TUDCA-ALS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Safety and efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) as add-on treatment in patients affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
IRAS ID
257082
Contact name
Chris McDermott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
IRCCS ISTITUTO CLINICO HUMANITAS
Eudract number
2018-002722-22
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Amyotrohic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease which affects around 40,000 people throughout Europe. Riluzole is the only drug currently available which can slow the progression of ALS. The TUDCA-ALS study will look at a new drug called taurousodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). The aim of the study is to determine whether TUDCA has an impact on the progression of ALS.
The study will be conducted in hospital sites across Europe with around 5-6 hospitals taking part in the UK. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive TUDCA or placebo twice a day for 18 months. TUDCA will usually be administered as an add-on treatment to riluzole although it may be administered alone for patients who are unable to tolerate riluzole. Participants will be required to undergo a 3 month lead-in phase prior to starting study treatment. During the lead-in phase, 3 study visits will take place at 6-weekly intervals. After starting study treatment, visits will take place every 3 months during the 18 month treatment phase.
Disease progression will be measured throughout the treatment period and other assessments will also be completed to assess quality of life as well as the safety and tolerability of TUDCA.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EM/0097
Date of REC Opinion
20 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion