~1 spots leftby Jun 2025

5-HTP + Carbidopa for Spinal Cord Injury

(5-HTP only Trial)

Recruiting at1 trial location
JD
Overseen byJessica D'Amico, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 2 & 3
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Alberta
Must not be taking: Antidepressants, Amphetamines, Lithium, others
Disqualifiers: Epilepsy, Cardiovascular disease, Psychiatric disorder, others
Prior Safety Data
Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will assess how the serotonin precursor, 5-HTP, alter nervous system excitability and motor function in individuals with spinal cord injuries of differing chronicity and severity. Participants will visit the lab on 4 separate occasions where they will be administered four different drugs in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants taking specific drugs like antidepressants, amphetamines, and some blood pressure medications, among others. It's important to discuss your current medications with the trial team to see if any need to be stopped.

What evidence supports the effectiveness of the drug 5-HTP + Carbidopa for spinal cord injury?

Research suggests that stimulating serotonin receptors can improve motor function after spinal cord injury. In one study, two sisters with spinal cord atrophy showed improved strength and walking ability after taking 5-HTP and Carbidopa, indicating potential benefits for similar conditions.12345

Is 5-HTP combined with Carbidopa safe for humans?

There is limited safety data specifically for the combination of 5-HTP and Carbidopa in humans, but 5-HTP is generally considered safe when used appropriately, and Carbidopa is commonly used in combination with other medications for Parkinson's disease. However, individual responses can vary, and it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.12346

How does the drug 5-HTP + Carbidopa differ from other treatments for spinal cord injury?

The drug 5-HTP + Carbidopa is unique because it uses a precursor replacement strategy to enhance serotonin levels, which may improve motor function and strength in spinal cord injury by stimulating serotonin receptors, a mechanism not commonly targeted by other treatments.12578

Research Team

JD

Jessica D'Amico, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have had a spinal cord injury at least six months ago. It's not suitable for those with kidney or liver disease, heart issues, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, blood diseases, endocrine dysfunction, stomach ulcers or those on certain medications like antidepressants and CNS depressants.

Inclusion Criteria

I had a spinal cord injury more than six months ago.
I had a spinal cord injury more than six months ago.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had tumors in the past.
I have kidney problems.
Low levels of calcium in your blood.
See 32 more

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive different doses of 5-HTP and carbidopa or placebo in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design

4 visits, each separated by at least 72 hours
4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan (Serotonin Precursor)
  • Carbidopa (Dopa Decarboxylase Inhibitor)
Trial OverviewThe study tests how 5-HTP affects nervous system activity and motor skills in people with spinal cord injuries. Participants will take four different treatments (including a placebo) across four visits in a randomized order without knowing which one they're receiving each time.
Participant Groups
4Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: High-dose 5HTPActive Control2 Interventions
100mg 5-HTP in combination with 50mg carbidopa
Group II: Low-dose 5HTPActive Control2 Interventions
50mg 5-HTP in combination with 50mg carbidopa
Group III: CarbidopaPlacebo Group1 Intervention
50mg carbidopa only
Group IV: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Placebo comparator

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials
957
Recruited
437,000+
Bill Flanagan profile image

Bill Flanagan

University of Alberta

Chief Executive Officer since 2020

LLB from University of Toronto, LLM from Columbia University

Dr. Verna Yiu profile image

Dr. Verna Yiu

University of Alberta

Chief Medical Officer since 2012

MD from University of Alberta, Fellowship in Pediatric Nephrology at Harvard University

University of Louisville

Lead Sponsor

Trials
353
Recruited
76,400+

Wings for Life

Collaborator

Trials
8
Recruited
860+

Findings from Research

Indorenate, a 5-HT1A agonist, significantly improved motor performance in rats with chronic spinal cord injury compared to a saline solution, as measured by the BBB rating scale.
The study found that 80% of the indorenate-treated rats showed no detriment in motor activity, and those with lower baseline motor function experienced notable recovery, suggesting that serotonergic agents could enhance motor function in similar injuries.
Indorenate improves motor function in rats with chronic spinal cord injury.Bravo, G., Ibarra, A., Guizar-Sahagún, G., et al.[2013]
In individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries, the serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram increased reflex responses, indicating that functional monoamine receptors are active below the injury site, which may contribute to spasticity.
In contrast, in those with complete spinal cord injuries, blocking constitutive serotonin and norepinephrine receptor activity with cyproheptadine reduced muscle spasms, suggesting that targeting these receptors could be an effective strategy for managing spasticity in severe cases.
Constitutively active 5-HT2/α1 receptors facilitate muscle spasms after human spinal cord injury.D'Amico, JM., Murray, KC., Li, Y., et al.[2022]
Transplanting a human neuronal cell line that secretes serotonin (hNT2.19) significantly improved motor function after severe spinal cord injury (SCI), especially when combined with environmental enrichment (EE).
The combination of cell transplant and EE led to the best recovery outcomes, indicating that this approach can effectively enhance motor function recovery in SCI, although it primarily improved specific aspects like foot rotation and footfall errors rather than overall stride length.
The combination of human neuronal serotonergic cell implants and environmental enrichment after contusive SCI improves motor recovery over each individual strategy.Eaton, MJ., Pearse, DD., McBroom, JS., et al.[2013]

References

Indorenate improves motor function in rats with chronic spinal cord injury. [2013]
Improved strength on 5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa in spinal cord atrophy. [2018]
Constitutively active 5-HT2/α1 receptors facilitate muscle spasms after human spinal cord injury. [2022]
The combination of human neuronal serotonergic cell implants and environmental enrichment after contusive SCI improves motor recovery over each individual strategy. [2013]
Contribution of serotonin neurons to the functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. [2019]
The role of the serotonergic system in locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. [2018]
Phenolic acid concentrations in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinsonian patients treated with L-dopa. [2019]
5-Hydroxytryptophan-induced respiratory recovery after cervical spinal cord hemisection in rats. [2017]