The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ARO-DUX4 in participants with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy Type 1 (FSHD1). In Part 1 of the study, participants will receive one dose of ARO-DUX4 or placebo. In Part 2 of the study, participants will receive 4 doses of ARO-DUX4 or placebo. Participants who complete Part 1 will have the option to re-screen and re-randomize into Part 2. All participants will undergo pre- and post-dose MRI-guided muscle biopsies (a total of 2 biopsies). Participants who complete Part 1 and enroll in Part 2 will be required to undergo an additional screening biopsy. Participants completing Part 1 or Part 2 may have the option to continue to receive drug in an open-label extension study or may be eligible to participate in later-stage clinical studies.
Who can participate
Age range
16 Years – 70 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:
* Genetically confirmed FSHD1 based on Screening evaluation or source verifiable medical record
* Clinical severity score between 3 and 8 (scale, 0 to 10)
* Must have eligible lower extremity muscle for biopsy as determined from MRI by a central reader
* A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) at Screening with no abnormalities that may compromise participant's safety in the study
* Participants of childbearing potential and their partners must use highly effective contraception during the study and for at least 12 weeks following the end of study or last dose of study medication, whichever is later. Males must not donate sperm during the study from Day 1 until at least 12 weeks following the end of study or last dose of study medication, whichever is later.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection as shown by presence of anti-HIV antibody (seropositive) at Screening
* Seropositive for hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) at Screening
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Severe cardiovascular disease
* History of thrombolic events
* Platelet count less that the lower limit of normal at Screening
* History or presence of: a hypercoagulable state, nephrotic range proteinuria, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, myeloproliferative disease, inability to ambulate, use of hormone-based contraceptives.
* Any contraindication to muscle biopsy or MRI
Note: additional inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply per protocol
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 Participants With Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) Over Time Through End of Study (EOS)
Timeframe: Part 1: Up to Day 90; Part 2: Up to Day 360