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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03066193

Efficacy of a Therapeutic Combination of Dronabinol and PEA for Tourette Syndrome

This is an investigator-initiated proof of concept study with the purpose to examine the safety, tolerability and feasibility of Dronabinol (synthetic Δ9-THC) and PEA for the treatment of adults with Tourette syndrome.

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Key information

Conditions

Tourette Syndrome Basal Ganglia Diseases Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Dyskinesias Genetic Diseases, Inborn Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System Mental Disorders Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Neurodevelopmental Disorders Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Tic Disorders Tics

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 2

Primary location

Yale Child Study Center

New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States

About this study

The investigators propose a 12-week, investigator-initiated, open-label trial of a therapeutic combination of Dronabinol and PEA in 18 adults with Tourette syndrome. Participants will receive Dronabinol and PEA in combination for the duration of the trial. The goal for this pilot study is to (1) provide initial safety, feasibility and tolerability data on both Dronabinol and PEA in a TS population and (2) provide data in order to make a more informed decision regarding the appropriate sample size and design of a larger clinical trial to prove efficacy (i.e. sample size and trial duration in large efficacy trial of the Dronabinol/PEA combination in TS).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Adult between 18-60 years of age
  • Meet DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of Tourette syndrome
  • Significant current tic symptoms: YGTSS total tic score greater than or equal to 22 at baseline
  • On stable psychiatric medication regimen for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to beginning the trial
  • Accepted method of birth control

Exclusion criteria

  • Comorbid bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, substance use disorder, developmental disorder or intellectual disability (IQ<70)
  • Recent change (less than 4 weeks) in other medications that have potential effects on tic severity (such as alpha-2 agonists (guanfacine, clonidine or prazosin), SSRIs, clomipramine, naltrexone, lithium, anxiolytics, topiramate, baclofen etc.). Medication change is defined to include dose changes or medication discontinuation.
  • Recent change in behavioral treatment for Tourette syndrome or comorbid conditions (i.e. OCD) within the last 4 weeks or initiation of behavioral therapy for tics within the last 12 weeks.
  • Taking any co-medications (over the counter or prescription), food supplements/additives which can have a drug interaction with dronabinol or PEA.
  • Positive pregnancy test or drug screening test
  • History of cannabis dependence
  • Significant Medical Comorbidity
  • History of hypersensitivity to any cannabinoid or sesame oil

Treatment and study plan

Dronabinol and Palmitoylethanolamide

Drug

Participants will receive Dronabinol which will be slowly titrated in the first week of the study. They will be followed for a total of 12 weeks; in addition, participants will receive the PEA in a standing dose of 400mg. They will be followed for a total of 12 weeks.

Other names: synthetic Δ9THC, Marinol, C21H30O2, Δ9-Tetrahydracannabinol, PEA, C18H37NO2, PeaPure, N-palmitoylethanolamine, MimyX, Impulsin, Normast

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes in Tic Severity

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) (Total Tic Score) The YGTSS tool gives ratings in 5 domains: Total Motor Tic Score, Total Verbal Tic Score, Total Tic Score (Motor + Verbal), Overall Impairment Rating, and Global Severity Score. When calculating the Global Severity score, it is found by adding together the total motor, verbal and impairment scores. The Total Tic Severity Score has a range of 0-50, and the Global Severity Score has a range of 0- 100. A higher score on all scales suggests a more severe Tic, or a greater impact the Tic has on the person's life.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Yale University

Other

Collaborators

  • Neurothera Labs Inc.

Registry information

Official study title

Examining the Efficacy of a Therapeutic Combination of Dronabinol (Synthetic Δ9-tetrahydracannabinol) and Palmitoylethanolamide for Tourette Syndrome

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Feb 28, 2017
Registry last updated
Feb 24, 2020

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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