Mitapivat for Thalassemia
(ENERGIZE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the effectiveness of mitapivat, a new potential drug, for individuals with anemia linked to thalassemia, a blood disorder. The study compares mitapivat to a placebo (a pill with no active medicine) to determine if it reduces the breakdown of red blood cells. It is suitable for those diagnosed with thalassemia who are not regularly receiving blood transfusions and have not had any recent transfusions. Participants will initially receive either mitapivat or a placebo for about six months, after which all participants will switch to mitapivat for up to five years. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop all current medications, but if you are taking hydroxyurea, your dose must be stable for at least 16 weeks before joining. If you are on strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors or inducers, or anabolic steroids, you must stop them for a certain period before starting the trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that mitapivat is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that mitapivat is generally safe for people. Studies have found that long-term use of mitapivat maintains a good safety record. For example, one study found that only a few patients experienced serious side effects, none of which were caused by the treatment. This suggests that mitapivat is safe at the doses being tested. In other research, patients taking mitapivat did not experience any severe side effects from the medication, which is promising for those considering joining a trial. Overall, mitapivat appears to be a safe choice based on the available evidence.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Mitapivat is unique because it targets a different mechanism than most current treatments for thalassemia, which often rely on blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Mitapivat works by activating the pyruvate kinase enzyme, which is crucial for red blood cell energy production and survival. This could potentially improve hemoglobin levels and reduce the need for transfusions. Researchers are excited because this approach could offer a more sustainable and less invasive option for managing thalassemia, addressing the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms.
What evidence suggests that mitapivat might be an effective treatment for thalassemia?
Studies have shown that mitapivat can greatly help people with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Research indicates that patients taking mitapivat experienced lasting improvements in their hemoglobin levels, crucial for oxygen transport in the blood. In this trial, participants in the mitapivat arm will receive mitapivat, which significantly reduced the need for blood transfusions compared to a placebo. Mitapivat works by activating an enzyme called pyruvate kinase, improving the health and function of red blood cells. These findings suggest that mitapivat could effectively manage NTDT.13567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Medical Affairs
Principal Investigator
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with alpha- or beta-non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) who have stable hemoglobin levels ≤10.0 g/dL and haven't had more than 5 blood transfusions in the past 24 weeks. Participants must not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain other health conditions like uncontrolled heart disease, severe kidney issues, or active infections.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Double-Blind Treatment
Participants receive either mitapivat or placebo, orally, twice daily for 24 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-Label Extension
Participants may opt into continuation of mitapivat treatment for up to 5 years
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mitapivat
- Placebo Matching Mitapivat
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lead Sponsor