Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase-II Trial: AdrenoMedullin for Ischemic Stroke Study.

OBJECTIVES:Adrenomedullin (AM), a vasoactive peptide, has strong anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties, which have been reported to ameliorate the consequences of ischemic stroke in several animal models. After a phase I study in healthy volunteers, two phase II trials of AM for inflammatory bowel diseases have been recently completed. The current AdrenoMedullin For Ischemic Stroke (AMFIS) study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of AM in patients with acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS:The AMFIS study is an investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, phase-II trial. AM or placebo will be administered to patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke within 24 h after stroke onset. In the first cohort of the AMFIS study, patients will be randomly allocated to the investigation treatment A (30 μg/kg of AM in total for 7 days, n = 20) or placebo group (n = 10). In the second cohort, patients will be assigned to the investigation treatment B (56 μg/kg of AM in total for 7 days, n = 20) or placebo group (n = 10). RESULTS:Serious adverse events related to the protocol treatment will be evaluated as the primary outcome. All adverse events will be analyzed as the secondary outcome. Regarding efficacy endpoints, the change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale scores will be compared between investigation treatment and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS:AM is expected to be a safe and effective treatment for ischemic stroke.