Could a urea cycle drug help MCAD patients fast longer?
NCT ID NCT06069375
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether sodium phenylbutyrate, a drug already approved for another condition, can help people with MCAD deficiency (a genetic disorder that affects fat breakdown). About 24 participants aged 10 and older will take the drug for 4 weeks. Researchers will check for side effects and measure how long participants can safely fast without developing low blood sugar.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 24 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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10 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of MCADD and molecular confirmation of at least one copy of the common c.985A\>G mutation. * ≥16 years of age for cohort 1 and ≥10-15 years of age for cohort 2. * Able to perform and comply with study activities including overnight admission to the PCTRC, placement of an IV catheter, and all blood draws. * Negative pregnancy test for all female subjects of childbearing age. * Signed informed consent by the subject or parent/guardian of minors. * All females of childbearing age and all sexually active males must agree to use an acceptable method of contraception throughout the study. Appropriate contraceptive methods include hormonal contraceptives (oral, injected, implanted, or transdermal), tubal ligation, intrauterine device, hysterectomy, vasectomy, or double barrier methods. Abstinence is an acceptable form of birth control, though appropriate contraception must be used if the subject becomes sexually active. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of any investigational drug within 30 days of Day 1. * Active infection (viral or bacterial) or any other intercurrent condition as reported by the subject or noted on physical exam at screening. * Any clinical or laboratory abnormality of Grade 3 or greater severity according to the CTCAE v5.0, or Grade 3 elevations in liver enzymes, defined as levels 5-20 times ULN in alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT), or gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in a clinically stable subject. * Any clinical or laboratory abnormality or medical condition that, at the discretion of the investigator, may put the subject at increased risk by participating in this study. * Use of any medication known to significantly affect renal clearance (e.g., probenecid) or to increase protein catabolism (e.g., corticosteroids), or other medication known to increase ammonia levels (e.g., valproic acid or haloperidol), within the 48 hours prior to Day 1 and throughout the study. * Subjects with renal insufficiency will be excluded from the study. Cutoff eGFR \<60 mL/min/1.73m2 (GFR categories G3a-G5) will be used as measure of renal insufficiency. * Use of sodium benzoate within one week of Day 1. * Known hypersensitivity to PAA or PBA. * Breastfeeding or lactating females. * Subjects at risk of hypokalemia due to pre-existing diagnosis or on medications that can cause hypokalemia. * Subjects with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or who take medications as part of their routine care that can cause hypoglycemia
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States
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