Could an old asthma drug slow ALS? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT04057898
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia, 30912, United States
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Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
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Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415, United States
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Hopital de L'Enfant-Jesus, CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval
Québec, G1J 1Z4, Canada
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Indiana University IU Health Neuroscience Center
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
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Lehigh Valley Health Network
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18103, United States
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Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
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McMaster University Medical Center
Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3Z5, Canada
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Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
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SUNY Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, New York, 13210, United States
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Sunnybrook Research Institute
Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
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University of Alberta Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
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University of California
Orange, California, 92868, United States
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University of Saskatchewan - Sastakoon Hospital
Saskatoon, Saskatchwean, S7K 0M7, Canada
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University of Virginia Health System
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States