Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 3 Interventional Ages 4 and up

N-acetyl-L-leucine for Niemann-Pick type C

Official title: Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Leucine on Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC): A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Crossover Study

Run by IntraBio Inc · NCT05163288 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial tests whether N-acetyl-L-leucine helps people aged 4 and older with Niemann-Pick type C by comparing the medicine to a placebo in a randomized, double-blind crossover design.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages4 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment53 (estimated)
SponsorIntraBio Inc
Industry-sponsored
Locations14 sites (Rochester, Minnesota and 13 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 30, 2022
Main results expectedJune 12, 2030
Study endsDecember 2030
Registry record updatedApril 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT05163288 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are males or females aged 4 years or older with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Niemann-Pick type C who can comply with study visits and contraceptive requirements for females of childbearing potential.

Probably not a fit

Patients under age 4, those without genetic confirmation of NPC, or individuals with advanced comorbid conditions that preclude participation may not receive benefit from this intervention or be eligible.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a multinational, Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial comparing N-acetyl-L-leucine (IB1001) to placebo in patients with genetically confirmed Niemann-Pick type C aged 4 years and older. After a roughly two-week baseline, participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either IB1001 or placebo for about 12 weeks (Period I), then cross over to the opposite treatment for about 12 weeks (Period II), with two assessments per period. The trial measures safety, tolerability, and efficacy outcomes during the parent randomized phase and offers an optional open-label extension that can provide up to three years of treatment access. Sites include major centers in the United States, Australia, and the Czech Republic.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide an oral therapy that improves neurological symptoms and daily function for people with NPC.

How similar studies have gone: Smaller open-label and observational reports have suggested symptomatic benefit from N-acetyl-L-leucine in NPC and related ataxias, but randomized, placebo-controlled evidence has been limited until this Phase 3 effort.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Written informed consent signed by the patient and/or their legal representative/ parent/ impartial witness
2. Male or female aged ≥4 years with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of NPC at the time of signing informed consent.
3. Females of childbearing potential, defined as a premenopausal female capable of becoming pregnant, will be included if they are either sexually inactive (sexually abstinent for 14 days prior to the first dose and confirm to continue through 28 days after the last dose) or using one of the following highly effective contraceptives (i.e. results in \<1% failure rate when used consistently and correctly) 14 days prior to the first dose continuing through 28 days after the last dose:

   1. intrauterine device (IUD);
   2. surgical sterilization of the partner (vasectomy for 6 months minimum);
   3. combined (estrogen or progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with the inhibition of ovulation (either oral, intravaginal, or transdermal);
   4. progestogen only hormonal contraception associated with the inhibition of ovulation (either oral, injectable, or implantable);
   5. intrauterine hormone releasing system (IUS);
   6. bilateral tubal occlusion.
4. Females of non-childbearing potential who have undergone one of the following sterilization procedures at least 6 months prior to the first dose:

   1. hysteroscopic sterilization;
   2. bilateral tubal ligation or bilateral salpingectomy;
   3. hysterectomy;
   4. bilateral oophorectomy; OR be postmenopausal with amenorrhea for at least 1 year prior to the first dose and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) serum levels consistent with postmenopausal status. FSH analysis for postmenopausal women will be done at screening. FSH levels should be in the postmenopausal range as determined by the central laboratory.
5. Non-vasectomized male patient agrees to use a condom with spermicide or abstain from sexual intercourse during the study until 90 days beyond the last dose of study medication and the female partner agrees to comply with inclusion criteria 3 or 4.

   For a vasectomized male who has had his vasectomy 6 months or more prior to study start, it is required that they use a condom during sexual intercourse. A male who has been vasectomized less than 6 months prior to study start must follow the same restrictions as a non-vasectomized male.
6. If male, patient agrees not to donate sperm from the first dose until 90 days after their last dose.
7. Patients must fall within:

   a) A SARA score of 7 ≤ X ≤ 34 points (out of 40) AND b) Either: i. Within the 2-7 range (0-8 range) of the Gait subtest of the SARA scale OR ii. Be able to perform the 9-Hole Peg Test with Dominant Hand (9HPT-D) (SCAFI subtest) in 20 ≤ X ≤150 seconds.
8. Weight ≥15 kg at screening.
9. Patients are willing to disclose their existing medications/therapies for (the symptoms) of NPC including those on the prohibited medication list. Non-prohibited medications/therapies (authorized medicines for NPC \[e.g. miglustat\], speech therapy, and physiotherapy) are permitted provided:

   1. The Investigator does not believe the medication/therapy will interfere with the study protocol/results
   2. Patients have been on a stable dose/duration and type of therapy for at least 42 days before Visit 1 (Baseline 1)
   3. Patients are willing to maintain a stable dose/do not change their therapy throughout the duration of the study.
10. An understanding of the implications of study participation, provided in the written patient information and informed consent by patients or their legal representative/parent, and demonstrates a willingness to comply with instructions and attend required study visits (for children this criterion will also be assessed in parents or appointed guardians).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are unable to consistently Patients who have any known hypersensitivity or history of hypersensitivity to:

   1. Acetyl-Leucine (DL-, L-, D-) or derivatives.
   2. Excipients the IB1001 sachet (namely isomalt, hypromellose, and strawberry flavour).
   3. Excipients the placebo sachet (namely isomalt, hypromellose, strawberry flavour, citric acid, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, denatonium benzoate).
2. Simultaneous participation in another clinical study or participation in any clinical study involving administration of an investigational medicinal product (IMP; 'study drug') for at least 42 days prior to Visit 1. At the discretion of the investigator, Medical Monitor, and Sponsor, the washout period for specific IMPs may be longer based on the pharmacological activity and pharmacokinetics of the drug.
3. Patients with a physical, cognitive, or psychiatric condition which, at the investigator's discretion and in consultation with the Medical Monitor and Sponsor (as applicable), may put the patient at risk, may confound the study results, or may interfere with the patient's participation in the clinical study, i.e. reliably perform study assessments.
4. Known or persistent use, misuse, or dependency of medication, drugs, or alcohol.
5. Current or planned pregnancy or women who are breastfeeding.
6. Patients with severe vision or hearing impairment (that is not corrected by glasses or hearing aids) that, at the investigator's discretion, interferes with their ability to perform study assessments.
7. Patients who have been diagnosed with arthritis or other musculoskeletal disorders affecting joints, muscles, ligaments, and/or nerves that by themselves affects patient's mobility and, at the investigator's discretion, interferes with their ability to perform study assessments.
8. Patients unwilling and/or not able to undergo a 42 day period from any of the following prohibited medication prior to Visit 1 (Baseline 1) and remain without prohibited medication through Visit 6.

   1. N-Acetyl-DL-Leucine (e.g. Tanganil®);
   2. N-Acetyl-L-Leucine (prohibited if not provided as IMP in the IB1001-301 trial);
   3. Sulfasalazine;
   4. Rosuvastatin.

      \-

Where it's running

  • Amsterdam UMC
    Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Recruiting
  • Mayo Clinic
    Rochester, Minnesota, United States
    Completed
  • The Royal Melbourne Hospital
    Parkville, Victoria, Australia
    Active not recruiting
  • First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Hospital Prague
    Prague, Czechia
    Active not recruiting
  • University of Giessen
    Giessen, Germany
    Active not recruiting
  • University of Hamburg
    Hamburg, Germany
    Completed
Show 8 more locations
  • SphinCS - Institute of Clinical Science in Lysosomal Storage Disorders
    Höchheim, Germany
    Active not recruiting
  • Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
    München, Germany
    Not yet recruiting
  • University Hospital Münster
    Münster, Germany
    Active not recruiting
  • Comenius University in Bratislva
    Bratislava, Slovakia
    Active not recruiting
  • University Hospital Bern Inselspital
    Bern, Switzerland
    Active not recruiting
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital
    London, United Kingdom
    Active not recruiting
  • Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
    London, United Kingdom
    Active not recruiting
  • Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
    Manchester, United Kingdom
    Active not recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Creating a database for Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C

    This study is collecting blood samples from people with Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C to build a database that helps researchers understand the disease better and find new treatment options.

    Recruiting National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Bethesda, Maryland · NCT05588167

  • Evaluation of markers in Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C

    This study is trying to find signs in the body that show how Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C is getting worse, to help track progress and see how well new treatments might work for people with this condition.

    Recruiting National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Bethesda, Maryland · NCT00344331

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.