With our leptin study, we want to investigate whether treatment with metreleptin can help to reduce the symptoms of anorexia.
Aim of the study
We want to investigate whether treatment with metreleptin - an artificially produced leptin - can help to reduce the symptoms of anorexia.
Who can take part?
Patients between the ages of 18 and 40 who suffer from anorexia and are undergoing inpatient treatment can take part.
Exclusion criteria (data source: BASEC):
- Current substance dependence
- Severe mental and/or physical illness: e.g. schizophrenia, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, tumors
- Acute suicidal tendencies, current severe self-harming behavior
Procedure
In order to investigate the efficacy of metreleptin, you will be randomly assigned to either the metreleptin group (active substance) or the placebo group (no active substance) after a preparatory phase, whereby neither you nor the study personnel will be aware of the group assignment during the entire course of the study. This approach is central to proving metreleptin as a potential new treatment approach.
During the treatment phase, you will be injected subcutaneously (i.e. with a very small syringe under the skin) with metreleptin or a placebo once a day for 14 days. To be on the safe side, your physical and mental condition will be monitored regularly. Your condition will be checked again after five weeks. Before, during and after the treatment, you will fill out questionnaires about your state of health, and blood tests, an ECG and three brain scans will be carried out. You can find more detailed information in the study information documents or by talking to us.
Compensation
200 CHF
Original study name
METRELEPTIN IN ANOREXIA NERVOSA, RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL; EFFECTS ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND CONCOMITANT CHANGES IN BRAIN CONNECTIVITY
BASEC number
2022-01328
Sponsors
USZ Foundation - The Foundation of the University Hospital Zurich
