Tests benserazide in adults with beta thalassemia intermedia or sickle cell disease
Tests an oral drug to raise fetal hemoglobin in blood disease patients.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: The BENeFiTS Trial in Beta Thalassemia Intermedia
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
Where in Canada
- University Health Network and Toronto General HospitalToronto, CanadaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Phoenicia BioScience
- Trial code
- NCT04432623
- Record updated
- 15 August 2025
- Original description
Beta-thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies are serious inherited blood diseases caused by abnormal or deficiency of beta A chains of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells which delivers oxygen throughout the body.The diseases are characterized by hemolytic anemia, organ damage, and early mortality without treatment. Increases in another type of (normal) hemoglobin, fetal globin (HbF), which is normally silenced in infancy, reduces anemia and morbidity. Even incremental augmentation of fetal globin is established to reduce red blood cell pathology, anemia, certain complications, and to improve survival.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Phase 1b Sequential Open Label Dose-Ranging Study of Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Preliminary Activity of Benserazide in Subjects With Beta Thalassemia Intermedia and Sickle Cell Disease
Beta-thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies are serious inherited blood diseases caused by abnormal or deficiency of beta A chains of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells which delivers oxygen throughout the body.The diseases are characterized by hemolytic anemia, organ damage, and early mortality without treatment. Increases in another type of (normal) hemoglobin, fetal globin (HbF), which is normally silenced in infancy, reduces anemia and morbidity. Even incremental augmentation of fetal globin is established to reduce red blood cell pathology, anemia, certain complications, and to improve survival.
This trial will evaluate an oral drug discovered in a high throughput screen, which increases fetal globin protein (HbF and red blood cells expressing HbF)and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to high levels in anemic nonhuman primates and in transgenic mice. The study drug acts by suppressing 4 repressors of the fetal globin gene promoter in progenitor cells from patients. The drug has been used for 50 years in a combination product for different actions - to enhance half-life and reduce side effects of a different active drug- and is considered safe for long-term use.
This trial will first evaluate 3 dose levels in small cohorts of nontransfused patients with beta thalassemia intermedia. The most active dose will then be evaluated in larger subject groups with beta thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease.
Inclusion: Beta thalassemia intermedia (BTI) or (NTDT, Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia) with at least one documented beta thalassemia mutation, including HbE beta thalassemia or an established diagnosis of sickle cell disease; >18 years of age at time of consent; Average of 2 total hemoglobin (Hgb) levels between 6.0 and 10.0 g/dL in the preceding 6 months; Able and willing to give consent and comply with all study procedures; If female and of childbearing potential, must have a documented negative pregnancy test prior to entry and agree to use one or more locally medically accepted methods of contraception.
Exclusion: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion within 2 months prior to administration of study medication; Fever > 38.5°C in the week prior to first administration of study medication; Received other investigational systemic therapy within 30 days prior to first dose; Known current drug or alcohol abuse; Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors; Pulmonary hypertension requiring oxygen therapy; Known infection with HIV or hepatitis C (untreated); History of osteoporosis or osteomalacia with a fragility fracture; Transaminases > 3 times upper limit of institution normal (ULN); Total and direct bilirubin > 3 times institution ULN unless due solely to hemolysis; Participating in a chronic transfusion program; Use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents within 90 days of first dose; Narrow angle glaucoma; Currently pregnant or breast feeding a child; Other co-morbidity that substantially increases subject risk for the study per Investigator discretion.