Could a simple amino acid ease GRIN disorder symptoms? new trial aims to find out.

NCT ID NCT07377032

Disease control Sponsor: Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether L-serine, a natural amino acid taken as a supplement, can improve overall functioning in children and young adults (ages 2-30) with GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorders caused by certain gene variants. Each participant will receive both L-serine and a placebo in alternating periods, and researchers will compare results to see if the supplement helps with behavior, cognition, motor skills, and seizures. The trial is currently recruiting 40 participants across multiple centers.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: L-serine (a dietary supplement, a naturally occurring amino acid)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a safe, accessible supplement to improve daily functioning and reduce symptoms in people with GRIN-related disorders.
What could go wrong: This is still an early-stage trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The supplement may cause side effects or show no clear benefit over placebo.

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

Phase 3

Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.

Participants

About 40 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Aug 2025

Expected to finish

Jun 2028

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

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

2 to 30 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

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

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of a GRIN-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN-NDD) * Presence of a pathogenic or likely pathogenic loss-of-function (LoF) variant in GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, or GRIN2D * Parent(s), caregiver(s), or legally authorised representative(s) have been informed of the nature of the study and have provided written informed consent. * Participants who are able to do so have provided written informed consent or assent, according to local regulations and cognitive capacity. * Parent(s)/caregiver(s) are willing and able to comply with study procedures and visits, in the opinion of the investigator. * Participants who have previously received L-serine supplementation are willing to discontinue L-serine for at least one week prior to the baseline observation period. Exclusion Criteria: * Age younger than 2 years at screening. * Known hypersensitivity or intolerance to L-serine, placebo, or any excipients used in the study formulations. * Presence of a clinically significant unstable medical condition (other than epilepsy) that, in the investigator's judgement, may place the participant at increased risk or interfere with study participation. * Any other significant disease or disorder that may compromise participant safety, affect study outcomes, or impair the participant's ability to complete the study procedures. * Inadequate supervision by parent(s) or caregiver(s), as judged by the investigator. * Participation in another clinical trial involving an investigational medicinal product within the previous 6 months. * Female participants who are pregnant or breastfeeding. * Presence of a GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, or GRIN2D variant for which a clear loss-of-function effect cannot be demonstrated.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

disease epilepsy GRIN-related complex neurodevelopmental disorder neurodevelopmental disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Epilepsy Grin-related disorders GRIN1 GRIN2A GRIN2B GRIN2D Neurodevelopmental disorder (diagnosis)

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

3 sites in 3 countries. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

Open the record ↗
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.

Could a simple amino acid ease GRIN disorder symptoms? new trial aims to find out.

What the study statuses mean