Could a common nerve drug replace carpal tunnel surgery?
NCT ID NCT06294821
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether 4-aminopyridine, a drug already approved for other nerve conditions, can improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome or delay the need for surgery. Researchers will give 160 adults either the drug or a placebo for 6 weeks and track symptom changes using hand function questionnaires. The goal is to see if this medication can be a non-surgical treatment option.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 4-aminopyridine
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-surgical option to relieve carpal tunnel symptoms and postpone or avoid the need for surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 2 trial with only 160 participants. The drug may not improve symptoms better than placebo, and side effects are possible.
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.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 160 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2028
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.
- Ages
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18 to 90 years
- 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: * Patients diagnosed with non-traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome without any other confounding diagnosis (e.g. cubital tunnel syndrome, cervical nerve compression) * Standard of care EDX testing within 6 months of study enrollment * Cognitive ability to report sensory and motor deficit during examination. * Able to complete twice daily dosing of 4-AP for the entire 6 week treatment period. * Adults subject aged 18-90 * Ability to give written informed consent. * Capable of safely undergoing electrodiagnostic testing (EDX). * Availability for all study visits. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to complete twice daily dosing during 6 week treatment period. * History of multiple sclerosis, stroke or any other diagnosed neurological disorder * History of hypersensitivity to AMPYRA® or 4-aminopyridine * Current use of aminopyridine medications, including other compounded 4-AP * Suspected renal impairment based on the Choyke questionnaire.
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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 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.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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