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ALS Clinical trials information

Clinical Trials

With no effective ALS treatments currently available in the marketplace, many ALS patients opt to participate in clinical trials. Although TDI doesn't officially sponsor or endorse any specific clinical trial, it provides unbiased and up-to-date information about all known ALS trials taking place worldwide. You can search our database by type and category and compare trials side by side.

What to expect from a clinical trial

Find out how they work, how to participate, and how you and others may benefit from taking part. Read more >

“I was a human lab rat”

What's it really like to participate in a clinical trial? PALS share their stories. Read More >

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Popular Topics in Clinical Trials

Active Trials

Drug Trials (21)

This is a general category of clinical trials in ALS using small molecules, biologics and gene therapies.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
Study of Dopamine and Serotonin Transporters (DOSERAL) III Currently Recruiting Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris
Clinical Trial Ceftriaxone in Subjects With ALS III Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital
Clinical Trial of Vitamin E to Treat Muscular Cramps in Patients With ALS III Currently Recruiting Lawson Health Research Institute
Phase 3 Study of Dexpramipexole in ALS (EMPOWER) III Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Biogen Idec
Study of Creatine Monohydrate in Patients With ALS III Ongoing, But Not Recruiting The Avicena Group
A Study of E0302 II/III Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Eisai Limited
A Long-Term Study of E0302 II/III Currently Recruiting Eisai Limited
Olanzapine for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Cachexia II/III Currently Recruiting Charite University, Berlin, Germany
Efficacy and Tolerability of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA-ALS) II Currently Recruiting Istittuto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta
Cistanche Total Glycosides (CTG) II Currently Recruiting Peking University
Efficacy and Safety of YAM80 II Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Yoshino Neurology Clinic
Open-Label, Safety and Tolerability Extension Study of KNS-760704 (dexpramipexole) II Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Knopp Neurosciences
A Multi-Center Controlled Screening Trial of Safety and Efficacy of Lithium Carbonate in Subjects II Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research Center
Trial of Safety and Efficacy of Rasagiline in Patients With ALS II Ongoing, But Not Recruiting University of Kansas
Safety and Tolerability of Anakinra in Combination With Riluzol in ALS II Currently Recruiting Charite University, Berlin, Germany
A Study of NP001 in Subjects With ALS II Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Safety and Efficacy Study of Creatine and Tamoxifen in Volunteers with ALS II Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital
Effect of Lithium Carbonate in Patients With ALS (LISLA) II Not Yet Recruiting Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
SOD1 Inhibition by Pyrimethamine in Familial ALS I/II Currently Recruiting Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Far Infrared Irradiation for Control, Management and Treatment of ALS I Ongoing, But Not Recruiting GAAD Medical Research Institute Inc.
Dexpramipexole SAD/MAD Study I Not Yet Recruiting Biogen Idec
Stem Cells (7)

There are several stem cell based clinical trials enrolling ALS patients today. Publically disclosed ones are listed here.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
Autologous Cultured Mesenchymal Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Secreting Neurotrophic Factors (MSC-NTF), in ALS Patients. I/II Currently Recruiting Hadassah Medical Organization
The Use of Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells in ALS (Extension CMN/ELA) I/II Currently Recruiting Fundacion para la Formacion e Investigacion Sanitarias de la Region de Murcia
Safety and Efficacy Study of Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cell Treatment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis I/II Currently Recruiting Corestem, Inc.
Safety/Efficacy Study of one-time Intrathecal Infusion of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells (TCA Cellular) I Ongoing, But Not Recruiting TCA Cellular Therapy
A phase I, Open-Label, First-in-human, Feasibility and Safety Study of Human Spinal Cord derived Neural Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis I Currently Recruiting Neuralstem, Inc.
Human Spinal Cord Derived Neural Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of ALS I Currently Recruiting Neuralstem Inc.
Derivation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From an Existing Collection of Human Somatic Cells Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Hadassah Medical Organization
Nutrition (3)

Recent emphasis on understanding the optimal nutritional needs for PALS has led to several clinical trials being organized to help both inform dieticians working with PALS as well as for potential treatment benefits.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
High Fat/High Calorie Trial II Currently Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital
Quantitative Measurement of Nutritional Substrate Utilization in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Currently Recruiting Drexel University College of Medicine
Mitochondrial Functions and Oxidative Stress in ALS Patients Currently Recruiting University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand
Familial ALS (4)

least 10% of all ALS cases have been connected to at least 17 different genetic mutations. This section includes trials aimed at fALS patients and people that have a history of the disease in their family.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
Phase II/III Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Arimoclomol in SOD1 Positive FALS II/III Currently Recruiting University of Miami
Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (FALS) Study Currently Recruiting University of Miami
Pre-fALS Study Currently Recruiting University of Miami
Generation and Characterization of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis iPS Cells (Stem Cells) Currently Recruiting Johns Hopkins University
Biomarkers / Imaging (10)

There are no disease biomarkers available to assist in either the diagnosis or treatment of ALS patients. Significant new resources are being steering toward the identification of such by looking at blood and tissue samples for PALS.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
Molecular Imaging Modality by Positron Emission Tomography Using 18F-X : Study of Microglial Activation II Currently Recruiting University Hospital, Tours
Cortex Changes in Real/Imagined Movements Currently Recruiting University of Michigan
Genetics of ALS: Identification of Genes With Roles in Familial and Sporadic ALS and ALS/FTD Currently Recruiting Northwestern University
Tissue Donation Program Currently Recruiting Drexel University College of Medicine
Neuromuscular Transmission in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (NETALS) NA Currently Recruiting Assistance Publique - Hpitaux de Paris
Validation of Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (BIO_ALS-01) Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital
Electrical Impedance Myography as an Outcome Measure in ALS Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers in ALS (MRI) Currently Recruiting Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
The Oxford Study for Biomarkers in MND/ALS (The BioMOx Project) Currently Recruiting The Oxford MND Centre
A Longitudinal Study of ALS Biomarkers Currently Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital
Breathing (12)

This section includes clinical trials to understand the optimal time and manner in which to provide respiratory assistance to PALS.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
DiPALS Diaphragm Pacing in MND N/A Currently Recruiting Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Non-Invasive Ventilation IV Currently Recruiting Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri
Early Stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Phrenic Stimulation (RespiStimALS) III Not Yet Recruiting Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
Trial of Early Noninvasive Ventilation I Ongoing, But Not Recruiting University of Michigan
Noninvasive Examination of the Work of Breathing in pALS Currently Recruiting Drexel University College of Medicine
Effect of Noninvasive Ventilation on Lung Function Currently Recruiting Columbia University
Study of Standard Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) and Low Expiratory Pressure NIPPV Currently Recruiting University of Michigan
Relationship Between Respiratory Functional Tests and Image Thoracic Techniques in Patients With Neuromuscular Diseases Currently Recruiting Fundació Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
Nocturnal PtcCO2 Monitoring in Patients With ALS Currently Recruiting Association Nationale pour le Traitement à Domicile de l'Insuffisance Respiratoire
Motor-Point Stimulation for Conditioning the Diaphragm of Patients With ALS Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Synapse Biomedical
Polysomnography-directed Noninvasive Ventilation in ALS Ongoing, But Not Recruiting Columbia University
Effects of Nocturnal Non-invasive Ventilation in Patients With ALS Ongoing, But Not Recruiting National Taiwan University Hospital
Communication (7)

Advances in technology have allowed for an explosion of assistive communication technology for people with disorders such as ALS. Several clinical trials are enrolling today to help determine guidelines for their use.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
A Clinical Demonstration of EEG Brain-computer Interface for ALS Patients I/II Currently Recruiting Department of Veterans Affairs
Evaluation of a Tongue Operated Assistive Technology for Individuals With Severe Paralysis (TDS-1) I Currently Recruiting Georgia Institute of Technology
Assessment of the Cyberlink Control System for Use by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patient Currently Recruiting Drexel University College of Medicine
EEG-Based Brain-Computer Interface Project for Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (BCI) Currently Recruiting Drexel University
An In-home Study of Brain Computer Interfaces to Operate Wheelchair Tilt Currently Recruiting University of Michigan
BrainGate2: Feasibility Study of an Intracortical Neural Interface System for Persons With Tetraplegia Currently Recruiting Leigh R. Hochberg, MD, PhD., Massachusetts General Hospital
The Communicative Participation Reserach Project Currently Recruiting University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Others (9)

There are dozens of clinical trials enrolling worldwide. Not all of which fit into the above categories easily. This section includes several important additional clinical trials.

Recent Updates

TDI-144 - 2/10/12 - We moved this small molecule targeting cellular stress into the a...
TDI-143 - 5/7/12 - This biologic targeting endothelial cell dysfunction moved into ef...
Trial Stage Recruiting Sponsor
Supported Treadmill Ambulation Training (STAT) for Patients Diagnosed With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis I/II Currently Recruiting Carolinas Healthcare System
Trial of Resistance and Endurance Exercise in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) I Currently Recruiting Johns Hopkins University
Non-Invasive Measurement of Gastrointestinal (GI) Motility Currently Recruiting Drexel University College of Medicine
Assessment of Postural Orientation and Equilibrium In Early Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Currently Recruiting Carolinas Healthcare System
Satisfaction Survey for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patients Comparing Rooms With and Without Assistive Technology Currently Recruiting Drexel University College of Medicine
Trial of Ascertaining Individual Preferences for Loved One's Role in End-of-Life Currently Recruiting Johns Hopkins University
UW/VA Madison Brain Bank Currently Recruiting University of Wisconsin, Madison
PRISM Registry- Pseudobulbar Affect Registry Series Currently Recruiting Avanir Pharmaceuticals
Early Treatment of ALS With Nutrition and Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) Ongoing, But Not Recruiting University of Kentucky

Closed Trials

Closed clinical trials include those listed as fully enrolled, concluded, or cancelled Click to view more closed trials >

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I choose to participate in a trial for multiple reasons:

  1. PALS desperately need an effective treatment. There are multiple promising drugs, currently. But, the only way to obtain FDA approval is via proving safety and efficacy in human clinical trials. So, I chose to participate to advance the pursuit of an effective therapy.
  2. Though trials are not intended for treatment of participants, this is a large motivating factor. Most trials have at least a 50% chance of affecting disease progression or duration. But even if one ends up on a placebo arm, they are serving an important role.
  3. When presented with an opportunity to choose among multiple trials, I think of it as similar to an election, and choose the trial I believe holds the most promise for resulting in approval of the most effective therapy. There are too few participants, so I believe choosing "just any trial" can inadvertently slow progress towards effective therapies.

What is participation like? To me participation is very similar to a combination of frequent ALS clinic visits with lab work and of course with the addition of taking a drug.

-Rob (North Carolina)