The phase IIB study is recruiting 225-250 patients from Sweden, UK, Germany and Poland, to trial Sepranolone in PMDD. It’s an endogenous compound, naturally occurring in the brain, which inhibits the effects of allopregnanolone, the steroid which triggers PMDD, the most acute, debilitating form of PMS. Symptoms, including mood swings, extreme irritability, anxiety, depression, and especially aggression can disrupt lives, relationships and careers.
The study opened April 11th, with applicants carrying out online questionnaires to ensure a diagnosis of PMDD. On April 20th the first patients entered clinics to begin in-patient screening. Their first task will be keeping diaries of their menstrual cycles, and the severity and frequency of their symptoms. The first administered therapies are expected to take place in June.
“These tests are critical,” says Peter Nordkild. “In Phase IIB patients administer the treatment themselves, at home, for up to two weeks every month, exactly as they will when the therapy reaches the market. This first diary-keeping stage is crucial and empowering. Many people suffer the debilitating symptoms of PMDD but don’t seek medical treatment because they think ‘this is just very severe PMS, and there is no treatment’. Well, we’re moving that treatment forward all the time. Sepranolone delivered some 80% symptom relief In Phase IIA clinical trials, and we’re confident it can treat PMDD—and help millions of women take back control of their lives.”
If you want more information on the study go here.