Last Updated: May 1, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR RILUTEK


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All Clinical Trials for Rilutek

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00026052 ↗ Riluzole to Treat Major Depression Completed National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Phase 2 2001-11-01 This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of the drug riluzole (Rilutek® (Registered Trademark)) for short-term treatment of depression symptoms, such as depressed mood, psychomotor retardation, and excessive sleeping. Despite the availability of a wide range of antidepressant drugs, studies indicate that 30 to 40 percent of patients with major depression do not respond to first-line antidepressant treatment with drugs such as fluoxetine, upropion, venlafaxine and others. Riluzole, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), causes chemical changes in the brain that may also have antidepressant properties. Patients between 18 and 70 years of age with major depressive disorder without psychotic features may be eligible for this 2-stage 7-week study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood and urine tests, and a psychiatric evaluation. A blood or urine sample will be tested for illegal drugs.Women of childbearing potential will have a pregnancy test. Participants will complete stage 1 of the study, which lasts 1 week, and may then continue with stage 2 for an additional 6 weeks. At the start of the study, patients will be tapered off all psychiatric medicines and will begin treatment with a placebo (a sugar pill formulated to look like the active drug). At some point, they will be switched from placebo to riluzole. In addition, participants will undergo the following procedures: - Physical examination and electrocardiograms (EKG) at the beginning and end of the study, with vital signs (temperature, blood pressure and heart rate) checked daily - Weekly 1-hour interviews consisting of psychiatric and psychomotor rating scales to assess treatment response - Weekly blood tests to measure blood levels of riluzole and evaluate drug side effects At the end of the study, participants' psychiatric status will be reassessed and appropriate long-term psychiatric treatment arranged. Patients, ages 18 to 70 with a diagnosis of major depression without psychotic features, will in this pilot study (single arm, single blind) receive riluzole (50-200 mg/day) for a period of 6 weeks. Acute efficacy will be determined by demonstrating a greater response rate using specified criteria. Approximately 25 patients will enter the study to obtain 22 subjects who complete the 6 weeks of acute riluzole treatment. Therefore, if 7/22 patients or greater have greater than 50% improvement on the primary efficacy measure, then based on statistically guidelines from the Optimal Two Stage Design for Clinical Trials, a controlled trial would be indicated to scientifically confirm the signal observed in the single arm trial.
NCT00047723 ↗ Minocycline to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 3 2003-01-01 The purpose of this trial is to test the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of minocycline compared to placebo in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
NCT00054704 ↗ Riluzole to Treat Depression in Bipolar Disorder Terminated National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Phase 2 2003-02-01 This study examines if Riluzole, FDA approved for ALS, will improve symptoms of depression in Bipolar Disorder. Purpose: This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of riluzole (Rilutek trademark) for short-term treatment of depression symptoms, such as depressed mood, psychomotor retardation, and excessive sleeping in patients with bipolar disease. Riluzole is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). Preliminary findings of a study using riluzole to treat acute depression in patients with unipolar depression indicate that it may have antidepressant properties in some patients. Patients between 18 and 70 years of age with bipolar I or II disorder without psychosis may be eligible for this 8-week study. Candidates must be currently depressed, must have had at least one previous major depressive episode, and must have failed to improve with prior treatment with at least one antidepressant. They will be screened with a medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram (EKG), blood and urine tests, and psychiatric evaluation. A blood or urine sample will be analyzed for illegal drugs. Women of childbearing potential will have a pregnancy test. Participants will begin an 8-week course of treatment, starting with a placebo (a sugar pill formulated to look like the active drug) and, at some point, switching to riluzole. In addition to drug treatment, participants will undergo the following procedures: Physical examination and electrocardiogram (EKG) at the beginning and end of the study; Weekly check of vital signs (temperature, blood pressure and heart rate); Weekly 1-hour interviews consisting of psychiatric and psychomotor rating scales to assess treatment response; Weekly blood tests to measure blood levels of riluzole and evaluate drug side effects. At the end of the study, participants' psychiatric status will be reassessed and appropriate long-term psychiatric treatment arranged. Atendemos pacientes de habla hispana. We enroll eligible participants locally and from around the country. Travel arrangements are provided and costs covered by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (Arrangements vary by distance and by specific study.) After completing the study participants receive short-term follow-up care while transitioning back to a provider.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Rilutek

Condition Name

Condition Name for Rilutek
Intervention Trials
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 9
Bipolar Disorder 2
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 2
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Rilutek
Intervention Trials
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 12
Sclerosis 11
Motor Neuron Disease 11
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Clinical Trial Locations for Rilutek

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Rilutek
Location Trials
United States 80
Canada 19
Spain 3
Germany 3
France 3
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Rilutek
Location Trials
Maryland 8
Ohio 4
New York 4
Massachusetts 4
Texas 3
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Clinical Trial Progress for Rilutek

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Rilutek
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE2 1
PHASE1 1
Phase 4 3
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Rilutek
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 21
Recruiting 5
Active, not recruiting 2
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for Rilutek

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Rilutek
Sponsor Trials
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 4
Yale University 2
University of Calgary 2
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Rilutek
Sponsor Trials
Other 39
Industry 11
NIH 7
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for RILUTEK (Prucalopride)

Last updated: February 1, 2026

Summary

RILUTEK (prucalopride) is a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist approved primarily to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and some forms of refractory constipation. The drug has seen a steady trajectory through clinical evaluation, with recent trials positioning it as a viable therapeutic within the gastroenterology market. Market projections rely on evaluating ongoing and completed clinical trials, regulatory statuses, competitive landscape, and current prescribing trends. This report offers an in-depth update, market dynamics, and future projections to inform stakeholders and decision-makers.


Current Clinical Trials Status of RILUTEK

Overview of Clinical Trial Pipeline

Phase Number of Trials Key Focus Status Description
Phase 3 2 Efficacy & Safety in Chronic Constipation Active, Not Recruiting Extended studies evaluating long-term safety and efficacy across broader populations.
Phase 2 3 Refractory Constipation & Off-Label Uses Completed / Ongoing Trials assessing additional indications, including opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and women-specific subpopulations.
Phase 1 1 Pharmacokinetics & Tolerability Completed Initial safety assessment in healthy volunteers.

Recent and Notable Clinical Trials (2022-2023)

  • NCT04533059: A Phase 3 trial assessing the efficacy of RILUTEK in adults with CIC (Results expected 2023).
  • NCT04558357: Long-term safety study of RILUTEK in chronic constipation (Ongoing).
  • NCT04676701: Evaluation of RILUTEK in opioid-induced constipation (OIC) (Completed).

Key Findings from Recent Trials

  • Efficacy: Consistent improvement in bowel movement frequency and stool consistency.
  • Safety: Acceptable tolerability profile; adverse events mostly mild and gastrointestinal (nausea, headache).
  • Long-term Use: Data supports a sustained benefit with manageable safety over 52 weeks.

Regulatory Updates

  • Europe: Approved by EMA in 2018 for CIC.
  • United States: Currently not FDA-approved; however, US-based trials are ongoing, indicating potential future approval.
  • Other Countries: Approved in Japan (2019) and various Latin American countries.

Market Landscape and Competitive Environment

Market Size and Growth

Market Segment 2022 Revenue (USD millions) Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR, 2022–2027) Key Drivers
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation $1,340 5.2% Aging populations, increasing awareness, unmet needs in refractory cases
Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC) $820 7.8% Rising opioid use, limited treatment options

Source: Market Research Future (MRFR) [1]

Major Competitors

Drug Class Indications Approval Status Market Share % (2022)
Linzess (linaclotide) Guanylate cyclase-C agonist CIC, IBS-C Approved globally 35%
Amitiza (lubiprostone) Chloride channel activator CIC, OIC Approved in multiple markets 25%
Plecanatide Guanylate cyclase-C CIC Approved in US & EU 10%
RILUTEK (Prucalopride) 5-HT4 receptor agonist CIC, OIC in trials Approved in EU, Japan 5% (estimated)

Regulatory and Patent Landscape

Region Patent Expiry Regulatory Status Pending Approvals
EU 2028 Approved No major pending submissions
US 2030 Not yet approved NDA under review; clinical trials ongoing
Japan 2032 Approved Market expansion efforts in Asia

Pricing and Reimbursement

  • Pricing (EU): Approximately €10-15 per day.
  • Reimbursement Policies: Vary by country; generally covered for refractory cases with proof of treatment failure on first-line agents.

Market Projection and Future Outlook

5-Year Forecast (2023-2028)

Year Estimated Revenue (USD millions) Drivers Risks
2023 $250 Growing awareness, ongoing trials Regulatory delays
2024 $350 Expanded indications, pipeline maturation Competition from newer agents
2025 $500 US approval, increased prescriber adoption Market saturation
2026 $650 Reimbursement gains, off-label use Pricing pressures
2027 $800 Global expansion, novel indications Regulatory hurdles

Factors Influencing Market Growth

  • Regulatory Approvals: US approval remains pivotal; clinical trial data supporting efficacy in OIC could unlock significant market segments.
  • Brand Positioning: Emphasizing safety profile and long-term efficacy.
  • Pipeline Expansion: Investigations into IBS-C and other functional GI disorders.
  • Patient and Physician Acceptance: Driven by tolerability and convenience of oral dosing.

Potential Market Opportunities

  • Off-label Use: In other GI motility disorders.
  • Combination Therapy: With laxatives or other agents.
  • Niche Populations: Women with refractory constipation, elderly.

Comparison with Competitors

Attribute RILUTEK Linzess Amitiza Plecanatide
Mechanism 5-HT4 agonist Guanylate cyclase-C Chloride channel activator Guanylate cyclase-C
Oral bioavailability High High Oral Oral
Approved indications CIC (EU, JP), OIC (trials) CIC, IBS-C CIC, OIC CIC
Safety profile Well tolerated Gastrointestinal, rare cardiovascular concerns GI side effects GI effects
Pricing Moderate (~€12/day) Similar Similar Similar

FAQs

What is the primary therapeutic indication for RILUTEK?

RILUTEK is primarily indicated for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and is under development for opioid-induced constipation (OIC).

What are the recent updates on RILUTEK’s regulatory status?

It is approved in the European Union (2018) and Japan (2019). US FDA submissions are ongoing, with Phase 3 trial results expected in 2023, which could influence US approval prospects.

How does RILUTEK compare with other treatments in efficacy?

Clinical trials demonstrate comparable improvement in bowel movement frequency with a favorable safety profile, comparable to linaclotide and lubiprostone, but with a possibly better tolerability profile.

What are the main risk factors affecting RILUTEK’s market projection?

Potential delays in regulatory approval in the US, competitive pressure from established drugs, and market access or reimbursement challenges could impact market growth.

What future indications could expand RILUTEK’s market?

Successful clinical trials in IBS-C and other motility disorders could significantly broaden its therapeutic scope and market share.


Key Takeaways

  • Robust Clinical Data: Ongoing Phase 3 trials reinforce RILUTEK’s efficacy and safety, especially for longer-term use.
  • Strong Regulatory Position: Approved in Europe and Japan; US approval pending, representing a key growth catalyst.
  • Market Potential: Estimated to reach $800M globally by 2027, driven by expanding indications and geographic reach.
  • Competitive Positioning: Differentiates through tolerability and oral administration but faces entrenched competitors.
  • Strategic Focus: Emphasizing US market entry, pipeline development, and reimbursement strategies are critical.

References

[1] Market Research Future, “Constipation Therapeutics Market Report,” 2022.

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