Clinical Trial

Repurposing Mirtazapine in Rett Syndrome

Study acronym: MirtaRett
Recruiting Phase 2
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Record status
This record was last updated February 24, 2026 (before its estimated June 30, 2026 completion). Its status may not reflect the trial's current state.
Summary
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by an MECP2 gene mutation on the X chromosome, primarily affecting females. It causes progressive motor and cognitive decline, loss of speech, repetitive hand movements, breathing issues, seizures, and sleep problems. Given RTT's association with reduced monoamine levels, antidepressants like mirtazapine (MTZ) may help.Preclinical studies in MeCP2-mutant mice and early adult RTT trials showed that MTZ improved respiratory, motor, and neurological function, sleep, and mood, prompting this pediatric and young adult study. The MirtaRett trial is a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study enrolling 54 female RTT patients (ages 5-40), divided into groups of 18 (5-10, 11-17, 18-40 years). It aims to evaluate MTZ's safety and efficacy for mood, sleep, and motor symptoms, particularly hand control. Other ares of investigation include autonomic function, behavior, caregiver burden, clinical severity, and neuronal plasticity and metabolic biomarkers. Patients will receive escalating doses of MTZ oral solution: initial low doses (3.75-15 mg/day) for two weeks, followed by optimal doses (7.5-30 mg/day) for six months. Safety, tolerability, and symptoms will be monitored over 10 months (3-month screening, 6-month treatment, 1-month follow-up). The study is conducted at four Italian RTT-specialized hospitals, led by the University of Trieste. Partner sites are in Italy, specifically at the hospitals in Milan, Genova, Siena, and Messina.
Trial Details
NCT Number NCT07430046
Lead Sponsor University of Trieste
Collaborators: Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", IRCSS Gianna Gaslini, Genova, Italy, Policlinico S.Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy, ASST Ospedale Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milano, Italy
Conditions RETT Syndrome With Proven MECP2 Mutation
Enrollment 54 participants
Start Date 2025-07-09
Primary Completion 2026-06-30 (estimated)
Study Completion 2026-12-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov 2026-02-24