Scopolamine in Bipolar Depression (SCOPE-BD)

• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04211961
• Recruitment Status: Recruiting
• First Posted: December 26, 2019
• Last Update Posted: January 26, 2024
• Sponsor: Dr. Brian Hallahan
• Collaborators: Stanley Medical Research Institute; National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; HRB Clinical Research Facility Galway, Ireland; University College Hospital Galway
• Information provided by (Responsible Party): Dr. Brian Hallahan, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

Study Description

Brief Summary:

This is a single-site, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, phase IIb clinical trial. The primary objective of the SCOPE-BD study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of IV Scopolamine, compared to placebo, in reducing severity of depression in individuals with bipolar disorder who are experiencing a depressive episode of at least moderate severity

Condition or disease	Intervention/treatment	Phase
Bipolar Disorder Depression	Drug: Scopolamine; Other: Placebo	Phase 2

Detailed Description:

Bipolar disorder is a chronic disabling psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. Bipolar disorder can be separated into bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders with bipolar 1 disorder characterizing individuals who have episodes of mania and depression, and bipolar 2 disorder characterizing individuals who have episodes of depression with periods of hypomania, but not mania. Bipolar disorder has an estimated prevalence of approximately 1% and a roughly equal gender ratio. Current pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder and in particular for the management of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder remain sub-optimal, with pharmacological strategies employed to date often only partially effective. In addition to the time duration for treatment response, multiple treatment trials are also often required, thus increasing patient discomfort and distress.Consequently, pharmacological mechanisms that potentially alleviate depressive symptomatology in bipolar disorder and ameliorate patient functioning could present an additional pharmacological strategy for the management of bipolar disorder. A number of recent studies have suggested that Scopolamine, a pan muscarinic (M) receptor antagonist can elicit a rapid anti-depressant response in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder and thus may present a novel therapeutic strategy, particularly for the management of bipolar disorder, in individuals experiencing depressive episodes. No significant adverse effects were noted with treatment with Scopolamine (intravenously) in these studies.

This antidepressant effect has been rapid in effect in studies where administration was by an intravenous (IV) method.Of note, those clinical trials where efficacy has been demonstrated have been undertaken in the same centre (Mood and Anxieties Disorder Program at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD) with the more recent trials of larger numbers from that centre including individuals that participated in the previous clinical trials. Although beneficial effects have been noted for depressive episodes in both MDD and bipolar disorder, the actual numbers of participants with bipolar disorder has been limited.

Fewer studies have utilised other potential modes of administration for Scopolamine. A previous study of intramuscular scopolamine demonstrated no antidepressant effect whilst one trial of oral scopolamine as an augmentation agent demonstrated an antidepressant effect, albeit this study did not demonstrate a rapid-acting effect as demonstrated in the studies of IV Scopolamine and did not include individuals with bipolar disorder. In addition, oral Scopolamine has very limited bioavailability of ~4 %.Trials relating to administration of Scopolamine utilising a transdermal patch for the management of depressive episodes have yet to be published.

This is a single-site, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, phase IIb clinical trial. The trial will be sponsored by the National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway and the sponsorship role coordinated by the HRB-Clinical Research facility Galway (CRFG). The site will be University Hospital Galway, Galway and the site activities will also be co-ordinated by the CRFG. Participants will be attending the Galway-Roscommon Mental Health Services, including a specialised bipolar clinic in Galway and referred due to experiencing a depressive episode by their treating clinical team; or patients who have previously attended NUI Galway/HRB-CRFG with an interest to participate/or have participated in research and have indicated a willingness to engage in future research; or patients who approach the research group directly requesting participation.

Trial participants will be adults (both male and female) who have bipolar disorder and are experiencing a depressive episode of at least moderate severity. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder (bipolar 1 or 2 disorder) will be determined by interview with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V (SCID-RV) with severity of the depressive episode assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) (HDRS ≥14 for study inclusion) at screening.

The primary outcome in this study is the change in severity of depressive symptoms as measured on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (HDRS). Allocating 25 participants to each arm will ensure power ≥85% to detect a 50% lower score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (HDRS) in the Scopolamine group compared to placebo group. This assumes a loss to follow-up of ≤12%. It is also anticipated that approximately 60 participants will need to be recruited to ensure 50 participants are eligible for randomisation after a placebo run-in.

After a screening Visit (Visit 1); at Visit 2, all participants will receive placebo run-in (100mls of Saline IV). The screening visit (Visit 1) and Visit 2 may occur on the same day. Within 7 days of Visit 2, participants will be randomised (Visit 3) to receive either placebo (n=25) or 4 μg/kg Scopolamine (n=25) IV in 100mls of Saline over 15 minutes at Visits 3 (day 0), 4 (days 2-6) and 5 (days 6-10), with at least 2 days between IV infusions (Visits 2, 3, 4 and 5). Two follow-up visits (Visits 6 and 7) will occur at day 15 (+/-5 days) and day 29 (+/- 7 days).There will be at least 2 days between Visits 5 and 6 and 3 days between Visits 6 and 7. Participants randomised to the placebo group will receive one 15-minute infusion of IV saline,repeated over 3 visits (Visit 3, 4 & 5). The placebo and active comparators will be indistinguishable from each other.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either scopolamine or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Randomly permuted blocks of sizes 4 and 6 will be used to ensure similar numbers of participants in each arm of the trial.

Randomisation will be stratified by the HDRS score at trial entry (a score of <23 indicating a mild-moderate depressive episode and a score ≥23 indicating a severe depressive episode). A validated randomisation system will be used at Visit 3, (after HDRS and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) are completed) to randomise patients to either arm. This centralised system will ensure allocation concealment; preventing blinded trial staff from knowing which treatment group will be allocated. Blocks of randomly varying length will also reduce the predictability of the allocation sequence.

Effectiveness outcomes will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis for all participants randomised and with available follow-up data as per their randomised allocation. A per-protocol dataset is not well-defined under multiple treatments, here it could reasonably be defined as those participants who either received at least 1, at least 2 or all 3 IV treatments after randomisation. Sensitivity analyses will thus be performed on the primary outcome to assess efficacy of the treatment compared to placebo by incorporating the original allocation of participants and their level of adherence to treatment. This will involve examining the short term-effect of treatment in a longitudinal model and the overall effect of number of IV treatments received at follow-up visits after the final IV treatment.

For the primary effectiveness analysis of the primary outcome, it is expected that pre-randomisation measurements of the HDRS score will be correlated with the scores obtained at Visit 6 of treatment. The mean scores at Visit 6 will be compared across the study arms using an ANCOVA model. The response variable will be the change in HDRS score from Visit 3 to HDRS at Visit 6 including the HDRS score at Visit 3 as a covariate in the model. The addition of stratifying variables and other variables as covariates will be considered as appropriate and specified in the statistical analysis plan. This analysis will increase the power to detect significant differences between the groups. Inverse probability weighting will be applied to the primary outcome analysis. These weights will be derived based on the inverse of the probability of a patient's data being missing given their pre-randomisation measurements. This will ensure the estimate and inference is more representative of all patients randomised, reducing bias in the estimation of the treatment effect due to participants lost to follow-up and missing data.

Inference regarding the treatment effectiveness will focus on the point estimate, confidence interval and p-value for hypothesis confirmation.

Study Design

• Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial)
• Estimated Enrollment: 50 participants
• Allocation: Randomized
• Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Official Title: A Randomised Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Scopolamine Compared to Placebo in Individuals With Bipolar Disorder Who Are Experiencing a Depressive Episode
• Actual Study Start Date: March 23, 2021
• Estimated Primary Completion Date: February 2024
• Estimated Study Completion Date: December 2024

Arms and Interventions

Arm	Intervention/treatment
Placebo Comparator: Control; Participants randomised to the placebo group will receive one 15-minute IV infusion of Saline at 4 visits.	Other: Placebo; The placebo group will receive a 100ml infusion of saline at 4 visits during the study
Active Comparator: Treatment; Participants randomised to the treatment group will receive one 15-minute IV infusion of Scopolamine at 4 visits.	Drug: Scopolamine; The treatment group will receive a 100ml infusion of Scopolamine ( dose 4μg/kg) at 4 visits during the study

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures :

1. Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score [ Time Frame: Visit 3 to Visit 6 (approximately 2 weeks after randomisation) ]
   The primary outcome measure will be the change from Visit 3 (randomisation visit) in severity of objective depressive symptoms after the final scheduled treatment as measured by change in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (range 0-53) from Visit 3 (pre-infusion and randomisation) to Visit 6, with reduced scores indicating an improvement in depressive symptoms and better outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures :

1. Remission of depressive episode at Visit 6 by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after randomisation ]

   Remission of depressive episode after the last IV treatment (measured objectively at Visit 6), and is defined as occurring when an individual has:

   a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ≤7 (note range of scores are from 0-53 with lower scores indicating less symptoms of depression and better outcome).

2. Remission of depressive episode at Visit 6 by Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after randomisation ]

   Remission of depressive episode after the last IV treatment (measured objectively at Visit 6), and is defined as occurring when an individual has:

   a Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale score <6 (note range of scores are from 0-60 with lower scores indicating less symptoms of depression and better outcome).

3. Remission of depressive episode at Visit 7 by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks after randomisation (visit 7) ]
   Remission of depressive episode at follow-up (measured objectively at Visit 7) a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ≤7 (note range of scores are 0-53 with lower scores indicating less symptoms of depression and better outcome).
4. Remission of depressive episode at Visit 7 by the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks after randomisation (visit 7) ]
   Remission of depressive episode at follow-up (measured objectively at Visit 7) a Montgomery and Asberg Rating Scale score <6 (Note range of scores are from 0-60 with lower scores indicating less symptoms of depression and better outcome).
5. Improvement in overall functioning utilising the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after randomisation (Visit 6) ]
   Improvement in objectively measured overall functioning, measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale at Visit 6 (note range of scores are from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better overall functioning and better outcome)
6. Improvement in overall functioning utilising the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks after randomisation (Visit 7) ]
   Improvement in objectively measured overall functioning, measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale at Visit 7 (note range of scores are 0-100, with higher scores indicating better overall functioning and better outcome).
7. Improvement in objectively rated illness severity using Clinical Global Impression [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after randomisation (Visit 6) ]
   Improvement in objectively rated illness severity, measured with the Clinical Global Impression Scale - Improvement at Visit 6 (note range of scores are 1-7, with lower scores (1-3) indicating improved outcome and higher scores (5-7) indicating a worse outcome. A score of 4 indicates no change in symptoms).
8. Improvement in objectively rated illness severity using Clinical Global Impression [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks after randomisation (Visit 7) ]
   Improvement in objectively rated illness severity, measured with the Clincial Global Impression Improvement Scale at Visit 7 (note range of scores are from 1-7 with lower scores indicating improved outcome).
9. Change in depressive symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately) ]
   Change in subjective measured depressive symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores. A reduction in the Profile of Mood Score for depression post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates less depressive symptoms and improved outcome (note range of scores are 0-4 with lower scores indicating less depressive symptoms).
10. Change in total mood disturbance with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately) ]
    Change in subjective measured mood disturbance symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores. A reduction in the Profile of Mood Score for total mood disturbance post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates less disturbance of mood symptoms and improved outcome (note range of scores are 0-20) with lower scores indicating lower levels of mood disturbance and improved outcome.
11. Change in depressive symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks post-randomsation ]
    Change in subjective measured depressive symptoms with the Profile of Mood Score for depression at follow-up visit 6 (note range of scores are 0-4 with lower scores indicating less depressive symptoms and improved outcome).
12. Change in depressive symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks post-randomsation ]
    Change in subjective measured depressive symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores for Depression at follow-up visit 7 (note range of scores are 0-4 with lower scores indicating less depressive symptoms and improved outcome).
13. Change in total mood disturbance symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks post-randomsation ]
    Change in subjective measured mood disturbance symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores for Depression at follow-up visit 6 (note range of scores are 0-20 with lower scores indicating lower levels of mood disturbance and improved outcome).
14. Change in total mood disturbance with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks post-randomsation ]
    Change in subjective measured mood disturbance symptoms with the Profile of Mood Scores for Depression at follow-up visit 7 (note range of scores are 0-20 with lower scores indicating lower levels of mood disturbance and improved outcome).
15. Change in symptoms of anger with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured feelings of anger with the Profile of Mood Scores - Anger at follow-up Visit 6 (note range of scores are 0-4 with lower scores indicating less anger and improved outcome).
16. Change in symptoms of anger with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks post-randomistion ]
    Change in subjective measured feelings of anger with the Profile of Mood Scores - Anger at follow-up Visit 7 (note range of scores are 0-4 with lower scores indicating less anger and improved outcome).
17. Change in symptoms of anger with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately) ]
    Change in subjective measured feelings of anger with the Profile of Mood Scores - Anger. A reduction in Profile of Mood Score for Anger score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicating less anger and improved outcome with range of scores of 0-4).
18. Change in symptoms of tension with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately) ]

    Change in subjective measured symptoms of tension with the POMS - Tension. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores for tension score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of tension and improved outcome with scores ranging from 0-4.

    3, 4 and 5.

19. Change in symptoms of tension with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of tension using the Profile of Mood Scores - Tension at follow-up Visit 6. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores for tension score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of tension and improved outcome with scores ranging from 0-4.
20. Change in symptoms of tension with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of tension using the Profile of Mood Scores - Tension at follow-up Visit 7. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores for tension score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of tension and improved outcome with scores ranging from 0-4.
21. Change in symptoms of fatigue with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately) ]

    Change subjective measured symptoms of fatigue with the Profile of Mood Scores - Fatigue. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores for fatigue score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of fatigue and improved outcome with scores ranging from 0-4.

    3, 4 and 5.

22. Change in symptoms of fatigue with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of fatigue using the Profile of Mood Scores - Fatigue at follow-up Visit 6. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores for fatigue score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of fatigue and improved outcome with scores ranging from 0-4.
23. Change in symptoms of fatigue with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of fatigue at follow-up Visit 7. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores for fatigue score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of fatigue and improved outcome with scores ranging from 0-4.
24. Change in symptoms of vigour with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately) ]
    Changing subjective measured symptoms of vigour with the Profile of Mood Scores. An increase in vigour measured with the Profile of Mood Scores - Vigour score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates higher levels of vigour andimproved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-4.
25. Change in symptoms of vigour with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of vigour at follow-up Visit 6 measured with the Profile of Mood Scores - Vigour. An increase in vigour measured with the Profile of Mood Scores - Vigour score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates higher levels of vigour improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-4.
26. Change in symptoms of vigour with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of vigour at follow-up Visit 7. An increase in vigour measured with the Profile of Mood Scores - Vigour score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates higher levels of vigour and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-4.
27. Change in symptoms of confusion with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately) ]

    Change in subjective measured symptoms of confusion with the Profile of Mood Scores - Confusion. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores - Confusion score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of confusion and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-4.

    3, 4 and 5.

28. Change in symptoms of confusion with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of confusion at follow-up Visit 6 measured with the Profile of Mood Scores - Confusion. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores - Confusion score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of confusion and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-4.
29. Change in symptoms of confusion with the Profile of Mood Scores [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks post-randomisation ]
    Change in subjective measured symptoms of confusion at follow-up Visit 7 measured with the Profile of Mood Scores - Confusion. A reduction in Profile of Mood Scores - Confusion score post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at visits 2 indicates lower levels of confusion and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-4.
30. Change in happiness scores with the Visual Analogue Scale [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately ]
    A change in subjectively measured levels of happiness as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale for happiness. Higher scores indicate increased happiness and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-10.
31. Change in restlessness symptoms with the Visual Analogue Scale [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately ]
    A change in subjectively measured levels of restlessness as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale for Restlessness. Lower scores indicate reduced restlessness and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-10.
32. Change in sadness symptoms with the Visual Analogue Scale [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately ]
    A change in subjectively measured levels of sadness as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale for sadness. Lower scores indicate reduced sadness and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-10.
33. Change in anxiety with the Visual Analogue Scale [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately ]
    A change in subjectively measured levels of anxiety as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety. Lower scores indicate reduced anxiety and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-10.
34. Change in anger with the Visual Analogue Scale [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately ]
    A change in subjectively measured levels of anger as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale for Anger. Lower scores indicate reduced anger and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-10.
35. Change in drowsiness with the Visual Analogue Scale [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately ]
    A change in subjectively measured levels of drowsiness as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale. Lower scores indicate reduced drowsiness and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-10.
36. Change in alertness with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) [ Time Frame: Post-infusion compared to pre-infusion at each of the 4 visits where infusions are given (baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 days later approximately ]
    A change in subjectively measured levels of alertness as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale for alertness. Higher scores indicate increased alertness and improved outcome, with scores ranging from 0-10.
37. Number of participants admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit [ Time Frame: 4 weeks duration (duration of study) ]
    Psychiatric inpatient admission of a participant due to depressive episodes during the trial (Visits 2 to 7)
38. Change in antidepressant use [ Time Frame: 4 weeks duration (duration of study) ]

    Antidepressants medication use or change by a participant due to depressive episodes over the duration of the study (Visit 2 to Visit 7):

    (i) Introduction of a new antidepressant (yes / no) (ii) Increase in dose of an existing antidepressant (yes / no)

39. Change in executive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after trial commencement ]
    Change in executive functioning using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)
40. Change in visual processing - CANTAB [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after trial commencement ]
    Change in visual processing the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)
41. Change in motor processing - CANTAB [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after trial commencement ]
    Change in motor processing utilising the CANTAB
42. Change in emotion recognition - CANTAB [ Time Frame: Approximately 2 weeks after trial commencement ]
    Change in emotion recognition utilising the CANTAB
43. Occurrence of a hypo (manic) episodes measured by the Young Mania Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Approximately 4 weeks ]
    Occurrence of a hypo (manic) episodes by the YMRS during study
44. Occurrence of adverse effects - bradycardia [ Time Frame: Over 2 weeks of study infusions ]
    Occurrence of bradycardia - measured at each visit post-infusion
45. Occurrence of adverse effects - hypotension [ Time Frame: Over 2 weeks of study infusions ]
    Occurrence of hypotension - measured at each visit post-infusion
46. Occurrence of adverse effects reported by patient [ Time Frame: Over 4 weeks of study ]
    Occurrence of adverse effects reported by patient at visits 2,3,4,5,6,7
47. Occurrence of adverse effects using Patient Rated Inventory of Side Effects (PRISE) [ Time Frame: Over 2 weeks of study infusions post-randomisation ]
    Occurrence of adverse effects as reported by participants or measured utilising the PRISE questionnaire

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Sexes Eligible for Study: All
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

To be eligible for inclusion, each participant must meet all of the following inclusion criteria at Screening (Visit 1) and must continue to fulfil these criteria at Visit 2 to take part in the trial:

1. Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder according to Diagnostic Statistics Manual (DSM)-V criteria
2. Experiencing an episode of depression of at least moderate severity at Visit 1 (Screening) and Visit 2 based on clinical interview by a trained clinician and a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score ≥ 14.
3. ≥ 18 years old at Visit 2 (male or female)
4. In the opinion of the Principal Investigator or Sub Investigator's, be able and willing to provide written informed consent and to comply with the requirements of this study protocol.
5. Written informed consent prior to participating in the study

6. Urea and Electrolytes (U&Es), Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) laboratory tests within acceptable ranges in the previous 4 months of the Screening Visit (Visit 1).

   Placebo run-in inclusion criteria at Randomisation visit (Visit 3):

7. In addition to above, participants must be experiencing an episode of depression of at least mild severity (having previously experienced an episode of moderate depression at Visit 2 with HDRS ≥14), based on clinical interview by a trained clinician and a HDRS score of ≥ 8.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants who meet any one or more of the following exclusion criteria at Screening (Visit 1) or the Visit 2 will not be eligible to take part in the trial:

1. History of other Axis I diagnosis (including Recurrent Depressive Disorder or Psychotic Disorders such as schizo-affective disorder, conditions that can also present with depressive episodes)
2. History in the three months prior to Visit 2 of alcohol dependence syndrome or substance dependence syndrome.
3. Current use of oral steroid at Visit 1
4. A confirmed diagnosis of dementia
5. A diagnosis of intellectual disability (IQ < 70)
6. Participants with bipolar disorder that are euthymic in the investigators opinion at screening or Visit 2.
7. Participants with bipolar disorder that are hypomanic or manic (Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) > 6) at screening or Visit 2.
8. Presence of an established neurological disorder or other serious demyelinating conditions as determined by the treating physician (e.g. space occupying lesion, multiple sclerosis)
9. Current involuntary detention under the Mental Health Act (MHA) 2001 in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit
10. Severity of Bipolar Disorder is such that participation in a clinical trial is not appropriate because of the risk of imminent self-harm (based on clinical note review and review at screening visit by experienced clinician)
11. A history of an allergic reaction or sensitivity to Scopolamine (Hyoscine Hydrobromide). Participants will be asked at the screening visit about any previous treatment with scopolamine (Hyoscine Hydrobromide) to ascertain any previous allergic reaction or sensitivity to this agent.
12. A clinical diagnosis of narrow angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, paralytic ileus,pyloric stenosis, toxic megacolon and acute porphyria.
13. Individuals will be excluded from the study if currently prescribed anticholinergic medications, including Physostigmine, Biperiden and Procyclidine. Individuals will additionally be excluded if currently prescribed Tricyclic Antidepressants which are associated with significant anticholinergic properties (e.g. Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline) that are currently causing the participant to experience anticholinergic side effects (e.g. blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, cognitive difficulties). No individuals will have anticholinergic medications stopped to allow them enter the trial.
14. Bradycardia < 50 bpm, tachycardia > 100bpm or hypotension (systolic BP <90 and / or diastolic BP < 60) prior to IV administration of placebo or Scopolamine
15. A recent history in the last 6 months of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension or syncope.
16. Previous participation in this trial. Participation is defined as randomised. Participation in another trial within 3 months prior to Visit 1. Receipt of any investigational medicinal product (IMP) within 3 months prior to Visit 1.
17. Participants concurrently being administered Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
18. Pregnancy, as determined by a positive urine dipstick at Visits 2, 3, 4, 5, positive blood serum result executed at Visit 2 and confirmed prior to infusion at Visit 3 or participants who are actively breastfeeding (female only).

19. Women of child-bearing potential are defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant, unless they are using highly effective methods of contraception during dosing of study treatment. Highly effective contraception methods include:

    • Female sterilization (have had surgical bilateral oophorectomy with or without hysterectomy) or tubal ligation at least six weeks before taking study treatment.
    • Male partner sterilization

    • Combination of any two of the following:

      1. Barrier methods of contraception e.g. Condom
      2. Use of oral, injected or implanted hormonal methods of contraception or other forms of hormonal contraception
      3. Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS)
    • Women who are considered post-menopausal i.e. amenorrhea at least 12 months or undergone hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy

20. Any disorder, unwillingness or inability, not covered by any of the other exclusion criteria, which in the investigator's opinion, might jeopardise the participant's safety or compliance with the protocol

    Placebo run-in exclusion criteria at Randomisation visit (Visit 3):

21. In addition to having completed Visit 2, participants must not be experiencing a hypomanic, or manic episode (YMRS >6).
22. A Serious Adverse Event (SAE) experienced during infusion which required medical intervention and whereby attending physician deemed it inappropriate for the participant to engage in future infusions.

Contacts and Locations

Contacts

Contact: Brian Hallahan, Dr.; 0035391524222; brian.hallahan@nuigalway.ie

Locations

Ireland

University Hospital Galway; Recruiting

Galway, County Galway, Ireland, H91 YR71

Contact: Irene Garcia Alia 086 008 1175 ext 353 scope-bdcoord@nuigalway.ie

Principal Investigator: Dr. Brian Hallahan

Sponsors and Collaborators

Dr. Brian Hallahan

Stanley Medical Research Institute

National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

HRB Clinical Research Facility Galway, Ireland

University College Hospital Galway

More Information

Publications:

Belmaker RH. Bipolar disorder. N Engl J Med. 2004 Jul 29;351(5):476-86. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra035354. No abstract available.

Bonner TI, Buckley NJ, Young AC, Brann MR. Identification of a family of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor genes. Science. 1987 Jul 31;237(4814):527-32. doi: 10.1126/science.3037705. Erratum In: Science 1987 Sep 25;237(4822):237.

Cannon DM, Carson RE, Nugent AC, Eckelman WC, Kiesewetter DO, Williams J, Rollis D, Drevets M, Gandhi S, Solorio G, Drevets WC. Reduced muscarinic type 2 receptor binding in subjects with bipolar disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Jul;63(7):741-7. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.63.7.741. Erratum In: Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Nov;63(11):1208.

Cannon DM, Klaver JK, Gandhi SK, Solorio G, Peck SA, Erickson K, Akula N, Savitz J, Eckelman WC, Furey ML, Sahakian BJ, McMahon FJ, Drevets WC. Genetic variation in cholinergic muscarinic-2 receptor gene modulates M2 receptor binding in vivo and accounts for reduced binding in bipolar disorder. Mol Psychiatry. 2011 Apr;16(4):407-18. doi: 10.1038/mp.2010.24. Epub 2010 Mar 30.

Davis CE, Applegate WB, Gordon DJ, Curtis RC, McCormick M. An empirical evaluation of the placebo run-in. Control Clin Trials. 1995 Feb;16(1):41-50. doi: 10.1016/0197-2456(94)00027-z.

Davis KL, Berger PA, Hollister LE, Defraites E. Physostigmine in mania. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1978 Jan;35(1):119-22. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1978.01770250121012.

Drevets WC, Furey ML. Replication of scopolamine's antidepressant efficacy in major depressive disorder: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Biol Psychiatry. 2010 Mar 1;67(5):432-8. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.11.021. Epub 2010 Jan 15.

Dwyer JM, Lepack AE, Duman RS. mTOR activation is required for the antidepressant effects of mGluR(2)/(3) blockade. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2012 May;15(4):429-34. doi: 10.1017/S1461145711001702. Epub 2011 Nov 24.

Ellis JS, Zarate CA Jr, Luckenbaugh DA, Furey ML. Antidepressant treatment history as a predictor of response to scopolamine: clinical implications. J Affect Disord. 2014 Jun;162:39-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.03.010. Epub 2014 Mar 26.

Ferrari AJ, Stockings E, Khoo JP, Erskine HE, Degenhardt L, Vos T, Whiteford HA. The prevalence and burden of bipolar disorder: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Bipolar Disord. 2016 Aug;18(5):440-50. doi: 10.1111/bdi.12423.

Fournier JC, DeRubeis RJ, Hollon SD, Dimidjian S, Amsterdam JD, Shelton RC, Fawcett J. Antidepressant drug effects and depression severity: a patient-level meta-analysis. JAMA. 2010 Jan 6;303(1):47-53. doi: 10.1001/jama.2009.1943.

Furey ML, Drevets WC. Antidepressant efficacy of the antimuscarinic drug scopolamine: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006 Oct;63(10):1121-9. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.63.10.1121.

Furey ML, Nugent AC, Speer AM, Luckenbaugh DA, Hoffman EM, Frankel E, Drevets WC, Zarate CA Jr. Baseline mood-state measures as predictors of antidepressant response to scopolamine. Psychiatry Res. 2012 Mar 30;196(1):62-7. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.01.003. Epub 2012 Feb 18.

Furey ML, Drevets WC, Hoffman EM, Frankel E, Speer AM, Zarate CA Jr. Potential of pretreatment neural activity in the visual cortex during emotional processing to predict treatment response to scopolamine in major depressive disorder. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013 Mar;70(3):280-90. doi: 10.1001/2013.jamapsychiatry.60.

GERSHON S, SHAW FH. Psychiatric sequelae of chronic exposure to organophosphorus insecticides. Lancet. 1961 Jun 24;1(7191):1371-4. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(61)92004-9. No abstract available.

Gillin JC, Sutton L, Ruiz C, Darko D, Golshan S, Risch SC, Janowsky D. The effects of scopolamine on sleep and mood in depressed patients with a history of alcoholism and a normal comparison group. Biol Psychiatry. 1991 Jul 15;30(2):157-69. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(91)90170-q.

Janowsky DS, el-Yousef MK, Davis JM, Hubbard B, Sekerke HJ. Cholinergic reversal of manic symptoms. Lancet. 1972 Jun 3;1(7762):1236-7. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(72)90956-7. No abstract available.

Janowsky DS. Serendipity strikes again: scopolamine as an antidepressant agent in bipolar depressed patients. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2011 Dec;13(6):443-5. doi: 10.1007/s11920-011-0239-6.

Kroon JS, Wohlfarth TD, Dieleman J, Sutterland AL, Storosum JG, Denys D, de Haan L, Sturkenboom MC. Incidence rates and risk factors of bipolar disorder in the general population: a population-based cohort study. Bipolar Disord. 2013 May;15(3):306-13. doi: 10.1111/bdi.12058. Epub 2013 Mar 27.

Insel TR, Wang PS. The STAR*D trial: revealing the need for better treatments. Psychiatr Serv. 2009 Nov;60(11):1466-7. doi: 10.1176/ps.2009.60.11.1466.

Khajavi D, Farokhnia M, Modabbernia A, Ashrafi M, Abbasi SH, Tabrizi M, Akhondzadeh S. Oral scopolamine augmentation in moderate to severe major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012 Nov;73(11):1428-33. doi: 10.4088/JCP.12m07706. Epub 2012 Oct 16.

Newhouse PA, Sunderland T, Tariot PN, Weingartner H, Thompson K, Mellow AM, Cohen RM, Murphy DL. The effects of acute scopolamine in geriatric depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1988 Oct;45(10):906-12. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1988.01800340028004.

Poland RE, Tondo L, Rubin RT, Trelease RB, Lesser IM. Differential effects of scopolamine on nocturnal cortisol secretion, sleep architecture, and REM latency in normal volunteers: relation to sleep and cortisol abnormalities in depression. Biol Psychiatry. 1989 Feb 15;25(4):403-12. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(89)90193-5.

Popa D, El Yacoubi M, Vaugeois JM, Hamon M, Adrien J. Homeostatic regulation of sleep in a genetic model of depression in the mouse: effects of muscarinic and 5-HT1A receptor activation. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006 Aug;31(8):1637-46. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300948. Epub 2005 Nov 9.

Porter AC, Bymaster FP, DeLapp NW, Yamada M, Wess J, Hamilton SE, Nathanson NM, Felder CC. M1 muscarinic receptor signaling in mouse hippocampus and cortex. Brain Res. 2002 Jul 19;944(1-2):82-9. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)02721-x.

ROWNTREE DW, NEVIN S, WILSON A. The effects of diisopropylfluorophosphonate in schizophrenia and manic depressive psychosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1950 Feb;13(1):47-62. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.13.1.47. No abstract available.

Yildiz A, Vieta E, Leucht S, Baldessarini RJ. Efficacy of antimanic treatments: meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011 Jan;36(2):375-89. doi: 10.1038/npp.2010.192. Epub 2010 Oct 27.

Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):

Miravalles C, Kane R, McMahon E, McDonald C, Cannon DM, Hallahan B. Efficacy and safety of scopolamine compared to placebo in individuals with bipolar disorder who are experiencing a depressive episode (SCOPE-BD): study protocol for a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Trials. 2022 Apr 23;23(1):339. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06270-4.

• Responsible Party: Dr. Brian Hallahan, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04211961
• Other Study ID Numbers: NUIG-2017-002; 2017-003112-39 ( EudraCT Number )
• First Posted: December 26, 2019
• Last Update Posted: January 26, 2024
• Last Verified: January 2024

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product: No
• Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.: No

Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Scopolamine; Butylscopolammonium Bromide; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Bipolar Disorder; Behavioral Symptoms; Mood Disorders; Mental Disorders; Bipolar and Related Disorders; Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Antiemetics; Autonomic Agents; Peripheral Nervous System Agents; Physiological Effects of Drugs; Gastrointestinal Agents; Mydriatics; Cholinergic Antagonists; Cholinergic Agents; Neurotransmitter Agents; Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action; Muscarinic Antagonists; Parasympatholytics