Study of DHT-Gel to Treat the Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men 55-80

ASCEND Therapeutics

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 2

Conditions: Low Testosterone; Hypogonadism; Late Onset Hypogonadism

Treatments: Drug: Dihydrotestosterone (0.7%) in hydroalcoholic gel

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Industry

Identifiers

NCT00163566

03-DHT-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether DHT-Gel, when applied daily to the skin, can relieve the symptoms of low testosterone in men aged 55-80. These symptoms include reduced muscle strength, increase fat mass, low libido, feeling blue or moody

Full description

Background - In the context of hypogonadism, androgen supplementation is clearly beneficial, particularly in younger males. The benefits of therapy in men with milder degrees of hypogonadism, and elderly males with testosterone deficiency, are less clear-cut. Several options are available for androgen replacement in adult men. Oral testosterone, intramuscular injections, subcutaneous implants and transdermal therapy have all been used. Each mode of delivery has advantages and drawbacks. Several alkylated derivatives of T are available for oral or sublingual use, including methyl testosterone and fluoxymesterone. However, they are not recommended for use as replacement therapy because of their associated adverse effects.

Study Design - This is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, randomized study of DHT-Gel versus placebo gel in male subjects ages 55-80 years inclusive with low serum testosterone and symptoms compatible with the clinical diagnosis of hypogonadism. Total enrollment for this study will be approximately 120 subjects (40 subjects for each treatment group). Subjects will be treated with 35 mg/day DHT, 70 mg/day DHT, or placebo gel for 6 months. All subjects will apply the gel once daily. Up to 9 months of study participation, including up to 2 months of screening and a 1-month follow-up period, will be required by the protocol.

The primary efficacy endpoint in this study is change in body composition as determined by DEXA scan. Secondary endpoints in this study include change in sexual libido, and overall function and mood, and normalization of serum androgen levels. A subset of sites will perform strength assessments, which will include handgrip dynamometry, and upper and lower body strength tests.

Enrollment: 128 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 55 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Men aged 55-80 Serum Testosterone < 275 Symptoms of Hypogonadism as determined by AMS scale In good overall health

Exclusion criteria

• Abnormal Prostate Exam for age Prostate or Breast Cancer Significant illness Weight >300lbs Generalized skin disease Unstable sleep apnea

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

---

128 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo gel

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Placebo gel twice per day

Treatment:

Drug: Dihydrotestosterone (0.7%) in hydroalcoholic gel

0.7% DHT gel, Dose 1

Active Comparator group

Description:

0.7% DHT gel twice per day, 35 mg/day

Treatment:

Drug: Dihydrotestosterone (0.7%) in hydroalcoholic gel

0.7% DHT gel, Dose 2

Active Comparator group

Description:

0.7% DHT gel twice per day, 70 mg/day

Treatment:

Drug: Dihydrotestosterone (0.7%) in hydroalcoholic gel