Study Comparing Sepiapterin and Sapropterin for Treating Phenylketonuria in Patients Aged 2 Years and Older

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What is this study about?

This clinical trial is focused on studying a condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a rare genetic disorder that affects how the body processes a substance called phenylalanine, found in many foods. The study will compare two treatments: Sepiapterin and Sapropterin. Sepiapterin is a new treatment being tested, while Sapropterin is an existing medication used to help manage PKU. The purpose of the study is to see how effective Sepiapterin is compared to Sapropterin in reducing the levels of phenylalanine in the blood of people with PKU.

Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to receive either Sepiapterin or Sapropterin for a certain period, and then they will switch to the other treatment. This type of study is called a crossover study. The study will last for several weeks, during which participants will take the medication in the form of either soluble tablets or powder for oral use. The researchers will monitor the participants’ blood phenylalanine levels to see how well each treatment works. Some participants may also receive a placebo during the study.

The study aims to provide valuable information about the effectiveness of Sepiapterin compared to Sapropterin in managing PKU. By participating, individuals with PKU can contribute to research that may improve treatment options for this condition in the future. The study is open to both male and female participants who are at least two years old and have been diagnosed with PKU. Participants will need to continue their current diet and follow the study procedures as instructed by the research team.

1 joining the study

Upon joining the study, informed consent is required. For children or those unable to consent due to mental impairment, a parent or legal representative must provide consent.

Eligibility includes being at least 2 years old and having a clinical diagnosis of phenylketonuria (PKU) with specific blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels.

2 initial assessment

An initial assessment is conducted to confirm eligibility, including a review of medical history and blood Phe levels.

Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and agree to use effective contraception during the study.

3 treatment period 1

Participants receive sapropterin dihydrochloride in the form of Kuvan 100 mg soluble tablets, taken orally as an oral solution.

The treatment aims to reduce blood Phe levels, and the dosage and frequency are determined by the study protocol.

4 crossover to treatment period 2

After completing the first treatment period, participants switch to the second treatment, receiving sepiapterin.

This phase also involves oral administration, with the dosage and frequency specified by the study protocol.

5 monitoring and assessments

Throughout the study, regular monitoring of blood Phe levels is conducted to assess the effectiveness of the treatments.

Additional assessments include physical examinations, vital sign checks, ECGs, and routine laboratory tests.

6 completion of study

The study concludes with a final assessment of blood Phe levels and overall health.

Participants are required to continue their current diet unchanged during the study.

Who Can Join the Study?

  • Participants must provide informed consent. If the participant is a child or has mental impairment due to the disease, consent must be given by a parent or legally designated representative.
  • Participants can be male or female and must be at least 2 years old.
  • Participants must have a blood Phe level of at least 360 micromoles per liter (μmol/L) on their current therapy during the screening and when averaging the 3 most recent Phe levels from their medical history.
  • Participants must have a clinical diagnosis of PKU (Phenylketonuria) with a history of at least 2 blood Phe measurements of 600 μmol/L or higher.
  • Women who can have children must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and agree to abstain from sex or use a highly effective form of birth control during the study and for up to 90 days after the last dose of the study drug.
  • Men who are sexually active with women who can have children and have not had a vasectomy must agree to use a barrier method of birth control during the study and for up to 90 days after the last dose of the study drug. They must also refrain from donating sperm during this time. Men who are abstinent do not need to use birth control unless they become sexually active. Men who have had a vasectomy at least 16 weeks ago do not need to use birth control.
  • Participants must be willing and able to follow the study protocol and procedures.
  • Participants must be willing to keep their current diet unchanged while participating in the study.

Who Cannot Join the Study?

  • Individuals who are not diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot participate. PKU is a genetic condition that affects how the body processes a certain amino acid called phenylalanine.
  • Participants must be within the specified age range for the study. If you are outside this age range, you cannot participate.
  • Both males and females are eligible, but if you do not identify as either, you may not be able to participate.
  • If you belong to a vulnerable population, such as children or individuals with certain disabilities, you may not be eligible to participate.

Where you can join this trial?

Verified and Recommended Sites

No sites found in this category

Verified Sites

Site Name City Country Status
Pomeranian Medical University Szczecin Poland
Hopital Necker Enfants Malades Paris France

Other Sites

Site Name City Country Status
Instytut Matki I Dziecka Warsaw Poland
Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova Padua Italy
Virgen del Rocío University Hospital Sevilla Spain
Fakultni Nemocnice Kralovske Vinohrady Prague Czechia
University Medical Center Ljubljana Ljubljana Slovenia
Roskilde University Roskilde Denmark
Urniuvowpm Mydfnxc Cozkut Hnhdxkkjrgkhepxtu Hamburg Germany
Bnulrnl Cldcyydomnxjvzha Hwzvjxbj Groningen The Netherlands
Canhgg Hbdachhkexv Rhjwplub Unpwaspuhrqxn Dz Tgxgi Tours France
Urtjvmqimhaqgmjinntbj Miqczwug Awx Munster Germany

Want to learn more about this study or check if you can participate? Contact us.

Trial status

Country Status Recruitment Start
Czechia Czechia
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
Denmark Denmark
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
France France
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
Germany Germany
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
Italy Italy
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
Poland Poland
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
Slovenia Slovenia
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
Spain Spain
Not recruiting
01.03.2024
The Netherlands The Netherlands
Not recruiting
01.03.2024

Trial locations

Sepiapterin is being studied to see how well it can lower blood phenylalanine levels in people with phenylketonuria (PKU). This medication is being compared to another treatment to determine its effectiveness in managing PKU.

Sapropterin is a medication already used to help reduce blood phenylalanine levels in people with PKU. It is being used as a comparison in this study to evaluate the effectiveness of sepiapterin.

Phenylketonuria – Phenylketonuria, often abbreviated as PKU, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. This amino acid is found in many protein-containing foods and some artificial sweeteners. In individuals with PKU, the enzyme needed to process phenylalanine is either missing or not working properly, leading to a buildup of phenylalanine in the blood. If untreated, this can cause a variety of health problems, including intellectual disabilities and other neurological issues. The condition is typically identified through newborn screening, allowing for early dietary management to prevent complications. PKU requires lifelong management to maintain normal phenylalanine levels in the body.

Trial ID:
2023-506238-61-00
Protocol code:
PTC923-PKU-301
Trial Phase:
Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

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