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Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with the GABAA receptor modulating steroid antagonist Sepranolone (UC1010)-A randomized controlled trial

M. Bixo, K. Ekberg, I. Poromaa, A. Hirschberg, A. Jonasson, Lotta Andréen, E. Timby, M. Wulff et al.

Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2017

126 participants · 115 citations

Abstract

CONTEXT

Allopregnanolone is a metabolite from progesterone and a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor. This endogenous steroid may induce negative mood in sensitive women when present in serum levels comparable to the premenstrual phase. Its endogenous isomer, isoallopregnanolone, has been shown to antagonize allopregnanolone effects in experimental animal and human models.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to test whether inhibition of allopregnanolone by treatment with the GABAA modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA) Sepranolone (UC1010) during the premenstrual phase could reduce symptoms of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The pharmacokinetic parameters of UC1010 when given as a subcutaneous injection were measured in healthy women prior to the study in women with PMDD.

DESIGN

This was an explorative randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

Swedish multicentre study with 10 centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 26 healthy women in a pharmacokinetic phase I study part, and 126 women with PMDD in a phase II study part. Diagnosis followed the criteria for PMDD in DSM-5 using Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) and Endicott's algorithm.

INTERVENTION

Subjects were randomized to treatment with UC1010 (10 or 16mg) subcutaneously every second day during the luteal phase or placebo during one menstrual cycle.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the sum of all 21 items in DRSP (Total DRSP score). Secondary outcomes were Negative…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 126 participants or records.

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