Pharmacogenetic Clinical Trial of Nepicastat for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Pharmacogenetic Clinical Trial of Nepicastat for PTSD

Assess the effect of nepicastat in the treatment of in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in conflict or combat zone experienced veterans, in comparison to placebo.

The primary treatment objective is to assess the global efficacy of nepicastat in the treatment of hyper-arousal in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in conflict or combat zone experienced veterans, in comparison to placebo. The secondary treatment objectives are to assess the ability of nepicastat to induce PTSD remission; treat PTSD and other PTSD symptom clusters and improve quality of life and overall functioning. A medical safety objective is to assess the tolerability and side effects of nepicastat in the treatment of PTSD in veterans who served in conflict zones at least one time between 1990 -2008 [includes Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF), Afghanistan, Gulf War, etc .

This is a 6-week study with the long-term objective is to define the best approach to treating PTSD and enhancing the quality of life in patients. Results from this pilot study will assist clinicians in treating active military service members or veterans with PTSD by developing new treatment algorithms for future larger studies.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Signed informed consent
2. Patient understands the risks and benefits and agrees to visit frequency and procedures
3. Male or female
4. Any race or ethnic origin
5. Served in conflict zones at least one time between 1990 -2008 [includes Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF), Afghanistan, Gulf War, etc]
6. Currently Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist, Veteran, and/or Retired Military
7. DSM-IV Diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
8. No substance use disorders (except for nicotine and caffeine) in the previous 2 months
9. Free of psychotropic medication for 2 weeks prior to randomization (a low dose sedative hypnotic is allowed for severe insomnia if used sparingly)
10. Physical and laboratory panel are within normal limits or not clinically significant
11. Women of childbearing potential must be using medically-approved methods of birth control
12. 18 to 65 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Lifetime history of bipolar I, schizophrenia, schizoaffective or cognitive disorders
2. Actively considering plans of suicide or homicide
3. Psychotic symptoms that in the investigator's opinion impair the patient's ability to give informed consent or make it unsafe for patient to be maintained without a neuroleptic
4. Unstable general medical conditions or a contraindication to the use of nepicastat
5. Intolerable side effects or allergic reaction to nepicastat
6. Women planning to become pregnant or breastfeed during the study