Clinical trials are health-related studies in people that are closely supervised and carefully follow a pre-defined protocol. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease. Clinical trials may be done to see how a new treatment compares with the standard treatment or to see if a new treatment is safe and effective for a certain condition or disease. Participation in this type of research involves treatment with an experimental treatment or medical device, which may or may not provide a direct benefit to the individual. A clinical trial must be conducted for all new treatments before the FDA will approve the treatment for the public. The Emory ALS Center is actively engaged in research projects involving clinical trials of new medications to slow the progression of ALS.
Clinical Trials Currently Enrolling
Biogen Ataxin Study: ENROLLING
This is a first-in-human gene therapy trial for sporadic ALS to evaluate the safety of BIIB-105. There will be 6 cohorts, with subjects being randomized 3:1 to receive active drug or placebo. Five doses of drug will be administered via lumbar puncture over 12 weeks, with total participation period to be approximately 29 weeks. For more information, please contact Karon Simmons via email.
Biogen ATLAS Study: ENROLLING
We are attempting to delay or prevent the onset of ALS in healthy people who carry SOD1 mutations. We are enrolling people who are related by blood to individuals who have the SOD1 gene. Initially, participants will be screened for the presence of mutations that put them at risk for developing SOD1 ALS. If present, participants will be monitored monthly for changes in their health indicating that they are in the earliest stages of ALS. Monitoring will also include monthly blood tests that might show that ALS might be coming soon. If either happens, people will transition into another phase of the study where treatment is given hoping to prevent the disease if it has not started or slow it down if it has. For more information, please contact Meraida Polak at 404-778-3807 or via email.