ClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT02058641Updated May 15, 2017

Effect of Darapladib on Cantharidin-Induced Inflammatory Blisters in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

A Phase 1 interventional study of Darapladib in Atherosclerosis, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. Completed at 1 site in United Kingdom. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 60 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2017-05-15.

Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline · Phase 1, Interventional, and Basic science

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Phase
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
9
Allocation
Non-randomized
Ages
18 Years to 60 Years
Sex
All
01

Where this study stands

Counted across the records on this site · 2026-11-14

Among 19 studies testing darapladib in Atherosclerosis — none open to participants now, none under way, none of them phase 3. darapladib · Atherosclerosis.

Enrollment
18th of 19
9 · median 26
Started
2014
the only one that year
Phase 1
13 of 19
none open now
Registered
19th of 19
by date
Lead sponsor
19 of 19
GlaxoSmithKline

Among the 19 studies testing darapladib in Atherosclerosis, this one is the 18th largest by enrollment, is the only one that started in 2014, is one of 13 in phase 1, and was the 19th registered.

Atherosclerosis

1,518 studies on the registry are indexed under Atherosclerosis; 225 are open to participants now.

Browse Atherosclerosis studies →

Open to participants now

None of the 19 studies testing darapladib in Atherosclerosis is open now. The open studies under Atherosclerosis, anywhere →

About darapladib

No approval found in the FDA or EMA files read. How studies give it is on its page →

Who these studies take

Of the 161 Atherosclerosis studies recruiting now, 84 (52%) set no upper age limit and 33 (20%) stop at 75 or younger; 16 take children under 18; 33 take healthy volunteers.

This study: 18 Years to 60 Years · all sexes · no healthy volunteers.

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Download CSVNarrow it in search →With an account: the 19 studies testing darapladib in Atherosclerosis as a file.
02

Study summary

This will be an exploratory, open-label, single sequence, two part study (Part A and an optional Part B). The aim of this study will be to assess whether systemic inhibition of Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in humans, effected by 11 days of once daily dosing to steady state with 160 milligrams (mg) of enteric coated (EC) darapladib, will specifically reduce the number of macrophages and/or result in a higher proportion of M2 macrophages in skin blisters induced by cantharidin (a chemical agent that causes blisters). In Part A of the study, a cohort of 8 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus will be recruited. In Part B of the study, a cohort of 8 additional healthy subjects with matching age (+/- 24 months) and gender to Part A may be recruited.

03

Conditions studied

  • Atherosclerosis

Keywords

  • cellular accumulation
  • macrophage phenotype
  • cantharidin blister
  • M1/M2
  • inflammatory mediators
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • darapladib
  • cytokines
04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 60 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male or female between 18 and 60 years of age inclusive, at the time of signing the .
  • A female subject is eligible to participate if she is of: non- defined as pre-menopausal females with a documented tubal ligation or hysterectomy; or defined as 12 months of spontaneous amenorrhea [in questionable cases a blood sample with simultaneous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) > 40 milli-international units (MIU)/milliliter (mL) and estradiol \< 40 picograms (pg)/mL (\<147 picomoles per liter [pmol/L]) is confirmatory]. [Females on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and whose menopausal status is in doubt will be required to use one of the methods listed in the protocol if they wish to continue their HRT during the study. Otherwise, they must discontinue HRT to allow confirmation of post-menopausal status prior to study enrollment. For most forms of HRT, at least 2-4 weeks should elapse between the cessation of therapy and the blood draw; this interval depends on the type and dosage of HRT. Following confirmation of their post-menopausal status, they can resume use of HRT during the study without use of a contraceptive method]; Child-bearing potential and is abstinent (abstinence from penile-vaginal intercourse must be consistent with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the subject) or agrees to use one of the contraception methods listed in the protocol for an appropriate period of time (as determined by the product label or investigator) prior to the start of dosing to sufficiently minimize the risk of pregnancy at that point. Female subjects must agree to use contraception until 42 days after the last dose of study medication.
  • (BMI) within the range of 19.0-35.0 kilograms per meter square (kg/ m\^2) (inclusive).
  • Fridericia correction (QTcF) \<480 milliseconds (msec) in all subjects, including those with bundle branch block at screening (ECG). Note that if the initial QTc value is prolonged, the ECG should be repeated two more times (with at least 5 minutes between ECG readings) and the average of the 3 QTc values used to determine eligibility.

Additional Criteria for Diabetic Subjects

  • A diagnosis of T2DM as determined by a responsible physician based on a medical evaluation including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, with onset at least 6 months prior to screening and on stable treatment for 3 months prior to screening.
  • Subjects have no recent changes or anticipation of future changes in anti-hyperglycaemic therapies during the 3-month period before and during the study respectively.
  • Subjects will have good peripheral pulses and no peripheral sensory loss as determined by physical examination.
  • Glycosylated () levels \<= 8.0% at screening. Additional Criteria for Healthy Subjects (if recruited in Part B)
  • Healthy as determined by a responsible and experienced physician, based on a medical evaluation including medical history, physical examination, vital signs, complete blood count and clinical chemistry. A subject with a clinical abnormality or laboratory parameters outside the reference range for the population being studied may be included only if the Investigator and the GSK Medical Monitor agree that the finding is unlikely to introduce additional risk factors and will not interfere with the study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria for all subjects:

  • A positive pre-study surface antigen or positive antibody result within 3 months of screening
  • Current or chronic history of liver disease or known hepatic or biliary abnormalities (with the exception of Gilbert's syndrome or asymptomatic gallstones). Abnormal liver function tests at screening. For healthy subjects: (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase and >=1.5xupper limit of normal () (isolated bilirubin >1.5xULN is acceptable if bilirubin is fractionated and direct bilirubin \<35%) at screening.
  • A positive pre-study drug/alcohol screen.
  • A positive test for antibody.
  • History of regular alcohol consumption within 6 months of the study defined as: For United Kingdom (UK) sites: an average weekly intake of >21 units for males or >14 units for females. One unit is equivalent to 8 grams (g) of alcohol: a half-pint (approximately 240 mL) of beer, 1 glass (125 mL) of wine or 1 (25 mL) measure of spirits.
  • The subject has participated in a clinical trial and has received an product within the following time period prior to the first dosing day in the current study: 90 days, 5 half-lives or twice the duration of the biological effect of the investigational product (whichever is longer).
  • Exposure to more than four new chemical entities within 12 months prior to the first dosing day.
  • Unable to refrain from the use of prescription drugs taken on an intermittent (as needed) basis or non-prescription drugs; these include vitamins, herbal and dietary supplements (including St John's Wort) within 7 days (or 14 days if the drug is a potential enzyme inducer) or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to Day 1 of session 1 and continuing until the final follow up visit (with the exception of paracetamol).
  • History of sensitivity to any of the study medications, or components thereof or a history of drug or other allergy that, in the opinion of the Investigator or GSK Medical Monitor, contraindicates their participation.
  • History of anaphylaxis, and /or anaphylactoid (resembling anaphylaxis) reactions, or severe allergic responses.
  • Where participation in the study would result in donation of blood or blood products in excess of 500 mL within a 56 day period.
  • Currently in a study of an investigational device.
  • Pregnant females (as determined by positive serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin test at screening and on Day1 of Session 1, and pre-dose on day 1 of session 2) or lactating females.
  • Unwillingness or inability to follow the procedures outlined in the protocol.
  • Subject is mentally or legally incapacitated.
  • Unable to refrain from consumption grapefruit juice from 7 days prior to the first dose of study medication and until collection of the final sample in each session.
  • Subjects with both parents of Japanese, Chinese, or Korean ancestry.
  • Current smoker or former regular smoker within 6 months before the screening visit.
  • Previous exposure to darapladib (SB-480848).
  • Presence on either forearm of tattoos, naevi, scars, keloids, hyper- or hypo- pigmentation. Subjects with very fair skin, very dark skin, excessive hair or any skin abnormalities that may, in the opinion of the Investigator, interfere with study assessments.
  • Subjects with a history of keloids, skin allergy, or contact dermatitis, including previous reactions to dressings to be used in the study, or any chronic skin disorder excepting isolated lesions (e.g. warts) remote from intended site of application of cantharidin.
  • Other issues which in the opinion of the investigator would preclude participation in the study.

Additional Criteria for Diabetic Subjects:

  • Abnormal liver function tests at screening. For T2DM subjects: ALT or AST >=2.5 x ULN or alkaline phosphatase or total bilirubin >=1.5 x ULN at screening. Current regular use of or anticipated requirement for anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] including low dose aspirin, ) and immune-modulatory therapies during the study.
  • Unable to refrain from the use of non-prescription drugs; these include vitamins, herbal and dietary supplements (including St John's Wort) within 7 days (or 14 days if the drug is a potential enzyme inducer) or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to Day 1 of session 1 and continuing until the final follow up visit. Anticipated addition of new therapies, or a change in the use of chronically administered prescription drugs, with the following exceptions: dose-adjustments for anti-diabetic medications, antihypertensive medications, or other changes that in the opinion of the Investigator and GSK Medical Monitor will not interfere with the study procedures, outcome or compromise subject safety.
  • Poorly controlled hypertension despite lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, or on high dose statin therapy (e.g. equivalent to atorvastatin >40 mg/daily), and/or have a change in the type or dose of anti-hypertensive or statin medications during the 3-month period before and anticipated during the study. Poorly controlled hypertension refers to either systolic blood pressure >160 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or diastolic blood pressure >110mmHg (mean of 3 measurements according to protocol-specified conditions). Patients may enter the study if the adjustment to blood pressure medications results in the improved control of hypertension at the Baseline visit).
  • Current or planned administration of strong oral or injectable cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme 3A4 () inhibitors.
  • Severe renal impairment (e.g., patients with an estimated \<30 mL/minute/1.73 meter square or receiving chronic dialysis) or history of nephrectomy or kidney transplant (regardless of renal function).
  • Current severe heart failure ( class III or IV).
  • Subjects currently suffering from asthma (on the basis of excluding use of corticosteroids, even inhaled).
  • Co-morbid with chronic inflammatory conditions that could influence measurements of inflammation (including, but not limited to rheumatological disorders, e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease).
  • History of peripheral arterial disease and/or current use of warfarin or other anti-coagulants/anti- agents (low dose aspirin / NSAIDs are not permitted) which, in the opinion of the Investigator and/or the GSK Medical Monitor, will interfere with the study procedures, outcome or compromise subject safety.
  • Subjects with a history of lymphangitis and/or lymphoedema or any subject who is considered to be at risk of these conditions e.g. has undergone surgery resulting in loss of tissue associated with normal lymphoid drainage (e.g. axillary lymph node dissection / excision related to breast surgery).
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(22)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

Childbearing potential

Able to become pregnant: from the first period until menopause, unless permanently unable to through surgery (removal of the womb, or of both ovaries or both fallopian tubes).

Criteria for people of childbearing potential usually ask for a negative pregnancy test and for contraception during the study and for a time after it.

Postmenopausal

Periods have stopped for good: usually no period for 12 months in a row without another medical reason, sometimes confirmed by a blood test (FSH).

Contraception

Ways of preventing pregnancy. “Highly effective” methods fail less than 1% of the time a year when used correctly — for example an IUD or an implant.

Criteria usually say which methods count and how long to keep using them after the last dose, sometimes for male participants too. Some studies accept a partner’s vasectomy if it was confirmed successful and that person is the participant’s only sexual partner.

BMI (body mass index)

Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.

What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.

QT and QTc

On an ECG, the QT interval is the time the heart’s lower chambers take to activate electrically and recover in each beat. QTc is that time adjusted for heart rate (QTcF by Fridericia’s formula, QTcB by Bazett’s). Some medicines lengthen it, and a long QTc can raise the risk of a dangerous heart rhythm.

The study may name a correction formula and a limit in milliseconds, often around 450–480.

ECG (electrocardiogram)

A recording of the heart’s electrical activity, taken with stickers on the chest, arms and legs. It takes a few minutes and does not hurt.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low level is anaemia, which can cause tiredness and breathlessness. Measured in g/dL or g/L (9 g/dL is 90 g/L).

HbA1c

A blood test of average blood sugar over the past two to three months, given as a percentage or in mmol/mol. 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or more is the usual threshold for diabetes, normally confirmed by a second test.

Hepatitis B tests

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. These are separate tests: HBsAg positive usually means a current infection (a recent vaccination can briefly cause it too); total anti-HBc (HBcAb) positive means an infection now or in the past; HBV DNA measures how much virus is in the blood.

Some studies accept a past infection if HBV DNA is undetectable, sometimes with antiviral medicine during the study. Check what this study allows.

Hepatitis C tests

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. An HCV antibody test can stay positive after an infection has cleared (and is occasionally positive without one); an HCV RNA test shows whether the virus is there now.

After treatment, hepatitis C counts as cured when HCV RNA is still undetectable 12 weeks or more after the treatment ended. Studies often accept people cured this way.

ALT and AST (liver enzymes)

Two enzymes measured in a routine blood test of the liver. Higher levels can mean the liver is under strain or damaged. SGPT and SGOT are older names for ALT and AST.

Criteria usually give a limit as a multiple of the upper limit of normal (ULN), often higher when cancer has spread to the liver.

Bilirubin

A yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down, which the liver clears. A high level can mean a problem with the liver or the bile ducts.

Criteria often allow more for people with Gilbert’s syndrome, a harmless inherited condition that raises bilirubin.

ULN (upper limit of normal)

The top of the normal range for a blood test, as set by the laboratory that runs it. Each lab prints its own range next to your result.

“≤ 2.5 × ULN” means the result can be up to two and a half times that top value.

HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens the immune system.

Many studies now accept people whose HIV is controlled on treatment, judged by the viral load and the CD4 count. Check the limits this study sets.

Investigational drug or device

A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.

It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.

Hypersensitivity

An allergy, or another reaction of the immune system, to a substance. “Hypersensitivity to the study drug” means a known allergic reaction to it — not every side effect a medicine can have.

Corticosteroids (steroids)

Anti-inflammatory medicines such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone — not the anabolic steroids used for muscle.

Studies differ in what they allow: check which steroid medicines, routes (tablets, injections, creams, inhalers, eye drops) and doses this study accepts.

CYP3A (CYP3A4) inhibitors and inducers

CYP3A is a group of enzymes, mainly CYP3A4, in the liver and gut that break down many medicines. Some medicines, supplements and foods (grapefruit, St John’s wort) slow them down or speed them up, which changes how much of a study drug stays in the body.

Studies list them so they can be avoided or switched; bring a list of everything you take, including supplements.

GFR and eGFR (kidney filtering)

GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is how much blood the kidneys filter each minute. It is usually estimated from a blood test — eGFR, by formulas such as CKD-EPI or MDRD — and some studies ask for it to be measured directly instead. Usually given in mL/min/1.73 m².

Check the method, the units and the minimum the study states. A value of 90 or above is in the normal-or-high range, but kidney damage can show in other tests too.

NYHA class (heart failure)

The New York Heart Association’s four classes of how much heart failure limits physical activity.

I
No limits: ordinary activity causes no undue tiredness or breathlessness.
II
Slight limits: comfortable at rest, ordinary activity causes symptoms.
III
Marked limits: comfortable at rest, less than ordinary activity causes symptoms.
IV
Symptoms even at rest; any activity makes them worse.

Studies set their own limit — many outside heart failure leave out class III–IV, while heart failure studies may ask for a particular class. Check the class this study names.

Platelets

Blood cells that help blood clot. Too few raises the risk of bleeding and bruising. A usual adult range is about 150–400 × 10⁹/L (150,000–400,000 per µL); each lab has its own reference range.

05

Study design

Phase
Phase 1
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Non-randomized
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
9 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Part A

    Part A will consist of 2 sessions. In Session 1, 3 blisters will be induced by a challenging agent (cantharidin solution 0.2 %, with 5 microliter administered topically) in T2DM subjects on Day 1. Blisters will be harvested 48 (+/-2) hour (hr) post induction. In Session 2, the same subjects will be administered darapladib EC tablet 160 mg orally, once daily for 11 days. On Day 10, 3 blisters will be induced by cantharidin. Blisters will be harvested 48 (+/-2) hr post induction.

    Drug: Darapladib

  • Experimental
    Part B

    In Part B, healthy subjects will be enrolled and will follow the same dosing procedure as in Part A. The decision to initiate Part B will be made by the GSK study team based on an evaluation of data from Part A.

    Drug: Darapladib

Interventions

  • EC tablet with a unit dose strength of 160 mg administered once daily orally for 11 days.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Macrophage cell count and surface expression of markers of M1 and M2 polarization in blister fluid

    To assess the effect of an 11 day course of once daily darapladib EC 160 mg on the number and phenotype (M1/M2 polarization) of macrophages isolated from blisters on subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (blisters induced by exposure to cantharidin for 48 hours). Biomarkers may include, but not be limited to: Cluster of differentiation (CD)11b, CD14, CD16, CD33, CD40, CD64, CD68, CD86, CD163, CD206, C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), CX3 chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1)

    Time frame: Up to 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Number of monocytes and surface expression of markers of M1 or M2 polarization in peripheral blood

    To assess the effect of an 11 day course of once daily darapladib EC 160 mg on the number and phenotype of monocytes (M1/M2 ratio) isolated from peripheral blood of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Biomarkers may include, but not be limited to: CD11b, CD14, CD16, CD40, CD64, CD68, CD163, CD206

    Time frame: Up to 6 weeks

  2. Enzymatic activity of Lp-PLA2 in blister fluid

    Blood samples will be taken for assessments of enzymatic activity of Lp-PLA2 (measured by hydrolysis of radio-labeled platelet-activating factor \[PAF\])

    Time frame: Up to 6 weeks

  3. Total cell count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count and macrophage count in blister fluid

    Blister fluids will be collected to assess the differences in blister phenotype (volume, appearance, cellularity) between subjects

    Time frame: Up to 6 weeks

  4. Concentrations of soluble mediators of macrophage polarization

    Soluble mediators will be measured in blister fluid assessed by a multiplex platform (Meso scale delivery or Luminex) and may include but not be restricted to matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), interleukin (IL)-12, IL-23, IL-10, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4, IL-13, transforming growth factor-beta, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and C-reactive protein

    Time frame: Up to 6 weeks

  5. Time to healing of cantharidin-induced blisters

    Blisters will be considered to be healed when the blister cover has fallen off and the blister area becomes dry

    Time frame: Up to 8 weeks

07

Study locations

1 site
  • GSK Investigational Site
    Cambridge, CB2 0GG, United Kingdom
08

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Ran from Feb 2014 to primary completion in Aug 2014, 5 months.

Of 31 phase 1 interventional studies under Atherosclerosis, half reached primary completion within 12 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 4 and three quarters within 41. This study's 5 months is below that.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Feb 6, 2014
First posted
Feb 10, 2014
StartActual
Feb 26, 2014
Primary completionActual
Aug 18, 2014
CompletionActual
Aug 18, 2014
Last update
May 15, 2017
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on May 15, 2017, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
09

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT02058641
Lead sponsor
GlaxoSmithKline
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Feb 10, 2014
Start date
Feb 26, 2014
Primary completion
Aug 18, 2014
Completion
Aug 18, 2014
Last update
May 15, 2017

Study contacts

GSK Clinical Trials
study director · GlaxoSmithKline

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is completed, as verified in May 2017. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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Studies of the drug tested here: Darapladib

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