Using metreleptin to treat anorexia nervosa

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of metreleptin, a synthetic form of the hormone leptin, on patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. It employs a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, where 50 inpatients will receive either metreleptin or a placebo for 14 days. The primary goals are to assess improvements in mood and weight, while secondary objectives include evaluating brain connectivity and various health parameters. The study aims to provide a potential pharmacological treatment for a condition that currently lacks effective medications.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Main key inclusion criteria:

* Current diagnosis of AN according to fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) confirmed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
* BMI \> 13 kg/m2; BMI ≤ 18 kg/m2; body weight ≥ 35 kg
* Hospitalisation in the Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich
* Ability to understand German language
* Age range: 17 - 65 years
* Depressive symptoms: HAMD-17 ≥ 8
* Negative urine pregnancy test, non-lactating and double birth control
* Informed Consent as documented by signature

Main key exclusion criteria:

* Illicit drug intake within last month; current alcohol use disorder
* Severe psychiatric and/or severe somatic comorbidities; f. e. lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, inflammatory bowel disorders, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, pancreatitis, neurological disorders, cancer including lymphoma
* Acute suicidality or current serious non-suicidal self-injury

Where it's running

• Eating Disorder Unit, Clinic of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich
  Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Gabriella Milos, Prof. Dr. med.
• Email: Gabriella.Milos@usz.ch
• Phone: 0041 44 255 52 80

Similar studies

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

• Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for teens with anorexia or atypical anorexia

  This study tests a teen-focused SSCM approach to help 13-17 year-olds with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa when other treatments haven’t worked or can’t be used.

  Recruiting Karolinska Institutet · Stockholm · NCT07893145

• Identifying Signatures of Gut Interoception in Functional Dyspepsia and Anorexia Nervosa

  This study tests how the gut-brain connection works in people with functional dyspepsia or anorexia nervosa using brain imaging.

  Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07772167

• Online FBT-DBT for Caregivers of Teens with Anorexia Nervosa

  This online program tests a combination of family-based and DBT skills to help caregivers of teens with anorexia nervosa manage stress and improve family support.

  Recruiting Shanghai Mental Health Center · Shanghai · NCT07734779

• Eating Disorder Dynamic Intervention

  A digital program is tested to help adults with eating disorders by sending real-time, personalized coping tips based on smartphone surveys and sensor data.

  Recruiting Trustees of Dartmouth College · Lebanon, New Hampshire · NCT07600671

• Hormone and metabolic patterns in hypothalamus-like brain cells from people with anorexia nervosa

  This study will test whether hypothalamic-like neurons made from adult women with long-standing anorexia nervosa respond differently to metabolic hormones than neurons from healthy women.

  Recruiting University of Zurich · Zurich · NCT07580209

• Narrative medicine workshops to support teens and young adults with anorexia nervosa (virtual)

  This program tests whether a six-week series of narrative medicine workshops can help 16–25-year-olds with anorexia nervosa express themselves, reflect, and build resilience.

  Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, California · NCT07579442

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.