A Study of Oxidative Pathways in MS Fatigue (NCT02804594) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2
A Study of Oxidative Pathways in MS Fatigue
United States15 participantsStarted 2016-10-01
Plain-language summary
This is a 4-week randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group, double-blind, single center trial on effect of N-acetyl cysteine versus placebo on fatigue in patients with progressive MS defined by McDonald criteria. Subjects who enter the treatment phase of study, will be randomly assigned to either N-acetyl cysteine (1250 mg three times a day) or placebo (three times a day) for 4 weeks. There will be 3 in-person study visits (screening, baseline, and week 4) and 2 visits over the phone (week 2, and week 6 which is 2 weeks after completing last study drug dose). Visits will all occur in the morning to maximize consistency of assessments and evaluate main outcomes within 2 hours of morning dose of study medication. Fatigue questionnaires, and research samples will be obtained before neurological examination, or magnetic resonance imaging. Research blood draws will be obtained just after fatigue questionnaire completion. Brain spectroscopy will be obtained less than 2 hours after morning dose of study drug to maximize detection of the biological effect of study medication.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age 18 through 75 years included.
. Ability to sign the informed consent before participation.
. Females of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and use an effective method of contraception during the study participation period.
. Diagnosis of primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (according to the 2010 McDonald criteria).
. Time since first reported MS symptoms more than one year.
. EDSS score at the time of screening 2.0-6.5.
. Fatigue reportedly present and screening MFIS more than 38 for patients who will be enrolled in the randomized placebo controlled part of the study. MFIS score of less than 38 is required for patients who are controls on the study.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of Adverse Events Reported Since Baseline Visit That Are Related to N-acetyl Cysteine.
. History of MS relapses in the previous 3 months.
. Neurodegenerative progressive neurological disorders other than progressive MS.
. Breastfeeding
. History of bleeding disorders
. Abnormal results of liver function test at screening (AST or ALT more than twice the upper limit of normal).
. Receiving or about to start interferon beta or immunosuppressive medications (e.g. cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil) as these medication can be associated with fatigue.
. Starting or changing the dose of other MS disease-modifying medications (including monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab, ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab, daclizumab) within 3 months of baseline visit.
. No ongoing steroid treatment and no steroid treatment in the prior month.