Clinical trial • Phase II • Neurology

Huperzine A for Focal onset seizures | Focal epilepsy

Phase II trial of Huperzine A for Focal onset seizures | Focal epilepsy.

Overview

Trial Therapeutic Area
Neurology
Trial Disease
Focal onset seizures | Focal epilepsy
Trial Stage
Phase II
Drug Modality
Small molecule

Key dates

Initial CTIS Submission Date
06-05-2025
First CTIS Authorization Date
20-10-2025

Trial design

Randomised, placebo (capsules) — matching placebo arm; no active comparator dose or schedule specified-controlled Phase II trial in Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary.

Randomised
Yes
Comparator
Placebo (capsules) — matching placebo arm; no active comparator dose or schedule specified
Single Multiple Or Escalation Dose Combined
Yes
Target Sample Size
45

Eligibility

Recruits 45 Adults only (18–70). The protocol requires participants to be able to read, understand and sign the ICF; if the participant is unable to provide informed consent a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) may complete the ICF. Caregivers may assist participants with Seizure eDiaries as needed. isVulnerablePopulationSelected: false.

Pregnancy Exclusion
2. Planning to become pregnant or impregnate partner, not using an acceptable method of birth control (defined in Inclusion Criteria #12 and #13), pregnant, and/or nursing
Vulnerable Population
Adults only (18–70). The protocol requires participants to be able to read, understand and sign the ICF; if the participant is unable to provide informed consent a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) may complete the ICF. Caregivers may assist participants with Seizure eDiaries as needed. isVulnerablePopulationSelected: false

Inclusion criteria

  • {"criterion_text":"- 1. Diagnosis of treatment-resistant focal epilepsy as adjudicated by the Epilepsy Study Consortium, Inc (ESCI)\n- 2. Failed to achieve sustained seizure freedom after ≥2 tolerated, appropriately chosen, and adequately dosed ASM drug schedules\n- 3. Adults aged 18 to ≤ 70 years at screening\n- 4. Able to read, understand, and sign the Informed Consent Form (ICF). If the participant is unable to provide informed consent, a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) may complete the ICF\n- 5. Able to keep accurate Seizure eDiaries (with the aid of a caregiver as needed)\n- 6. Has a body mass index (BMI) between 18.0 and 40.0 kg/m2\n- 7. Able to swallow capsules whole without crushing, chewing, or cutting\n- 8. Willing to adhere to all study procedures (including patient-reported outcomes and cognitive assessments) and able to attend study visits within the specified time windows\n- 9. Treatment with a stable dose of 1 to 4 current ASMs for ≥28 days prior to screening. If following a diet plan along with the ASM, the participant should have been on a stable diet plan for at least 1 month prior to Visit 1. The diet plan should be maintained throughout the duration of the study\n- 10. At least 4 clinically observable focal onset seizures accepted by the ESCI prior to the first dose of SM (during the days of baseline Seizure eDiary data collection) and no more than a consecutive 21-day period that was seizure free. To be eligible for the study, participants must comply with the eDiary on at least 90% of the days of baseline data collection\n- 11. Good general health in the judgment of the Investigator based upon medical history, physical exam, standard 12-lead ECG, vital signs, and clinical laboratory evaluations obtained during the Screening Period\n- 12. Nonpregnant females of childbearing potential (FOCP): •\twho are exclusively in a same-sex relationship are eligible to participate without any contraception; •\tif sexually active with a male partner who is biologically capable of having children, must agree to use one of the following acceptable birth control methods after signing the ICF, throughout the study, and for 30 days following the last dose of SM; o\tsimultaneous use of male condom and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) placed at least 4 weeks prior to first dose of SM; o\tsimultaneous use of male condom and diaphragm with or without spermicide; o\tsimultaneous use of male condom with or without spermicide; or o\testablished hormonal contraceptive (started at least 4 weeks prior to first dose of SM). Females are considered not to be of childbearing potential if they are either postmenopausal (amenorrhea for at least 2 years and serum follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] level >40 IU/L) or permanently sterilized (eg, bilateral tubal ligation, bilateral oophorectomy, etc.) for 6 months minimum prior to screening. All FOCP must have a negative serum pregnancy test result before administration of SM.\n- 13. Male participants: •\twho have been surgically sterilized (6 months minimum) prior to the screening visit are eligible to participate without any contraception; •\twho are biologically capable of having children and have female partners of childbearing potential must use one or more methods of contraception as stated in Inclusion Criterion #12 (IC #12) which must be used from the time of signing the ICF until 90 days after the last dose of SM. All male participants must refrain from donating any sperm from the date of first administration of SM until 90 days after the last dose of SM."}

Exclusion criteria

  • {"criterion_text":"- 1.\tHas taken huperzine A within the past 6 months\n- 2.\tPlanning to become pregnant or impregnate partner, not using an acceptable method of birth control (defined in Inclusion Criteria #12 and #13), pregnant, and/or nursing\n- 3.\tPrior diagnosis of combined focal and generalized epilepsy syndrome as evidenced by severe developmental delay and multiple seizure types and confirmed by electroencephalography (EEG) (eg, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). Participants should also be excluded in case of nondiagnostic information\n- 4.\tHistory of or current nonepileptic events that could be confused by the participant and/or study staff as epileptic seizures\n- 5.\tOnly has seizures that are difficult to count; for example, seizures that are not clinically observable\n- 6.\tHistory of uncountable seizures, such as seizures that happen in a cluster that are too rapid to be counted individually\n- 7.\tHistory of status epilepticus within 6 months prior to screening\n- 8.\tChange in ASM regimen within 28 days prior to screening. No changes in ASMs are allowed throughout the study (Visit 1 through EOS or ET)\n- 9.\tVagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, responsive neurostimulator system, or other neurostimulation for epilepsy device implanted or activated within 1 year prior to screening; or epilepsy surgery within 1 year prior to screening. Stimulation parameters for devices must have been stable for at least 3 months prior to Screening. Battery change for any epilepsy devices will be allowed; however, stimulation parameters must remain stable during the duration of the study\n- 10.\tAny suicidal behavior or suicidal ideation related to item 4 (active suicidal ideation with some intent to act, without specific plan) or item 5 (active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent) based on the C-SSRS assessment in the 1 year before screening; a suicide attempt in the last 2 years before screening; or more than 1 lifetime suicide attempt\n- 11.\tAny condition that may impact the ability of a participant to follow study procedures or the safety of a participant based on what is known about the pharmacology/toxicology profile of SPN-817\n- 12.\tPre-existing medical condition (including an existing progressive or degenerative neurological disorder including brain tumor, active encephalitis, active meningitis, or abscess) or medications that, in the opinion of the Investigator, could interfere with the suitability of the participant for involvement in the study\n- 13.\tHistory of or evidence of current significant psychiatric disturbance (eg, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or bipolar disorder) that would preclude meaningful participation in the study\n- 14.\tHistory within the past 6 months or evidence of current alcohol and/or substance use disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)\n- 15.\tHas a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (per DSM-5) within 6 months before Screening and has a positive urine drug screen (UDS) for cannabis at Screening. a.\tAt the discretion of the Sponsor, recreational use of cannabis (3 times a week) is allowed and should be kept consistent during the study. Participants must agree to refrain from are using cannabis 48 hours prior to the study visits. b.\tCannabis (including cannabidiol [CBD] products) prescribed for a medical condition or used as an ASM is allowed if taken at a stable regimen for at least 28 days prior to Screening. Newly prescribed cannabis treatment and/or a change to the existing regimen is prohibited. When applicable, participants should show proof of their prescription for medical cannabis.\n- 16.\tPositive UDS at Screening. Participants who test positive for specific medications (benzodiazepines, amphetamines, etc.) must show proof of the prescription and should not be excluded due to a positive UDS\n- 17.\tClinical laboratory abnormalities within 2 months prior to screening considered of clinical significance by the Investigator\n- 18.\tPositive result for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, or hepatitis C (HCV) at screening unless: •\tHIV positive: subjects must have a HIV Confirmation Test. If the confirmatory test is positive, the subject is eligible if on chronic suppressive antiviral medication with an undetectable viral load; •\tHBsAg positive: subjects should be tested for Hep B core antibodies to detect acute or chronic infection (ineligible). Subjects whose results indicate immunity (either by natural infection or vaccination) with no active infection are eligible; and/or •\tHCV positive: subjects must have undetectable HCV RNA to be eligible.\n- 19.\tChronic concomitant therapy with non-ASMs that are cholinergic or anticholinergic. Eligibility for participants who are taking anticholinergic drugs on an as needed basis during the study should be discussed with the Medical Monitor (MM) and/or Sponsor\n- 20.\tCurrently taking or within the 3 days prior to first dose of SM has taken epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or consumed foods or drinks containing EGCG (including all green, white, or oolong teas and all black teas or food containing >100 grams of carob powder). The aforementioned teas/foods containing EGCG cannot be consumed at any time from 3 days before the first dose of SM through the last dose of SM. Herbal teas without EGCG may be consumed during the study\n- 21.\tParticipation in any clinical investigational drug or device study within 4 weeks or 5 half-lives of the clinical investigational drug, whichever is longer, prior to Visit 1\n- 22.\tClinically significant cardiologic abnormalities at screening, including history of congenital prolonged QT syndrome and congestive heart failure; Abnormal ECG that is, in the opinion of the Investigator, clinically significant including: a.\tQT corrected for HR using Fridericia’s method (QTcF) >450 ms for males and >470 ms for females; b.\tSecond or third-degree atrioventricular block; or c.\tAny rhythm, other than sinus rhythm, that is interpreted by the Investigator to be clinically significant. One repeat ECG assessment is allowed per Investigator discretion.\n- 23.\tHas abnormal renal function as demonstrated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min according to the eGFR Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation at screening\n- 24.\tClinically significant vital sign abnormalities per Investigator discretion at screening\n- 25.\tHas known hypersensitivity (eg, anaphylaxis) to ondansetron or any of the components of the formulation, or receiving concomitant apomorphine\n- 26.\tHistory of >2 allergic reactions to an ASM or 1 serious hypersensitivity reaction to an ASM\n- 27.\tDonation of 50 to 499 mL of blood within 30 days prior to screening or >499 mL within 56 days prior to screening. Following screening and throughout the study (Visit 1 to EOS), participants should not donate blood; or\n- 28.\tAny other reason which, in the opinion of the Investigator, would prevent the participant from taking part in the study."}

Endpoints

Primary endpoints

  • {"endpoint_text":"- Percent change (PCH) from baseline in focal onset seizure frequency per 28 days over the Maintenance Period","definition_or_measurement_approach":"Percent change from baseline in focal onset seizure frequency per 28 days during the Maintenance Period; seizure counts derived from participant Seizure eDiary data (baseline eDiary collection required)."}

Secondary endpoints

  • {"endpoint_text":"- 1. 50% responder rate over the Maintenance Period","definition_or_measurement_approach":""}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- 2. PCH from baseline in focal onset seizure frequency per 28 days over the entire Treatment Period (ie, Titration/Optimization + Maintenance Period)","definition_or_measurement_approach":""}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- 3. 50% responder rate over the entire Treatment Period","definition_or_measurement_approach":""}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- 4A • Longest seizure-free interval over the entire Treatment Period • 30% and 75% responder rate over the entire Treatment Period and the Maintenance Period • Seizure-free rate over the Maintenance Period • Percentage of seizure-free days per 28 days over the Maintenance Period and the entire Treatment Period • Clinical Global Impression–Change (CGI-C) score at scheduled visits","definition_or_measurement_approach":""}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- 4B • Change from baseline (CFB) in Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) score at scheduled visits • Patient Global Impression-Change (PGI-C) score at scheduled visits • CFB in Patient Global Impression-Severity (PGI-S) score at scheduled visits","definition_or_measurement_approach":""}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- 4C • CFB in the Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE31P; version 2.0) questionnaire score at scheduled visits • CFB in the Seizure Related Impact Assessment Scale (SERIAS) score at scheduled visits • Incidence of adverse events (AEs) over the entire study","definition_or_measurement_approach":""}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- 4D • CFB in clinical laboratory test results at scheduled visits • CFB in vital signs measurements at scheduled visits • CFB in 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) findings at scheduled visits","definition_or_measurement_approach":""}
  • {"endpoint_text":"- 4E • Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) scores at scheduled visits • Plasma concentrations of huperzine A • PK parameters by population PK analysis of huperzine A","definition_or_measurement_approach":"C-SSRS scores collected at scheduled visits; plasma concentrations measured for huperzine A; PK parameters derived via population PK analysis."}

Recruitment

Registry Or Advocacy Recruitment
True, Epilepsy Study Consortium Inc.
Digital Remote Recruitment
True, methods include online postings and Facebook Ads (country-specific materials exist in Polish, Bulgarian and Hungarian); eDiary used for baseline seizure data collection (remote patient-reported seizure recording).
Planned Sample Size
45
Recruitment Window Months
13
Consent Approach
Participant informed consent obtained using Subject Information and ICF documents; materials available in Polish, Bulgarian and Hungarian (multiple L1/L2 documents per country). If a participant is unable to provide informed consent, a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) may complete the ICF. Caregiver-specific ICF documents are available and caregivers may assist participants (eg, with Seizure eDiaries).

Methods

  • Online postings (K2_*_Recruitment Material_Online Postings) — digital outreach to potential participants (documents available in Polish, Bulgarian, Hungarian).
  • Facebook Ads (K2_*_Recruitment Material_Facebook Ads) — social media advertising materials for Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary.
  • Brochure and Advocacy Factsheet (K2_*_Recruitment Material_Brochure / Advocacy Factsheet) — printed/digital information for patients and advocacy groups (country-specific versions).
  • Patient Letter and ICF Flipbook (K2_*_Recruitment Material_Patient Letter / ICF Flipbook) — direct patient communication materials used at sites (country-specific).
  • Recruitment procedure documents (K1_*_Recruitment Arrangements / Procedure) — site-level recruitment processes (country-specific).

Geography

Total Number Of Sites
20
Total Number Of Participants
45

Poland

Earliest CTIS Part Ii Submission Date
12-11-2025
Latest Decision Or Authorization Date
21-11-2025
Processing Time Days
9
Number Of Sites
13
Number Of Participants
25

Sites

Site Name
Niepubliczny Zaklad Opieki Zdrowotnej Neuromed M. I M. Nastaj. sp.p.
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Marcin Nastaj
Principal Investigator Email
marcinnastaj@gmail.com
Contact Person Name
Marcin Nastaj
Contact Person Email
marcinnastaj@gmail.com
Site Name
Niepubliczny Zespół Opieki Zdrowotnej Centrum Zdrowia Sanvita
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Jacek Kowalski
Principal Investigator Email
jackowneurol@o2.pl
Contact Person Name
Jacek Kowalski
Contact Person Email
jackowneurol@o2.pl
Site Name
Pratia S.A.
Department Name
Pratia MCM Kraków
Principal Investigator Name
Elżbieta Szczygieł-Pilut
Principal Investigator Email
eszczygiel-pilut@pratia.pl
Contact Person Name
Elżbieta Szczygieł-Pilut
Contact Person Email
eszczygiel-pilut@pratia.pl
Site Name
Neurosphera Sp. z o.o.
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Beata Zwolińska
Principal Investigator Email
beata.m.zwolinska@gmail.com
Contact Person Name
Beata Zwolińska
Contact Person Email
beata.m.zwolinska@gmail.com
Site Name
Neuroprotect Sp. z o.o.
Department Name
Centrum Medyczne Neuroprotect
Principal Investigator Name
Maciej Czarnecki
Principal Investigator Email
maciej.czarnecki@neuroprotect.pl
Contact Person Name
Maciej Czarnecki
Site Name
Synexus Polska Sp. z o.o.
Department Name
Oddział w Gdyni
Principal Investigator Name
Iwo Sługocki
Principal Investigator Email
iwo.slugocki@trialmed.com
Contact Person Name
Iwo Sługocki
Contact Person Email
iwo.slugocki@trialmed.com
Site Name
Novo-Med Zielinski I Wspolnicy Sp. j.
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Tomasz Zieliński
Principal Investigator Email
tzielinski@op.pl
Contact Person Name
Tomasz Zieliński
Contact Person Email
tzielinski@op.pl
Site Name
Centrum Medyczne Plejady Magdalena Celinska Loewenhoff Michal Zolnowski sp.k.
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Marta Żołnowska
Principal Investigator Email
marta.zolnowska@gmail.com
Contact Person Name
Marta Żołnowska
Contact Person Email
marta.zolnowska@gmail.com
Site Name
Mtz Clinical Research Powered By Pratia
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Zygmunt Jamrozik
Principal Investigator Email
zjamrozik@pratia.pl
Contact Person Name
Zygmunt Jamrozik
Contact Person Email
zjamrozik@pratia.pl
Site Name
Niepubliczny Zaklad Opieki Zdrowotnej Wielospecjalistyczna Poradnia Lekarska Synapsis Lech Szczechowski
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Lech Szczechowski
Principal Investigator Email
lszczechowski@gmail.com
Contact Person Name
Lech Szczechowski
Contact Person Email
lszczechowski@gmail.com
Site Name
Krakowska Akademia Neurologii Sp. z o.o.
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Andrzej Szczudlik
Principal Investigator Email
andrzej.szczudlik@neurologia.org.pl
Contact Person Name
Andrzej Szczudlik
Site Name
Insula Badania Sp. z o.o.
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Marta Jethon
Principal Investigator Email
jethon2@tlen.pl
Contact Person Name
Marta Jethon
Contact Person Email
jethon2@tlen.pl
Site Name
Terra Centrum Leczenia
Department Name
N/D
Principal Investigator Name
Magdalena Nowowiejska-Jastrzębowska
Principal Investigator Email
m.now.jastrzebowska@terra-ct.com.pl
Contact Person Name
Magdalena Nowowiejska-Jastrzębowska

Bulgaria

Earliest CTIS Part Ii Submission Date
14-11-2025
Latest Decision Or Authorization Date
24-11-2025
Processing Time Days
10
Number Of Sites
5
Number Of Participants
15

Sites

Site Name
Mnogoprofilna Bolnitsa Za Aktivno Lechenie Puls AD
Department Name
Department for Nervous Diseases
Principal Investigator Name
Sasho Kastrev
Principal Investigator Email
kastrev@hotmail.com
Contact Person Name
Sasho Kastrev
Contact Person Email
kastrev@hotmail.com
Site Name
Alexandrovska University Hospital
Department Name
Immunoinflammatory Diseases of the Peripheral Nervous System and Epilepsy and Pediatric
Principal Investigator Name
Ivaylo Tarnev
Principal Investigator Email
itournev@emhpf.org
Contact Person Name
Ivaylo Tarnev
Contact Person Email
itournev@emhpf.org
Site Name
Multiprofile Hospital For Active Treatment In Neurology And Psychiatry St. Naum EAD
Department Name
Clinic of Nervous Diseases for Paroxysmal Conditions, Department of Epilepsy
Principal Investigator Name
Ivan Milanov
Principal Investigator Email
ubainp@yahoo.com
Contact Person Name
Ivan Milanov
Contact Person Email
ubainp@yahoo.com
Site Name
Medical Center Teodora EOOD
Department Name
Not applicable
Principal Investigator Name
Aleksandar Bosilkov
Principal Investigator Email
bosilkovsite@abv.bg
Contact Person Name
Aleksandar Bosilkov
Contact Person Email
bosilkovsite@abv.bg
Site Name
Medical Center Academica 2008 EOOD
Department Name
Not applicable
Principal Investigator Name
Plamen Tsvetanov Georgiev
Principal Investigator Email
tsvetanovmd@mail.bg
Contact Person Name
Plamen Tsvetanov Georgiev
Contact Person Email
tsvetanovmd@mail.bg

Hungary

Earliest CTIS Part Ii Submission Date
25-03-2025
Latest Decision Or Authorization Date
20-10-2025
Processing Time Days
209
Number Of Sites
2
Number Of Participants
5

Sites

Site Name
Semmelweis University
Department Name
Clinical Center, Neurosurgery and Neurointervention Clinic
Principal Investigator Name
Anna Kelemen
Principal Investigator Email
kelemenanna@hotmail.com
Contact Person Name
Anna Kelemen
Contact Person Email
kelemenanna@hotmail.com
Site Name
Flash Clinic LLC
Principal Investigator Name
Dániel Fabó
Principal Investigator Email
fabo.daniel@gmail.com
Contact Person Name
Dániel Fabó
Contact Person Email
fabo.daniel@gmail.com

Sponsor

Primary sponsor

Full Name
Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Organisation Type
Pharmaceutical company
Country Of Registered Address
United States

Contract research organisations

Name
Icon Clinical Research Limited
Name
Imperial Clinical Research Services International Limited
Responsibilities
Print services

Third parties

  • {"country":"United States","full_name":"Eresearchtechnology Inc.","duties_or_roles":"ePRO","organisation_type":"Pharmaceutical company"}
  • {"country":"United Kingdom","full_name":"Imperial Clinical Research Services International Limited","duties_or_roles":"Print services","organisation_type":"Hospital/Clinic/Other health care facility"}
  • {"country":"United States","full_name":"Clario Medical Imaging Inc.","duties_or_roles":"ePRO provider","organisation_type":"Pharmaceutical company"}
  • {"country":"United States","full_name":"Epilepsy Study Consortium Inc.","duties_or_roles":"","organisation_type":"Pharmaceutical company"}
  • {"country":"Ireland","full_name":"Icon Clinical Research Limited","duties_or_roles":"","organisation_type":"Pharmaceutical company"}
  • {"country":"Germany","full_name":"eResearchTechnology GmbH","duties_or_roles":"ePRO","organisation_type":"Pharmaceutical company"}
  • {"country":"Ireland","full_name":"Millmount Healthcare Limited","duties_or_roles":"IP packaging and shipping","organisation_type":"Pharmaceutical company"}
  • {"country":"United States","full_name":"Scout Clinical","duties_or_roles":"Patiente reimbursement process","organisation_type":"Hospital/Clinic/Other health care facility"}
  • {"country":"United States","full_name":"Merative US LP","duties_or_roles":"","organisation_type":"Hospital/Clinic/Other health care facility"}
  • {"country":"","full_name":"Clario / support (shared contacts listed)","duties_or_roles":"support@clario.com listed for multiple vendors","organisation_type":"Various"}

Investigational products

Investigational Product Name
Huperzine A (SPN-817)
Active Substance
Huperzine A
Modality
Small molecule
Routes Of Administration
Oral
Route
Oral
Dose Levels
0.25 mg | 0.50 mg | 1.00 mg
Maximum Dose
1.00 mg
Dose Escalation Increase
0.25 mg -> 0.50 mg -> 1.00 mg
Investigational Product Name
Placebo (Capsules)
Modality
Other
Combination Treatment
Yes

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