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Leiomyoma, UterinePhase 3FRIENDNCT05364008

FRIEND: Fibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment With Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea

A Phase 3 study testing Green Tea Extract in people with Leiomyoma, Uterine, run by Yale University at 4 sites in United States.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of low caffeine green tea extract containing 45% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fibroids and subsequent pregnancy and live births in women seeking fertility treatment. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Leiomyoma, Uterine
What is being tested?
Green Tea Extract
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
33 participants
Where
4 sitesUnited States
Study dates
5 Jan 2023to 30 Sep 2026
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Intramural fibroids and/or subserosal fibroids that meet the criteria for FIGO types 2-6; at least one fibroid with an average diameter of at least 1 cm in three dimensions. Participants with multiple fibroids including FIGO type 0 and type 1 will be allowed only in combination with additional fibroids type 2-6.
  • Women ≥18 to ≤40 years of age, with six months or more infertility history, desirous of conceiving, regularly ovulating (defined as 9 or more menses per year), at initiation of participation. Women < 35 years of age must have at least 12 months of infertility history.
  • Baseline AMH ≥ 0.7 ng/ml.
  • At least one open fallopian tube confirmed by hysterosalpingography (HSG), sonohysterography, or laparoscopy/hysteroscopy in the last three years preceding enrollment into the study. An uncomplicated intrauterine non-IVF pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery and postpartum course resulting in live birth within the last three years will also serve as sufficient evidence of a patent tube and normal uterine cavity as long as the participant did not have, during the pregnancy or subsequently, risk factors for Asherman's syndrome or tubal disease or other disorder leading to an increased suspicion for intrauterine abnormality or tubal occlusion.
  • Evidence of ovarian function/reserve as assessed by day 3 (+/-2 days) FSH ≤12 IU/L within one year prior to study initiation.
  • In general, good health as assessed by PI, not taking any medications which could interfere with the study.
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  • Ability to have inseminations following hCG administration.
  • If applicable, the study participant will inform their partner of trial participation.
  • Male partner with total motile sperm in the ejaculate of at least 5 million sperm/ml, within one year of study initiation.
  • Participant agreement to abstain from use of green tea products in any form during course of study participation in trial.

Who cannot join

  • Participants with only intracavity uterine fibroid (FIGO Type 0 or Type 1) when not in combination with other types of fibroids (FIGO type 2-6).
  • Currently pregnant.
  • Clinical intrauterine miscarriages prior to initiating participation: participants must wait 3 months. No exclusion for biochemical pregnancies.
  • Subjects using Green Tea/EGCG within 2 weeks prior to study enrollment. Matcha (Japanese green tea), maca powder, green tea beverages and all other forms of green tea require a 2-week wash-out.
  • Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.
  • Suspicious ovarian mass.
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  • Participants on depo-progestins, or hormonal implants (including Implanon). A two-month washout period will be required prior to screening for participants on these agents. Longer washouts may be necessary for certain depot contraceptive forms or implants, especially when the implants are still in place.
  • Known 21-hydroxylase deficiency or other enzyme defects causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c > 6.5%
  • Known significant anemia (Hemoglobin <8 g/dL).
  • History of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, or cerebrovascular event.
  • Known heart disease (New York Heart Association Class II or higher).
  • Known Liver disease (defined as AST or ALT>2 times normal, or total bilirubin >2.5 mg/dL).
  • Known Renal disease (defined as BUN >30 mg/dL or serum creatinine > 1.4 mg/dL).
  • History of, or suspected cervical carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma or breast carcinoma.
  • History of alcohol abuse (defined as >14 drinks/week) or binge drinking of ≥ 6 drinks at one time).
  • Known Cushing's disease.
  • Known or suspected adrenal or ovarian androgen secreting tumors.
  • Allergy or contraindication to the treatment medications: EGCG, clomiphene citrate (CC) or hCG.
  • Couples with previous sterilization procedures (e.g., vasectomy, tubal ligation) which have been reversed.
  • Participants with untreated poorly controlled hypertension defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mm Hg or a diastolic ≥ 100 mm Hg obtained on two measures obtained at least 60 minutes apart.
  • Participants who have undergone a bariatric surgery procedure in the recent past (< 12 months) and are in a period of acute weight loss or have been advised against pregnancy by their bariatric surgeon.
  • Stage 3 and 4 endometriosis and endometriomas > 3cm (as per PI discretion) .
  • Known polycystic ovarian syndrome as evidenced by anovulation or oligoovulation hirsutism and/or elevated testosterone levels, and ovarian morphology on ultrasound examination.
  • Medical conditions that are contraindications to pregnancy.

Trial locations and contacts

4 sites in 1 country.

United States4 sites
  • Johns Hopkins, Division of Reproductive Science and Women's Health Research

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21205

  • University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine

    Chicago, Illinois, 60612

  • University of Chicago, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637

  • Yale School of Medicine Dept.of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06520

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Fibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment With Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea (FRIEND)

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of low caffeine green tea extract containing 45% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fibroids and subsequent pregnancy and live births in women seeking fertility treatment.

The population will consist of 50 women desirous of conceiving, ages ≥18 to ≤40 years (at time of consent), and known to have class 2-6 fibroids, according to the FIGO staging system.

Read the detailed description

The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized double-blinded clinical trial to determine the effect of low caffeine green tea extract on fibroids and subsequent pregnancy in women seeking fertility treatment. The investigators hypothesize that EGCG in low caffeine green tea extract will reduce the fibroid size, improve the quality of endometrium, and increase the likelihood of pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, the investigators propose a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate live birth outcomes for women with unexplained infertility who have uterine fibroids. Participants will be randomized to either oral low caffeine green tea extract (1650mg/day) vs. placebo along ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate and timed intrauterine insemination for up to 4 cycles.

Endpoints

Primary Endpoint:

  • Our primary endpoint is cumulative live birth rate.

Secondary Endpoints:

  • The conception rate.
  • The miscarriage rate.
  • The change of fibroid volume, symptom severity score, and health-related quality-of-life score, from baseline to completion of treatment, and endometrial receptivity biomarkers.
  • Time to pregnancy

This will be a randomized, multi-center, prospective, and double-blind clinical trial of low caffeine green tea extract versus placebo. Fifty (50) participants will be randomized via computer-generated randomization schedule to receive either:

  1. low caffeine green tea extract (1650mg in 6 capsules) taken orally on a daily basis along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC-IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved. Participant will stop green tea if she becomes pregnant. or
  2. matched (smell, taste, color, texture) placebo capsules taken orally on a daily basis along with CC-IUI cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved. Participant will stop placebo if she becomes pregnant.

The randomization scheme will be on a 3:1 basis in favor of green tea extract, thus 37 participants will be assigned to the first arm (green tea extract) and 13 participants to the second arm (placebo).

Clomiphene citrate will be taken for 5 days on Day 3 +/- 2 days of the participant's cycle.

Being tested
Green Tea Extract, Placebo
Keywords
Uterine Fibroids
Medical subject headings
Leiomyoma

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Green Tea ExtractDrug

    Also called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)

    Green tea extract 1650 mg/day (45% EGCG) along with ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate and timed intrauterine insemination for up to 4 cycles.

  • PlaceboOther

    Placebo 1650 mg/day along with ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate and timed intrauterine insemination for up to 4 cycles.

Study groups in NCT05364008
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Green tea extract containing 45% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)ExperimentalLow caffeine green tea extract (1650mg in 6 capsules) taken orally on a daily basis (QD) along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC_IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved, participant will stop green tea if she becomes pregnant
Receives: Drug: Green Tea Extract
PlaceboPlacebo comparatorPlacebo (1650mg in 6 capsules) matched (smell, taste, color, texture) capsules taken orally on a daily basis (QD) along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC_IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved, participant will stop placebo if she becomes pregnant
Receives: Other: Placebo

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Cumulative live birth rate.

    The number of women achieving live birth.

    Measured: Up to 15 months

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. The conception rate

    The number of women achieving conception

    Measured: Up to 6 months

  2. The miscarriage rate

    The number of women who have a miscarriage after conception.

    Measured: up to 8 months

  3. The change of fibroid volume

    The absolute change in fibroid volume (cm^3) from baseline to completion of treatment.

    Measured: Up to 6 months

  4. The change of fibroid symptom severity score

    The absolute change in fibroid symptom severity summary scores from baseline to completion of treatment. It consists of an 8-item symptom severity scale. All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from "not at all" (1) to "a very great deal" (5). A high score means a worse outcome.

    Measured: Up to 6 months

  5. The change of health-related quality-of-life questionnaire score

    The absolute change in health-related quality-of-life questionnaire summary scores from baseline to completion of treatment. It consists 29 Health-Related Quality of Life items comprising 6 domains: Concern, Activities, Energy/Mood, Control, Self-consciousness, and Sexual Function. All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from "none of the time" (1) to "all of the time" (5). A higher score means a worse outcome.

    Measured: Up to 6 months

  6. Time to conception

    The time from randomization to the first date of conception found

    Measured: Up to 6 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 May 2022
  2. Study start5 Jan 2023
  3. Primary completion3 Jul 2026
  4. Study completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Two-arm parallel assignment (with 3:1 ratio)
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
33 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05364008
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB00215624
Other IDs
1R01HD100369
Acronym
FRIEND
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
22 Apr 2022
Last updated
20 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Once results are published study data will be uploaded to NICHD DASH (Data and Specimen Hub).

Publications

  • Al-Hendy A, Segars JH, Taylor HS, Gonzalez F, Siblini H, Zamah M, Alkelani H, Singh B, Flores VA, Christman GM, Johnson JJ, Huang H, Zhang H. Fibroids and unexplained infertility treatment with epigallocatechin gallate: a natural compound in green tea (FRIEND) - protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled US multicentre clinical trial of EGCG to improve fertility in women with uterine fibroids. BMJ Open. 2024 Jan 12;14(1):e078989. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078989.

    PubMed 38216200

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Green Tea Extract in people with Leiomyoma, Uterine, run by Yale University at 4 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 25 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 4 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Cumulative live birth rate. (time frame: Up to 15 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05364008, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Aug 2026.

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