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Clinical Trials

Scientists at the medical school are conducting hundreds of clinical trials daily. Browse our list of actively recruiting clinical trials below to learn more and find out how you may be able to participate. 

For more information about the research or participation, please call our office at 312-695-6829. Learn more about all the medical school's trials via the Feinberg Office of Research Clinical Trials page. You can also visit the Clinical Trials & Studies page on the Les Turner ALS Foundation website for information.

Trials

Natural history study of ALS and other motor neuron disorders

This is one of the largest non-interventional observational study of patients with ALS and other motor neuron disorders. It is both prospective and retrospective. It does not require blood sampling.

1. A clinical diagnosis of El Escorial of suspected, possible, probable, or definite ALS.

2. Other motor neuron disorders, including but not limited to spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA, Kennedy’s disease), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA), and Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP).

3. Excluded are any disease that does not meet criteria for any motor neuron disorder

Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
  • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
    Chicago, IL
STU00209860
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Oxidative Markers and Efficacy in ALS/MND Phenotypes Treated with Edaravone (Loma Linda)

We are only recruiting patients who have not started their edaravone treatment.Location of study: Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine, 259 E. Erie St., Lavin 19, Chicago, IL 60611.…

We are only recruiting patients who have not started their edaravone treatment.

Location of study: Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine, 259 E. Erie St., Lavin 19, Chicago, IL 60611.

Inclusion:

Either possible, probable, or definite ALS,predominantly lower motor neuron disease Predominantly upper motor neuron disease, orbulbar

With or without cognitive involvement

Willing to participate

On no experimental treatment

Ages 18 - 85

No prior exposure to Radicava

On a stable dose of riluzole for 30 days or offriluzole

Male or female

Females of childbearing age must usecontraception

Exclusion:

Unstable medical illness

Abnormal liver function (>2x ULN)

Unlikely to survive for at least 26 weeks

Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
  • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
    Chicago, IL
NCT04097158 STU00211350
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Platform Trial for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A perpetual multi-center, multi-regimen clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational products for the treatment of ALS.

In this trial, multiple investigational products for ALS will be tested simultaneously or sequentially. Each investigational product will be tested in a regimen. Each regimen consists of a placebo-controlled trial, meaning that the active investigational product and matching placebo will be tested in each regimen.The additional details that …

In this trial, multiple investigational products for ALS will be tested simultaneously or sequentially. Each investigational product will be tested in a regimen. Each regimen consists of a placebo-controlled trial, meaning that the active investigational product and matching placebo will be tested in each regimen.

The additional details that govern the testing of each investigational product will be summarized in separate regimen-specific appendices (RSAs). Each regimen will have a separate ClinicalTrials.gov posting, which will include specific information about the regimen. All regimen-specific outcome measures will be detailed in each regimen posting.

Participants will have an equal chance to be randomized to all regimens that are active at the time of screening. Once randomized to a regimen, participants will be randomized in a 3:1 ratio to either study drug or placebo.

The following regimens are active in the trial:

Regimen A - Zilucoplan Regimen B - Verdiperstat Regimen C - CNM-Au8 Regimen D - Pridopidine Regimen E - Trehalose

New regimens will be continuously added as new investigational products become available. The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial will enroll additional participants as each new regimen is available.

The basic eligibility criteria include:

1. Onset of ALS WEAKNESS within the last 3 years.

2. FVC (breathing test) > 50%

3. If on riluzole, must be on a stable dose for 30 days. Must not start riluzole during the study.

4. If on radicava, must be on a stable dose for 30 days. Must not start riluzole during the study.

5. Must be able to swallow for the next 6 months

6. No history stem cell treatment

7. No history of cancer within the last 5 years

Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
  • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
    Chicago, IL
NCT04297683 STU00212680
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ALS Platform
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Use of Glenohumeral Injections for Management of Shoulder Pain in Individuals with ALS

The purpose of this study is to develop a practice for measuring the efficacy of ultrasound-guided shoulder joint injections in patients with ALS who have exhibited shoulder pain and/or adhesive capsulitis. Patients will receive corticosteroid injections as part of their normal or standard care for shoulder pain in …
The purpose of this study is to develop a practice for measuring the efficacy of ultrasound-guided shoulder joint injections in patients with ALS who have exhibited shoulder pain and/or adhesive capsulitis. Patients will receive corticosteroid injections as part of their normal or standard care for shoulder pain in ALS (not provided by the study). They will then be asked to complete questionnaires at Baseline and over the phone over approximately 3 months. 
1. Diagnosed with ALS

2. Being referred for evaluation for glenohumeral shoulder injections for management of shoulder pain

3. Able to utilize written, typed or verbal communication, independently or with the assistance of a caregiver

4. Able to understand study procedures, answer questionnaires, and provide informed consent

Franz, Colin KFranz, Colin K
  • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
    Chicago, IL
STU00213465
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A prospective, multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel groups, phase 3 study to compare the efficacy and safety of masitinib in combination with Riluzole versus placebo in combination with Riluzole in the treatment of patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

This is a phase 3, placebo-controlled, study comparing the safety and efficacy of two doses of MASITINIB (4.5 mg and 6.0 mg) and riluzole vs. placebo and riluzole over 48 weeks. …
This is a phase 3, placebo-controlled, study comparing the safety and efficacy of two doses of MASITINIB (4.5 mg and 6.0 mg) and riluzole vs. placebo and riluzole over 48 weeks. 
Basic Inclusion/ Exclusion criteria:

  • Patient treated with stable dose of riluzole for 3 months
  • Patient able to obtain riluzole through insurance and remain on riluzole throughout the study
  • Disease duration (weakness) from diagnosis less than 24 months
  • Must have a sub-score of at least 2 on every sub-section of the ALSFRS-R
  • FVC over 60%
  • Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
    • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
      Chicago, IL
    NCT02588677 STU00213943
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    A Phase 3b, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Oral Edaravone Administered for a Period of 48 Weeks in Subjects with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

    This is a phase 3b, randomized, study evaluating the safety and efficacy of ORAL EDARAVONE/ RADICAVA administered over 48 weeks. Eligible participants are randomized to two groups with different dosing schemes.…
    This is a phase 3b, randomized, study evaluating the safety and efficacy of ORAL EDARAVONE/ RADICAVA administered over 48 weeks. Eligible participants are randomized to two groups with different dosing schemes.
    Basic Inclusion/ Exclusion criteria:

  • No prior use of radicava/edaravone
  • ALS weakness onset within the last 2 years
  • FVC over 70%
  • Must score at least a 2 on each sub-section of the ALSFRS-R
  • El Escorial scored Probable or Definite ALS
  • Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
    • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
      Chicago, IL
    NCT04165824 STU00213716
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    PLS Natural History Study (PNHS)

    This is a non-interventional (no study drug), natural history study of patient with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). The purpose of this study is to to develop a natural history dataset and biorepository of early PLS and well-established PLS cases for future clinical trials. The study will also evaluate …

    This is a non-interventional (no study drug), natural history study of patient with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS).

    The purpose of this study is to to develop a natural history dataset and biorepository of early PLS and well-established PLS cases for future clinical trials. The study will also evaluate differences in disease progression in early PLS and well-established PLS cases.

    Patients will be enrolled over 24 months and complete assessments in person and over the phone.

    Some of the BASIC, but not full, list of eligibility criteria are below:

    1. PLS diagnosis is based on the new PLS diagnostic criteria

    2. Symptom onset was no more than 15 years prior to baseline

    3. Ability to independently walk with or without an assistive device (e.g., walker) at the baseline evaluation

    4. Some bulbar symptoms (dysarthria, dysphagia, drooling or pseudobulbar affect)

    5. UMN symptoms and signs in a region other than the legs

    Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
    • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
      Chicago, IL
    STU00214272
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    An Intermediate-Size Expanded Access Protocol for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Verdiperstat (BHV-3241)

    The primary objective of this intermediate-size Expanded Access Protocol (EAP) is to provide access to investigational product verdiperstat for participants with ALS who do not qualify for the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.…
    The primary objective of this intermediate-size Expanded Access Protocol (EAP) is to provide access to investigational product verdiperstat for participants with ALS who do not qualify for the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.

    The BASIC, but not full, list of eligibility criteria are below:

    1. Sporadic or familial ALS diagnosed as suspected, possible, probable, lab-supported probable, or definite ALS defined by El Escorial criteria

    2. Age 18 years or older

    3. Participant must be unable to participate in the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial

    4. Participants have established care with a physician at the specialized ALS center involved in the protocol and will maintain this clinical care throughout the duration of the EAP

    5. Participants must have the ability to swallow whole pills without crushing or chewing

    6. Participants who are enrolled in another EAP or a Clinical Trial

    Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
    • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
      Chicago, IL
    NCT04081714 STU00215197
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    A Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial With a Longitudinal Natural History Run-In and Open-Label Extension to Evaluate BIIB067 Initiated in Clinically Presymptomatic Adults With a Confirmed Superoxide Dismutase 1 Mutation

    Tofersen (also called BIIB067) is currently being evaluated for the treatment of adults with familial ALS associated with a mutation in the SOD1 gene. The optimal timing for initiation (i.e., prior to or after the emergence of clinically manifested disease) of tofersen is unknown. This study will evaluate the …

    Tofersen (also called BIIB067) is currently being evaluated for the treatment of adults with familial ALS associated with a mutation in the SOD1 gene. The optimal timing for initiation (i.e., prior to or after the emergence of clinically manifested disease) of tofersen is unknown. This study will evaluate the impact of initiating tofersen based on biomarker evidence of disease activity, prior to the emergence of clinical symptoms or signs that definitively indicate ALS.

    There are four parts to this study, each with different eligibility criteria. Please contact the study coordinator and he/she will determine whether you are eligible. In order to enroll in the study (Part A), here are a few basic (but not complete) eligibility criteria:

    1. 18 years or older

    2. Must have one of the following SOD1 mutations confirmed by a central reader. Please contact the study coordinator for a complete list.

    3. If a SOD1 mutation is not listed, your mutation will be adjudicated by a Mutation Adjudication Committee.

    4. Plasma neurofilament (NfL) level less than 44 pg/mL during Screening

    5. Clinically pre-symptomatic for ALS (i.e., must not have clinically manifested ALS) at Part A Screening Visit

    6. History or positive test result at Screening for HIV, Hep-B, or Hep-C

    Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
    • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
      Chicago, IL
    NCT04856982 STU00214617
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    Evaluation of digital technologies for home-based assessment of ALS patients

    This is a non-interventional study (no study drug). We are measuring home-based digital assessments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, patient-acceptability, adherence and validity of home-based collection of digital measures that are relevant to the assessment of disease in ALS patients. The …

    This is a non-interventional study (no study drug). We are measuring home-based digital assessments.

    The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, patient-acceptability, adherence and validity of home-based collection of digital measures that are relevant to the assessment of disease in ALS patients. The goal of this study is to determine which home-based digital measurements are reliable predictors of change in ALS status, when compared to the conventional scale, the ALSFRSR.

    1. Non-ventilator dependent at the screening visit.

    2. Able to ambulate short distances (at least 3 m) with or without walking aid.

    3. Able to grasp a pen and able to write

    4. For the dedicated C9orf72 group only (10-15 participants) presence of a C9orf72 repeat expansion.

    5. Having a study partner who agrees to participate in the study and who is intellectually, visually, and verbally capable, and fluent in, and able to read, the language in which study assessments are administered.

    Ajroud-Driss, SendaAjroud-Driss, Senda
    • Map it 259 E. Erie St. Lavin Pavillion, Suite 19 100
      Chicago, IL
    NCT00000419 STU00215205
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    ALS BASICHR0053
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