Official Title: “Phase IIB Dose Response and Safety Study of Topical Formulations of Methotrexate (MQX-5902, MQX-5904 and MQX-5906) in the Treatment of Fingernail Psoriasis”

The purpose of this clinical study is to compare the efficacy and safety of three concentrations of topical methotrexate for the treatment of fingernail psoriasis.

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Treatment, Randomized, Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Dose Comparison, Parallel Assignment, Safety/Efficacy Study

Study Primary Completion Date: September 2008

The purpose of this clinical study is to compare, in a controlled fashion, the response to three concentrations of methotrexate in novel topical formulations in the treatment of subjects with psoriasis of the fingernails. Such a determination will be used as the basis for evidence of efficacy and safety of these formulations as a therapeutic treatment for fingernail psoriasis.

Intervention(s) in this Clinical Trial

• Drug: Methotrexate
  • 0.01 gram of topical amphimatrix containing 0.05% methotrexate per affected nail and adjacent skin folds applied daily for three months.
• Drug: Methotrexate
  • 0.01 gram of topical amphimatrix containing 0.25% methotrexate per affected nail and adjacent skin folds applied daily for three months.
• Drug: Methotrexate
  • 0.01 gram of topical amphimatrix containing 1.0% methotrexate per affected nail and adjacent skin folds applied daily for three months.

Arms, Groups and Cohorts in this Clinical Trial

• Active Comparator: 1
• Active Comparator: 2
• Active Comparator: 3

Primary Measures

• Evaluate improvements in the appearance of the target fingernail, utilizing photography for imaging and independent photograph evaluators.
  • Time Frame: Monthly
    Safety Issue?: No

Secondary Measures

• Improvement in appearance of the control fingernail, improvement of the target fingernail using mNAPSI (a modification of the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index), and comparison of improvement of mNAPSI of the target and control fingernails.
  • Time Frame: Monthly
    Safety Issue?: No
• Information on the relative changes in nail psoriasis severity of the other affected fingernails will be collected.
  • Time Frame: Monthly
    Safety Issue?: No
• Comparison of nail growth of the target and control fingernails as determined from nail notch movement measured on nail photographs will be performed.
  • Time Frame: Monthly
    Safety Issue?: No
• Assess safety, i.e., the frequency and severity of adverse events associated with MQX-5902, MQX-5904 and MQX-5906 in the treatment of patients with fingernail psoriasis.
  • Time Frame: Monthly
    Safety Issue?: Yes

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed moderate fingernail psoriasis of at least two fingernails.
• Stable and unchanged psoriasis therapies for 2 months and must not have received methotrexate for 3 months prior to screening.
• Female patients who are not 5 years post menopausal or surgically sterile must use appropriate birth control for specified time periods and have negative pregnancy tests.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Target or control fingernails that are thicker than 2mm, abnormal or infected (bacterial or fungal).
• Patients with immunosuppression, HIV, or neuropathies of the hand.
• Use of any methotrexate preparation, any topical anti-psoriatic medications or ultraviolet treatment within 2 months of study visit 1.
• Use of more that one 2-week course of oral corticosteroid therapy or one injection during 3 months prior to the screening visit.
• Use of manicures or cosmetic nail products during and within 7 days of the start of treatment.
• Use of any drug known to have potential for toxicity to a major organ during and within 90 days prior to the start of treatment.
• Patients who are nursing, pregnant or plan to become pregnant or father a child within the study time frame including within three months of the last dose of study medication.

Gender Eligibility for this Clinical Trial: Both

Minimum Age for this Clinical Trial: 18 Years

Maximum Age for this Clinical Trial: 75 Years

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted for this Clinical Trial?: No

Lead Sponsor: MediQuest Therapeutics

Overall Clinical Trial Officials and Contacts

Prof. Neil McHugh Principal Investigator Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases  

Overall Contact: Jan Ohrstrom, MD +1 425 398-9580 johrstrom@mqti.com

Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on October 10, 2008

Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00666354

Study ID Number: 06-003

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00666354

Health Authority: United Kingdom: Research Ethics Committee