Propionyl-L-Carnitine in Ulcerative Colitis

The trial foresees the administration of 2 different dosages of Propionyl-L-carnitine (ST261) colon release tablets, 1 g/die and 2 g/die. The primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the clinical/endoscopic response defined as a lowering of the Disease Activity Index (DAI score) of at least 3 points ot the reaching of remission, the clinical/endoscopic remission (DAI score \<= 2 with no individual subscore \> 1) and histological efficacy of the two combined dosages of PLC (i.e. PLC 1 g/die + 2 g/die) in comparison to placebo, defined as an improvement of the Histological Index (HI) of at least 1 point at the end of the study (a final HI score of \<= 1 will be defined as an histological remission). The secondary objective is to evaluate the clinical/endoscopic and histological efficacy of the two dosages of PLC individually considered in comparison to Placebo, in order to gather information on the dosage to be used in subsequent trials. The safety and tolerability of the regimens studied will also be objectives of the study.