Study protocol of RESCUE-ALS: A Phase 2, r andomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in e arly s ymptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients to assess bioenergetic c atalysis with CNM-A u 8 as a mechanism to slow diseas e progression

Abstract

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset, progressive and universally fatal neurodegenerative disorder. In Europe, Australia and Canada, riluzole is the only approved therapeutic agent for the treatment of ALS, while in the USA, riluzole and edaravone have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Neither riluzole nor edaravone treatment has resulted in substantial disease-modifying effects. There is, therefore, an urgent need for drugs that result in safe and effective treatment. Here, we present the design and rationale for the phase 2 RESCUE-ALS study, investigating the novel nanocatalytic drug, CNM-Au8, as a therapeutic intervention that enhances the metabolic and energetic capacity of motor neurones. CNM-Au8 is an aqueous suspension of clean-surfaced, faceted gold nanocrystals that have extraordinary catalytic capabilities, that enhance efficiencies of key metabolic reactions, while simultaneously reducing levels of reactive oxygen species. This trial utilises a novel design by employing motor unit number index (MUNIX), measured by electromyography, as a quantitative measure of lower motor neurone loss and as an early marker of ALS disease progression.

Methods and analysis: This is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CNM-Au8 in ALS patients. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to either receive 30 mg of CNM-Au8 once daily or matching placebo over a 36-week double-blind treatment period. Efficacy will be assessed as the change in motor neurone loss as measured by electromyography (eg, MUNIX, the primary endpoint; and secondary endpoints including MScanFit, motor unit size index, Split Hand Index, Neurophysiology Index). Exploratory endpoints include standard clinical and quality of life assessments.

Ethics and dissemination: RESCUE-ALS was approved by the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Ref: 2019/ETH12107). Results of the study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number: NCT04098406.

Keywords: adult neurology; clinical trials; motor neurone disease; neuromuscular disease.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: AR, KSH, RG and MTH are full-time employees and hold stock or options in Clene Nanomedicine. SV and MK are directors of companies that hold equity in Clene Nanomedicine. SV, MK and their respective institutions receive research funding support for the RESCUE-ALS study from Clene Nanomedicine. MK is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry (BMJ Publishers, UK).

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Figures

Figure 1

Design of the study. Open circles on the timeline represent clinical visits or tele-visits as indicated. ALSFRS-R, ALS Functional Rating Score-Revised; MUNE, motor unit number estimation.