NCT04297683 · Merit E. Cudkowicz, MD
HEALEY ALS Platform Trial - Master Protocol
What this study is about
The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a perpetual multi-center, multi-regimen clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of experimental products for the treatment of ALS.
View original scientific description
The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial is a perpetual multi-center, multi-regimen clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational products for the treatment of ALS.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Sporadic or familial ALS diagnosed as clinically possible, probable, lab-supported probable, or definite ALS defined by revised El Escorial criteria.
- Age 18 years or older.
- Capable of providing informed consent and complying with study procedures, in the SI's opinion.
- Time since onset of weakness due to ALS ≤ 24 months at the time of the Master Protocol Screening Visit.
- Vital Capacity ≥ 50% of predicted capacity at the time of the Master Protocol Screening Visit measured by Slow Vital Capacity (SVC), or, if required due to pandemic-related restrictions, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) measured in person.
- Participants must either not take riluzole or be on a stable dose of riluzole for ≥ 30 days prior to the Master Protocol Screening Visit.
- Participants must either not take edaravone or have completed at least one cycle (typically 14 days) of edaravone prior to the Master Protocol Screening Visit.
- Participants must have the ability to swallow pills and liquids at the time of the Master Protocol Screening Visit and, in the SI's opinion, have the ability to swallow for the duration of the study.
- Geographically accessible to the site.
Exclusion criteria
- Clinically significant unstable medical condition (other than ALS) that would pose a risk to the participant, according to SI's judgment (e.g., cardiovascular instability, systemic infection), or clinically significant laboratory abnormality or EKG changes. Clinically significant abnormal liver or kidney function is exclusionary. The following values \[alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \> 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) or estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min/1.73m2\] are exclusionary regardless of clinical symptoms.
- Presence of unstable psychiatric disease, cognitive impairment, dementia or substance abuse that would impair ability of the participant to provide informed consent, in the SI's opinion.
- Active cancer or history of cancer, except for the following: basal cell carcinoma or successfully treated squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, cervical carcinoma in situ, prostatic carcinoma in situ, or other malignancies curatively treated and with no evidence of disease recurrence for at least 3 years.
- Use of investigational treatments for ALS (off-label use or active participation in a clinical trial) within 5 half-lives (if known) or 30 days (whichever is longer) prior to the Master Protocol Screening Visit.
- Exposure at any time to any gene therapies under investigation for the treatment of ALS (off-label use or investigational).
- If female, breastfeeding, known to be pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study, or of child-bearing potential and unwilling to use effective contraception, for the duration of the trial and for 3 months, or as specified in each RSA, after discontinuing study treatment.
- If male of reproductive capacity, unwilling to use effective contraception for the duration of the trial and for 3 months, or as specified in each RSA, after discontinuing study treatment.
- Anything that would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study, in the SI's opinion.
- If a participant is being re-screened, the disqualifying condition has not been resolved, or the mandatory wash-out duration has not occurred.
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- La Jolla, California
- Loma Linda, California
- Los Angeles, California
- Orange, California
- San Francisco, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- New Britain, Connecticut
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
And 57 more locations — see the full list below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations