Study Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to learn more about the role of the immune system in ALS and find unique biological markers, which could be used to develop new therapies.
Study Status:
Not recruiting
Disease:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) , Familial ALS , Sporadic ALS , Healthy Volunteer , Healthy Volunteer with a Family History of ALS
Study Type:
Observational
Type of Intervention:
N/A
Intervention Name:
N/A
Placebo:
N/A
Phase:
N/A
Study Chair(s)/Principal Investigator(s):
James D. Berry, MD, MPH (Massachusetts General Hospital)
Clinicaltrials.gov ID:
Neals Affiliated?
Yes
Coordinating Center Contact Information
Massachusetts General Hospital
MaryAngel Jeon / email hidden; JavaScript is required / 617-724-9196
Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI)
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114 United States
Full Study Summary:
The purpose of the research study is to collect blood samples from people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and control volunteers. Through comparison of these samples, the researchers hope to learn more about the role of the immune system in ALS, as well as find unique biological markers, which could be used to develop new therapies.
Study Sponsor:
Departmental funds
Participant Duration:
Control subjects will participate in a one-time blood draw and ALS subjects will participate in up to 7 brief sample collection visits every 3 months. Each visit will require up to 1 hour of the subject™s time. All visits will take place at the main campus of Massachusetts General Hospital.
Estimated Enrollment:
100 ALS, 100 Healthy Controls
Estimated Study Start Date:
11 / 30 / 2012
Estimated Study Completion Date:
11 / 02 / 2016
Posting Last Modified Date:
01 / 11 / 2018
Date Study Added to neals.org:
12 / 06 / 2012
Minimum Age:
18
Inclusion Criteria:
ALS Subjects only:
ALS subjects diagnosed with familial or sporadic ALS as according to the El Escorial Criteria (possible, probable — lab supported, probable, or definite) or individuals with known gene mutations associated with ALS (regardless of clinical phenotype)
Control Subjects only: Absence of autoimmune myopathy, neuropathy, ALS mimic disorder, or any other neurodegenerative disease or known diagnosis of ALS
Exclusion Criteria:
Use of any immunomodulatory medication (including Prednisone), currently or within 30 days of screening
Known autoimmune disease
Clinically significant history of unstable medical illness
Massachusetts General Hospital
MaryAngel Jeon / 617-724-9196 / email hidden; JavaScript is required
Boston, Massachusetts
02114
United States