Trial Outcomes & Findings for The Use of a Mitochondrial Enhancement Treatment in Bipolar Disorder (NCT NCT00719706)

NCT ID: NCT00719706

Last Updated: 2012-07-18

Results Overview

Scores could range from 0 - 72 units on a scale, with 0 representing the least number of depressive symptoms and 72 representing the most number of depressive symptoms.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE2

Target enrollment

40 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline to 15 Weeks

Results posted on

2012-07-18

Participant Flow

Recruitment began in August 2008 and ended in May 2011 and took place at a research lab within McLean hospital.

To limit heterogeneity in the imaging sample, we accepted only type I bipolar disorder participants for the imaging component of the study.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
Participants taking placebo.
Overall Study
STARTED
20
20
Overall Study
COMPLETED
11
14
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
9
6

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
Participants taking placebo.
Overall Study
Adverse Event
5
4
Overall Study
Withdrawal by Subject
1
2
Overall Study
Protocol Violation
3
0

Baseline Characteristics

The Use of a Mitochondrial Enhancement Treatment in Bipolar Disorder

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
n=20 Participants
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants taking placebo.
Total
n=40 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
20 Participants
n=5 Participants
20 Participants
n=7 Participants
40 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age Continuous
46 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.3 • n=5 Participants
44.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.9 • n=7 Participants
45.45 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.1 • n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
11 Participants
n=5 Participants
13 Participants
n=7 Participants
24 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
9 Participants
n=5 Participants
7 Participants
n=7 Participants
16 Participants
n=5 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
20 participants
n=5 Participants
20 participants
n=7 Participants
40 participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 15 Weeks

Population: At baseline, the number of participants analyzed was the number randomized into the study. At endpoint, the number or participants analyzed is the last observation carried forward of the original 20 participants.

Scores could range from 0 - 72 units on a scale, with 0 representing the least number of depressive symptoms and 72 representing the most number of depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
n=20 Participants
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants taking placebo.
The 25-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
Baseline Data
23.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.5
22.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.2
The 25-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
Endpoint Data
17.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.4
18.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 15 weeks

Population: At baseline, the number of participants analyzed was the number randomized into the study. At endpoint, the number or participants analyzed is the last observation carried forward of the original 20 participants.

Scores could range from 0 - 60 units on a scale with 0 representing the least number of depressive symptoms and 60 representing the most number of depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
n=20 Participants
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants taking placebo.
The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale
Baseline Data
26.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.1
25.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3
The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale
Endpoint Data
19.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.9
21.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.3

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 15 weeks

Population: At baseline, the number of participants analyzed was the number randomized into the study. At endpoint, the number or participants analyzed is the last observation carried forward of the original 20 participants.

The scores could range from 0 - 60 units on a scale with 0 representing the least number of manic symptoms and 60 representing the most number of manic symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
n=20 Participants
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants taking placebo.
The Young Mania Rating Scale
Baseline Data
2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.1
2.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.1
The Young Mania Rating Scale
Endpoint Data
1.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.2
2.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 15 weeks

Population: At baseline, the number of participants analyzed was the number randomized into the study. At endpoint, the number or participants analyzed is the last observation carried forward of the original 20 participants.

Scores could range from 0 - 7 units on a scale, with 0 representing the least severe ("Normal, not at all ill") and 7 representing the most severe ("Among the most extremely ill patients").

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
n=20 Participants
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
Participants taking placebo.
Clinical Global Impression-Severity
Endpoint Data
4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.9
4.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.7
Clinical Global Impression-Severity
Baseline Data
4.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.5
4.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.51

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 12 weeks

Population: At baseline, the number of participants analyzed was the number entered into the imaging portion of the study. At endpoint, the number or participants analyzed is the last observation carried forward of the original 10 participants in each category.

Whole brain total NTP levels as measured by a phosphorus MRS scan on the 4T scanner. The data could range from 0 - 1, with 0 representing the lowest NTP level and 1 representing the highest NTP level.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
n=10 Participants
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
n=10 Participants
Participants taking placebo.
Phosphorus MRS Scans on 4T Scanner
Baseline Data
.230 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .009
.233 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .009
Phosphorus MRS Scans on 4T Scanner
Week 1 Data
.229 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .011
.225 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .008
Phosphorus MRS Scans on 4T Scanner
Endpoint Data
.229 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .006
.232 units on a scale
Standard Deviation .005

Adverse Events

ALCAR/ALA

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 20 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 19 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
ALCAR/ALA
n=20 participants at risk
Participants taking 1000-3000mg/day of acetyl-l-carnitine PLUS 600-1800mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid.
Placebo
n=20 participants at risk
Participants taking placebo.
Gastrointestinal disorders
diarrhea
30.0%
6/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
15.0%
3/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Renal and urinary disorders
foul-smelling urine
25.0%
5/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
rash
20.0%
4/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
constipation
15.0%
3/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
dyspepsia
15.0%
3/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
nausea
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
25.0%
5/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
abdominal cramping
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
15.0%
3/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Cardiac disorders
chest pain
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
restlessness
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
pruritis
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
vomiting
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
sedation
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
upper respiratory infection
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
dry mouth
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
insomnia
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
25.0%
5/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
flu-like illness
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
fatigue
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
headache
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
15.0%
3/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
blood in stool
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Eye disorders
blurred vision
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Psychiatric disorders
word-finding difficulties
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Endocrine disorders
hirsuitism
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Vascular disorders
facial flushing
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
decreased taste
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
salty taste
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
nasal congestion
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
dizziness
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
flatulence
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
20.0%
4/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Psychiatric disorders
anxiety
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
sore throat
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
facial acne
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Psychiatric disorders
irritability
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Gastrointestinal disorders
bloating
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
weight gain
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
10.0%
2/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
General disorders
tremor
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
Renal and urinary disorders
urinary frequency
0.00%
0/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.
5.0%
1/20 • Baseline to 13 weeks.

Additional Information

Dr. Brian Brennan

McLean Hospital

Phone: 617-855-2911

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place