MEM-MD-68:A Double-Blind Study of Memantine in Pediatric Patients

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Randomized Withdrawal Study of the Safety and Efficacy Of Memantine In Pediatric Patients With Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) Previously Treated With Memantine

  • IRAS ID

    107658

  • Contact name

    Paul Gringras

  • Sponsor organisation

    Forest Research Institute, Inc.

  • Eudract number

    2012-001568-31

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    NCT01592747

  • Research summary

    This international phase-2, double-blind placebo-controlled randomised withdrawal study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of memantine therapy compared with placebo in paediatric patients with autism, Asperger??s Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) previously treated with memantine in the MEM-MD-91 study.Autism, Asperger??s Disorder, and PDD-NOS are classifications of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) within the pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). All three of these disorders are characterised by impairments in social interactions but have varied degrees of other symptoms. Memantine is a moderate-affinity, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. Studies have suggested clinical improvement in social interactions and communication and a beneficial effect in children with ASD and autism treated with memantine. There are currently no medications specifically approved for the treatment of any of the core domains of autism. Results from studies support the hypothesis that memantine is a valid therapeutic candidate to treat the core symptoms of autism and could also potentially benefit patients with Asperger??s Disorder and PDD-NOS. Approximately 96 patients aged 6-12 years will take part in this study and will be in the study for up to 12 weeks.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 3

  • REC reference

    12/WA/0202

  • Date of REC Opinion

    14 Nov 2012

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion