NCT06823752 A Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist to Reduce Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration in Adults With Insomnia.
| NCT ID | NCT06823752 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | Phase 2 |
| Sponsor | Woolcock Institute of Medical Research |
| Condition | Insomnia |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 20 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-05-13 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-04 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
In Phase 2, researchers evaluate early signs of effectiveness. You may be randomized to receive the active treatment or a comparator. Monitoring continues closely.
This trial targets 20 participants in total. It began in 2025-05-13 with a primary completion date of 2026-04.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to explore the potential neuroprotective benefits of a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) in adults with insomnia. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the DORA reduce blood-based phosphorylated TAU181, in adults with insomnia, when compared to placebo * Does the DORA reduce other blood-based biomarkers of neurodegeneration, including phosphorylated TAU217, amyloid beta 40:42 ratio, Neurofilament Light Chain (NFL) and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), when compared to placebo. Participants will: * Take 10mg Lemborexant nightly for two weeks * Take a matching placebo nightly for two weeks * Visit the research institute for a screening visit and for an overnight visit at the conclusion of each study drug treatment (3 visits in total).
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of insomnia disorder as defined by the DSM-5 (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or waking up too early for at least 3 nights per week, for at least 3 months, with adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep and at least one daytime impairment related to the sleep difficulty) and a score ≥15 on the ISI. * Able to provide informed electronic consent. * Fluent English literacy. * Adults aged between 40-65 years. Exclusion Criteria: * People highly dependent on medical care as determined by a medical officer. * Untreated moderate-severe sleep apnoea as diagnosed using in-home wrist oximetry (oxygen desaturation index\>15, ongoing effectively treated sleep apnoea with insomnia will be allowed). * Circadian disorders, narcolepsy, severe restless legs syndrome, and REM sleep behaviour disorder or uncontrolled psychiatric disorders. * History of attempted suicide or current suicide ideation (indicated by a score \>0 on Q9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) at pre-screening. * Objective cognitive decline measured by scoring ≤26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) * Regular shift work, jet lag or trans-meridian travel (over 2h time difference) in the past week before randomisation. * Pregnancy or lactation. Women will be advised to use contraception for the duration of the study and a urine pregnancy test will be performed when necessary. * Any other condition that would, in the Investigator's judgment, contraindicate the patient's participation in the clinical trial due to safety concerns or compliance with clinical study procedures. * Currently participating in or has participated in a research study of an investigational agent or device within 4 weeks of enrolment. * Concomitant use of medicines that are inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem, fluvoxamine, fluconazole, itraconazole, verapamil), or moderate to strong inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., carbamazepine, modafinil, phenytoin, rifampicin, St John's Wort) * Ongoing use of anti-psychotic medication, bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil, rifampin, carbamazepine or illicit stimulants. * Regular use of hypnotics (including melatonin, valerian, kava, benzodiazepines and Z-drugs), and other medications that can cause additive sedation (e.g. sedating antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics) within 14 days or 4-5 half-lives (whichever is longer) of starting the clinical trial. * Regular use of psychostimulants (e.g., dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate) or non-amphetamine psychostimulants (e.g., armodafinil, modafinil, atomoxetine) within 14 days or 4-5 half-lives (whichever is longer) of starting the clinical trial. * Use of antidepressant medications for treatment of low mood for less than one year or dose changes (escalation or tapering) or change in antidepressant medications within the past year. * Regular use opioids within 14 days or 4-5 half-lives (whichever is longer) of starting the clinical trial. * Ongoing use of THC- or CBD-containing products within 14 days prior to the start of the trial. * Dependence or any other drug or alcohol dependence within the past two years (alcohol to be limited to no more than 2 standard drinks per day during trial period). * Allergy to lactose.
Contact & Investigator
Camilla Hoyos, MPH, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06823752 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 40 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Insomnia. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
What phase is the NCT06823752 trial and what does that mean for participants?
Phase 2 trials evaluate whether the treatment shows signs of effectiveness while continuing to monitor safety. More participants are enrolled than in Phase 1 to help refine the treatment protocol.
Is NCT06823752 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06823752 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at camilla.hoyos@mq.edu.au for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06823752 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Macquarie Park, Australia.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06823752 clinical trial?
NCT06823752 is sponsored by Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. The principal investigator is Camilla Hoyos, MPH, PhD at Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. The trial plans to enroll 20 participants.
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