Ebrotidine (N-[(E)-[[2-[[[2-[(diaminomethylene)amino]-4 -thiazoly]methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]methylene]-4-bromo-benzenesulfon
amide, CAS 100981-43-9, FI-3542) is a new H2-receptor antagonist characterized by its high receptor affinity and gastroprotective effect. This Phase II study has been undertaken to establish the efficacy and safety of
ebrotidine, administered in four dosages as a single evening dose versus placebo in the treatment of
duodenal ulcer. A total of 110
duodenal ulcer patients were studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial. The patients were assigned to 5 groups: placebo, 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg of
ebrotidine once daily. Controls were performed at baseline and every two weeks at four follow-up visits unless
ulcer healed before. Endoscopic examination was the main parameter for the assessment of treatment efficacy and
ulcer healing rate. Vital signs and blood/ urine analysis were used to establish safety. The three groups treated with higher dosages (400 to 800 mg of
ebrotidine daily) showed an endoscopic
ulcer healing rate of 90-95%, significantly higher than 55% achieved with placebo (p < 0.05), whilst the differences between these three dosages of
ebrotidine were not statistically significant. Healing rate in the group treated with 200 mg of
ebrotidine daily was not significantly different from that in the placebo group. The development of symptoms, number of episodes of
ulcer-related
pain, total ulcerated surface area or subjective ratings by the patients and investigators also differed significantly between
ebrotidine (400, 600 and 800 mg daily) and placebo, and again, no marked differences were found between these three doses of
ebrotidine. As far as tolerance is concerned, no clinically or statistically significant changes were observed in vital signs and analytical parameters. The incidence of side effects was less than that presented by the placebo group, possibly due to a greater consumption of
antacids in this group. Results showed that a daily dose of 400 mg
ebrotidine is effective and safe in the treatment of
duodenal ulcers.