Treatment of Sunflower Syndrome With ZX008 (Fenfluramine... | NCT03790137

Name	Class
Zogenix International Limited, Inc., a subsidiary of Zogenix, Inc.	INDUSTRY

Description Module

Brief Summary

Sunflower Syndrome (also referred to as Self-induced Photosensitive Epilepsy) is a rare epileptic disorder characterized by a distinctive seizure that manifests itself in a highly stereotyped physical behavior. Seizure types associated with Sunflower Syndrome include absence seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Individuals with Sunflower Syndrome obsessively seek out a light source, stare at the light source, and wave one hand in front of their eye(s). Electroencephalogram (EEG) features include generalized spike and wave discharges interictally, and typically strong photoparoxysmal response during photic stimulation.

Currently, Sunflower syndrome is poorly characterized in medical literature and is often misunderstood at the clinical level. The name self-induced photosensitive epilepsy may be a misnomer as research concerning the neurochemical and neuropsychological pathways cannot conclusively determine that it is self-induced (conscious behavior) as the name implies. Although some reports have concluded that the hand waiving induces the seizure, these findings are not consistent throughout scientific literature. In fact, an EEG report found that the seizures can begin simultaneously with the hand waving. This suggests that the hand waving may in fact be part of the seizure, not the cause.

There are no treatments specifically approved for the treatment of Sunflower Syndrome in the United States. Broad spectrum anticonvulsant medications, including sodium valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and clobazam, have not shown full efficacy in seizure prevention in patients with Sunflower Syndrome. Accordingly, there remains a significant unmet need for an approved treatment for children and adults with Sunflower Syndrome.

Because this epilepsy typically does not respond to anticonvulsant medications, and because Aicardi described the successful treatment with fenfluramine of at least one child with this syndrome, the investigators of this study will investigate if fenfluramine is an effective, safe and well tolerated treatment for Sunflower Syndrome.

The primary objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of ZX008 on seizure frequency in children and young adults with Sunflower Syndrome. The goal of treatment is to provide a 30 percent or greater reduction of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and/or hand waving associated with absence seizures.

Secondary objectives of the study include evaluation of the effect of ZX008 (fenfluramine hydrochloride) on EEG patterns and quality of life. Patients with Sunflower Syndrome often experience low self-esteem, bullying due to the unusual motor movements associated with their seizures, school performance issues, anxiety, and depression.

The study population will include pediatric and young adult patients seen by Elizabeth A. Thiele, M.D., Ph.D. at MGH's Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic who were identified as candidates. The Principal Investigator (PI) will follow up to 20 patients with Sunflower Syndrome who will be taking ZX008.

Arms/Interventions Module

Arm Groups

Label	Type	Description	Intervention Names
Treatment group	Experimental	The treatment group will include approximately 20 pediatric and young adult patients (ages 4-25 years) seen by Elizabeth A. Thiele, M.D., Ph.D. at MGH's Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic. Subjects will be treated on an outpatient basis and will not require hospital admission. The treatment group will receive the investigational new drug, Fenfluramine Hydrochloride for approximately 4 months. Patients that benefit from this treatment will remain on medication through an extension phase of the study.	Drug: Fenfluramine Hydrochloride

Interventions

Name	Type	Description	Arm Group Labels	Other Names
Fenfluramine Hydrochloride	Drug	Fenfluramine Hydrochloride will be supplied to the treatment group as an oral solution in a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Subjects will receive their daily dose of Fenfluramine Hydrochloride in two doses (one in the morning and one in the evening). After a four week baseline, subjects that meet enrollment criteria will enter a titration period. The starting dose will be 0.2 mg/kg/day for the first 14 days. The dose will be increased every 2 weeks as tolerated by 0.2 mg/kg/day, to a maximum dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day, or a total maximum dose of 26 mg/day. The subject will remain on a dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day, 26 mg/day, or maximum tolerated daily dose through the end of the core study period.

Outcomes Module

Primary Outcomes

Measure	Description	Time Frame
% Change in Frequency of Handwaving Episodes	The number of handwaving episodes (seizures) per day were recorded on a seizure diary by either the subject or the parent of the subject. One handwaving episode was defined as the period starting from when the hand first came up toward the face, until there was a brief pause in waving. Subjects and their caregivers were instructed to record the total number of handwaving episodes each day during a one month baseline, and during the 3 month treatment period. The baseline seizure frequency was calculated as an average of the reported handwaving episodes per day during the baseline period. This number was compared to the average episodes per day for the final month of the study (month 3 of treatment with fenfluramine) for each patient. The median percent change in frequency of handwaving episodes across all patients is reported below.	Month 3
Change in Frequency of Generalized Tonic-clonic Seizures	Daily seizure logs will be maintained by either the subject or the parent of the subject and used to calculate seizure frequency. Frequency of Generalized Tonic-clonic seizures was recorded as an average number of seizures/day. The average number of tonic-clonic seizures per day during the baseline period was compared to the average number of tonic-clonic seizures per day during the final month (month 3) for each patient that had experienced at least one tonic-clonic seizure in their lifetime.	Month 3

Secondary Outcomes

Measure	Description	Time Frame
Change in Spike Frequency on EEG	The investigators will read and interpret pre-drug (baseline) and post-drug EEGs (month 3 of core study) for the first 9 patients. The average number of spikes/hour across these patients will be reported for both pre- and post-treatment EEGs.	Month 3
Number of Patients That Experienced a Photoparoxysmal Response on EEG

Eligibility Module

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Subject is male or non-pregnant, non-lactating female, age 4 to 25 years, inclusive as of the day of the screening visit. Female subjects of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test at screening. Subjects of childbearing or child-fathering potential must be willing to use medically acceptable forms of birth control, which includes abstinence, while in this study and for 90 days after the last dose of study drug.
Subjects must have a diagnosis of Sunflower Syndrome, where seizures are not completely controlled by their current treatment plan.
Subjects must experience seizures including absence seizures and/or generalized tonic-clonic seizures which involve seeking out a light source, staring at the light source, and waving one hand in front of their eye(s). Subject's must experience an average of 6 hand waving associated with absence seizures and/or generalized tonic-clonic seizures per week.
Evidence of EEG in the medical history that shows generalized spike and wave discharges between seizures and a strong photoparoxysmal response during photic stimulation. Acceptable evidence includes a copy of the EEG trace, EEG report, or physician note that appropriately describes the EEG findings.
All medications or interventions for epilepsy must be stable for at least 4 weeks prior to screening and are expected to remain stable until Month 3.
Subject and/or parent/guardian has been informed of the nature of the study and informed consent has been obtained from the subject and/or legally responsible parent/guardian.
Subject has provided assent in accordance with Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee requirements, if capable.
Subjects parent/caregiver is willing and able to be compliant with diary completion, visit schedule, and study drug accountability.

Exclusion Criteria:

Subject has a known hypersensitivity to fenfluramine hydrochloride or any other ingredients in the investigational drug,
Subject's etiology of seizures is a degenerative neurological disease.
Subject is pregnant.
Subject is not willing to comply with a method of birth control acceptable to the PI during the study and for 90 days following completion of the study.
Subject is breastfeeding.
Subject has a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Subject has pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Subject has current or past history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, such as cardiac valvulopathy, myocardial infarction or stroke, or clinically significant structural cardiac abnormality, including but not limited to mitral valve prolapse, atrial or ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosis, and patent foramen ovale with reversal of shunt. (note: bicuspid valve is not considered exclusionary, but may be associated with the following diseases, which are exclusionary: coarctation of the aorta, Turner syndrome, supravalvular aortic stenosis, subvalvular aortic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, ventricular septal defect, Shone's complex, ascending aortic aneurysm, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, ACTA2 mutation familial thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome, and MAT2A mutation familial thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome).
Subject has current or recent history of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or depression within the prior year that required medical treatment or psychological treatment for a duration greater than 1 month.
Subject has a current or past history of glaucoma.
Subject has had an anoxic episode requiring resuscitation within 6 months of the screening visit.
Subject has moderate or severe hepatic impairment. Asymptomatic subjects with mild hepatic impairment (elevated liver enzymes < 3x upper limit of normal (ULN) and/or elevated bilirubin <2x ULN) may be entered into the study after review and approval by the Medical Monitor in conjunction with the sponsor, in consideration of comorbidities and concomitant medications.
Subject has severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30mL/min/1.73m2)
Subject is receiving concomitant therapy with: centrally-acting anorectic agents; monoamine-oxidase inhibitors; any centrally-acting compound with clinically appreciable amount of serotonin agonist or antagonist properties, including serotonin reuptake inhibition; other centrally-acting noradrenergic agonists, including atomoxetine; or cyproheptadine. (Note: Short-term medication requirements for prohibited medications will be handled on a per case basis by the medical monitor.)
Subject has positive result (as defined in the laboratory manual) on urine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Panel or whole blood cannabidiol (CBD) at the screening visit.
Subject has been taking felbamate for less than 1 year prior to screening and/or does not have stable liver function and hematology laboratory tests, and/or the dose has not been stable for at least 60 days prior to the screening visit.
Subject is known to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive.
Subject is known to have active viral hepatitis (B or C).
Subject is currently receiving an investigational medicinal product.
Subject has participated in another clinical trial within the past 30 days (calculated from that study's last scheduled visit). Participation in non-treatment trials will be reviewed by the medical monitor.
Subject is at imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others, in the investigator's opinion.
Subject is unwilling or unable to comply with scheduled visits, drug administration plan, laboratory tests, other study procedures, and study restrictions.
Subject is institutionalized in a general nursing home (i.e., in a facility that does not provide skilled epilepsy care).-Subject does not have a reliable caregiver who can provide seizure diary information throughout the study.
Subject has a clinically significant condition, or has had clinically relevant symptoms or a clinically significant illness in the 4 weeks prior to the Screening Visit, other than epilepsy, that would negatively impact study participation, collection of study data, or pose a risk to the subject.

Name	Affiliation	Role
Elizabeth Thiele, M.D., Ph.D.	Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Program	Principal Investigator

Facility	Status	City	State	ZIP	Country	Contacts
Massachusetts General Hospital		Boston	Massachusetts	02114	United States

PubMed Identifier	Type	Citation	Retractions
3932858	Background	Aicardi J, Gastaut H. Treatment of self-induced photosensitive epilepsy with fenfluramine. N Engl J Med. 1985 Nov 28;313(22):1419. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198511283132218. No abstract available.
5132972	Background	Ames FR. "Self-induction" in photosensitive epilepsy. Brain. 1971;94(4):781-98. doi: 10.1093/brain/94.4.781. No abstract available.

Label	URL
Zogenix Announces Positive Top-line Results from Pivotal Phase 3	View source

ID	Title	Description
FG000	Treatment Group	The treatment group will include approximately 20 pediatric and young adult patients (ages 4-25 years) seen by Elizabeth A. Thiele, M.D., Ph.D. at MGH's Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic. Subjects will be treated on an outpatient basis and will not require hospital admission. The treatment group will undergo a one month baseline, and then will take the investigational new drug, fenfluramine, for at least 84 days (~3 months). They will remain on treatment beyond the core study if fenfluramine is deemed effective and well-tolerated. Fenfluramine: Fenfluramine will be supplied to the treatment group as an oral solution. Subjects will receive their daily dose of Fenfluramine in two doses (one in the morning and one in the evening). After a four week baseline, all subjects that meet enrollment criteria will enter a titration period. The starting dose will be 0.2 mg/kg/day for the first 14 days. The dose will be increased every 2 weeks as tolerated by 0.2 mg/kg/day, to a maximum dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day (total maximum dose: 26 mg/day). The subjects will remain on a maximum dose for the duration of the core study.

Baseline Characteristics Module

Arm/Group Information

ID	Title	Description
BG000	Treatment Group	The treatment group will include approximately 20 pediatric and young adult patients (ages 4-25 years) with Sunflower syndrome seen by Elizabeth A. Thiele, M.D., Ph.D. at MGH's Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic. Subjects will be treated on an outpatient basis and will not require hospital admission. The treatment group will receive the investigational new drug, Fenfluramine Hydrochloride during the core study and may proceed to an extension phase of the study if there is perceived benefit. Fenfluramine Hydrochloride: Fenfluramine Hydrochloride will be supplied to the treatment group as an oral solution in a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Subjects will receive their daily dose of Fenfluramine Hydrochloride in two doses (one in the morning and one in the evening). After a four week baseline, subjects that meet enrollment criteria will enter a titration period. The starting dose will be 0.2 mg/kg/day for the first 14 days. The dose will be increased every 2 weeks as tolerated by 0.2 mg/kg/day, to a maximum dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day, or a total maximum dose of 26 mg/day. The subject will remain on a dose of 0.7 mg/kg/day, 26 mg/day, or maximum tolerated daily dose for the duration of the core study.

Units	Counts
Participants	BG000

Title	Description	Population Description	Parameter Type	Dispersion Type	Unit of Measure	Calculate Percentage	Denominator Units Selected	Denominators	Classes
Age, Continuous			Mean

Outcome Measures Module

Outcome Measures

Type	Title	Description	Population Description	Reporting Status	Anticipated Posting Date	Parameter Type	Dispersion Type	Unit of Measure	Calculate Percentage	Time Frame	Units Analyzed	Denominator Units Selected	Arm/Group Information	Denominators	Classes	Analyses
Primary	% Change in Frequency of Handwaving Episodes	The number of handwaving episodes (seizures) per day were recorded on a seizure diary by either the subject or the parent of the subject. One handwaving episode was defined as the period starting from when the hand first came up toward the face, until there was a brief pause in waving. Subjects and their caregivers were instructed to record the total number of handwaving episodes each day during a one month baseline, and during the 3 month treatment period. The baseline seizure frequency was calculated as an average of the reported handwaving episodes per day during the baseline period. This number was compared to the average episodes per day for the final month of the study (month 3 of treatment with fenfluramine) for each patient. The median percent change in frequency of handwaving episodes across all patients is reported below.	One patient withdrew from the study 3 days after starting study medication. This patient developed a rash, which was not thought to be related to study medication. The patient chose not to challenge the drug at an allergists office, and instead withdrew from the study. The other 19 patients completed the core study, but only 17 provided analyzable seizure data.	Posted		Median	95% Confidence Interval	% change in hand waving episodes		Month 3

ID	Term
D020195	Epilepsy, Reflex
D004827	Epilepsy

ID	Term
D001927	Brain Diseases
D002493	Central Nervous System Diseases
D009422	Nervous System Diseases

ID	Term
D010627	Phenethylamines
D005021	Ethylamines
D000588	Amines
D009930	Organic Chemicals