A Study of Treatment with Ethyl-eicosapen taenoate in Patients with Huntington's Disease (Ethyl EPA)

A Study of Treatment with Ethyl-eicosapen taenoate in Patients with Huntington's Disease (Ethyl EPA)

« return to clinical trials
HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE CLINIC

Ethyl EPA is a drug trial for symptomatic individuals conducted in collaboration with Laxdale Ltd.

Overview

The purpose of this trial is to analyze the effect of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate (ethyl-EPA) on chorea, mood, and mental functioning. Ethyl-EPA may prevent degeneration of nerve cells by preventing stress and damage to their external and internal membranes.

Phase 1 Information

Phase 1 started in January 2001 and is now complete at all sites.

  • Design

    • Double-blind, placebo-controlled

    • 135 participants in Canada, USA, UK and Australia (32 at UBC)

  • Groups

    • Group 1: Placebo

    • Group 2: Ethyl-EPA 2g/day

  • Visits

    • 6 visits over 12 months

    • Neurological examination

    • psychological and behavioral assessments

    • blood samples

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • Early stages of HD

    • Have a support person accompanying to visits

    • Between 30 to 70 years old

    • Not on omega-3 supplementation

Phase 2

Phase 2 started in April 2002 and is now complete at all sites.

  • Design

    • Open-label (i.e. all subjects take the active drug)

    • Single dose (2g/day) study

    • 120 participants

  • Visits

    • Assessments are similar to Phase 1

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • Must have completed Phase 1

Outcome

It was found that patients with a CAG repeat length of less than 45 showed some improvement over a 12-month period. Results from a follow-up study were inconclusive.

Findings of this study have been submitted to a scientific journal and are undergoing revisions.

Site Investigation Team

  • Dr. Blair Leavitt (site investigator)

  • Joji Decolongon (site co-ordinator)

For further information, please call +1 (604) 822-7928 or e-mail Joji Decolongon at joji@cmmt.ubc.ca.