Can we catch ALS before it strikes? scientists launch landmark study
NCT ID NCT00317616
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study follows healthy people who have a family history and genetic risk for ALS. Researchers want to find early warning signs and understand what triggers the disease. Participants do not receive any treatment, but their health is tracked over time. The goal is to learn how ALS begins and progresses, which could lead to future prevention strategies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 500 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Start date
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Apr 2006
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2037
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Healthy individuals who harbor a mutation in a gene associated with ALS.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * A member of a family in which a mutation in a gene associated with ALS has been identified. * No symptoms to suggest the presence of ALS (i.e. study participants must currently be healthy). * Having at least 50% probability of carrying an ALS associated gene mutation based on family pedigree. * Willingness to undergo genetic testing, with the option of whether or not to learn the results. * Willingness and availability to travel to Miami for a few days approximately every 12 to 24 months to complete biomarker procedures (e.g, MRI, blood draws, spinal tab/lumbar puncture, cognitive testing) Exclusion Criteria * Diagnosis of ALS * Any condition or situation which, in the PI's opinion, could confound the biomarker data or may interfere with the individual's participation and compliance with the study protocol, including but not limited to neurological, psychological and/or medical conditions.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Miami
RECRUITINGMiami, Florida, 33136, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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