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CompletedNCT05156047Updated Sep 25, 2026Results posted

A Phase 3 Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Pitolisant in Adult Patients With Idiopathic Hypersomnia

A Phase 3 interventional study of Open-label Pitolisant and Double-blind Placebo in Idiopathic Hypersomnia, sponsored by Harmony Biosciences Management, Inc.. Completed at 58 sites in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-25.

Sponsored by Harmony Biosciences Management, Inc. (part of Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.) · Phase 3, Interventional, and Treatment

Updated Sep 25, 2026Newly registeredGo to Updates ↓
Phase
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
214
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pitolisant compared with placebo in treating excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in participants with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) age ≥18 years.

Key secondary objectives of this study are to assess the impact of pitolisant on:

  • Overall symptoms of IH
  • Participant impression of overall change in their symptoms of IH
  • Investigator assessment of overall disease severity of IH

Other secondary objectives of this study are to assess the impact of pitolisant in participants with IH on:

  • Participant impression of overall severity of their EDS
  • Functional status and activities of daily living
  • Sleep-related impairment
  • Sleep inertia
  • Cognitive function
Read the detailed description

This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal study in adult participants (ages ≥18 years) with IH. The study will consist of a Screening Period (up to 28 days), an 8-week Open-Label Phase, and a 4-week Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase.

The Open-Label Phase of the study will be 8 weeks, which includes a 6-week Dose Optimization Period and a 2-week Stable Dose Period. In the Dose Optimization Period, all participants will be titrated to their optimal dose of open-label pitolisant (17.8 milligrams [mg] or 35.6 mg) based on Investigator assessment of tolerability and efficacy. The 3-week titration period will be followed by 3 weeks of flexible dosing (weeks 4-6) during which participants will continue to receive their optimal dose of 17.8 mg or 35.6 mg open-label pitolisant. Participants taking a strong cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitor will be allowed in the study; however, for these participants, the maximum permitted daily dose of pitolisant will be 17.8 mg. Following completion of the 6-week Dose Optimization Period, participants will enter the 2-week Stable Dose Period. During this period, participants will remain at their optimal dose (the same dose they were taking at the end of the Dose Optimization Period [17.8 mg or 35.6 mg]) of open-label pitolisant for 2 weeks; dose adjustments are not allowed during the Stable Dose Period. At the end of the Stable Dose Period, participants will be defined as responders or non-responders. Responders will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive blinded study drug (pitolisant or matching placebo) in the Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase of the study. Non-responders will not be randomized to treatment in the Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase and will complete two safety follow-up telephone contacts (TCs) at 15 (±3) days and 30 (+3) days after their final dose of open-label pitolisant.

During the Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase, participants (approximately 64 participants per treatment group) will receive blinded study drug either at the same dose they were taking in the Stable Dose Period (17.8 mg or 35.6 mg pitolisant) or matching placebo. The duration of the Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase will be 4 weeks (weeks 9-12); dose adjustments are not permitted during this phase of the study. After completion of the Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase (End-of Treatment Visit is on Day 84, the last day of blinded treatment), participants will complete two safety follow-up TCs with the site at 15 (±3) days and 30 (+3) days after their final dose of blinded study drug, which will include assessment for adverse events and concomitant medication use; alternatively, participants will have the opportunity to enroll in a long-term, open-label safety study under a separate protocol. Participants who opt to enroll into the long-term, open-label study will not complete the 15-day and 30-day follow-up TCs.

02

Conditions studied

  • Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Keywords

  • Pitolisant
  • Histamine
  • Sleepiness
03

In context

Idiopathic Hypersomnia

52 studies on the registry are indexed under Idiopathic Hypersomnia; 23 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 214 is above the median of 82 across 40 interventional studies indexed under Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

Browse Idiopathic Hypersomnia studies →

Lead sponsor

Harmony Biosciences Management, Inc. is the lead sponsor of 16 studies on the registry; 6 are open to participants now.

Of its 8 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 4 (50%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
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

  1. Is able to provide voluntary, written .
  2. Has a current diagnosis of IH per International Classification of Sleep Disorders Third Edition criteria.
  3. Male or female participant age ≥18 years at the time of Screening.
  4. Has an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of ≥12 at Screening and at Baseline (Visit 2).
  5. Has a Patient Global Impression of Severity score of moderate, severe, or very severe at Screening and at Baseline (Visit 2).
  6. For participants being treated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or other hypoventilatory conditions, participants must be compliant as demonstrated by bilevel positive airway pressure/continuous positive airway pressure (BiPAP/CPAP) therapy with 30 days of data showing ≥4 hours of BiPAP/CPAP therapy per night for ≥70% of nights. If not on BiPAP/CPAP therapy, participants being treated for OSA must be compliant as determined by the Investigator with their medical device or oral appliance. Data must be from within 90 days prior to the Screening visit. Participants must agree to maintain compliance with their treatment for OSA throughout the duration of the study.
  7. If on a treatment that could affect daytime sleepiness (including but not limited to oxybates, stimulants, modafinil, and armodafinil):

    1. Must be on a stable dose for at least 2 months prior to Screening and agree to continue the stable dose for the duration of the study.
    2. If not on a stable dose for 2 months prior to Screening, for 5 half-lives or 14 days, whichever is longer, prior to Day 1 and agree to remain off these treatments until completion of the study.
  8. A participant who is a female of must have a negative serum pregnancy test at the Screening Visit and negative urine pregnancy test at the Baseline Visit (Visit 2) and at the end of the Stable Dose Period (Visit 4) and agree to remain abstinent or use an effective method of non-hormonal to prevent pregnancy for the duration of the study and for 21 days after final dose of study drug.
  9. Must have a negative result on urine drug screen at the Screening Visit, Baseline Visit (Visit 2) and at the end of the Stable Dose Period (Visit 4), except for medications that are prescribed by a healthcare provider for medical conditions.
  10. In the opinion of the Investigator, the participant is capable of understanding and complying with the protocol and administration of oral study drug.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Has hypersomnia due to another medical disorder (for example, narcolepsy).
  2. Has an Apnea Hypopnea Index of ≥10 as determined by the most recent sleep study or BiPAP/CPAP device readout.
  3. Has a hypoventilatory condition as determined by the Investigator.
  4. Has a primary diagnosis of a psychiatric illness that is not well controlled.
  5. Participants taking antidepressants who have not been on a stable dose of their antidepressant for at least 12 weeks prior to Screening; participants on a stable dose of their antidepressant for at least 12 weeks prior to Screening must agree to continue their stable dose for the duration of the study.
  6. Experiences a mean of \<6 hours of sleep per night based on sleep diary during Screening (participants need to record at least 7 nights within a 10-day period in their sleep diary within 14-days prior to the Baseline Visit [Visit 2]).
  7. Consistently consumes >600 mg of caffeine per day and is unable/unwilling to reduce caffeine intake to ≤600 mg per day for the duration of the study.
  8. Does not agree to discontinue any prohibited medication or substance listed in the protocol.
  9. Is currently or has previously used pitolisant.
  10. Is currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed over the course of the study. Lactating women must agree not to breastfeed for the duration of the study and for 21 days after final dose of study drug.
  11. Participation in an interventional research study involving another medication, device, or behavioral treatment within 28 days or within 5 half-lives of the investigational medication (whichever is longer) prior to Screening.
  12. Has a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (estimated [eGFR] of \<15 milliliters [mL]/minute/1.73 square meter [m\^2]) or severe hepatic impairment ( C).
  13. Has a diagnosis of moderate or severe renal impairment (eGFR ≥15 to ≤59 mL/minute/1.73 m\^2) or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) at Screening or at any time during the study.
  14. Has a history of long interval syndrome or corrected QT interval using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) >450 milliseconds (msec) for males or >470 msec for females (QTcF = QT / 3√ RR) at Screening.
  15. Is receiving and is unable to discontinue a medication known to prolong the QT interval.
  16. Is receiving a concomitant medication that is known to be a strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer, or a centrally acting histamine 1 receptor antagonist; participants who undergo a of these medications of at least 5 half-lives or one week (whichever is longer) may be enrolled in the study. Use of strong CYP2D6 inhibitors is allowed; however, for these participants the maximum permitted daily dose of pitolisant is 17.8 mg.
  17. Is a known CYP2D6 poor metabolizer.
  18. Has abnormal laboratory values at Screening that are clinically significant as determined by the Investigator.
  19. Has initiated any new or change in allied health therapies or interventions that can interfere with the study outcomes within 28 days prior to Screening and at any time during the study, based on the Investigator's judgment.
  20. Has a current or recent (within 1 year) history of a substance use disorder or dependence disorder, including alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use disorders as defined in the , 5th Edition.
  21. Has planned surgery during the study.
  22. Has a significant risk of committing suicide or suicidality based on history; routine psychiatric examination; Investigator's judgment; or an answer of "yes" on any question other than questions 1 to 3 (for the previous month) or "yes" on any question in the suicidal behavior section (for the past year) of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Scale, Baseline/Screening.
  23. Based on the judgment of the Investigator, is unsuitable for the study for any reason, including but not limited to an unstable or uncontrolled medical condition or one that might interfere with the conduct of the study, confound interpretation of study results, pose a health risk to the participant, or compromise the integrity of the study. This exclusion criterion applies not only to entry into the study, but also to continuation in the study, should such an unstable, uncontrolled, or serious medical condition arise.
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(10)

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.

Washout period

A planned gap after a treatment, so that its effects can lessen before the study treatment or a study assessment. Ask the study team and the doctor who prescribed it before changing any medicine.

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.

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.

Clinically significant

Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.

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.

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.

Child-Pugh class

A score of how well the liver works in people with liver disease such as cirrhosis: class A is mild, B moderate and C severe.

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.

DSM diagnostic criteria

The American Psychiatric Association’s manual of mental health diagnoses. DSM-5 (2013, revised as DSM-5-TR in 2022) replaced DSM-IV, and some studies still name the older edition. “Meets DSM criteria for …” means diagnosed by that edition’s diagnostic criteria, usually by a clinician in an interview.

05

Study design

Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
214 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    Double-blind Pitolisant

    Double-blind pitolisant administered once daily in the morning upon wakening for 4 weeks during the Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase

    Drug: Double-blind Pitolisant

  • Placebo comparator
    Double-blind Placebo

    Matching placebo administered once daily in the morning upon wakening for 4 weeks during the Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase

    Drug: Double-blind Placebo

  • Experimental
    Open-label Pitolisant

    Open-label pitolisant administered once daily in the morning upon wakening for 8 weeks during the Open-Label Phase

    Drug: Open-label Pitolisant

Interventions

  • DrugOpen-label Pitolisant

    Pitolisant 4.45 mg tablets: white, round, plain, biconvex film-coated tablet, 3.7 millimeters (mm) in diameter. Each tablet contains 5 mg of pitolisant hydrochloride equivalent to 4.45 mg of pitolisant. Pitolisant 17.8 mg tablets: white, round, plain, biconvex film-coated tablet, 7.5 mm in diameter. Each tablet contains 20 mg of pitolisant hydrochloride equivalent to 17.8 mg of pitolisant.

  • DrugDouble-blind Placebo

    Matching placebo tablets will be provided for each strength of active pitolisant film-coated tablets.

  • DrugDouble-blind Pitolisant

    Pitolisant 4.45 mg tablets: white, round, plain, biconvex film-coated tablet, 3.7 mm in diameter. Each tablet contains 5 mg of pitolisant hydrochloride equivalent to 4.45 mg of pitolisant. Pitolisant 17.8 mg tablets: white, round, plain, biconvex film-coated tablet, 7.5 mm in diameter. Each tablet contains 20 mg of pitolisant hydrochloride equivalent to 17.8 mg of pitolisant.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) Score From Week 8 to Week 12

    The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an 8-item, 4-point rating scale that asks participants to rate the likelihood of falling asleep over the past week. The rating scale ranges from 0 (no chance of dozing) to 3 (high chance of dozing). The total score is calculated by summing the item level ratings. Total scores range from 0 to 24. Higher point totals represent more severe daytime sleepiness.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) From Week 8 to Week 12

    The Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) is a self-administered questionnaire with a total of 14 items that assess long sleep duration and sleep inertia (5 items), daytime functioning (7 items), and napping (2 items). All items are scored from 0 to 3 or from 0 to 4. The total score is a sum of the item scores. The total score ranges from 0 to 50. A higher score indicates more severe and frequent symptoms.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  2. Proportion of Participants Who Worsened on the Patient Global Impression of Change for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (PGI-C [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 12

    The Patient Global Impression of Change for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (PGI-C \[IH\]) is a single-item questionnaire that assesses a participant's overall impression of the change in their symptoms of IH. The scale asks participants to rate their overall impression of the change in their symptoms of IH since a specific timepoint on a 5-point verbal rating scale ranging from "much better" to "much worse."

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  3. Change in Clinical Global Impression of Severity for IH (CGI-S [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 12

    The CGI-S (IH) is an investigator-rated assessment. It uses a single-item, 5-point Likert-type rating scale that ranges from: none (1); mild (2); moderate (3); severe (4); very severe (5). An assessment of less severe symptoms represents an improvement in the investigator's perception of the participant's overall clinical status related to idiopathic hypersomnia and is reflected by a decrease in score.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  4. Change in Patient Global Impression of Severity Scale for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (PGI-S [EDS]) From Week 8 to Week 12

    The Patient Global Impression of Severity for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (PGI-S \[EDS\]) asks participants to rate their overall impression of the severity of their EDS over the past 7 days on a 5-point verbal rating scale ranging from "none" to "very severe". Scores are: 1=None, 2=Mild, 3=Moderate, 4=Severe, and 5=Very Severe.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  5. Change in Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire 10-Item Version (FOSQ-10) From Week 8 to Week 12

    The Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire 10-Item Version (FOSQ-10) consists of 10 items assessing the impact of sleepiness on daily functioning across 5 domains: vigilance, general productivity, social outcomes, intimacy, and activity level. Each item is rated on a scale of 0 (activity not performed for other reasons), 1 (extreme difficulty), 2 (moderate difficulty), 3 (a little difficulty), and 4 (no difficulty). The FOSQ-10 total score is calculated by multiplying the mean of the subscale scores by five, with final scores ranging from 5-20. Higher scores correspond to less impairment/symptomatic severity.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  6. Change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep-Related Impairment Short Form 8a (PROMIS-SRI SF 8a) From Week 8 to Week 12

    The PROMIS-SRI SF 8a is a self-report measure that includes 8 questions designed to assess a participant's perceptions of their waking alertness, sleepiness, and tiredness during usual waking hours, and the perceived functional impairments during wakefulness associated with sleep problems or impaired alertness over the past week. Responses are rated using a 5-point scale, with responses ranging from: 1=not at all; 2=a little bit; 3=somewhat; 4=quite a bit; 5=very much, with average scores ranging from 8 to 40. Raw scores are converted to a T-score using the conversion table from the PROMIS-SRI Scoring Manual. Raw score ranges from 8 to 40; T-score ranges from 30 to 80.1. Higher scores represent greater impairment.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  7. Change in Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ) From Week 8 to Week 12

    The Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ) consists of 21 questions that assess sleep inertia. Each question is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where: 1=not at all; 2=a little; 3=somewhat; 4=often; 5=all the time. Total scores range from 21 to 105. Higher scores represent greater sleep inertia.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  8. Change in Cogstate One Back Test (ONB) From Week 8 to Week 12

    Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Battery tests. The cognitive domain of working memory was assessed specifically with the One Back Test (ONB), which measures the speed of the participant's response. Results are reported as the mean of the common logarithm (log 10) transformed reaction time (in milliseconds \[msec\]) for correct responses. A decrease in score represents an increase in working memory performance.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  9. Change in Cogstate Identification Test (IDN) From Week 8 to Week 12

    Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Battery tests. The cognitive domain of visual attention was assessed using the Identification Test (IDN). Results reported as the mean of the log 10 transformed reaction time for correct responses. A decrease in score represents an increase in visual attention performance.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

  10. Change in Cogstate Detection Test (DET) From Week 8 to Week 12

    Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Battery tests. The cognitive domain of psychomotor function was assessed specifically using the Detection Test (DET). The test measures the speed of the participant's response. Results reported as the mean of the log 10 transformed reaction time (msec) for the correct responses. A decrease in score represents an increase in psychomotor function performance.

    Time frame: Week 8 to Week 12

Other outcomes

  1. Change in ESS Score From Week 1 to Week 8

    The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an 8-item, 4-point rating scale that asks participants to rate the likelihood of falling asleep over the past week. The rating scale ranges from 0 (no chance of dozing) to 3 (high chance of dozing). The total score is calculated by summing the item level ratings. Total scores range from 0 to 24. Higher point totals represent more severe daytime sleepiness.

    Time frame: Week 1 to Week 8

  2. Change in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) Score From Week 1 to Week 8

    The Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) is a self-administered questionnaire with a total of 14 items that assess long sleep duration and sleep inertia (5 items), daytime functioning (7 items), and napping (2 items). All items are scored from 0 to 3 or from 0 to 4. The total score is a sum of the item scores. The total score ranges from 0 to 50. A higher score indicates more severe and frequent symptoms.

    Time frame: Week 1 to Week 8

07

Results

Posted Sep 25, 2026

Participant flow

This study included an 8-week Open-Label Phase (OLP) followed by a 4-week Double-Blind Randomized Withdrawal Phase (DBRWP).

OLP (8 weeks)
Participant flow — OLP (8 weeks)
MilestoneOpen-Label PitolisantDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Started21400
Open-label safety population21300
Responder14300
Responders not randomized in dbrwp400
Non-responder3000
Pharmacokinetic population19200
Completed17300
Not completed4100
Withdrew: Adverse event2200
Withdrew: Lack of efficacy800
Withdrew: Failure to meet continuation criteria300
Withdrew: Protocol violation200
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up100
Withdrew: Pregnancy100
Withdrew: Withdrawal by subject100
Withdrew: Non-compliance with study treatment100
Withdrew: Withdrawal of consent100
Withdrew: Non-compliance with study schedule100
DBRWP (4 weeks)
Participant flow — DBRWP (4 weeks)
MilestoneOpen-Label PitolisantDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Started06970
Intent-to-treat population06970
Double-blind safety population06970
Completed06769
Not completed021
Withdrew: Adverse event010
Withdrew: Failure to meet continuation criteria001
Withdrew: Withdrawal of consent010

Outcome measures

PrimaryChange in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) Score From Week 8 to Week 12

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an 8-item, 4-point rating scale that asks participants to rate the likelihood of falling asleep over the past week. The rating scale ranges from 0 (no chance of dozing) to 3 (high chance of dozing). The total score is calculated by summing the item level ratings. Total scores range from 0 to 24. Higher point totals represent more severe daytime sleepiness.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Least squares mean · score on a scale
Change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) Score From Week 8 to Week 12
score on a scaleDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) Score From Week 8 to Week 123.41 ± 0.4994.26 ± 0.494
Statistical analysis
  • Double-Blind Pitolisant vs Double-Blind Placebo · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.2289 · Difference: -0.85 · 95% CI -2.24 to 0.54Difference reported as the least squares mean (standard error) difference between the pitolisant and placebo treatment groups.
SecondaryChange in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) From Week 8 to Week 12

The Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) is a self-administered questionnaire with a total of 14 items that assess long sleep duration and sleep inertia (5 items), daytime functioning (7 items), and napping (2 items). All items are scored from 0 to 3 or from 0 to 4. The total score is a sum of the item scores. The total score ranges from 0 to 50. A higher score indicates more severe and frequent symptoms.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) From Week 8 to Week 12
score on a scaleDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) From Week 8 to Week 122.2 ± 7.635.4 ± 7.93
SecondaryProportion of Participants Who Worsened on the Patient Global Impression of Change for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (PGI-C [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 12

The Patient Global Impression of Change for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (PGI-C \[IH\]) is a single-item questionnaire that assesses a participant's overall impression of the change in their symptoms of IH. The scale asks participants to rate their overall impression of the change in their symptoms of IH since a specific timepoint on a 5-point verbal rating scale ranging from "much better" to "much worse."

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Number · proportion of participants
Proportion of Participants Who Worsened on the Patient Global Impression of Change for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (PGI-C [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 12
proportion of participantsDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Proportion of Participants Who Worsened on the Patient Global Impression of Change for Idiopathic Hypersomnia (PGI-C [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 120.470.60
SecondaryChange in Clinical Global Impression of Severity for IH (CGI-S [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 12

The CGI-S (IH) is an investigator-rated assessment. It uses a single-item, 5-point Likert-type rating scale that ranges from: none (1); mild (2); moderate (3); severe (4); very severe (5). An assessment of less severe symptoms represents an improvement in the investigator's perception of the participant's overall clinical status related to idiopathic hypersomnia and is reflected by a decrease in score.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Clinical Global Impression of Severity for IH (CGI-S [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 12
score on a scaleDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Clinical Global Impression of Severity for IH (CGI-S [IH]) From Week 8 to Week 120.6 ± 0.950.8 ± 0.99
SecondaryChange in Patient Global Impression of Severity Scale for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (PGI-S [EDS]) From Week 8 to Week 12

The Patient Global Impression of Severity for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (PGI-S \[EDS\]) asks participants to rate their overall impression of the severity of their EDS over the past 7 days on a 5-point verbal rating scale ranging from "none" to "very severe". Scores are: 1=None, 2=Mild, 3=Moderate, 4=Severe, and 5=Very Severe.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Patient Global Impression of Severity Scale for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (PGI-S [EDS]) From Week 8 to Week 12
score on a scaleDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Patient Global Impression of Severity Scale for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (PGI-S [EDS]) From Week 8 to Week 120.6 ± 1.120.9 ± 1.22
SecondaryChange in Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire 10-Item Version (FOSQ-10) From Week 8 to Week 12

The Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire 10-Item Version (FOSQ-10) consists of 10 items assessing the impact of sleepiness on daily functioning across 5 domains: vigilance, general productivity, social outcomes, intimacy, and activity level. Each item is rated on a scale of 0 (activity not performed for other reasons), 1 (extreme difficulty), 2 (moderate difficulty), 3 (a little difficulty), and 4 (no difficulty). The FOSQ-10 total score is calculated by multiplying the mean of the subscale scores by five, with final scores ranging from 5-20. Higher scores correspond to less impairment/symptomatic severity.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire 10-Item Version (FOSQ-10) From Week 8 to Week 12
score on a scaleDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire 10-Item Version (FOSQ-10) From Week 8 to Week 12-0.882 ± 3.1456-2.068 ± 2.4539
SecondaryChange in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep-Related Impairment Short Form 8a (PROMIS-SRI SF 8a) From Week 8 to Week 12

The PROMIS-SRI SF 8a is a self-report measure that includes 8 questions designed to assess a participant's perceptions of their waking alertness, sleepiness, and tiredness during usual waking hours, and the perceived functional impairments during wakefulness associated with sleep problems or impaired alertness over the past week. Responses are rated using a 5-point scale, with responses ranging from: 1=not at all; 2=a little bit; 3=somewhat; 4=quite a bit; 5=very much, with average scores ranging from 8 to 40. Raw scores are converted to a T-score using the conversion table from the PROMIS-SRI Scoring Manual. Raw score ranges from 8 to 40; T-score ranges from 30 to 80.1. Higher scores represent greater impairment.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep-Related Impairment Short Form 8a (PROMIS-SRI SF 8a) From Week 8 to Week 12
score on a scaleDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sleep-Related Impairment Short Form 8a (PROMIS-SRI SF 8a) From Week 8 to Week 123.6 ± 6.465.8 ± 6.51
SecondaryChange in Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ) From Week 8 to Week 12

The Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ) consists of 21 questions that assess sleep inertia. Each question is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, where: 1=not at all; 2=a little; 3=somewhat; 4=often; 5=all the time. Total scores range from 21 to 105. Higher scores represent greater sleep inertia.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ) From Week 8 to Week 12
score on a scaleDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ) From Week 8 to Week 128.2 ± 16.0013.6 ± 16.32
SecondaryChange in Cogstate One Back Test (ONB) From Week 8 to Week 12

Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Battery tests. The cognitive domain of working memory was assessed specifically with the One Back Test (ONB), which measures the speed of the participant's response. Results are reported as the mean of the common logarithm (log 10) transformed reaction time (in milliseconds \[msec\]) for correct responses. A decrease in score represents an increase in working memory performance.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · log 10 msec
Change in Cogstate One Back Test (ONB) From Week 8 to Week 12
log 10 msecDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Cogstate One Back Test (ONB) From Week 8 to Week 12-0.01 ± 0.0540.02 ± 0.060
SecondaryChange in Cogstate Identification Test (IDN) From Week 8 to Week 12

Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Battery tests. The cognitive domain of visual attention was assessed using the Identification Test (IDN). Results reported as the mean of the log 10 transformed reaction time for correct responses. A decrease in score represents an increase in visual attention performance.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · log 10 msec
Change in Cogstate Identification Test (IDN) From Week 8 to Week 12
log 10 msecDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Cogstate Identification Test (IDN) From Week 8 to Week 12-0.01 ± 0.0460.00 ± 0.046
SecondaryChange in Cogstate Detection Test (DET) From Week 8 to Week 12

Cognition was assessed using the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Battery tests. The cognitive domain of psychomotor function was assessed specifically using the Detection Test (DET). The test measures the speed of the participant's response. Results reported as the mean of the log 10 transformed reaction time (msec) for the correct responses. A decrease in score represents an increase in psychomotor function performance.

Time frame:
Week 8 to Week 12
Reported as:
Mean · log 10 msec
Change in Cogstate Detection Test (DET) From Week 8 to Week 12
log 10 msecDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
Change in Cogstate Detection Test (DET) From Week 8 to Week 12-0.02 ± 0.0470.00 ± 0.051
Other pre-specifiedChange in ESS Score From Week 1 to Week 8

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an 8-item, 4-point rating scale that asks participants to rate the likelihood of falling asleep over the past week. The rating scale ranges from 0 (no chance of dozing) to 3 (high chance of dozing). The total score is calculated by summing the item level ratings. Total scores range from 0 to 24. Higher point totals represent more severe daytime sleepiness.

Time frame:
Week 1 to Week 8
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in ESS Score From Week 1 to Week 8
score on a scaleOpen-Label Pitolisant
Change in ESS Score From Week 1 to Week 8-9.4 ± 4.08
Other pre-specifiedChange in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) Score From Week 1 to Week 8

The Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) is a self-administered questionnaire with a total of 14 items that assess long sleep duration and sleep inertia (5 items), daytime functioning (7 items), and napping (2 items). All items are scored from 0 to 3 or from 0 to 4. The total score is a sum of the item scores. The total score ranges from 0 to 50. A higher score indicates more severe and frequent symptoms.

Time frame:
Week 1 to Week 8
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Change in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) Score From Week 1 to Week 8
score on a scaleOpen-Label Pitolisant
Change in Idiopathic Hypersomnia Severity Scale (IHSS) Score From Week 1 to Week 8-10.0 ± 7.46

Adverse events

Collected over Day 1 through Day 114. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Open-Label Pitolisant0/213 (0%)2/213 (0.9%)142/213 (66.7%)
Double-Blind Pitolisant0/69 (0%)2/69 (2.9%)23/69 (33.3%)
Double-Blind Placebo0/70 (0%)1/70 (1.4%)18/70 (25.7%)
Most frequent serious events
Most frequent serious events
EventOpen-Label PitolisantDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
CholelithiasisHepatobiliary disorders0/2131/690/70
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosisNervous system disorders0/2131/690/70
Venomous biteInjury, poisoning and procedural complications0/2130/691/70
Suicidal ideationPsychiatric disorders1/2130/690/70
Suicide attemptPsychiatric disorders1/2130/690/70
Most frequent other events
Showing 10 of 144
Most frequent other events
EventOpen-Label PitolisantDouble-Blind PitolisantDouble-Blind Placebo
HeadacheNervous system disorders48/2132/691/70
InsomniaPsychiatric disorders31/2130/692/70
NasopharyngitisInfections and infestations14/2134/690/70
Abnormal dreamsPsychiatric disorders12/2130/690/70
NauseaGastrointestinal disorders9/2130/690/70
COVID-19Infections and infestations9/2132/690/70
AnxietyPsychiatric disorders9/2131/690/70
SinusitisInfections and infestations3/2130/692/70
Alanine aminotransferase increasedInvestigations2/2130/692/70
DizzinessNervous system disorders6/2130/690/70

Baseline characteristics

Open-label Safety Population: all participants who received at least 1 dose of study drug during the OLP.

Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(years)Open-Label Pitolisant
Mean39.7 ± 12.85
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Open-Label Pitolisant
Female169
Male44
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Open-Label Pitolisant
Hispanic or Latino10
Not Hispanic or Latino203
Unknown or Not Reported0
Race (NIH/OMB)
Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Open-Label Pitolisant
American Indian or Alaska Native0
Asian8
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander0
Black or African American16
White187
More than one race0
Unknown or Not Reported2
08

Study locations

58 sites
  • Phoenix Medical Group
    Peoria, Arizona 85381, United States
  • Mayo Clinic
    Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, United States
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers
    Los Angeles, California 90048, United States
  • University of California- Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
  • Sleep Medicine Specialists of California
    San Ramon, California 94583, United States
  • SDS Clinical Trials Inc.
    Santa Ana, California 92705, United States
  • Santa Monica Clinical Trials
    Santa Monica, California 90404, United States
  • Alpine Clinical Research Center
    Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
  • Norwalk Hospital Sleep Center
    Norwalk, Connecticut 06850, United States
  • Meris Clinical Research
    Brandon, Florida 33511, United States
  • St. Francis Medical Institute
    Clearwater, Florida 33765, United States
  • Sleep Medicine Specialists of South Florida, PA
    Miami, Florida 33126, United States
  • Pasadena Center For Medical Research, LLC
    St. Petersburg, Florida 33763, United States
  • Florida Pediatric Research Institute
    Winter Park, Florida 32789, United States
  • Neurotrials Research Inc.
    Atlanta, Georgia 30328, United States
  • The Neurological Center of North GA
    Gainesville, Georgia 30501, United States
  • Northwestern University
    Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
  • NorthShore Uni HealthSys-Glenbrook Hospital
    Glenview, Illinois 60026, United States
  • OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
    Peoria, Illinois 61637, United States
  • Helene A. Emsellem MD PC
    Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, United States
  • Boston Children's Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
  • Neurocare, INC
    Newton, Massachusetts 02459, United States
  • Henry Ford Health System
    Novi, Michigan 48377, United States
  • Bronson Sleep Health
    Portage, Michigan 49024, United States
  • Clinical Neurophysiology Services
    Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314, United States
  • Minnesota Lung Center
    Edina, Minnesota 55125, United States
  • Minnesota Lung Center
    Woodbury, Minnesota 55125, United States
  • St. Luke's Sleep Medicine and Research Center
    Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, United States
  • Clayton Sleep Institute
    St Louis, Missouri 63123, United States
  • Great Plains Health
    North Platte, Nebraska 69101, United States
  • Neurology Specialists of Monmouth County, PA
    West Long Branch, New Jersey 07764, United States
  • Northwell Health
    New Hyde Park, New York 11042, United States
  • Research Carolina Elite LLC
    Denver, North Carolina 28037, United States
  • Duke University School of Medicine
    Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
  • Clinical Research of Gastonia
    Gastonia, North Carolina 28054, United States
  • ARSM Research
    Huntersville, North Carolina 28078, United States
  • NeuroScience Research Center, LLC
    Canton, Ohio 44718, United States
  • Intrepid Research, LLC
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45245, United States
  • Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital
    Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
  • Cleveland Clinic
    Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
  • Ohio Sleep Medicine and Neuroscience Institute
    Dublin, Ohio 43017, United States
  • North Star Medical Research
    Middleburg, Ohio 44130, United States
  • CardioVoyage
    Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401, United States
  • Brian Abaluck, LLC
    Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301, United States
  • Abington Neurological Associates
    Willow Grove, Pennsylvania 19090, United States
  • Respiratory Specialists
    Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 19610, United States
  • Medical University of South Carolina- Institute of Psychiatry
    Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
  • Bogan Sleep Consultants
    Columbia, South Carolina 29201, United States
  • Lowcountry Lung Critical Care
    North Charleston, South Carolina 29406, United States
  • Advanced Center for Sleep Disorders
    Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421, United States
  • Neurology Clinic, P.C.
    Cordova, Tennessee 38018, United States
  • FutureSearch Trials of Neurology LP
    Austin, Texas 78731, United States
  • Central Texas Neurology Consultants, PA
    Round Rock, Texas 78681, United States
  • Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates
    Sugar Land, Texas 77478, United States
  • Northwest Houston Neurology and Sleep
    Tomball, Texas 77375, United States
  • Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter
    Norfolk, Virginia 23507, United States
  • West Virginia University - Department of Neurology
    Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Madison, Wisconsin 53719, United States
09

References and documents

Study documents

PDFs hosted by the registry, ClinicalTrials.gov.

10

Timeline

1 registry update since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reached

Ran from May 2022 to primary completion in Sep 2023, 15 months.

Results were first posted in Sep 2026, 3 years after primary completion. A results delay was requested in Aug 2024.

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

Registered
Dec 1, 2021
First posted
Dec 14, 2021
StartActual
May 25, 2022
Primary completionActual
Sep 8, 2023
CompletionActual
Sep 8, 2023
Results delay requested
Aug 29, 2024
Results first posted
Sep 25, 2026
Last update
Sep 25, 2026
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.
Registered
First appeared on the registry. No changes since
Sep 25, 2026
Show all 1 update
  1. Sep 25, 2026
    First appeared on the registry

From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT05156047
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Dec 14, 2021
Start date
May 25, 2022
Primary completion
Sep 8, 2023
Completion
Sep 8, 2023
Results posted
Sep 25, 2026
Last update
Sep 25, 2026

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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