NORTHERA (DROXIDOPA) for Dysautonomia in Adult Survivors of Menkes Disease and Occipital Horn Syndrome

Description

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Northera (Droxidopa) is safe and effective in young adults with Menkes disease who survived the most severe complications of their illness or adults with occipital horn syndrome (OHS), who have trouble with intermittent low blood pressure and other symptoms of dysautonomia. The outcomes and information from this study may help adult survivors of Menkes disease and individuals with OHS lead more normal day-to-day lives.

Conditions

Menkes Disease, Occipital Horn Syndrome

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Northera (Droxidopa) is safe and effective in young adults with Menkes disease who survived the most severe complications of their illness or adults with occipital horn syndrome (OHS), who have trouble with intermittent low blood pressure and other symptoms of dysautonomia. The outcomes and information from this study may help adult survivors of Menkes disease and individuals with OHS lead more normal day-to-day lives.

Phase I/II Study of NORTHERA (DROXIDOPA) for Dysautonomia in Adult Survivors of Menkes Disease and Adults With Occipital Horn Syndrome: Double-blind Placebo-controlled Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

NORTHERA (DROXIDOPA) for Dysautonomia in Adult Survivors of Menkes Disease and Occipital Horn Syndrome

Condition
Menkes Disease
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Columbus

Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43205

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Adult persons with Menkes disease who survived beyond the expected natural history, attained independent ambulation, attend (or attended) school, and reached adulthood after early CuHis treatment for three years or adults with Occipital Horn Syndrome, who manifest clinical signs and symptoms of dysautonomia, e.g., orthostatic hypotension: specifically, a decrease in systolic or diastolic blood pressure of at least 20 or 10 mm Hg, respectively, within three minutes after standing, and/or chronic diarrhea: production of loose stools with or without increased stool frequency for more than four weeks immediately preceding enrollment.
  • 2. History of at least thrice weekly occurrence of dizziness/feeling lightheaded while standing upright and/or thrice weekly episodes of diarrhea or an urgent need to defecate after food ingestion for more than four weeks immediately preceding enrollment.
  • 3. Documented mutation in ATP7A.
  • 4. Must sign and date an Informed Consent Form (ICF).
  • 5. Age ≥ 18 years of age.
  • 6. Ability to adhere to the prescribed oral Northera (Droxidopa) regimen.
  • 7. Willingness to comply with all study visits and procedures.
  • 1. Pre-existing liver (e.g., hepatitis, biliary atresia, cirrhosis) or kidney disease (i.e., calculated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min).
  • 2. History of hypertension, anti-hypertensive therapy, heart failure (or decreased ejection fraction), cardiac arrhythmia, or bleeding diatheses.
  • 3. Any disease or condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, has a high probability of precluding the subject from completing the study or where the subject cannot or will not appropriately comply with study requirements.
  • 4. Any alpha-1 adrenoreceptor agonist, beta-blocker, DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, midodrine, ephedrine, or any triptan medication as a concomitant medication.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Stephen G. Kaler, MD,

Stephen G Kaler, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Study Record Dates

2026-06-30