Experimental pill for rare nerve disease shows early promise in tiny trial

NCT ID NCT05356858

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase trial tested the drug zanubrutinib in just 6 adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare condition where the immune system attacks the nerves. Participants took the pill twice daily for a year to see if it could prevent relapses. However, the study was terminated early, so results are limited and uncertain.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: zanubrutinib (a BTK inhibitor taken as a pill)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new oral treatment option to reduce relapses in people with NMOSD.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so we have limited data. The drug may not prove effective or safe in larger studies.

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.

neuromyelitis optica

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NEUROMYELITIS OPTICA

Contacts and locations

Locations

XuanWu Hospital

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100053, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.