Flag of the European Union EU Clinical Trials Register Help

Clinical trials

The European Union Clinical Trials Register   allows you to search for protocol and results information on:
  • interventional clinical trials that were approved in the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) under the Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC
  • clinical trials conducted outside the EU/EEA that are linked to European paediatric-medicine development

  • EU/EEA interventional clinical trials approved under or transitioned to the Clinical Trial Regulation 536/2014 are publicly accessible through the
    Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS).


    The EU Clinical Trials Register currently displays   43871   clinical trials with a EudraCT protocol, of which   7290   are clinical trials conducted with subjects less than 18 years old.   The register also displays information on   18700   older paediatric trials (in scope of Article 45 of the Paediatric Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006).

    Phase 1 trials conducted solely on adults and that are not part of an agreed paediatric investigation plan (PIP) are not publicly available (see Frequently Asked Questions ).  
     
    Examples: Cancer AND drug name. Pneumonia AND sponsor name.
    How to search [pdf]
    Search Tips: Under advanced search you can use filters for Country, Age Group, Gender, Trial Phase, Trial Status, Date Range, Rare Diseases and Orphan Designation. For these items you should use the filters and not add them to your search terms in the text field.
    Advanced Search: Search tools
     

    < Back to search results

    Download PDF

    Clinical Trial Results:
    Ulipristal acetate versus conventional management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB; including uterine fibroids): a randomised controlled trial and exploration of mechanism of action (UCON trial)

    Summary
    EudraCT number
    2014-003408-65
    Trial protocol
    GB  
    Global end of trial date
    30 Jun 2022

    Results information
    Results version number
    v1(current)
    This version publication date
    22 Feb 2023
    First version publication date
    22 Feb 2023
    Other versions

    Trial information

    Close Top of page
    Trial identification
    Sponsor protocol code
    UCON
    Additional study identifiers
    ISRCTN number
    ISRCTN20426843
    US NCT number
    -
    WHO universal trial number (UTN)
    -
    Other trial identifiers
    2014-003408-65: EudraCT
    Sponsors
    Sponsor organisation name
    University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian
    Sponsor organisation address
    ACCORD, Queen's Medical Research Institute 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH16 4TJ
    Public contact
    Professor Hilary Critchley, University of Edinburgh, +44 1312426858, hilary.critchley@ed.ac.uk
    Scientific contact
    Professor Hilary Critchley, University of Edinburgh, +44 1312426858, hilary.critchley@ed.ac.uk
    Paediatric regulatory details
    Is trial part of an agreed paediatric investigation plan (PIP)
    No
    Does article 45 of REGULATION (EC) No 1901/2006 apply to this trial?
    No
    Does article 46 of REGULATION (EC) No 1901/2006 apply to this trial?
    No
    Results analysis stage
    Analysis stage
    Final
    Date of interim/final analysis
    17 Jun 2022
    Is this the analysis of the primary completion data?
    Yes
    Primary completion date
    17 Jun 2022
    Global end of trial reached?
    Yes
    Global end of trial date
    30 Jun 2022
    Was the trial ended prematurely?
    Yes
    General information about the trial
    Main objective of the trial
    Primary objective: to determine if UPA is more effective at reducing the burden of HMB symptoms than LNG-IUS after 12 months of treatment. Secondary objectives: Ascertain whether UPA use beyond 3 months and up to 12 months duration is associated with histological changes to the endometrium, and if so, whether this compromises safety. Ascertain whether UPA is more effective than LNG-IUS in relation to menstrual blood loss, sexual activity, generic quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, patient reported adverse events, and compliance at 3, 6 and 12 months. Determine the response to UPA and LNG-IUS treatment difference in the presence of uterine fibroids in terms of (i) alleviation of HMB and (ii) change in uterine/fibroid volume. Collect data on liver function in women taking UPA, once safety concerns were raised
    Protection of trial subjects
    We ensure that all staff are GCP trained and will only grant access to allow staff at site to become involved in the trial if their GCP is in date. It is imperative that all investigators and staff at the sites have a thorough understanding of anticipated adverse events and the reporting process of these events as it is their responsibility to notify adverse events and SAE's to the Trial Office and for the Sponsor, or designated delegate, to report to the regulatory authority and ethics committee. The patient Information Sheet contained the details of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for the individual sites. An Urgent Safety Measure(USM) was put in place following a drug alert for Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) issued on 13 March 2020 by the European Medicine Agency. The following steps were put in place inline with advice from the competent authority: 1. Trial recruitment was suspended. No further participants were recruited to the UCON trial. 2. Participants who were on a 4 week stopping period between cycles, were advised not to resume UPA. 3. Any current or recent users of UPA presenting with signs or symptoms suggestive of liver injury (e.g. nausea, vomiting, malaise, right hypochondrial pain, anorexia, asthenia, jaundice) transaminase level's were checked. 4. Participants who stopped treatment remained on the trial and followed up as per the trial protocol. Those allocated UPA were allowed to complete their current course of UPA treatment but not commence any further outstanding courses. In August 2018 the halt on UPA prescribing was lifted and recruitment to UCON resumed in October 2018 with additional safety measures in place. In March 2020 the EMA temporarily suspended use of UPA a second time due to ongoing concerns regarding hepatotoxicity and a further USM was issued. All treatment courses of UPA were immediately stopped. In view of the second USM the investigators, in discussion with Funder, chose premature closure of recruitment.
    Background therapy
    -
    Evidence for comparator
    After eligibility had been established, baseline questionnaires completed, and once written informed consent had been obtained, the women were randomised into the trial. A minimisation procedure using a computer based algorithm was used to avoid chance imbalances in treatment allocation and the following potentially important variables: Age: ≤35yrs or >35yrs, BMI: ≤25 kg/m2 or >25 kg/m2, Presence of any fibroid >2cm, as determined by the ultrasound scans Duration of symptoms: < 1year or ≥1 year, Site: Individual Site, Agreement to enter sub-study: Both/ MRI only/ Biopsy Only/ Neither and N/A In addition, to avoid any possibility of the treatment allocation becoming too predictable, a random factor within the algorithm in which for a proportion of the allocations (1 in 5) true randomisation was implemented rather than by using the minimised allocation. Participants were randomised individually into the UCON trial in an equal ratio to either ulipristal acetate (UPA) or levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).
    Actual start date of recruitment
    01 Mar 2015
    Long term follow-up planned
    No
    Independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) involvement?
    Yes
    Population of trial subjects
    Number of subjects enrolled per country
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    United Kingdom: 236
    Worldwide total number of subjects
    236
    EEA total number of subjects
    0
    Number of subjects enrolled per age group
    In utero
    0
    Preterm newborn - gestational age < 37 wk
    0
    Newborns (0-27 days)
    0
    Infants and toddlers (28 days-23 months)
    0
    Children (2-11 years)
    0
    Adolescents (12-17 years)
    0
    Adults (18-64 years)
    236
    From 65 to 84 years
    0
    85 years and over
    0

    Subject disposition

    Close Top of page
    Recruitment
    Recruitment details
    UCON participants were recruited from gynaecology outpatient departments in ten NHS participating sites across the UK.

    Pre-assignment
    Screening details
    At the screening visit, a transvaginal and/or abdominal ultrasound scan was conducted and an endometrial biopsy taken. Blood samples (haemoglobin, serum oestradiol, with addition of liver function tests from 20th March 2018), were taken, clinical history was elicited, and a menstrual blood loss diary was provided to the participant.

    Period 1
    Period 1 title
    Baseline
    Is this the baseline period?
    Yes
    Allocation method
    Randomised - controlled
    Blinding used
    Not blinded

    Arms
    Are arms mutually exclusive
    Yes

    Arm title
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Arm description
    -
    Arm type
    Experimental

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Ulipristal acetate
    Investigational medicinal product code
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Tablet
    Routes of administration
    Oral use
    Dosage and administration details
    Those allocated to UPA will receive proprietary ulipristal acetate 5mg, orally, once daily. A single tablet must be taken orally once daily with or without food, at approximately/ or as close as possible to the same time each day. The participant should start taking UPA within the first five days of starting their menstrual bleeding. Any women randomised into the trial and allocated to UPA will be instructed to take the tablet in 3 courses according to the following cyclical (± 5 days) regime. Course 1 ON TREATMENT: One 5mg tablet of UPA to be taken daily for 12 weeks; OFF TREATMENT: UPA stopped for 4 weeks, when light vaginal bleeding may occur. Course 2 ON TREATMENT: One 5mg tablet of UPA to be taken daily for 12 weeks; OFF TREATMENT: UPA stopped for 4 weeks, when light vaginal bleeding may occur. Course 3 ON TREATMENT: One 5mg tablet of UPA to be taken daily for 12 weeks; OFF TREATMENT: UPA stopped for 4 weeks, when light vaginal bleeding may occur.

    Arm title
    LNG-IUS
    Arm description
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine system, retained for up to 5 years (depending on the product and manufacturer).
    Arm type
    Active comparator

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)
    Investigational medicinal product code
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Intrauterine delivery system
    Routes of administration
    Vaginal use
    Dosage and administration details
    The LNG-IUS is a contraceptive device that slowly releases a daily dose of 20 μg levonorgestrel into the uterine endometrium. It is a long acting reversible contraceptive preparation that requires removal and reinsertion approximately every three or five years, depending on the product.

    Number of subjects in period 1
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Started
    118
    118
    Completed
    118
    118
    Period 2
    Period 2 title
    12 months
    Is this the baseline period?
    No
    Allocation method
    Randomised - controlled
    Blinding used
    Not blinded

    Arms
    Are arms mutually exclusive
    Yes

    Arm title
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Arm description
    UPA is provided as a 5mg tablet. The trade name for UPA in the European Union is Esmya™ for treatment of uterine fibroids.
    Arm type
    Experimental

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Ulipristal acetate
    Investigational medicinal product code
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Tablet
    Routes of administration
    Oral use
    Dosage and administration details
    Those allocated to UPA will receive proprietary ulipristal acetate 5mg, orally, once daily. A single tablet must be taken orally once daily with or without food, at approximately/ or as close as possible to the same time each day. The participant should start taking UPA within the first five days of starting their menstrual bleeding. Any women randomised into the trial and allocated to UPA will be instructed to take the tablet in 3 courses according to the following cyclical (± 5 days) regime. Course 1 ON TREATMENT: One 5mg tablet of UPA to be taken daily for 12 weeks; OFF TREATMENT: UPA stopped for 4 weeks, when light vaginal bleeding may occur. Course 2 ON TREATMENT: One 5mg tablet of UPA to be taken daily for 12 weeks; OFF TREATMENT: UPA stopped for 4 weeks, when light vaginal bleeding may occur. Course 3 ON TREATMENT: One 5mg tablet of UPA to be taken daily for 12 weeks; OFF TREATMENT: UPA stopped for 4 weeks, when light vaginal bleeding may occur.

    Arm title
    LNG-IUS
    Arm description
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine system, retained for up to 5 years (depending on the product and manufacturer).
    Arm type
    Active comparator

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)
    Investigational medicinal product code
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Intrauterine delivery system
    Routes of administration
    Vaginal use
    Dosage and administration details
    The LNG-IUS is a contraceptive device that slowly releases a daily dose of 20 μg levonorgestrel into the uterine endometrium. It is a long acting reversible contraceptive preparation that requires removal and reinsertion approximately every three or five years, depending on the product.

    Number of subjects in period 2 [1]
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Started
    89
    79
    3 months
    79
    65
    6 months
    62
    53
    Completed
    53
    50
    Not completed
    36
    29
         Completed after USM
    36
    29
    Notes
    [1] - The number of subjects starting the period is not consistent with the number completing the preceding period. It is expected the number of subjects starting the subsequent period will be the same as the number completing the preceding period.
    Justification: Number in analysis population not the same as those randomised due to USM; only those participants completed assessment prior to USM were included.

    Baseline characteristics

    Close Top of page
    Baseline characteristics reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Reporting group description
    -

    Reporting group title
    LNG-IUS
    Reporting group description
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine system, retained for up to 5 years (depending on the product and manufacturer).

    Reporting group values
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS Total
    Number of subjects
    118 118 236
    Age categorical
    Units: Subjects
        In utero
    0 0 0
        Preterm newborn infants (gestational age < 37 wks)
    0 0 0
        Newborns (0-27 days)
    0 0 0
        Infants and toddlers (28 days-23 months)
    0 0 0
        Children (2-11 years)
    0 0 0
        Adolescents (12-17 years)
    0 0 0
        Adults (18-64 years)
    0 0 0
        From 65-84 years
    0 0 0
        85 years and over
    0 0 0
        35 and under
    15 15 30
        Over 35
    103 103 206
    Age continuous
    Units: years
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    42.7 ± 7.0 42.4 ± 6.9 -
    Gender categorical
    Units: Subjects
        Female
    118 118 236
        Male
    0 0 0
    BMI
    Units: Subjects
        <= 25kg/m2
    28 28 56
        >25 kg/m2
    90 90 180
    Duration of symptoms
    Units: Subjects
        <1 year
    16 12 28
        >= 1 year
    102 106 208
    Fibroids
    Units: Subjects
        Fibroids > 2cm
    31 27 58
        Fibroids ≤ 2cm
    12 11 23
        No Fibroids
    75 80 155
    Number of Fibroids
    Figures based (denominator) on those that were identified as having fibroids on ultrasound
    Units: Subjects
        No fibroids
    75 80 155
        1 fibroid
    23 21 44
        2 fibroids
    8 8 16
        More than 2 fibroids
    12 9 21
    Agreement to enter sub-study
    Units: Subjects
        MRI Only
    0 0 0
        Biopsy Only
    1 0 1
        Neither/not applicable
    95 96 191
        Both MRI and Biopsy
    22 22 44
    Ethnicity
    Units: Subjects
        White
    110 108 218
        Mixed
    2 1 3
        Asian
    4 6 10
        Black
    2 3 5
        Other Ethnic Group
    0 0 0
        Not stated
    0 0 0
        Missing
    0 0 0
    BMI
    Units: kg/m2
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    30.7 ± 7.0 30.9 ± 7.1 -
    Duration of Symptoms
    Units: month
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))
    24 (15 to 64) 48 (15 to 84) -
    Subject analysis sets

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 3 months: UPA
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 3 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 6 months: UPA
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 6 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 3 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 6 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Subject analysis sets values
    Population at 3 months: UPA Population at 6 months: UPA Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects
    79
    62
    65
    53
    Age categorical
    Units: Subjects
        In utero
    0
    0
    0
    0
        Preterm newborn infants (gestational age < 37 wks)
    0
    0
    0
    0
        Newborns (0-27 days)
    0
    0
    0
    0
        Infants and toddlers (28 days-23 months)
    0
    0
    0
    0
        Children (2-11 years)
    0
    0
    0
    0
        Adolescents (12-17 years)
    0
    0
    0
    0
        Adults (18-64 years)
    0
    0
    0
    0
        From 65-84 years
    0
    0
    0
    0
        85 years and over
    0
    0
    0
    0
        35 and under
    10
    8
    8
    7
        Over 35
    69
    54
    57
    46
    Age continuous
    Units: years
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    ±
    ±
    ±
    ±
    Gender categorical
    Units: Subjects
        Female
    79
    62
    65
    53
        Male
    0
    0
    0
    0
    BMI
    Units: Subjects
        <= 25kg/m2
        >25 kg/m2
    Duration of symptoms
    Units: Subjects
        <1 year
        >= 1 year
    Fibroids
    Units: Subjects
        Fibroids > 2cm
        Fibroids ≤ 2cm
        No Fibroids
    Number of Fibroids
    Figures based (denominator) on those that were identified as having fibroids on ultrasound
    Units: Subjects
        No fibroids
    50
    39
    41
    34
        1 fibroid
    15
    13
    12
    10
        2 fibroids
    6
    4
    4
    4
        More than 2 fibroids
    8
    6
    8
    5
    Agreement to enter sub-study
    Units: Subjects
        MRI Only
        Biopsy Only
        Neither/not applicable
        Both MRI and Biopsy
    Ethnicity
    Units: Subjects
        White
        Mixed
        Asian
        Black
        Other Ethnic Group
        Not stated
        Missing
    BMI
    Units: kg/m2
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    ±
    ±
    ±
    ±
    Duration of Symptoms
    Units: month
        median (inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3))

    End points

    Close Top of page
    End points reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Reporting group description
    -

    Reporting group title
    LNG-IUS
    Reporting group description
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine system, retained for up to 5 years (depending on the product and manufacturer).
    Reporting group title
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Reporting group description
    UPA is provided as a 5mg tablet. The trade name for UPA in the European Union is Esmya™ for treatment of uterine fibroids.

    Reporting group title
    LNG-IUS
    Reporting group description
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine system, retained for up to 5 years (depending on the product and manufacturer).

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 3 months: UPA
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 3 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 6 months: UPA
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 6 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 3 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Subject analysis set title
    Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Subject analysis set type
    Full analysis
    Subject analysis set description
    Analysis population who returned a form at 6 months. Population includes those who completed assessments prior to USM.

    Primary: Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale Scores at 12 months

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale Scores at 12 months
    End point description
    End point type
    Primary
    End point timeframe
    Questionnaire completed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months (primary end-point)
    End point values
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    53
    50
    Units: Participants
        ≤ 50
    12
    6
        51-75
    8
    9
        76-99
    12
    12
        100
    21
    23
    Statistical analysis title
    Primary Outcome: MMAS Category
    Comparison groups
    LNG-IUS v Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    103
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    P-value
    = 0.12
    Method
    Chi-squared
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    0.55
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.26
         upper limit
    1.17

    Secondary: PBAC bleeding score at 12 months: amenorrhea

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 12 months: amenorrhea
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    PBAC bleeding score at 12 months
    End point values
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    28
    40
    Units: Participants
    18
    10
    Statistical analysis title
    PBAC Bleeding Score at 12 months
    Comparison groups
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) v LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    68
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    7.12
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    2.29
         upper limit
    22.2

    Secondary: PBAC bleeding score at 12 months : Heavy bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 12 months : Heavy bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    PBAC bleeding score at 12 months
    End point values
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    28
    40
    Units: Participants
    5
    12
    Statistical analysis title
    Secondary Analysis: PBAC Bleeding Score = Heavy
    Comparison groups
    LNG-IUS v Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    68
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    0.47
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.12
         upper limit
    1.79

    Secondary: PBAC bleeding score at 12 months: Light Bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 12 months: Light Bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    PBAC score at 12 months
    End point values
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    28
    40
    Units: Participants
    0
    6
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: PBAC bleeding score at 12 months : Normal bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 12 months : Normal bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    PBAC Score at 12 months
    End point values
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    28
    40
    Units: Participants
    5
    12
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Other pre-specified: Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale Scores at 3 months

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale Scores at 3 months
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Participants that returned a form at 3 months
    End point values
    Population at 3 months: UPA Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    79
    65
    Units: Participants
        ≤50
    14
    16
        51-75
    12
    20
        76-99
    19
    17
        100
    34
    12
    Statistical analysis title
    MMAS Category at 3 months
    Comparison groups
    Population at 3 months: UPA v Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    144
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    2.22
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    1.24
         upper limit
    3.96

    Other pre-specified: Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale Scores at 6 months

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale Scores at 6 months
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Participants that returned forms at 6 months
    End point values
    Population at 6 months: UPA Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    62
    53
    Units: Participants
        ≤50
    16
    7
        51-75
    12
    13
        76-99
    13
    13
        100
    21
    20
    Statistical analysis title
    MMAS Category at 6 months
    Comparison groups
    Population at 6 months: UPA v Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    115
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    0.64
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.33
         upper limit
    1.24

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 3 months: amenorrhea

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 3 months: amenorrhea
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up completed at 3 months
    End point values
    Population at 3 months: UPA Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    55
    64
    Units: Participants
    31
    3
    Statistical analysis title
    PBAC Bleeding Score at 3 months
    Comparison groups
    Population at 3 months: UPA v Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    119
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    29.3
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    7.37
         upper limit
    116

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 3 months: Light Bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 3 months: Light Bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up at 3 months
    End point values
    Population at 3 months: UPA Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    55
    64
    Units: Participants
    6
    8
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 3 months : Normal bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 3 months : Normal bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up at 3 months
    End point values
    Population at 3 months: UPA Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    55
    64
    Units: Participants
    4
    32
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 3 months : Heavy bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 3 months : Heavy bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up at 3 months
    End point values
    Population at 3 months: UPA Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    55
    64
    Units: Participants
    14
    53
    Statistical analysis title
    PBAC Bleeding Score at 3 months
    Comparison groups
    Population at 3 months: UPA v Population at 3 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    119
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    0.64
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.27
         upper limit
    1.53

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 6 months: amenorrhea

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 6 months: amenorrhea
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up at 6 months
    End point values
    Population at 6 months: UPA Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    38
    51
    Units: Participants
    20
    5
    Statistical analysis title
    PBAC Bleeding Score at 6 months
    Comparison groups
    Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS v Population at 6 months: UPA
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    89
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    11.7
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    3.78
         upper limit
    36

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 6 months : Light bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 6 months : Light bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up at 6 months
    End point values
    Population at 6 months: UPA Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    38
    51
    Units: Participants
    3
    10
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 6 months : Normal bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 6 months : Normal bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up at 6 months
    End point values
    Population at 6 months: UPA Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    38
    51
    Units: Participants
    10
    29
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Other pre-specified: PBAC bleeding score at 6 months : Heavy bleeding

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    PBAC bleeding score at 6 months : Heavy bleeding
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    Follow up at 6 months
    End point values
    Population at 6 months: UPA Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    38
    51
    Units: Participants
    5
    7
    Statistical analysis title
    PBAC Bleeding Score at 6 months
    Comparison groups
    Population at 6 months: UPA v Population at 6 months: LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    89
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    superiority
    Method
    Parameter type
    Odds ratio (OR)
    Point estimate
    0.83
    Confidence interval
         level
    95%
         sides
    2-sided
         lower limit
    0.23
         upper limit
    2.9

    Other pre-specified: Total number of participants experiencing an SAE

    Close Top of page
    End point title
    Total number of participants experiencing an SAE
    End point description
    End point type
    Other pre-specified
    End point timeframe
    SAEs reported to 12 months
    End point values
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects analysed
    118
    118
    Units: Participants
    6
    5
    Statistical analysis title
    Total number of participants experiencing an SAE
    Comparison groups
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) v LNG-IUS
    Number of subjects included in analysis
    236
    Analysis specification
    Pre-specified
    Analysis type
    other
    P-value
    = 0.76
    Method
    Chi-squared
    Confidence interval

    Adverse events

    Close Top of page
    Adverse events information
    Timeframe for reporting adverse events
    Adverse events were checked for at each follow up up to and including 12 months post randomisation
    Adverse event reporting additional description
    There was one SUSAR in the UPA group (1/118, 1%), development of an acute hepatitis during the final course of UPA. However, the strong family history of autoimmune hepatitis led to her hepatology clinicians to conclude that this was the likely aetiology, and liver biopsy demonstrated widespread lymphoplastic hepatitis.
    Assessment type
    Systematic
    Dictionary used for adverse event reporting
    Dictionary name
    MedDRA
    Dictionary version
    25.1
    Reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA)
    Reporting group description
    -

    Reporting group title
    LNG-IUS
    Reporting group description
    Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine system, retained for up to 5 years (depending on the product and manufacturer).

    Serious adverse events
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Total subjects affected by serious adverse events
         subjects affected / exposed
    6 / 118 (5.08%)
    5 / 118 (4.24%)
         number of deaths (all causes)
    0
    0
         number of deaths resulting from adverse events
    0
    0
    General disorders and administration site conditions
    Ureteric obstruction
    Additional description: Ureteric obstruction AND Benign musculoskeletal and connective tissue neoplasms
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Reproductive system and breast disorders
    Uterine disorder
    Additional description: Abnormal biopsy result post Esmya treatment; endometrial mass expelled
         subjects affected / exposed
    2 / 118 (1.69%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    2 / 2
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Breast neoplasm
    Additional description: Left breast cancer: Breast neoplasms unspecified malignancy AND Breast neoplasm removal
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Fallopian tube operation
    Additional description: Elective prophylactic surgery
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Heavy menstrual bleeding
    Additional description: Increased menstrual bleeding and pain
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    1 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Hepatobiliary disorders
    Cholecystectomy
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Diarrhoea
    Additional description: Background diarrhoea. Normal investigations including colonoscopy with biopsies 2011. Marked increased in frequency of diarrhoea 12/9/16. No associated symptoms. Mildly raised inflammatory markers: GP had referred to GI outpatients.
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
    Hip surgery
    Additional description: Elective admission to hospital for total hip replacement
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Connective tissue neoplasm
    Additional description: Removal of cervical fibroid
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Sesamoidectomy
    Additional description: Elective day surgery admission for removal of sesamoid bone
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Frequency threshold for reporting non-serious adverse events: 0%
    Non-serious adverse events
    Ulipristal acetate (UPA) LNG-IUS
    Total subjects affected by non serious adverse events
         subjects affected / exposed
    15 / 118 (12.71%)
    7 / 118 (5.93%)
    Nervous system disorders
    Headache
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    General disorders and administration site conditions
    Alopecia
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Anxiety
         subjects affected / exposed
    2 / 118 (1.69%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    2
    0
    Asthenia
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Dizziness
         subjects affected / exposed
    2 / 118 (1.69%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    2
    0
    General symptom
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Nausea
    Additional description: Nausea and vomiting symptoms
         subjects affected / exposed
    5 / 118 (4.24%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    5
    0
    Blood and lymphatic system disorders
    Anaemia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Platelet count
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1
    Ear and labyrinth disorders
    Ear infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Gastrointestinal pain
    Additional description: Gastrointestinal and abdominal pains
         subjects affected / exposed
    3 / 118 (2.54%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences all number
    3
    1
    Gastrointestinal pathogen panel
    Additional description: Gastrointestinal and abdominal pains, chemistry analysis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Reproductive system and breast disorders
    Menopausal symptoms
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Haemorrhage
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Reproductive tract disorder
    Additional description: Reproductive tract signs and symptoms
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    2 / 118 (1.69%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    2
    Vulvovaginal disorder
    Additional description: Vulvovaginal signs and symptoms
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    2 / 118 (1.69%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    2
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Bronchospasm
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Coronavirus infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Upper respiratory tract infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    4 / 118 (3.39%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences all number
    4
    1
    Hepatobiliary disorders
    General symptom
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Acne
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Ecchymosis
    Additional description: Bruising, Ecchymosis and purpura
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Soft tissue infection
    Additional description: Oral soft tissue infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    1
    0
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Bladder disorder
         subjects affected / exposed
    3 / 118 (2.54%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences all number
    3
    1
    Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
    Musculoskeletal discomfort
    Additional description: Musculoskeletal and connective tissue pain and discomfort
         subjects affected / exposed
    5 / 118 (4.24%)
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
         occurrences all number
    5
    0
    Infections and infestations
    Helicobacter infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 118 (0.00%)
    1 / 118 (0.85%)
         occurrences all number
    0
    1

    More information

    Close Top of page

    Substantial protocol amendments (globally)

    Were there any global substantial amendments to the protocol? Yes
    Date
    Amendment
    30 Jun 2015
    Admin changes - trial logo added, TSC/ UCON Trials Office Updated, trial registration numbers updated. Trial Summary – eligibility updated. ‘2.2 - RCT Outcomes’ section updated with surgical intervention. ‘3.1 Design’ clarified. ‘4.1 number of participants’ clarified. ‘4.2 – Eligibility’ clarified. ‘5 Participant Selection and enrolment’. Figure 1 updated. ‘5.2 Consenting for Screening for Eligibility’ clarified. ‘5.5 Randomisation’ clarified. Figure summarising patient pathway for Edinburgh patients inserted. ‘6 – Investigational Medicinal Products’ clarified. ‘7 Study Assessments Overview’ clarified. ‘8 – Data Collection’ clarified. ‘9 – Statistics and Data Analysis’. ’10 – Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance’. ’11 - Trial Management and Oversight Arrangements’ admin changes.
    25 Jan 2016
    MRC logo added, list of abbreviations updated, change of BCTU staff. Trial Summary updated (‘at least 5 NHS hospitals’) ‘1.1 Background’ – reference to Mirena removed. ‘2.2.2 Secondary Outcomes’ updated. ‘4.2.1 Inclusion criteria’ – bleeding ‘at intervals of 21 – 42 days removed’. ‘5.1.3 Gynaecology Clinic Patient Identification’ – figure 1 updated to clarify that blood samples are to observe serum haemoglobin and oestradiol levels; ‘5.5.5 Withdrawal of Study Participants’ – clarification of duration LNG-IUS may be used depending on manufacturer. ‘6.1.3 Levonorgestrel (Reference)’ – clarification that in context of trial, of LNG-IUS may be manufactured by two companies. ‘6.1.5 Marketing Authorisation Holder’ – marketing authorisation codes for Levosert added. ‘6.3 Dose Changes’ – acceptable timeframe for women participant start taking UPA. ‘6.4.2 Monitoring Compliance’ – Clarification of drug compliance. ‘7.2 Timing of Study Assessments’ clarification of menstrual blood loss diary completion. ‘7.3 Outcomes Collected at Study Assessments’ – clarification that MRI taken at Edinburgh will be performed in final week of treatment. ‘8.1.1 Participant Questionnaire’ – EuroQol/ ICECAP added. ‘8.1.3 Clinical Assessment and Randomisation Form’ – clarification of serum blood levels observed. ‘9.2.4 Handling missing data and other sensitivity analysis – clarification of follow-up.
    26 Feb 2018
    Following an Urgent Safety Measure (12 February 2018) the following sections of the protocol have been updated accordingly; list of abbreviations; 5.1 Identifying Participants; 5.1.1 Identification from GP databases; 5.1.1.1 Raising awareness of the trial through community pharmacies; 5.1.2 GP Referral to Secondary Care; 5.1.3 Gynaecology Clinic Patient Identification; 5.2 Consenting for eligibility; 5.3 Re-Consenting Participants Following the USM; 5.35.4 Confirmation of eligibility before randomisation/entry into the mechanistic study; 5.5 Ineligible and Non-Recruited participants; 5.6 Randomisation; 5.6.1 Randomisation Procedures; 5.6.2 Treatment Allocation; Figure 2; 5.6.5 Stopping of treatment or Withdrawal of Study Participants; 6.1.7 Dispensing and accountability; 6.2.1 UPA; 6.2.2 LNG-IUS; 6.3 Dose Changes; 6.5 Special and Warning and precautions for use for Ulipristal Acetate (UPA); 7.1 Study Assessment Overview; 7.2 Timing of Study Assessments; Figure 4; Table 1; 10 Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance; Appendix 1. The following new sections have been added; Important Notice (page 2); 5.6.1 Change of Treatment following USM; 6.6.1 Liver Injury (unconfirmed adverse reaction currently under investigation); 8.1.1 Liver Function Test Results.
    06 Sep 2018
    All references recruitment suspension have been removed and implications for resumption of recruitment described. Addition of ‘history of liver problems’ , ‘ALT/AST more than 2 times the upper limit of normal, ‘5.1.1 – Identification from GP Practices’ and ‘5.1.1 – GP Referral to Secondary Care’ clarified. Figure 1 updated to include liver function tests (LFTs). ‘5.2 Consenting and Screening for Eligibility’ clarified inclusive of LFTs. Figure 2 and 3 updated to incorporate LFTs. ‘5.6.5 Stopping of treatment or Withdrawal of Study Participants’ updated to include LFT criteria and withdrawal clarification. ‘6.2 Dose and Delivery of IMPS’, ‘6.5 Special Warnings and Precaution for Use for Ulipristal Acetate’ and ‘7.3 Outcome Collected at Study Assessments’ – updated to reflect LFT regime. ’10 Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance’ – clarified. ‘12.3.1 Good Clinical Practice’ clarified. Trial schema updated to include LFTs.

    Interruptions (globally)

    Were there any global interruptions to the trial? Yes
    Date
    Interruption
    Restart date
    12 Feb 2018
    In February 2018, the trial was subject to an urgent safety measures (USM) as a consequence of drug alerts issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and MHRA following reports of serious liver injury in patients receiving UPA treatment. Recruitment of participants to UCON was suspended.
    18 Oct 2018
    18 Mar 2020
    In March 2020, the trial was subject to a second USM as a consequence of drug alerts issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and MHRA following reports of serious liver injury in patients receiving UPA treatment. The EMA temporarily suspended use of UPA for a second time, whilst a further safety review was undertaken. Trial recruitment was suspended and the trial eventually halted in April 2020.
    -

    Limitations and caveats

    Limitations of the trial such as small numbers of subjects analysed or technical problems leading to unreliable data.
    None reported
    For support, Contact us.
    The status and protocol content of GB trials is no longer updated since 1 January 2021. For the UK, as of 31 January 2021, EU Law applies only to the territory of Northern Ireland (NI) to the extent foreseen in the Protocol on Ireland/NI. Legal notice
    As of 31 January 2023, all EU/EEA initial clinical trial applications must be submitted through CTIS . Updated EudraCT trials information and information on PIP/Art 46 trials conducted exclusively in third countries continues to be submitted through EudraCT and published on this website.

    European Medicines Agency © 1995-Fri May 03 14:19:01 CEST 2024 | Domenico Scarlattilaan 6, 1083 HS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    EMA HMA