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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04779216

Effects of Romosozumab on Bone Density in Women With Anorexia Nervosa

This protocol is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial which aims to investigate the effect of romosozumab on BMD in women with anorexia nervosa. The investigators will also investigate the safety of romosozumab in women with anorexia nervosa. The investigators hypothesize that 12 months of romosozumab administration will result in an increase in bone mineral density, increase in markers of bone formation and decrease in markers of bone resorption, and improvement in bone microarchitecture in osteopenic women with anorexia nervosa compared with placebo.

In Phase 2, participants will receive a single infusion of open-label zoledronic acid (an intravenous bisphosphonate) 5 mg after the initial 12-month administration of romosozumab or placebo. The investigators hypothesize that 12 months of romosozumab followed by a single intravenous infusion of open-label zoledronic acid will result in a greater increase in BMD compared to 12 months of placebo followed by a single intravenous infusion of open-label zoledronic acid. Within the group of women who receive sequential therapy with 12 months of romosozumab followed by a single intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid, the investigators hypothesize BMD will be maintained between 12 and 24 months following administration of zoledronic acid.

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Key information

Conditions

Bone Density, Low Anorexia Nervosa Bone Diseases Bone Diseases, Metabolic Bone Loss Eating Disorders Feeding and Eating Disorders Mental Disorders Metabolic Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Digestive

Age range

20 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 3

Primary location

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Female
  • Age 20-60 years, skeletally mature with closed epiphyses
  • Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 16.5 kg/m2
  • Anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa defined by DSM-V diagnostic criteria
  • BMD Z-score < -1.0
  • Normal serum 25-OH vitamin D (>30 ng/mL) and calcium levels
  • For women of reproductive age, agree to use an effective contraceptive method. Highly effective methods of birth control include: Combined (estrogen and progestogen) hormonal methods (pills, vaginal ring, or skin patch); Intrauterine device (IUD); Intrauterine hormonal-releasing system (IUS); Surgery to tie both fallopian tubes (bilateral tubal ligation/occlusion); Woman's male partner has had a vasectomy and testing shows there is no sperm in the semen
  • Dental check-up within the past year

Exclusion criteria

  • Hospitalization within 3 months of baseline study visit, including inpatient eating disorder treatment facility; participating in a residential eating disorder treatment program within 3 months of study participation is permitted
  • Myocardial infarction or stroke within 1 year preceding enrollment
  • History of hypertension or use of anti-hypertensive medications within the past 6 months
  • Any disease known to affect bone, including untreated thyroid dysfunction, Cushing's or renal failure
  • Any medication known to affect bone metabolism within 3 months of the study, excluding oral contraceptives or other forms of estrogen administration. Bisphosphonates must have been discontinued for at least one year before participation
  • Immunodeficiency or taking immunosuppressive therapy
  • Serum 25-OH vitamin D level <30 ng/mL
  • Serum potassium <3.0 meq/L
  • Serum magnesium <1.5 meq/L
  • Serum ALT >3 times upper limit of normal
  • eGFR of less than 30 ml/min
  • LDL > 190 mg/dL
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Active substance abuse, including alcohol
  • Current smoker
  • History of malignancy
  • Paget disease of bone
  • Osteomalacia
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or risk factor for ONJ, such as invasive dental procedures (eg, tooth extraction, dental implants, oral surgery in the past 6 months), poor oral hygiene, periodontal and/or pre-existing dental disease, and current use of corticosteroids.
  • Planned invasive dental procedure over the next 24 months
  • Known sensitivity to any of the products or components of the medication to be administered
  • Sensitivity to calcium or vitamin D supplements
  • Pregnant, planning to become pregnant within 12 months after the end of treatment and/or breastfeeding
  • Hypersensitivity to any component of zoledronic acid

Treatment and study plan

Romosozumab Prefilled Syringe

Drug

Romosozumab 210mg Injection monthly for 12 months

Placebo

Drug

Placebo Injection monthly for 12 months

Zoledronic acid 5 mg

Drug

A single infusion of open-label zoledronic acid 5 mg after the initial 12-month administration of romosozumab or placebo

Other names: Zoledronate, Reclast

Primary outcomes

  1. Percent Change From Baseline to 12 Months in Postero-anterior Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

    Percent change from baseline to 12 months in postero-anterior lumbar spine bone mineral density by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Percent Change From Baseline to 24 Months in Postero-anterior Lumbar Spine BMD.

    Time frame: Baseline to 24 Months

    Percent change from baseline to 24 months in postero-anterior lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This is a secondary endpoint at 24 months (study completion). The 24-month completion date was 11/17/2025. The 24-month results will be reported in November 2026.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Karen Klahr Miller, MD

Other

Collaborators

  • Amgen

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Romosozumab on Bone Density, Markers of Bone Metabolism and Bone Microarchitecture in Women With Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 3, 2021
Registry last updated
Dec 16, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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