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NCT Number: NCT04076176

The Effects of CGMP in Children and Adults With PKU

Randomised controlled trial with a crossover design. For early and continuously treated patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) that are adherent. Two 12-week periods where patients consume either casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) based protein substitute or a free amino acid (AA) based protein substitute. 4 week wash out period in between. The protein substitutes will be consumed daily together with the patient's regular low protein diet.

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Key information

Age range

4 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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About this study

The study is a randomised controlled trial with a crossover design conducted at several international study centres.

The study population is early and continuously treated patients with PKU that are adhering to their prescribed diet.

The participants will be given both a CGMP based protein substitute and a free AA based protein substitute as their main protein source on two different 12-week periods in a crossover design. The two periods will be separated by a 4 week wash out period.

The protein substitutes will be consumed daily together with the patient's regular low protein diet during the intervention periods.

Primary Objective The primary objective of the study is to investigate the effects of a CGMP based formula compared to an AA based formula upon mean plasma Phe levels after 12 weeks of daily intake in patients with PKU.

Secondary Objectives The secondary objectives of the study are to investigate if a CGMP based formula compared to an AA based formula in PKU patients provides any long-term health benefits concerning gut health, inflammation, oxidative stress and product acceptability.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • PKU patient diagnosed on newborn screening (NBS).
  • > 50% of protein intake from protein substitutes.
  • (CHILDREN) Dietary intake of ≤ 1000 mg Phe from natural protein or ≤20 g natural protein inclusive of fruit and vegetables per day.
  • (ADULTS) Dietary intake of ≤ 1500 mg Phe from natural protein or ≤ 30 g natural protein inclusive of fruit and vegetables per day.
  • (CHILDREN) Three out of the last four consecutive Phe measurements within the target range (≤360 µmol/L in patients aged 4-12 years).
  • (ADULTS) Two out of the last four consecutive Phe measurements within the target range (≤600 µmol/L for adults).
  • Male or female aged 4-12 years or 18 years and over.
  • Early and continuously treated. Adherent to their prescribed PKU diet consisting of a protein-restricted diet and free AA based protein substitute.
  • Otherwise in good general health as evidenced by medical history.
  • Able to provide written informed consent (patient or parent/guardian).
  • Able to comply with the study protocol and take study product according to the opinion of the PI.
  • Protein substitute intake provided by L-amino acid supplements only.
  • (ADULTS) No studies have been done in pregnant women. To ensure patients safety, female patients of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test prior to completing the screening procedures.
  • (ADULTS) All female patients of childbearing potential and sexually mature males should be willing to use a medically accepted method of contraception throughout the study.
  • Successful 3-day PKU Sphere taste test.

Exclusion criteria

  • Concomitant diseases / disorders such as but not limited to renal or gut disease / disorders and diabetes.
  • Currently or previously treated with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), pegylated recombinant phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PEG PAL), large neutral amino acids.
  • Previous intake of CGMP for more than four consecutive weeks.
  • Having a current infection.
  • Known soya, milk or fish allergies / intolerance.
  • Patients who are currently participating in, plan to participate in, or have participated in an interventional investigational drug, food or medical device trial within 30 days prior to screening visit.
  • Where applicable, patients not covered by Health Insurance System and/or not in compliance with the recommendations of National Law in force.

Treatment and study plan

CGMP protein substitute

Dietary Supplement

PKU sphere is a powdered, low phenylalanine protein substitute, containing a balanced mix of casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) isolate, essential and non-essential amino acids, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and the omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCP); docosahexaenoic acid.

Other names: PKU Sphere

L-amino acid protein substitute

Dietary Supplement

Patient may choose from a list of products, specified in the protocol, that are nutritionally comparable to PKU Sphere.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in overnight fasting plasma Phe

    Time frame: Measured at days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5)

    Overnight fasting plasma phenylalanine level (μmol/l)

  2. Change in overnight fasting plasma Tyr

    Time frame: Measured at days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5)

    Overnight fasting plasma tyrosine level (μmol/l)

  3. Change in overnight fasting blood Phe

    Time frame: Measured twice per week up to 32 weeks

    Overnight fasting blood phenylalanine level (μmol/l) using blood spots

  4. Change in overnight fasting blood Tyr

    Time frame: Measured twice per week up to 32 weeks

    Overnight fasting blood tyrosine level (μmol/l) using blood spots

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in gut health: PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales, Version 3.0

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Five point frequency scale for each question: Never (0), Almost Never (1), Sometimes (2), Often (3), Almost Always (4).

  2. Change in gut health: Stool pH for reducing sugars

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    From stool sample. To rule out carbohydrate intolerance as a cause of any irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

  3. Change in gut health: Stool calprotectin

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    From stool sample

  4. Change in gut health: Short chain fatty acids

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    From stool sample

  5. Change in gut health: Immunoglobulin A

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    From stool sample

  6. Change in gut health: Bristol stool form scale

    Time frame: Completed for 7 days prior to days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Bristol stool form scale:

    • Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass)
    • Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
    • Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface
    • Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft
    • Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges (easy to pass)
    • Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
    • Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid
  7. Change in gut health: 3 day weighed diet diary

    Time frame: Completed for 3 days prior to days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    3 day weighed diet diary

  8. Change in anthropometric measurements: weight

    Time frame: Days -31 (visit 1), 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Weight (kg)

  9. Change in anthropometric measurements: height

    Time frame: Days -31 (visit 1), 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Height (cm)

  10. Change in Albumin

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  11. Change in Pre-albumin

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  12. Change in Transferrin

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  13. Change in Retinol-binding protein

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  14. Change in Glucose

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  15. Change in Haemoglobin A1C

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  16. Change in IGF-1

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  17. Change in C-peptide

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  18. Change in Short chain fatty acids

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  19. Change insulin production

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  20. Change in alanine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  21. Change in arginine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  22. Change in asparagine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  23. Change in citrulline

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  24. Change in cystine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  25. Change in glutamate

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  26. Change in glutamine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  27. Change in glycine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  28. Change in histidine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  29. Change in isoleucine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  30. Change in leucine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  31. Change in lysine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  32. Change in methionine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  33. Change in proline

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  34. Change in ornithine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  35. Change in phenylalanine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  36. Change in serine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  37. Change in taurine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  38. Change in threonine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  39. Change in tryptophan

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  40. Change in tyrosine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  41. Change in valine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Total plasma amino acids following overnight fasting

  42. Change in renal biomarkers: Serum cystatin C

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Blood sample following overnight fasting

  43. Change in renal biomarkers: Serum creatinine

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Blood sample following overnight fasting

  44. Change in renal biomarkers: Blood urea nitrogen

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Blood sample following overnight fasting

  45. Change in Adiponectin

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting. An anti-inflammatory marker and related with both adipose tissue and insulin sensitivity

  46. Change in C-reactive protein (high sensitivity measurement)

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  47. Change in Serum myeloid-related protein

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  48. Change in Soluble Interleukin 2 Receptor

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  49. Change in Inflammatory cytokine panel

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  50. Change in oxidative stress: White cells glutathione (GSH)

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  51. Change in oxidative stress: Plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBAR)

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  52. Change in oxidative stress:Total antioxidant reactivity (TAR)

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5).

    Following overnight fasting

  53. Change in patient opinion of acceptability of the product

    Time frame: Days 84 (visit 3) and 196 (visit 5)

    Product acceptability Likert scale:

    • I loved it (5 - best)
    • I liked it (4)
    • I neither liked nor disliked it (3)
    • I didn't like it (2)
    • I really didn't like it (1 - worst)
  54. Change in hunger

    Time frame: Days 0 (visit 2), 84 (visit 3), 112 (visit 4) and 196 (visit 5)

    Measuring hunger in primary school children Likert scale:

    • I am really hungry! My belly feels very empty and is rumbling! (1 - worst)
    • I am quite hungry and my belly feels a little empty. (2)
    • I feel just right, not too hungry and not too full. (3)
    • I am quite full, but there is still a little room in my belly. (4)
    • I am not hungry at all! My belly feels very full and I cannot eat any more food! (5 - best)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Vitaflo International, Ltd

Industry

Collaborators

  • Arla Foods

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects Of Casein Glycomacropeptide On Metabolic Control And General Health Status In Children And Adults With PKU: A Randomised Crossover Trial

Acronym: ELEMENT

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Sep 3, 2019
Registry last updated
Aug 20, 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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