic
- Switzerland
Study participating centre
4051
Switzerland
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic results | 22/01/2019 | 22/01/2019 | No | No | |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Additional files
- ISRCTN77186750_BasicResults_22Jan19.pdf
- Uploaded 22/01/2019
Editorial Notes
22/01/2019: The basic results of this trial have been uploaded as an additional file
