Testing a medication to reduce muscle cramps in ALS

Plain-English translation of NCT06527222 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether , a medication that affects how cells use energy, can help reduce muscle cramps in people with ALS and improve their daily function and quality of life. Researchers will compare two different doses of the medication against a placebo (inactive pill) to see which works best and is safest. About 72 adults with ALS will participate at seven treatment centers across the United States.

Muscle cramps are a common and painful symptom in ALS that significantly affects quality of life, but treatment options are limited. This medication may help by improving how muscles use energy, and this study will determine whether it's safe and effective for people with ALS.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years of age or older
you have been diagnosed with ALS (clinically definite, probable, possible, or lab-supported probable)
your lung function is at least 50% of normal, measured by a breathing test
you are able to swallow pills and expect to be able to throughout the study
you have experienced 4 or more muscle cramps per week during the screening period
if you are already taking ALS-modifying medications, you have been on a stable dose for at least 30 days

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had ALS for less than 5 years
you use a breathing tube or need breathing assistance for more than 12 hours per day
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to consent to research
you have serious uncontrolled heart, liver, or kidney disease
you have an abnormal heart rhythm pattern called QT prolongation or take medications that affect heart rhythm

What participation looks like

Over 28 weeks, you would take a pill (either the test medication or placebo) twice daily by mouth. You would attend at least 5 in-person visits to the research site and 4 remote visits (by phone or video) to have your cramps, muscle strength, breathing, and quality of life checked. Researchers will monitor your safety throughout the study and ask about any side effects you experience.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(6 sites)

United States

University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California

Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida

University of Kansas Medical Center, Fairway, Kansas

University of Kansas Medical Center: Wichita, Wichita, Kansas

University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Missouri