Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency remains the most prevalent and untreatable disorder of GABA (4-aminobutyrate) metabolism. A placebo-controlled phase II trial of SGS742 (GABA(B) receptor antagonist) in SSADH-deficient patients is proposed, based upon preclinical efficacy findings in the corresponding murine model, which will evaluate safety, tolerability, and change in relevant indicators of SSADH severity in treatment vs. placebo groups. A crossover design will be employed where patients are randomized into an initial six month trial of SGS742 versus placebo. Our project's innovation resides in implementing the first placebo-controlled, blinded trial in this disorder using a rational intervention based upon preclinical efficacy studies in aldh5a1-/- mice. Our single formal hypothesis is that SSADH-deficient patients will have lengthening toward normal values of the cortical silent period (CSP), and return of long interval intracortical inhibition (LICI), during SGS742 intervention as quantified by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Secondary, exploratory outcomes include metabolic biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (GABA, GHB), neuropsychological evaluation, and safety.
Aim 1 will compare the effect of SGS742 v. PBO on TMS levels as the primary outcome, relying both on the magnitude of the difference in TMS between the SGS742 and PBO group, as well as the equivalent of a paired t-test to assess the statistical significance level. The same procedure is employed in Aim 2 which evaluates SGS742 effects on biomarker levels, including GABA and GHB, as well as scores on neuropsychological assessments on vs. off SGS742.
In Aim 3, we shift to the evaluation of safety. When we evaluate the frequency of adverse or toxic events, our analysis framework will comprise multiple logistic regression models to compare the odds of discrete occurrences such as reported adverse and serious adverse events in those on SGS742 relative to PBO. Appropriate biomarker outcomes, an investigative team with experience in a similar trial of taurine in this patient cohort, a proven, practical trial design, and a broad cohort of recruitable subjects are features that underscore our potential for success. In the short term, we will formulate a go/no-go decision regarding further clinical development of SGS742. The project's long term significance centers on identification of effective treatment for SSADH deficiency and related disorders in which neurocognitive dysfunction correlates with GABAergic systems.

Public Health Relevance

A paradoxically hyperGABAergic seizure disorder, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency remains the most prevalent and untreatable disorder of GABA (4- aminobutyrate) metabolism. A placebo-controlled phase II trial of SGS742 (GABA(B) receptor antagonist) in SSADH-deficient patients is proposed, based upon preclinical efficacy findings in the corresponding murine model, which will evaluate safety, tolerability, and change in relevant indicators of SSADH severity in treatment vs. placebo groups. In the short term, we will formulate a 'go/no-go' decision regarding further clinical development of SGS742, while our long term goals remain identification of effective treatment for SSADH deficiency and related disorders in which neurocognitive dysfunction correlates with GABAergic systems.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
4R01NS082286-04
Application #
9026653
Study Section
Acute Neural Injury and Epilepsy Study Section (ANIE)
Program Officer
Morris, Jill A
Project Start
2013-03-01
Project End
2017-02-28
Budget Start
2016-03-01
Budget End
2017-02-28
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$209,643
Indirect Cost
$39,116
Name
Washington State University
Department
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
041485301
City
Pullman
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
99164
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Pearl, Phillip L (2018) Epilepsy Syndromes in Childhood. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 24:186-209
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Baumer, Fiona M; Peters, Jurriaan M; El Achkar, Christelle M et al. (2016) SCN2A-Related Early-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy Responsive to Phenobarbital. J Pediatr Epilepsy 5:42-46
Lapalme-Remis, Samuel; Lewis, Evan Cole; De Meulemeester, Christine et al. (2015) Natural history of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency through adulthood. Neurology 85:861-5
Pearl, Phillip L; Parviz, Mahsa; Vogel, Kara et al. (2015) Inherited disorders of gamma-aminobutyric acid metabolism and advances in ALDH5A1 mutation identification. Dev Med Child Neurol 57:611-617
Parviz, Mahsa; Vogel, Kara; Gibson, K Michael et al. (2014) Disorders of GABA metabolism: SSADH and GABA-transaminase deficiencies. J Pediatr Epilepsy 3:217-227

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