Could a cancer drug ease rett syndrome? early trial launches
NCT ID NCT07150013
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early-stage trial is testing the drug vorinostat in 15 girls and young women with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development. Each participant will receive placebo and two different doses of vorinostat, acting as their own control. The study aims to check safety, find the best dose, and see if the drug changes symptoms or gene activity patterns linked to the disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- vorinostat (also known as SAHA)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a treatment that improves symptoms or slows progression of Rett syndrome.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 15 participants. It is designed mainly to test safety and find the right dose, not to prove effectiveness. Many early-stage drugs do not succeed in later trials.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 15 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
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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6 to 21 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- 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: 1. Female subjects ≥6 years of age and ≤ 21 years of age at time of screening 2. Has typical Rett Syndrome (RTT), based on diagnostic criteria for RTT described in Neul, et.al., 2010 3. Has documented, disease causing mutation in the MeCP2 gene 4. At time of screening, is in the post-regression phase with no degradation of ambulation, hand function, speech or communication skills in the 4 months prior to screening 5. Has been on a stable regimen of medication or non-pharmacological treatment for at least 4 weeks prior to the baseline visit; if currently taking trofinetide (Daybue), currently on stable dose for the previous 6 months before screening visit 6. Has had a stable pattern of seizure activity for 4 weeks before screening 7. Can swallow medication or can take it by gastrostomy tube 8. Can wear actigraphy data logging device on wrist or ankle 9. If of childbearing potential, must agree to use a highly effective method of contraception during the study and for 3 months after the last study drug administration (i.e., abstinence from sexual activity, hormonal contraceptives associated with inhibition of ovulation, intrauterine device, intrauterine hormone-releasing system) 10. Subjects or their legally authorized representative must be able to provide an informed consent and have sufficient language skill to complete caregiver assessments in the language in which the study assessments are provided Exclusion Criteria: 1. Has another clinically significant medical condition other than those related to MeCP2 mutation (e.g. diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, respiratory disease, hematological abnormalities, malignancy) 2. Has major surgery planned during the study period 3. Pregnant or nursing women 4. Has a history of brain injury, stroke, other cerebrovascular disease or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy 5. Has clinically significant abnormal vital signs at screening or baseline 6. Has an abnormal ECG at screening, including clinically significant QT prolongation 7. Has a clinically significant abnormal laboratory value at screening 8. Liver disease or transaminase levels \> 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal range as determined during screening 9. Has a history of malignancy of any organ system within the past 5 years before screening 10. Is participating in or has participated in another clinical trial within 30 days prior to the screening visit 11. Has been treated with growth hormone, IGF-1, or insulin within 12 weeks of baseline 12. Is taking anticoagulant therapy or other HDAC inhibitors 13. Has had any change to their medication or non-pharmacological treatment within 4 weeks prior to the baseline visit 14. Life expectancy of less than 12 months. 15. Has a history of alcoholism or drug/chemical abuse within 2 years before screening. 16. In the investigator's opinion, is inappropriate for this study for any reason
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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
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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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Grupo de Investigación Clínica PECET (GIC-PECET)
RECRUITINGMedellín, Colombia
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