90 Participants Needed

Imaging Study for ALS

Recruiting at 2 trial locations
MB
Overseen ByMelisa Bailey, MS
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Minnesota
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to better understand ALS, a progressive nerve disease, by identifying biomarkers that indicate disease progression over time. Participants will undergo brain and spine MRIs and have blood tests up to four times a year. The trial includes two groups: one with early-stage ALS and another with healthy individuals for comparison. Those who have experienced ALS symptoms for less than three years and can safely undergo an MRI may be suitable candidates. As an unphased study, this trial offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance the understanding and treatment of ALS.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Multicenter ALS Imaging Study because it aims to uncover new insights into early-stage ALS using advanced imaging techniques. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on slowing disease progression, this study seeks to enhance our understanding of ALS by comparing brain images of participants with and without the disease. By identifying specific brain changes in ALS patients, researchers hope to pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more targeted therapies in the future. This approach is unique because it shifts the focus from treatment to understanding the underlying mechanisms of ALS, potentially transforming how we approach this challenging condition.

Who Is on the Research Team?

PP

Pramod Pisharady, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

My symptoms started less than 24 months ago.
My condition meets the ALS diagnosis criteria.
My lung function test shows at least 60% of what is expected for someone my age and size.
See 2 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo initial MRI scans, blood tests, and neurological exams

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Longitudinal Assessment

Participants undergo MRI scans, blood tests, and neurological exams at 3, 6, and 12 months

12 months
3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the main assessments

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Participants without ALSExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Participants with ALSExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Minnesota

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,459
Recruited
1,623,000+

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Collaborator

Trials
184
Recruited
1,553,000+

Minnesota Office of Higher Education

Collaborator

Trials
6
Recruited
280+