Lancet neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of fasudil in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ROCK-ALS): a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Fasudil is a small molecule inhibitor of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and is approved for the treatment of subarachnoid haemorrhage. In preclinical studies, fasudil has been shown to attenuate neurodegeneration, modulate neuroinflammation, and foster axonal regeneration. We aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of fasudil in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ⋯ Framework of the E-Rare Joint Transnational Call 2016 "Clinical research for new therapeutic uses of already existing molecules (repurposing) in rare diseases".
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Safety and efficacy of memantine and trazodone versus placebo for motor neuron disease (MND SMART): stage two interim analysis from the first cycle of a phase 3, multiarm, multistage, randomised, adaptive platform trial.
Motor neuron disease represents a group of progressive and incurable diseases that are characterised by selective loss of motor neurons, resulting in an urgent need for rapid identification of effective disease-modifying therapies. The MND SMART trial aims to test the safety and efficacy of promising interventions efficiently and definitively against a single contemporaneous placebo control group. We now report results of the stage two interim analysis for memantine and trazodone. ⋯ The Euan MacDonald Centre, MND Scotland, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, and Baillie Gifford.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparative effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy, modafinil, and their combination for treating fatigue in multiple sclerosis (COMBO-MS): a randomised, statistician-blinded, parallel-arm trial.
Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms reported by people with multiple sclerosis. Although behavioural and pharmacological interventions might be partly beneficial, their combined effects have not been evaluated for multiple sclerosis fatigue, or examined with sufficient consideration of characteristics that might affect treatment response. In this comparative effectiveness research trial, we compared the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), modafinil, and their combination for treating multiple sclerosis fatigue. ⋯ Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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The ability to mount an interferon-mediated innate immune response is essential in protection against neurotropic viruses, but antiviral type I interferons also have neurotoxic potential. The production of type I interferons can be triggered by self-derived nucleic acids, and the brain can be susceptible to inappropriate upregulation of type I interferon signalling. ⋯ Recent developments include new insights into the pathogenesis of these disorders that involve dysregulated type I interferon signalling, as well as advances in their diagnosis and management. The role of type I interferons in brain cellular health suggests the future therapeutic potential of approaches that target these interferons and their signalling.