SIRT-1 Antagonism for Endometrial Receptivity

Progesterone resistance is mediated through epigenetic modification through SirT1 activation and is thought to contribute to infertility and progression of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a leading cause of unexplained IVF failure secondary to inflammatory changes that induce SirT1. The current study is designed to investigate a small molecule inhibitor of SirT1, in the clinical setting of In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. The SAFER trial will compare EX-527 to placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial. Primary endpoints include Live Birth Rate (LBR) and secondary outcomes include pregnancy rate (PR), miscarriage rate (MR) and implantation failure rate.

The SAFER Trial will enroll women with unexplained failure after embryo transfer with euploid embryos. Subjects must have existing euploid embryos for transfer and test positive for SirT1 testing on endometrial biopsy. To qualify, they must be 18 to 40 years of age, have a normal uterine cavity, no serious systemic diseases (diabetes, lupus, cancer, etc) and be willing to be randomized to treatment with a SirT1 inhibitor, EX-527 or placebo. The medication will be provided and administered for 5 days prior to embryo transfer, after progesterone therapy is begun. The drug will be stopped 24 hr before embryo transfer. Standard protocols will be used including administration of progesterone, checking hCG 8 days after transfer, ultrasound monitoring of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes recording, with Live Birth Rate (LBR) being the primary outcome of interest. We expect to enroll 30 women, with 15 subjects per arm. The goal of this study is to demonstrate efficacy for a specific inhibitor of SirT1 as a primary treatment of defects in endometrial receptivity due to endometriosis.