NCT06951711 · Bristol-Myers Squibb
A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of KarXT for the Treatment of Manic Episodes in Bipolar-I Disorder (BALSAM-2)
What this study is about
This is a Phase 3, randomly assigned, where neither patients nor doctors know which treatment is given, compared against an inactive treatment, conducted at multiple hospitals, inpatient study in participants with bipolar disorder experiencing an acute episode of mania or mania with mixed features.
View original scientific description
This is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, inpatient study in participants with bipolar disorder experiencing an acute episode of mania or mania with mixed features. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of KarXT compared to placebo in treating symptoms of mania during a 3-week inpatient period. The duration of the study including screening, the double-blind inpatient treatment period and safety-follow-up is no more than seven weeks.
Interventions
DRUG
KarXT
Specified dose on specified days
OTHER
Placebo
Specified dose on specified days
Primary outcome measures
Change from baseline in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score
Time frame: At week 3
The YMRS comprised of 11 items that assess the severity of manic symptoms. All items are given a severity rating, with 4 items graded from 0 to 8 (irritability, speech, thought content, and disruptive/aggressive behavior), and the remaining 7 items are graded from 0 to 4 points. The highest score obtainable on the YMRS is 60 and the higher the number the greater the number of symptoms and/or the greater their severity.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants must have a primary diagnosis of Bipolar-I disorder established by a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
- Participants must be experiencing an acute episode or relapse of mania or mania with mixed features (≤ 3 weeks).
- Participants must require hospitalization for the acute exacerbation or relapse of mania.
- Participants must have all psychotropic medications washed out in no more than 14 days prior to the first dose of the study drug.
- Participants must have a Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score of ≥ 20 at Screening and at Baseline.
- Participants must have a Clinical Global Impressions-Bipolar (CGI-BP) ≥ 4 at Screening and at Baseline.
Exclusion criteria
- Participants must not have any primary Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition, Text Revision) (DSM-5-TR) disorder, other than BP-I with mania or mania with mixed features within 12 months before screening, including BP-I with depression (for previous 3 mont
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Rogers, Arkansas
- Culver City, California
- Riverside, California
- Torrance, California
- Hialeah Gardens, Florida
- Hollywood, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Miami Lakes, Florida
- Miami Springs, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- West Palm Beach, Florida
And 14 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations