scholarly journals Oral levosimendan in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a phase II multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (10) ◽  
pp. 1165-1170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammar Al-Chalabi ◽  
Pamela Shaw ◽  
P Nigel Leigh ◽  
Leonard van den Berg ◽  
Orla Hardiman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral levosimendan in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This phase II, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, three-period study with 6 months open-label follow-up enrolled adults with ALS and sitting slow vital capacity (SVC) 60%–90 % of predicted from 11 sites in four countries.MethodsPatients received levosimendan 1 mg daily, 1 mg two times a day or placebo during three 14-day crossover periods and levosimendan 1–2 mg daily during open-label follow-up. Primary endpoint was sitting SVC; secondary endpoints included supine SVC, ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), tolerability and safety.ResultsOf 66 patients randomised, 59 contributed to the double-blind results and 50 entered open-label follow-up. Sitting SVC was not significantly different between the treatments. In post hoc analysis using period-wise baselines, supine SVC favoured levosimendan over placebo, estimated mean differences from baseline being −3.62% on placebo, +0.77% on levosimendan 1 mg daily (p=0.018) and +2.38% on 1 mg two times a day (p=0.001). Headache occurred in 16.7% of patients during levosimendan 1 mg daily (p=0.030), 28.6% during 1 mg two times a day (p=0.002) and 3.3% during placebo. The respective frequencies for increased heart rate were 5.1% (p=0.337), 18.5% (p=0.018) and 1.7%. No significant differences between the treatments were seen for other adverse events.ConclusionsLevosimendan did not achieve the primary endpoint of improving sitting SVC in ALS. Headache and increased heart rate were increased on levosimendan, although it was otherwise well tolerated. A phase III study to evaluate the longer term effects of oral levosimendan in ALS is ongoing.

scholarly journals Proteostasis and ALS: protocol for a phase II, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial for colchicine in ALS (Co-ALS)

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e028486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Mandrioli ◽  
Valeria Crippa ◽  
Cristina Cereda ◽  
Valentina Bonetto ◽  
Elisabetta Zucchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

IntroductionDisruptions of proteasome and autophagy systems are central events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and support the urgent need to find therapeutic compounds targeting these processes. The heat shock protein B8 (HSPB8) recognises and promotes the autophagy-mediated removal of misfolded mutant SOD1 and TDP-43 fragments from ALS motor neurons (MNs), as well as aggregating species of dipeptides produced in C9ORF72-related diseases. In ALS-SOD1 mice and in human ALS autopsy specimens, HSPB8 is highly expressed in spinal cord MNs that survive at the end stage of disease. Moreover, the HSPB8–BAG3–HSP70 complex maintains granulostasis, which avoids conversion of dynamic stress granules (SGs) into aggregation-prone assemblies. We will perform a randomised clinical trial (RCT) with colchicine, which enhances the expression of HSPB8 and of several autophagy players, blocking TDP-43 accumulation and exerting crucial activities for MNs function.Methods and analysisColchicine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Co-ALS) is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase II RCT. ALS patients will be enrolled in three groups (placebo, colchicine 0.01 mg/day and colchicine 0.005 mg/day) of 18 subjects treated with riluzole; treatment will last 30 weeks, and follow-up will last 24 weeks. The primary aim is to assess whether colchicine decreases disease progression as measured by ALS Functional Rating Scale - Revised (ALSFRS-R) at baseline and at treatment end. Secondary aims include assessment of (1) safety and tolerability of Colchicine in patiets with ALS; (2) changes in cellular activity (autophagy, protein aggregation, and SG and exosome secretion) and in biomarkers of disease progression (neurofilaments); (3) survival and respiratory function and (4) quality of life. Preclinical studies with a full assessment of autophagy and neuroinflammation biomarkers in fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphoblasts will be conducted in parallel with clinic assessment to optimise time and resources.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Area Vasta Emilia Nord and by Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (EUDRACT N.2017-004459-21) based on the Declaration of Helsinki. This research protocol was written without patient involvement. Patients’ association will be involved in disseminating the study design and results. Results will be presented during scientific symposia or published in scientific journals.Trial registration numberEUDRACT 2017-004459-21;NCT03693781; Pre-results.

scholarly journals MERIDIAN: A phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederico Mennucci de Haidar Jorge ◽  
Angela Genge ◽  
Ammar Al- Chalabi ◽  
Orla Hardiman ◽  
Alice Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Sporadic Als ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Introduction: Inflammation underlies the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In ALS, the complement system has been implicated in the neuropathology of disease and disease progression. Pegcetacoplan, a subcutaneously administered C3 complement inhibitor, is being investigated in hematology, nephrology, and neurology. The current clinical study (NCT04579666) is investigating whether pegcetacoplan can improve survival and function in people diagnosed with apparent sporadic ALS. Objectives and Methodology: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan compared to placebo among people diagnosed with ALS in a global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study. Approximately 228 patients diagnosed with apparent sporadic ALS, ≥18 years of age and with an ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score ≥30, slow vital capacity (SVC) ≥60% of the predicted value at screening, and with symptom onset within 72 weeks before screening, are eligible for enrollment. After screening, patients will be randomized 2:1 to treatment groups receiving either subcutaneous pegcetacoplan (1080 mg) or placebo twice weekly for a duration of 52 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint is the difference in the Combined Assessment of Function and Survival (CAFS) ranked score at 52 weeks after treatment initiation. Additional, secondary functional efficacy (ALSFRS-R, percent SVC, muscle strength, quality of life, and caregiver burden) and safety endpoints will be analyzed at 52 weeks. After the placebo-controlled period, all patients will have the option to receive pegcetacoplan in an open-label period for an additional 52 weeks. Results: This ongoing study is currently enrolling participants. Conclusions: Results of this study will determine the role of complement and C3 inhibition in patients with ALS.

scholarly journals G-CSF (filgrastim) treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: protocol for a phase II randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicentre clinical study (STEMALS-II trial)

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e034049
Author(s):  
Paolina Salamone ◽  
Giuseppe Fuda ◽  
Federico Casale ◽  
Giuseppe Marrali ◽  
Christian Lunetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Als Patients ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

IntroductionAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurological disorder characterised by a selective degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Stem cell transplantation is considered as a promising strategy in neurological disorders therapy and the possibility of inducing bone marrow cells (BMCs) to circulate in the peripheral blood is suggested to investigate stem cells migration in degenerated ALS nerve tissues where potentially repair MN damage. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor which stimulates haematopoietic progenitor cells, mobilises BMCs into injured brain and it is itself a neurotrophic factor for MN. G-CSF safety in humans has been demonstrated and many observations suggest that it may affect neural cells. Therefore, we decided to use G-CSF to mobilise BMCs into the peripheral circulation in patients with ALS, planning a clinical trial to evaluate the effect of G-CSF administration in ALS patients compared with placebo.Methods and analysisSTEMALS-II is a phase II multicentre, randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group clinical trial on G-CSF (filgrastim) and mannitol in ALS patients. Specifically, we investigate safety, tolerability and efficacy of four repeated courses of intravenous G-CSF and mannitol administered in 76 ALS patients in comparison with placebo (indistinguishable glucose solution 5%). We determine increase of G-CSF levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid as CD34+cells and leucocyte count after treatment; reduction in ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised Score, forced vital capacity, Scale for Testing Muscle Strength Score and quality of life; the adverse events/reactions during the treatment; changes in neuroinflammation biomarkers before and after treatment.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria ‘Città della Salute e della Scienza’, Torino, Italy. Results will be presented during scientific symposia or published in scientific journals.Trial registration numberEudract 2014-002228-28.

scholarly journals Clinical staging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: analysis of Edaravone Study 19

2020 ◽  
pp. jnnp-2020-323271
Author(s):  
Ammar Al-Chalabi ◽  
Adriano Chiò ◽  
Charlotte Merrill ◽  
Gerry Oster ◽  
Rebecca Bornheimer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Clinical Staging ◽  
Rapid Progression ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
End Points ◽  
Staging Systems ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

ObjectiveThis was a post hoc analysis of the Edaravone Phase III Study MCI186-19 (‘Study 19’) to examine the utility of clinical staging systems as end points in clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).MethodsAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale—Revised item scores from Study 19 were retrospectively mapped to King’s stage and Milano-Torino staging (MiToS) stage. We assessed the percentage of patients who experienced progression in King’s and MiToS stages during Study 19. We also assessed disease progression in subgroups of patients according to baseline King’s stage.ResultsDuring double-blind treatment, the percentage of patients who experienced a progression in King’s stage was lower for edaravone (42.0%, 95% CI 30.4% to 53.6%) than placebo (55.9%, 95% CI 44.1% to 67.6%). The most pronounced effect was noted among patients who were in stage 1 and was maintained throughout open-label treatment. An analysis of a ≥2-stage progression in MiToS stage showed no difference between treatment arms during double-blind treatment, but during the open-label period, more rapid progression was noted among patients in the placebo–edaravone arm than among those in the edaravone–edaravone arm (log-rank test, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe King’s and MiToS staging systems provided utility in assessing clinical progression in Edaravone Study 19. These findings may support the use of staging systems as end points in ALS clinical trials and to understand the timing of benefit as measured by these scales.

scholarly journals Erythropoietin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, phase III study

2015 ◽  
Vol 86 (8) ◽  
pp. 879-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lauria ◽  
Eleonora Dalla Bella ◽  
Giovanni Antonini ◽  
Giuseppe Borghero ◽  
Margherita Capasso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Phase Iii Study ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

scholarly journals Safety and efficacy of ceftriaxone for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a multi-stage, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1083-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merit E Cudkowicz ◽  
Sarah Titus ◽  
Marianne Kearney ◽  
Hong Yu ◽  
Alexander Sherman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

scholarly journals Protein misfolding, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and guanabenz: protocol for a phase II RCT with futility design (ProMISe trial)

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e015434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Dalla Bella ◽  
Irene Tramacere ◽  
Giovanni Antonini ◽  
Giuseppe Borghero ◽  
Margherita Capasso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Protein Accumulation ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

IntroductionRecent studies suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through an altered regulation of the proteostasis, the cellular pathway-balancing protein synthesis and degradation. A key mechanism is thought to be the dephosphorylation of eIF2α, a factor involved in the initiation of protein translation. Guanabenz is an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist safely used in past to treat mild hypertension and is now an orphan drug. A pharmacological action recently discovered is its ability to modulate the synthesis of proteins by the activation of translational factors preventing misfolded protein accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum overload. Guanabenz proved to rescue motoneurons from misfolding protein stress both in in vitro and in vivo ALS models, making it a potential disease-modifying drug in patients. It is conceivable investigating whether its neuroprotective effects based on the inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation can change the progression of ALS.Methods and analysesProtocolised Management In Sepsis is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial with futility design. We will investigate clinical outcomes, safety, tolerability and biomarkers of neurodegeneration in patients with ALS treated with guanabenz or riluzole alone for 6 months. The primary aim is to test if guanabenz can reduce the proportion of patients progressed to a higher stage of disease at 6 months compared with their baseline stage as measured by the ALS Milano-Torino Staging (ALS-MITOS) system and to the placebo group. Secondary aims are safety, tolerability and change in at least one biomarker of neurodegeneration in the guanabenz arm compared with the placebo group. Findings will provide reliable data on the likelihood that guanabenz can slow the course of ALS in a phase III trial.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of IRCCS ‘Carlo Besta Foundation’ of Milan (Eudract no. 2014-005367-32 Pre-results) based on the Helsinki declaration.

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