A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial to explore the effects of a GABAA-α5 NAM (basmisanil) on intellectual disability associated with Down syndrome

Background: There are currently no pharmacological therapies to address the intellectual disability associated with Down syndrome. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance has been hypothesized to contribute to impairments in cognitive functioning in Down syndrome. Negative modulation of the GABA(A)-alpha 5 receptor is proposed as a mechanism to attenuate GABAergic function and restore the excitatory/inhibitory balance. Methods: Basmisanil, a selective GABA(A)-alpha 5 negative allosteric modulator, was evaluated at 120 mg or 240 mg BID (80 or 160 mg for 12-13 years) in a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial (Clematis) for efficacy and safety in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. The primary endpoint was based on a composite analysis of working memory (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Scale [RBANS]) and independent functioning and adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales [VABS-II] or the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement [CGI-I]). Secondary measures included the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Preschool (BRIEF-P), Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-4), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QL). EEG was conducted for safety monitoring and quantitatively analyzed in adolescents. Results: Basmisanil was safe and well-tolerated; the frequency and nature of adverse events were similar in basmisanil and placebo arms. EEG revealed treatment-related changes in spectral power (increase in low similar to 4-Hz and decrease in high similar to 20-Hz frequencies) providing evidence of functional target engagement. All treatment arms had a similar proportion of participants showing above-threshold improvement on the primary composite endpoint, evaluating concomitant responses in cognition and independent functioning (29% in placebo, 20% in low dose, and 25% in high dose). Further analysis of the individual measures contributing to the primary endpoint revealed no difference between placebo and basmisanil-treated groups in either adolescents or adults. There were also no differences across the secondary endpoints assessing changes in executive function, language, or quality of life. Conclusions: Basmisanil did not meet the primary efficacy objective of concomitant improvement on cognition and adaptive functioning after 6 months of treatment, despite evidence for target engagement. This study provides key learnings for future clinical trials in Down syndrome.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of Basmisanil in treating Down syndrome. The results show that the drug did not meet the expected improvement in cognition and independent functioning, but it was safe to use. These findings have important implications for future clinical trials in Down syndrome.