NCT05778188 · ReAlta Life Sciences, Inc.
A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Preliminary Efficacy of RLS-0071 in Newborns With Moderate or Severe Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia
(STAR)
What this study is about
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) affects approximately 4,000 to 12,000 persons annually in the United States. Mortality from HIE has been reported up to 60%, with at least 25% of survivors left with significant neurocognitive disability. Despite this vital unmet medical need, no pharmacological adjunct or alternative therapy has proven beneficial in improving outcomes in neonatal HIE.
View original scientific description
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) affects approximately 4,000 to 12,000 persons annually in the United States. Mortality from HIE has been reported up to 60%, with at least 25% of survivors left with significant neurocognitive disability. Despite this vital unmet medical need, no pharmacological adjunct or alternative therapy has proven beneficial in improving outcomes in neonatal HIE. RLS-0071 is a novel peptide being developed for the treatment of neonatal HIE.
Interventions
DRUG
RLS-0071
RLS-0071 (unit strength 10 mg/mL) will be administered by infusion for a dose level of 3 or 10 mg/kg. Planned infusion duration is 10 minutes for all dose levels.
DRUG
Placebo
Placebo control (commercial sterile saline) will be administered by infusion at a volume matched to RLS-0071 (3 or 10 mg/kg). Planned infusion duration is 10 minutes for all matched dose levels.
Primary outcome measures
Frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) by treatment group at Day 14
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 14
Number of participants with AEs and SAEs graded between Grade 1 (mild in severity) and Grade 5 (death related to AE).
Frequency and severity of events of special interest and SAEs by treatment group at 24 months
Time frame: Day 1 to 24 months
Number of participants with events of special interest and SAEs graded between Grade 1 (mild in severity) and Grade 5 (death related to AE). Events of special interest are: autoimmune disorder, persistent hypotension, persistent pulmonary hypertension, acute kidney injury, major venous thrombosis, severe intracranial hemorrhage, pulmonary hemorrhage, culture proven sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, severe thrombocytopenia, hepatic dysfunction, hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, hypocalcemia, cerebral palsy, developmental or speech delay, learning disability, and visual or hearing impairment.
Frequency of premature discontinuation by treatment group due to AEs at Day 14
Time frame: Day 1 to Day 14
Number of participants who prematurely discontinue from the study due to AEs
Acute brain injury at Day 4, assessed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using a standardized scoring system
Time frame: Day 4
Brain injury MRI score includes scoring extent of injury across 4 domains (Grey matter, White matter/cortex, Cerebellum, and Additional). A score of 0 indicates a normal brain MRI, whereas the maximum score of 57 indicates extensive bilateral injury.
Acute brain injury at Day 12, assessed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using a standardized scoring system
Time frame: Day 12
Brain injury MRI score includes scoring extent of injury across 4 domains (Grey matter, White matter/cortex, Cerebellum, and Additional). A score of 0 indicates a normal brain MRI, whereas the maximum score of 57 indicates extensive bilateral injury.
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
- ≥ 36 weeks gestation. 2. Sentinel event prior to delivery such as abruption, tight nuchal cord, uterine rupture, profound bradycardia, shoulder dystocia, or cord prolapse or other acute event likely attributable for newborn depression at delivery or an acute change in the fetal status with a clinical presentation consistent with an acute sentinel event with no clearly defined etiology. 3. Moderate or severe encephalopathy based on at least one risk of encephalopathy criterion (a) and one clinical signs of encephalopathy criterion (b): 1. Risk of encephalopathy (either):
- Blood gas drawn within 1 hour of birth, either arterial blood gas (ABG) or venous blood gas (VBG) (cord or infant) with pH ≤ 7.0 OR base deficit ≥ 16 mmol/L. OR
- appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (APGAR) score ≤ 5 at 10 minutes OR
- The infant required assisted ventilation ≥ 10 minutes after birth (ie, endotracheal, mask ventilation, or continu
Where
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Orange, California
- San Diego, California
- Gainesville, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Boston, Massachusetts
- St Louis, Missouri
- Durham, North Carolina
- Cleveland, Ohio
And 2 more locations — see the full list below.
Collaborators
Premier Research
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 Apr 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations