Evaluating Rapamycin for Drug Resistant Epilepsy in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Rapamycin in Drug Resistant Epilepsy Associated With TSC

Phase 3 Interventional Children's Memorial Health Institute, Poland · NCT05534672

This study is testing if rapamycin can help people with drug-resistant epilepsy due to tuberous sclerosis complex feel better compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages3 Months to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Memorial Health Institute, Poland Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Lodz and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05534672 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of rapamycin compared to a placebo in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that includes three phases: screening, dose adjustment, and a core blinded phase, followed by an open-label observation. Eligible participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either rapamycin or placebo, with stratification based on age, sex, and prior antiepileptic drug use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 3 months to 50 years with a confirmed diagnosis of TSC and experiencing drug-resistant epilepsy.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of treatment with mTOR inhibitors or those with other significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy associated with TSC.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of TSC-related epilepsy, previous studies have shown promise in using rapamycin for other conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* male or female aged from 3 months up to 50 years at the day of randomization
* patients/parents/caregivers are willing to and able to give informed consent form for the participation in the study
* patients/parents/caregivers are willing to and able to comply with all study requirements
* definite diagnosis of TSC according to the Consensus criteria (Northrup, 2013)
* drug-resistant epilepsy associated with TSC with at least 8 seizures during 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of treatment with mTOR inhibitor in the three months prior to screening,
* history of pseudo-epileptic seizures,
* history of progressive CNS disease other than TSC
* recent surgery within 2 weeks prior to the screening
* severe infection within 2 weeks prior to the screening
* use of the cannabis derivatives
* contraindications for MRI or general anesthesia
* occurrence of the serious comorbidities which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put a patient at significant risk associated with the participation in the study or may influence the results of the study the investigator
* pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Lodz and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tuberous Sclerosis Complextuberous sclerosis complex, epilepsy, rapamycin, drug resistant epilepsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.