New RNA drug hopes to slow duchenne muscle loss
NCT ID NCT07282652
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase trial tests a new drug called RAG-18 in 12 boys aged 4-15 with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug is a small activating RNA given through an IV, designed to help muscles work better. The main goal is to check safety and how the body handles the drug, with early looks at whether it might improve muscle function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- RAG-18 (a small activating RNA drug given by IV infusion)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new way to slow muscle decline in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small trial (12 people) focused on safety. It may not show clear benefit, and side effects are unknown.
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
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 12 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2025
- Expected to finish
-
Nov 2026
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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4 to 15 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- 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: 1. In accordance with the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use - Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) guidelines and local/national and/or Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) requirements, the participant and/or their legal guardian has signed the written informed consent form. 2. Aged 4-15 years old. 3. Male patient with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), able to provide a written diagnosis from a specialist and a verifiable genetic test report. 4. Able to undergo examinations required by the study protocol, such as muscle biopsy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and tests for motor and pulmonary function. 5. Any disease-related concomitant medications must be in compliance with the study's requirements. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Prior treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), regardless of whether the drug is marketed or not. 2. Body Mass Index (BMI) \> 22 kg/m² or body weight ≥ 50 kg. 3. Unable to complete the motor function tests required by the protocol, including: North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), Time to Stand (TTSTAND), 4-Stair Climb (4SCV), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). 4. Cardiac function at screening within the following ranges: * Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) \< 55% as measured by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR). * QT interval corrected using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) \> 450 ms at screening, or has additional risk factors for Torsades de Pointes. 5. Hematology and electrolyte parameters at screening within the following ranges: * Platelets \< 100,000/μL. * Hemoglobin \< 12 g/dL. * Absolute Neutrophil Count \< 1500/μL. * Any serum calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, or phosphorus levels outside the clinically acceptable range for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) patients. * International Normalized Ratio (INR), Prothrombin Time (PT), Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), or Fibrinogen outside the normal range. 6. History of medical conditions affecting liver function, with abnormal indicators within 28 days prior to the first dose. 7. Presence of severe cardiac, renal, or respiratory dysfunction, or other severe complications. 8. Allergy to the study drug or any of its components, or to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agents. 9. Receipt of a live (attenuated) vaccine within 28 days prior to the first dose of the study drug. 10. Use of any other investigational drug, whether for DMD or not, from 28 days prior to the first dose of the study drug until the end of the study. 11. Any reason that, in the investigator's opinion, would prevent the participant from fully participating in and completing the study, including inability to comply with study procedures or treatment, and other relevant medical or mental health conditions. 12. Presence of a severe concomitant condition or disease that, in the investigator's opinion, would place the participant at undue risk or interfere with the study, including but not limited to: known moderate or severe persistent asthma, a history of asthma in the past 2 years, or currently uncontrolled asthma of any classification (Note: participants with currently controlled intermittent asthma or controlled mild persistent asthma are permitted to enroll); requirement for oxygen therapy to maintain adequate blood oxygen saturation; history of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within 6 months prior to signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF). 13. Participant has an unstable systemic disease as judged by the investigator, including but not limited to severe hepatic, renal, respiratory, or metabolic diseases requiring medication. 14. Any other unspecified reason that, in the investigator's opinion, makes the participant unsuitable for enrollment.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Beijing, 100730, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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