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Clenbuterol on Motor Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Primary Purpose

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 2
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Clenbuterol
Sponsored by
Dwight Koeberl, M.D., Ph.D.
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of possible or more definite ALS according to the El Escorial criteria
  • FVC >50% of predicted for age, height and gender.
  • At least four of 12 ALSFRS-R questions scored as 2 or 3 at screening.
  • Diminished but measurable grip strength (1) in at least one hand (females:10-50 pounds; males, 10-70 pounds).
  • Taking riluzole at a stable dose or not taking riluzole at screening.
  • On Radicava at a stable dose for at least 30d or not taking this
  • Life expectancy at least 6 months
  • Able to swallow tablets without crushing.
  • Age: 18+ years at enrollment.
  • Subjects are capable of giving written consent.
  • If sexually active, must agree to use contraceptive or abstinence for duration of treatment
  • Females of child bearing age must have negative pregnancy test at screening

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Concurrent illness or laboratory abnormalities that could confound the measurement of ALS progression or interfere with the ability to complete the study.
  • Taking any investigational study drug within 30 days of screening or five half-lives of the prior agent.
  • No previous exposure to clenbuterol.
  • Pregnancy
  • Clinically relevant EKG abnormality (arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy)
  • Tachycardia (resting heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute)
  • History of seizure disorder
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Pregnancy
  • Have any other co-morbid conditions that in the opinion of the study investigator, places the participant at increased risk of complications, interferes with study participation or compliance, or confounds study objectives
  • History of hypersensitivity to 2-agonist drugs such as albuterol, levalbuterol (Xopenex), bitolterol (Tornalate), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline, salmeterol (Serevent).
  • The use of the following concomitant meds is prohibited during the study:

diuretics (furosemide, Lasix), digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and propranolol (Inderal); tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or other bronchodilators such as albuterol (Ventolin), levalbuterol (Xopenex), bitolterol (Tornalate), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl), salmeterol (Serevent), isoetherine (Bronkometer), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), or isoproterenol (Isuprel Mistometer).

Sites / Locations

  • Duke University Medical center

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm Type

Experimental

Arm Label

Open label Arm

Arm Description

This is an open label pilot trial in which 25 people with ALS will take clenbuterol orally at 40-80 micrograms twice daily for 24 weeks.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Number of Participants With Serious Adverse Events as Measured by Patient Reporting
The primary endpoint is safety of clenbuterol at 80 mcg BID. Adverse events and serious adverse events will be systematically gathered as the dose is increased.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Change in Motor Function Measured by ALSFRS-R
The ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) - 12 questions rated on a five-point scale, where 0= can't do, to 5= normal ability. It is utilized for monitoring the progression of disability in patients with ALS. The critical test for efficacy was comparison of the mean slope of the ALSFRS-R during treatment compared to pre-treatment. Pre-treatment slope for each participant was estimated as follows: (48-enrollment ALSFRS-R)/months since symptom onset. A statistically significant treatment effect was determined by a two-tailed, t-test, with a critical p value < .05. Other analyses included a repeated measures ANOVA design (between and within subjects) of ALSFRS-R slopes before and during treatment.
FVC Decline, Per-protocol Comparison
Comparison of the mean slope of percent predicted FVC during treatment versus pre-treatment. Pre-treatment slope for each participant was estimated as follows: (100%-enrollment percent predicted FVC)/months since symptom onset.

Full Information

First Posted
January 26, 2020
Last Updated
August 15, 2022
Sponsor
Dwight Koeberl, M.D., Ph.D.
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT04245709
Brief Title
Clenbuterol on Motor Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Official Title
A Clinical Investigation of the Safety and Efficacy of Clenbuterol on Motor Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
August 2022
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
February 10, 2020 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
March 10, 2021 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
March 10, 2021 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor-Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
Dwight Koeberl, M.D., Ph.D.

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of clenbuterol (taken by mouth) in subjects with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and to assess the effectiveness of clenbuterol with regard to motor function in subjects with ALS. Subjects will be in this study approximately 24 weeks. The study drug, clenbuterol, is taken twice a day. As part of this study subjects will have the following tests and procedures: medical history, vital signs, physical examination, blood tests, heart and lung function tests, muscle function test, ALSFRS-R (ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised), thyroid function and for women who can become pregnant, pregnancy tests.
Detailed Description
This is an open label pilot trial in which 25 people with ALS will take clenbuterol orally at 40-80 micrograms twice daily for 24 weeks. In person visits will occur at weeks 0, 4, 12 and 24. Telephone visits will occur at weeks 1, 6, 16 and 20. During these visits several safety and efficacy outcome measures will be performed for research purposes including safety labs, thyroid functions, pregnancy testing, ALSFRS-R, FVC (forced vital capacity), and muscle strength testing (myometry). The critical test of treatment efficacy will be the comparison of the ALSFRS-R slope during treatment to the estimated pre-treatment slope. All participants will continue to have standard follow up care for their ALS at Duke (for patients followed here) or their local ALS clinic

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 2
Interventional Study Model
Single Group Assignment
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
N/A
Enrollment
25 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Open label Arm
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
This is an open label pilot trial in which 25 people with ALS will take clenbuterol orally at 40-80 micrograms twice daily for 24 weeks.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Clenbuterol
Intervention Description
The intervention is treatment with oral clenbuterol at 40-80 micrograms twice daily for 24 weeks. Dosage will initially be 40 mcg daily for one week, then 40 mcg BID per oral daily for the next 5 weeks. If the 40 mcg BID per oral is well tolerated in the opinion of Dr. Bedlack, the dose will be increased to 80 mcg each morning/40 mcg each evening for one week, followed by 80 mcg BID per oral for the remainder of the study. The selected target dose (80 mcg BID) is based upon the experience with the long-term administration of clenbuterol, specifically the beneficial muscle effects in a Phase I/II clinical trial that enrolled patients with late-onset Pompe disease who were previously treated with enzyme replacement therapy (Koeberl et al. 2018).
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Number of Participants With Serious Adverse Events as Measured by Patient Reporting
Description
The primary endpoint is safety of clenbuterol at 80 mcg BID. Adverse events and serious adverse events will be systematically gathered as the dose is increased.
Time Frame
Up to 24 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in Motor Function Measured by ALSFRS-R
Description
The ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) - 12 questions rated on a five-point scale, where 0= can't do, to 5= normal ability. It is utilized for monitoring the progression of disability in patients with ALS. The critical test for efficacy was comparison of the mean slope of the ALSFRS-R during treatment compared to pre-treatment. Pre-treatment slope for each participant was estimated as follows: (48-enrollment ALSFRS-R)/months since symptom onset. A statistically significant treatment effect was determined by a two-tailed, t-test, with a critical p value < .05. Other analyses included a repeated measures ANOVA design (between and within subjects) of ALSFRS-R slopes before and during treatment.
Time Frame
Baseline, week 4, week 12, week 16, week 20, and week 24
Title
FVC Decline, Per-protocol Comparison
Description
Comparison of the mean slope of percent predicted FVC during treatment versus pre-treatment. Pre-treatment slope for each participant was estimated as follows: (100%-enrollment percent predicted FVC)/months since symptom onset.
Time Frame
Baseline, week 4, week 12, and week 24

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of possible or more definite ALS according to the El Escorial criteria FVC >50% of predicted for age, height and gender. At least four of 12 ALSFRS-R questions scored as 2 or 3 at screening. Diminished but measurable grip strength (1) in at least one hand (females:10-50 pounds; males, 10-70 pounds). Taking riluzole at a stable dose or not taking riluzole at screening. On Radicava at a stable dose for at least 30d or not taking this Life expectancy at least 6 months Able to swallow tablets without crushing. Age: 18+ years at enrollment. Subjects are capable of giving written consent. If sexually active, must agree to use contraceptive or abstinence for duration of treatment Females of child bearing age must have negative pregnancy test at screening Exclusion Criteria: Concurrent illness or laboratory abnormalities that could confound the measurement of ALS progression or interfere with the ability to complete the study. Taking any investigational study drug within 30 days of screening or five half-lives of the prior agent. No previous exposure to clenbuterol. Pregnancy Clinically relevant EKG abnormality (arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy) Tachycardia (resting heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute) History of seizure disorder Hyperthyroidism Pheochromocytoma Pregnancy Have any other co-morbid conditions that in the opinion of the study investigator, places the participant at increased risk of complications, interferes with study participation or compliance, or confounds study objectives History of hypersensitivity to 2-agonist drugs such as albuterol, levalbuterol (Xopenex), bitolterol (Tornalate), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline, salmeterol (Serevent). The use of the following concomitant meds is prohibited during the study: diuretics (furosemide, Lasix), digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and propranolol (Inderal); tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or other bronchodilators such as albuterol (Ventolin), levalbuterol (Xopenex), bitolterol (Tornalate), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethine, Bricanyl), salmeterol (Serevent), isoetherine (Bronkometer), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), or isoproterenol (Isuprel Mistometer).
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Duke University Medical center
City
Durham
State/Province
North Carolina
ZIP/Postal Code
27705
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No
IPD Sharing Plan Description
there is no plan to share individual participant data (IPD) with other researchers.

Learn more about this trial

Clenbuterol on Motor Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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