Could a common mineral ease rare genetic disorder? zinc trial shows promise

NCT ID NCT06412653

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Children's University Hospital Cologne, Germany Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This pilot trial tested whether taking oral zinc every day for 6 months is safe and doable for people with GNAO1 disorders, a rare genetic condition that causes movement problems, seizures, and developmental delays. 13 participants aged 6 months to 30 years took zinc acetate. The study checked if they could stick to the daily dose and monitored side effects through blood tests and check-ins. It's a first step to see if zinc might help manage symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: zinc acetate dihydrate (oral zinc)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, safe treatment to help manage movement problems and seizures in GNAO1 disorders.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early pilot study with only 13 participants and no placebo group. It only tests feasibility and safety, not whether zinc actually improves symptoms.

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.

developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, 17 Dystonia dystonic disorder epilepsy learning disability neurodevelopmental disorder with involuntary movements paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia 1

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHOREOATHETOSIS DEVELOPMENT DELAY DEVELOPMENTAL AND EPILEPTIC ENCEPHALOPATHY 17 DYSTONIA EPILEPSY GNAO1 NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER WITH INVOLUNTARY MOVEMENTS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne

Cologne, 50937, Germany

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