Clinical Trial of Ultra-high Dose Methylcobalamin for ALS (NCT03548311) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 3
Clinical Trial of Ultra-high Dose Methylcobalamin for ALS
Japan130 participantsStarted 2017-11-01
Plain-language summary
To examine the clinical efficacy and safety of ultra-high dose (50mg, im, twice a week) methylcobalamin in retarding the progression of symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, we enroll ALS patients diagnosed by Updated Awaji Criteria within 12 months after the clinical onset. First they are followed for 12 weeks with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores, and only those who exhibit drops of 1-2 points are allowed to enter into the test period. A total of 128 patients are randomized and the half having placebo. They are blindly evaluated for drops of ALSFRS-R in 16 weeks, as the primary outcome. After this, all subjects receive methylcobalamin.
Who can participate
Age range
20 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:
Treatment and OLE Phase:
* ALS patients within 12 months after clinical onset at the entry
* Diagnosed based on updated Awaji criteria: definite, probably or laboratory supported probable
* Decline of ALSFRSR being 1 or 2 during observation period of 12 weeks
* Japanese Clinical Severity Scale 1 or 2
* Those who can visit the participating medical centers
Tsunagi Phase:
\- The subjects for the Tsunagi phase are patients with ALS who are continuing the administration of this drug at the time of approval, and have obtained consent for the transition to the Tsunagi phase.
Exclusion Criteria:
Treatment and OLE Phase:
* Those who have tracheostomy
* Those who had NIPPV
* %FVC\<60%
* Those who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
* Those who have symptoms and signs of B12 deficiency
* Those who had edaravone less than 4 weeks prior to entry
* Those who changed the schedule and dosing of riluzole
* Those who have dementia
* Those who have the possibility of pregnancy
* Those who have serious respiratory or cardiac diseases
* Those who have malignancies
* Those who participated other clinical trials within 12 weeks
* Those who have allergies to B12 and related compounds
Tsunagi Phase:
Not applicable.
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.