Could an old asthma drug slow ALS? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT04057898

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: MediciNova Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This clinical trial tests whether ibudilast (MN-166), a drug previously used for asthma, can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study involves 234 adults with ALS, who will receive either ibudilast or a placebo for 12 months, followed by a 6-month open-label phase where everyone gets the drug. The main goal is to see if ibudilast helps maintain physical function and improves survival.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ibudilast (MN-166)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment that slows the progression of ALS and extends survival.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-to-late-stage trial, but ALS is a very difficult disease to treat. The drug may not show a meaningful benefit over placebo, and side effects are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia, 30912, United States
Duke University

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415, United States
Hopital de L'Enfant-Jesus, CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval

Québec, G1J 1Z4, Canada
Indiana University IU Health Neuroscience Center

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
Lehigh Valley Health Network

Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18103, United States
Mayo Clinic

Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
McMaster University Medical Center

Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital

Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Syracuse, New York, 13210, United States
Sunnybrook Research Institute

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
University of Alberta Hospital

Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
University of California

Orange, California, 92868, United States
University of Saskatchewan - Sastakoon Hospital

Saskatoon, Saskatchwean, S7K 0M7, Canada
University of Virginia Health System

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States

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