NCT06632600 · Novartis Pharmaceuticals
A Study of Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability of LXE408 in Participants With Chronic Chagas Disease.
What this study is about
This study is to investigate the ability of LXE408 to reduce or remove the level of parasites in the blood of people with chronic Chagas disease. Participants must have chronic Chagas disease without severe organ dysfunction.
View original scientific description
This study is to investigate the ability of LXE408 to reduce or remove the level of parasites in the blood of people with chronic Chagas disease. Participants must have chronic Chagas disease without severe organ dysfunction.
Interventions
DRUG
LXE408
LXE408 administered by oral route
DRUG
Placebo
Placebo administered by oral route
DRUG
Benznidazole
Benznidazole administered by oral route (administered as standard of care)
Primary outcome measures
Presence or absence of sustained parasitological clearance using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results over 6 months - LXE408 28 days versus placebo.
Time frame: At Months 2, 4, and 6
The parasitological load will be measured using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 2 months, 4 months, and at 6 months. At each timepoint, multiple samples are evaluated. The participant will be considered negative at a visit if the parasite is not detectable in all samples at a visit and positive if the parasite level is detectable in at least one sample. Sustained parasitological clearance is achieved if participant is negative at all 3 visits.
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
- Male or female participants aged ≥ 18 years to ≤ 60 years old
- Confirmed diagnosis of T. cruzi infection
- History that participant has been determined to be in chronic phase of CD
- Written informed consent must be obtained before any assessment is performed, and participants should express understanding of the consent form and the study
- Participants must be considered by the investigator eligible for and able to comply with local prescribing information for benznidazole
- Ability and willingness to communicate well with the investigator/study site and comply with requirements of the study
Exclusion criteria
- Signs (on physical examination) and/or symptoms of CD in the acute phase as determined by the investigator at screening
- History of CD treatment with benznidazole or nifurtimox at any time in the past
- History of and/or current (at screening) symptoms or signs (physical examination findings) of moderate or severe CD-related gastrointestinal disease
- Participants who weigh \< 50 kg or \>90kg at screening
- At sites conducting the MRI assessments, participants may participate in the overall study, but will be excluded from the MRI assessment if they have contraindications to MRI imaging
- Any clinically significant disease during screening that, in the opinion of the investigator, would put the safety of the participant at risk through participating, or which would affect the efficacy or safety analysis if the disease/condition exacerbated during the study, or would compromise participant compliance or preclude completion of the study
- Documented history or current findings at screening of clinically significant cardiovascular conditions such as, but not limited to: unstable ischemic heart disease; NYHA Class III/IV heart failure (due to Chagas disease or other conditions); arrhythmias
- Known or suspected ongoing, chronic or recurrent viral, bacterial or fungal infectious diseases including but not limited to: Tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, severe malaria, atypical mycobacterial infection, listeriosis, aspergillosis, or endemic mycoses, and/or documented positivity for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Participants with controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy are eligible to participate if CD4 ≥ 500 at screening
- History of lymphoproliferative disease or any known malignancy or history of malignancy of any organ system within the past 5 years prior to screening (except for basal cell carcinoma or actinic keratosis that have been treated with no evidence of recurrence in the past 3 months, carcinoma in situ of the cervix or non-invasive malignant colon polyps that have been removed)
- Any surgical or medical condition which might significantly alter the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of drugs, or which may jeopardize the participant during the study period
- Pancreatic injury or pancreatitis: If any single parameter of amylase or lipase exceeds 1.5x ULN at screening Participants with known recurrent pancreatitis (more than 1 episode in lifetime, from any cause) are excluded
- Liver disease or liver injury as indicated by abnormal liver function tests (LFTs): Any single parameter of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase must not exceed 1.5x ULN at screening Serum bilirubin must not exceed the ULN at screening elevated serum bilirubin is not excluded if there is a documented history of Gilbert's Syndrome
- History of renal disease as indicated by creatinine level above 1.5x ULN or microalbuminuria at screening; Evidence of urinary obstruction, or difficulty in voiding at screening; evidence of congenital renal abnormalities with known effect on renal function; calculated eGFR \<60 mL/min (\<0.835 mL/s) using the CKD-EPI formula for adults
- Participants with screening hematology parameters outside of the thresholds
- Current use of medications prohibited by the protocol at screening and/or baseline visits, or expected use of any prohibited medication during the study treatment period
- Use of benznidazole in the blinded arms is prohibited until unblinding occurs after all participants complete Month 12.
- Use of other investigational drugs at the time of study drug dosing
- History of multiple and recurring allergies or allergy to the investigational compound/compound class being used in this study or to benznidazole
- History of drug abuse or unhealthy alcohol use within the 12 months prior to dosing
- Pregnant or nursing (lactating/breast-feeding) women
- Women of child-bearing potential, defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant, unless they are using highly effective methods of contraception during dosing and for 5 days after stopping of investigational drug and benznidazole
- Participants who, in the opinion of the investigator, will not be able to comply with study procedures or visits, adhere to dosing schedule, or other otherwise be in compliance with study requirements Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.
Where
- Sylmar, California
- Gainesville, Florida
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Houston, Texas
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 Oct 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations