Etelcalcetide for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a treatment called etelcalcetide for children with secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much hormone, who also have chronic kidney disease and are on hemodialysis. The goal is to determine if etelcalcetide can manage this condition more effectively than current treatments. Participants will receive either etelcalcetide in addition to their usual care or just their usual care. Children who have been on hemodialysis, have a specific hormone level due to their condition, and do not have other complex heart or cancer issues might be suitable candidates. 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 protocol requires that any over-the-counter or prescription medications not established for renal disease be reviewed by the Principal Investigator and Amgen Medical Monitor. Some medications, like cinacalcet and etelcalcetide, must be stopped before joining the trial. Herbal medicines, vitamins, and supplements also need review and approval.
Is there any evidence suggesting that etelcalcetide is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that etelcalcetide is generally safe and well-tolerated for people with secondary hyperparathyroidism. This condition arises when the parathyroid glands in the neck produce too much hormone due to low calcium levels, often because of kidney disease. In past studies, patients taking etelcalcetide did not encounter any new safety issues over a year of treatment, indicating that the treatment remains stable and manageable over time.
Some reports linked the drug to bleeding in the digestive tract, but these instances were uncommon. Overall, most patients managed the treatment well. The FDA has already approved the drug for treating similar conditions in adults, which provides some confidence in its safety. However, like any medication, side effects can occur, so participants should discuss potential risks with their doctors.1234Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Etelcalcetide is unique because it offers a new approach to treating secondary hyperparathyroidism by acting as a calcimimetic. While most standard treatments focus on managing calcium and phosphate levels through dietary changes, vitamin D supplements, or phosphate binders, etelcalcetide directly targets the calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid glands, helping to reduce parathyroid hormone levels more effectively. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it can be administered intravenously, potentially providing more consistent results and improved patient compliance compared to oral medications.
What evidence suggests that etelcalcetide might be an effective treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Research has shown that etelcalcetide, which participants in this trial may receive, effectively treats secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This treatment significantly lowers parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, crucial because high PTH can cause bone and mineral problems. One study found that about one-third of patients experienced a drop in PTH levels by week 4, with this number nearly doubling by week 8. Another study confirmed that the benefits of etelcalcetide last for a year without new safety concerns. Overall, etelcalcetide effectively manages the main issues related to this condition.12456
Who Is on the Research Team?
MD
Principal Investigator
Amgen
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children under 18 with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), who are on hemodialysis. They must weigh at least 7 kg, have specific levels of parathyroid hormone and calcium, and not be due to vitamin D deficiency. Kids can't join if they've had certain cancers, used etelcalcetide recently, or are taking conflicting medications.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive etelcalcetide in addition to standard of care or standard of care alone for up to 30 weeks
Efficacy Assessment Phase (EAP)
Assessment of efficacy with a focus on iPTH reduction during weeks 20 through 27
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Etelcalcetide
Etelcalcetide is already approved in European Union, United States, Japan for the following indications:
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Amgen
Lead Sponsor
Robert A. Bradway
Amgen
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
MBA from Harvard Business School
Paul Burton
Amgen
Chief Medical Officer since 2023
MD from University of London, PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Imperial College London