Clinical trial NCT03472950
Conditions: ALS
Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center
Start date: 2018-06-11; Completion date: 2022-12-09
Enrollment: 14 participants; Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: SEQUENTIAL

Brief summary:
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Ranolazine, and how well it is tolerated in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Ranolazine is an FDA approved drug that is used for decreasing chest pain.

Detailed description:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive debilitating and fatal neurodegenerative disease involving the motor neurons in the primary motor cortex, corticospinal tracts, brainstem and spinal cord with 5,000 newly diagnosed patients per year in the USA. There is a pressing need for additional therapies, as the only two FDA-approved drugs for ALS, riluzole and edaravone, showed prolongation of median survival of only two to three months and only a modest benefit in daily functioning, respectively. The ability to identify FDA approved drugs which can be repurposed to ALS, and which may slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, or prolong survival will have an immediate positive impact of the lives of patients with ALS and their family members. Hypothesis: Ranolazine, an FDA approved drug for angina which inhibits the late Na+ current and intracellular Ca2+ accumulation may be neuroprotective in ALS by reducing neuronal hyperexcitability, may slow disease progression and reduce cramp frequency.

Arms: arm 1: Participants will take Ranolazine 500mg twice daily for up to 4 weeks. arm 2: Participants will take Ranolazine 1000mg twice daily for up to 4 weeks.
Interventions: intervention 1: Ranolazine 500 MG intervention 2: Ranolazine 1000 MG
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Ranolazine is an FDA approved drug for angina (ongoing chest pain or pressure that is felt when the heart does not get enough oxygen). intervention 2: Ranolazine is an FDA approved drug for angina (ongoing chest pain or pressure that is felt when the heart does not get enough oxygen).

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
 
 
Page 1 of 9 
 
 
University of Kansas Medical Center  
RESEARCH PROTOCOL INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS  
TEMPLATE WITH GUIDANCE 
 
Version date: 08/24/2018 
Principal Investigator: Jeffrey Statland, MD 
Study Title: Safety and efficacy of ranolazine for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 
Co- Investigator(s): Anai Hamasaki, MD, Mazen Dimachkie, MD, Richard Barohn, MD, Omar Jawdat, 
MD, Melanie Glenn, MD. 
 
 
I. 
Purpose, Background and Rationale 
A. Aim and Hypotheses  
1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive debilitating and fatal 
neurodegenerative disease involving the motor neurons in the primary motor cortex, 
corticospinal tracts, brainstem and spinal cord with 5,000 newly diagnosed patients per year 
in the USA[1]. There is a pressing need for additional therapies, as the only two FDA-
approved drugs for ALS, riluzole and edaravone, showed prolongation of median survival of 
only two to three months and only a modest benefit in daily functioning, respectively[2, 3]. 
The ability to identify FDA approved drugs which can be repurposed to ALS, and which may 
slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, or prolong survival will have an immediate 
positive impact of the lives of patients with ALS and their family members. 
2. Hypothesis: Ranolazine, an FDA approved drug for angina which inhibits the late Na+ 
current and intracellular Ca2+ accumulation may be neuroprotective in ALS by reducing 
neuronal hyperexcitability, may slow disease progression and reduce cramp frequency.  
Aims:  
Aim 1: Determine safety and tolerability of two doses of ranolazine in patients with ALS.  
Aim 2: Evaluate for preliminary signs of drug-target engagement.  
 
B. Background and Significance 
1. Study Significance: The ability to identify FDA approved drugs which can be repurposed to 
ALS, and which may slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, or prolong survival will 
have an immediate positive impact of the lives of patients with ALS and their family 
members. 
2. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease involving the motor neurons in the primary motor 
cortex, corticospinal tracts, brainstem and spinal cord. It is a progressive debilitating and 
fatal disease affecting 3.9 per 100,000 persons in the USA with 5,000 newly diagnosed 
patients per year[1]. Riluzole, a glutamatergic neurotransmission blocker in the CNS, and 
edaravone, a free radical scavenger that reduces oxidative stress, are the only FDA-
approved medications for ALS[2, 3]. There is a pressing need for additional therapies, as 
Riluzole only prolongs median survival by two to three months, has a small effect on bulbar 
and limb function, and no benefit on muscle strength [2]; and edaravone requires a 
complicated intermittent intravenous administration and only has modest effect on slowing 
functional decline[2, 3].  
3. Literature Review: Many studies suggest neuronal hyperexcitability plays a key pathological 
role in ALS.  Studies in ALS patients have shown evidence of neuron hyperexcitability in the 


 
 
 
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central nervous system (cortex and spinal cord) with reduction of corticomotor threshold 
using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)[4-6]; corticomotor excitability precedes onset 
of familial ALS[5]; and motor nerve threshold changes using threshold electrotonus in the 
median nerve suggesting impairment of axonal K+ channels of ALS patients[7]. Animal 
models also showed support for neuronal hyperexcitability playing a key role in ALS: 1) in 
pre-symptomatic G93A- SOD1 mouse models, cultured spinal neurons showed elevated 
electrical excitability induced by the SOD1 toxic gain-of-function through abnormal action 
potential generation[8]; 2) spinal cord cultures exposed to medium derived from mutant 
SOD1G93A astrocytes had increased Na+ currents, repetitive firing and intracellular Ca2+ 
transients leading to motor neuron death[9]; 3) persistent Na+ current was significant 
higher in the SOD1 mutated neurons while the fast transient Na+ current was 
unaffected[10, 11]; and 4) mutated SOD1G93A, SOD1G86R and TDP43A315T triggered 
motoneuron death through a common pathogenic pathway involving Na+ channel 
activity[12]. 
4. Mexiletine is an FDA approved drug for ventricular arrhythmias which decreases axonal 
excitability by reducing nodal Na+ currents[13]. Mexiletine has been shown to prolong motor 
neuron survival in ALS astrocyte cell cultures, and prolong survival in an ALS mouse 
model[9].  In a small clinical trial in ALS mexiletine decreased muscle cramps, but was not 
well tolerated at higher doses, leading to 32% of patients discontinuing therapy[14]. 
5. Ranolazine is an FDA approved drug for angina which inhibits the late Na+ current and 
intracellular Ca2+ accumulation[15]. The rationale for ranolazine is similar to that of 
mexiletine, in that it inhibits neuronal sodium currents.  Ranolazine is well tolerated, and 
does not have a black box warning for recent myocardial infarction like mexiletine. 
 
C. Rationale 
1. Neuronal hyperexcitability in ALS is potentially amenable to therapy. Hyperexcitable motor 
neurons have increased persistent Na+ channel conduction and reduction in K+ currents, 
predisposing axons to generate fasciculation and cramps[16]. Our hypothesis is that ranolazine 
may be neuroprotective in ALS by reducing neuronal hyperexcitability, may slow disease 
progression, reduce cramp frequency, and will be better tolerated than mexiletine. 
 
2. This study will provide information on safety and tolerability of ranolazine in patients with ALS 
to serve as a preliminary data for future clinical trials of ranolazine in ALS. In addition, this 
study will look for preliminary evidence for drug-target engagement using a variety of 
approaches: including patient-reported cramp frequency; fasciculation frequency on muscle 
ultrasound; and electrical excitability using a cramp fasciculation protocol on electromyography.  
 
3. The ability to identify FDA approved drugs which can be repurposed to ALS, and which may 
slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, or prolong survival will have an immediate 
positive impact of the lives of patients with ALS and their family members. 
 
 
II. 
Research Plan and Design 
 
A. Study Objectives: The goal of this study is to determine the safety and tolerability of 2 doses 
of ranolazine in patients with ALS, and to look for preliminary evidence for drug-target 
engagement.  
 
B. Study Type and Design: We will conduct an open-label dose-ascending study of ranolazine in 
ALS.  We will enroll a total of 20 participants in 2 sequential cohorts.  Our primary outcome will 


 
 
 
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be dose limiting toxicities (DLT) defined as any drug-related serious adverse event, or drug-
related adverse event necessitating study withdrawal.  If a dose has < 33% DLTs it will be 
considered tolerable and the study will continue.  Each cohort will run for a total of 12 weeks: 
there will be a 2-week run-in to determine eligibility; then participants will receive ranolazine 
for 4 weeks; then there will be a 6 week follow up for safety.  Cohort 1 (n=10) will receive 
ranolazine 500 mg orally twice daily.  If there are no DLTs after the first 6 participants reach 
week 6, then we will start recruiting for cohort 2, who will receive ranolazine 1000 mg oral 
twice daily (Figure 1. Study Flow Chart). 
 
 
Figure 1. Study Flow Chart 
 
 
C. Sample size, statistical methods, and power calculation 
1. Descriptive statistics (N, mean, SD, median, minimum, and maximum) will be 
provided for continuous demographic variables (age, weight, height) and 
frequency counts will be tabulated for categorical demographic variables (gender, 
race, ethnicity) by treatment and overall for each study part (Cohort 1 and 2). 
Frequency counts will be tabulated for disposition data and will consist of the 
number of patients completing treatment (Yes / No) along with frequency counts 
of primary reason for discontinuation (provided there is at least one patient who 
discontinued). Summaries will be provided by treatment and overall for each 
study part (cohorts 1 and 2). This is a pilot study. We plan to enroll a total of 20 
patients.  
2. For the primary outcome, the frequency of DLTs at each dose will be evaluated. If 
any cohort has > 33% DLTs the study will stop.  
3. For secondary outcomes cramp frequency and severity, fasciculation frequency, 
and cramp potential duration will be compared from baseline to week 6, after 
treatment.  As this is a pilot study we will evaluate trends in the data but we do 
not expect to see statistically significant effects in the pilot study.  We will 


 
 
 
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evaluate the change from baseline to week 6 either using a paired t-test for 
continuous variables, or a Wilcoxon signed-rank test for ordinal data. The cramp 
questionnaire will also be completed at week 8 to look for persistence of effect. 
Adverse event frequency will be tabulated and compared between doses, and to 
known adverse event frequency for ranolozine per the FDA label. 
 
D. Subject Criteria (See Vulnerable Populations appendix, if applicable):  
1. Inclusion criteria: Patients with clinically definite, possible, probable, or laboratory 
supported probable ALS per revised El Escorial criteria[17]; > 18 years of age; cramp 
frequency ≥ 4 cramps per week during 2 week run in; ALS functional rating scale-revised 
(ALSFRS-R) ≥ 24;[18] able to lie on their back for study procedures; Women of childbearing 
age must be non-lactating and surgically sterile, or using an effective method of birth 
control and have a negative pregnancy test; and patients must be willing and able to give 
signed informed consent. 
2. Exclusion criteria: tracheostomy invasive ventilation, or use of non-invasive ventilation > 12 
hours per day; pregnant or lactating; participation in a prior experimental drug trial < 30 
days prior to screening; patients taking ranolazine; for patients taking mexiletine, they 
would need to come off the drug for 1 week prior to screening; patients taking medications 
which are contraindicated for use with ranolazine such as strong CYP3 inhibitors 
(ketoconazole, clarithromycin, nelfinavir), and CYP3 inducers (rifampin, phenobarbital); 
patients with clinically significant medical comorbidities (hepatic, renal, cardiac, etc); 
patients with baseline QTc interval prolongation on ECG, patients pre-disposed to secondary 
QTc prolongation for other health conditions like family history of congenital long QT syndrome, heart 
failure, bradycardia, or cardiomyopathies. Although FDA label lists QTc interval prolongation under 
warning and precautions, there is no evidence that ranolazine prolongs the QTc interval [19]. We decided 
to exclude patients with baseline prolonged QTc interval to be safe.  
3. Withdrawal/Termination criteria: Any serious drug related adverse event; any drug-related 
adverse event which per the investigator would put the participant at risk if they were to 
continue (e.g. prolongation of the QTc interval); Patient can be withdrawn at the 
investigator’s discretion; any participant has the right to withdraw from the study at any 
time; failure to comply with study procedures. The QTc interval will considered prolonged if 
> 450 ms in men or > 470 ms in women. [20] 
4. Participants can enroll in other non-drug research studies.  
 
E. Specific methods and techniques used throughout the study  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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1. Schedule of events: 
 
 
 
Week 0-
Baseline 
Week 
1 
Week 2  
Week 3  
Week 4    
Week 5  
Week 6 
Stop 
Drug 
Week 
8  
Week 
12 
Informed Consent 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dispense Drug 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Drug 
Accountability 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Medical 
History/Meds 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical Exam 
 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Safety Labs 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Electrocardiogram 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Adverse Events 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
ALSFRS  
 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
FVC 
 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
X 
Cramp 
Questionnaire 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Cramp-
Fasciculation 
Protocol 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Muscle Ultrasound 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
Phone Call/Email 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
 
X 
 
 
 
Study Procedures:  
 
1. Laboratory tests/procedures: During the first visit, two weeks prior to initiation of the study 
drug, participants will be evaluated with a baseline electrocardiogram (or electrocardiogram 
performed in clinic within the last 6 weeks), baseline safety laboratory tests (or safety lab 
drawn in clinic within the last 6 weeks), (CBC, CMP, CK, and pregnancy test), answer a 
questionnaire for assessment of muscle cramps, undergo neurophysiologic study in the EMG 
laboratory (Cramp-Fasciculation Protocol) and undergo muscle ultrasound for evaluation of 
presence of muscle fasciculations. The same evaluation will occur four weeks after the 
initiation of the study drug.  
2. Physical Exam will be performed at Baseline (physical from clinic may be used for baseline), 
weeks 2, 6 and 12. 
 
3. Cramp and Muscle procedures: 
• Muscle cramp questionnaire: This questionnaire was modified from Katzberg [21]. It 
includes questions to estimate the following: cramp frequency per week, cramp severity 
on a scale from 1 to 10, cramp localization, cramp duration and association with quality 
of life. The questionnaire will be reviewed or collected via phone or email weeks 1, 2, 


 
 
 
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3,4,5, and 8.  The estimated time to complete the questionnaire is 10 minutes. The FVC 
and the ALSFRS-R, both standard ALS disease measures will be completed at baseline, 
weeks 2, 6 and 12. The estimated time to complete the questionnaire is 10 minutes. 
• Cramp-Fasciculation Protocol: Performed in the electrodiagnostic laboratory by a 
technician or a physician using an electroneurodiagnostic system. Two surface recording 
and reference electrodes are placed over the abductor hallucis brevis muscle and at the 
base of the first metatarsal, respectively. The posterior tibial nerve is stimulated at the 
ankle 8 cm proximal to the recording electrode. A total of five supramaximal stimuli are 
delivered at two frequencies, 2 and 5 Hz. Afterdischarges and/or cramp potentials will be 
recorded and evaluated qualitatively (presence or absence, change from cramp potential 
to afterdischarges) and quantitatively (time) [22]. Estimated time: 15 minutes.  
• Muscle ultrasound: Performed in the electrodiagnostic laboratory or clinic during research 
or clinic visit using an ultrasonography machine with a real-time transducer [23]. Three 
bilaterally muscles (biceps, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius) will be studied for the 
presence or absence of fasciculations. Each muscle will be imaged for 30 seconds and 
graded in the following fashion: 0=no fasciculation; 1=1-3 fasciculations; 2=4-6 
fasciculations; 3=>6 fasciculations.  Performed by a physician. Estimated time: 15 
minutes.  
4. All procedures listed are for research.  
5. Study visits will have a window of ±_ 2 days. 
  
 
F. Risk/benefit assessment:  
Physical risk: Both cohorts 1 and 2 will be taking ranolazine, which per the FDA label can be 
associated with the following side effects including: dizziness, constipation, nausea, 
asthenia, headache, peripheral edema, sweating, angina, palpitations, dyspepsia, malaise, 
dyspnea, and hypoglycemia. [24] 
Safety lab risks: The risks of participating in the study of this proposal include blood 
drawing and a slight pain at the site of the needle stick, possibly developing a small bruise 
at the puncture site. 
Electrocardiogram risk: some participants may have reaction to the skin electrodes.  
Cramp-fasciculation protocol risk: Participants may experience pain during the stimulation 
as well as pain if muscle cramps occur.  
Economic risk: There will be some cost for traveling to the study visits.  
Potential benefit of participating in the study: There is no known benefit.  
 
G. Location where study will be performed: The study will be conducted at either the Landon 
Center on Aging or at the Clinical Research Center (CRC).  
 
H. Personnel who will conduct the study, including: 
1. PI: Jeffrey Statland, MD 
Co-I: Anai Hamasaki, MD, Mazen Dimachkie, MD, Richard Barohn, MD, Omar Jawdat, MD, 
Melanie Glenn, MD. 
Study coordinators and EMG technicians 
2. Primary responsibility for the following activities, for example:  
a. Determining eligibility: PI or their designee 
b. Obtaining informed consent: PI or their designee 


 
 
 
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c. Providing on-going information to the study sponsor and the IRB: PI or their designee 
d. Maintaining participant's research records: PI or their designee 
e. Completing physical examination: PI or their designee 
f. Taking vital signs, height, weight: CRC staff or study coordinator 
g. Drawing / collecting laboratory specimens: CRC staff 
h. Performing / conducting tests, procedures, interventions, questionnaires: PI, Co-Is 
including research coordinators or their designee 
i. Completing study data forms: PI or their designee 
j. Managing study database: members of the study staff including the study coordinator. 
 
I. Assessment of Subject Safety and Development of a Data and Safety Monitoring Plan 
 
a. Elements of the plan include: Mamatha Pasnoor, MD will serve as the independent safety 
monitor. She is currently not involved in the ALSA and MDA clinics. She will be notified of all 
adverse events and follow the lab results. Some of the data she will look at will be the 
number of patients with drug-related adverse events, including serious adverse events that 
will lead to possible participant withdrawal, including dose-limiting toxicity greater than 
33%. She will also be available for questions as needed. This is a short duration study. We 
expect her to look at the data in real time.  
b. Adverse events will be monitored during scheduled research visits and at any time during 
the study by providing patients with contact number to the research staff. These events will 
be recorded and reported to the IRB. Serious adverse events are defined as any drug-
related adverse event necessitating study withdrawal, including adverse events resulting in 
death, disability or life-threatening event; requiring hospitalization; or an important medical 
event based upon appropriate medical judgment. Any serious adverse event must be 
reported within 24 hours after the investigator becomes aware of the event.  
c. In case of QTc prolongation, the study drug will be discontinued. If asymptomatic from 
cardiac standpoint, we will repeat the EKG in one week. If symptomatic, the subject will be 
referred to the emergency department for cardiac evaluation. 
d. After a serious adverse event occurs and the investigator is notified, arrangements for 
appropriate management will be made and may include emergency room visit, 
hospitalization, office visit with research team or other specialty, discontinuation of the 
study drug and discontinuation of study participation. The participant will be followed until 
the event has resolved or stable.  
 
 
III. 
Subject Participation 
 
A. Recruitment: 
Participants will be recruited from the ALSA, MDA, or neuromuscular clinics. In addition, patients in 
the neuromuscular research data base who have previously agreed to be contacted may be 
contacted for this study. Recruitment will be conducted by the PI or Co-Is.  
 
B. Informed consent process and timing of obtaining of consent 
1 
The PI and their designee will discuss with the participant about the study. If the participant 
expresses interest, a copy of the consent form will be provided and the participant will be 
given time to read the consent form. After all questions have been answered, the 
participant will sign the consent form.  
2 
Study details will be discussed with patient and family during the subject’s routine office 
visit and questions will be answered. Written consent will be provided in lay language to 
patients willing to participate in the study. Decline or acceptance in participation in the 
study will not affect current treatment or follow up in ALSA or MDA clinic. To guarantee 


 
 
 
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patient confidentiality, study records, reports and communications we will identify the 
participant by the assigned participant identification number. Participant identifiers will not 
be publicly available. The information obtained from the study will be used towards the 
development of the investigational product and may be disclosed to regulatory authorities, 
other investigators or consultants as required. 
3 
We anticipate there would be no cognitive issues in the patient population. 
 
C. Alternatives to Participation: This study is voluntary. Participants will be allowed to continue 
their standard of care medications.  
D. Costs to Subjects: There won’t be costs to the participants. The only anticipated cost may be 
travel to research visits.  
E. How new information will be conveyed to the study subject and how it will be 
documented: This is an open label study. Participants will know the dose that they will be 
taking. Each participant will be notified at the end of the study regarding the results. The 
results of this study will be published in an ALS related journal. Also, we plan to present this 
information at different meeting throughout the coming year.  
F. Payment, including a prorated plan for payment: There won’t be reimbursement for 
participation in this study.  
G. Payment for a research-related injury: There will be no payment for research-related 
injury.  
IV. 
Data Collection and Protection 
A. Data Management and Security:  
Only members of the study team will have access to the study data. To guarantee patient 
confidentiality, study records, reports and communications, we will identify the participants by 
the assigned participant identification number. Participant identifiers will not be publicly 
available. The information obtained from the study will be storage in password protected 
computers at KUMC and will be used towards the development of the investigational product 
and may be disclosed to regulatory authorities, other investigators or consultants as required. 
Study data will be stored on password protected university computers. No mobile devices will 
be used for data collection or storage. This study is being conducted only at KUMC. No 
identifiable data will be sent outside of KUMC. 
 
B. Sample / Specimen Collection: Safety labs will be collected but not stored. 
C. Tissue Banking Considerations: There will be no tissue banking.  
D. Quality Assurance / Monitoring 
1. 
The investigators will permit trial-related monitoring, audits, ethics committee review, 
and regulatory inspections as requested by FDA or other health authorities and the 
designee. There is an internal monitor (Maureen Walsh) in the neurology department 
who will monitor as needed.  
2. 
There are no plans to have third party monitoring.  
 


 
 
 
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V. 
Bibliography / References / Literature Cited  
1. 
Mehta, P., et al., Prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - United States, 2010-2011. MMWR Surveill Summ, 2014. 63 
Suppl 7: p. 1-14. 
2. 
Miller, R.G., J.D. Mitchell, and D.H. Moore, Riluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND). 
Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2012. 3: p. CD001447. 
3. 
Writing, G. and A.L.S.S.G. Edaravone, Safety and efficacy of edaravone in well defined patients with amyotrophic lateral 
sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol, 2017. 16(7): p. 505-512. 
4. 
Mills, K.R. and K.A. Nithi, Corticomotor threshold is reduced in early sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle 
Nerve, 1997. 20(9): p. 1137-41. 
5. 
Vucic, S., G.A. Nicholson, and M.C. Kiernan, Cortical hyperexcitability may precede the onset of familial amyotrophic 
lateral sclerosis. Brain, 2008. 131(Pt 6): p. 1540-50. 
6. 
Ziemann, U., et al., Impaired motor cortex inhibition in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Evidence from paired 
transcranial magnetic stimulation. Neurology, 1997. 49(5): p. 1292-8. 
7. 
Nakata, M., et al., Distal excitability changes in motor axons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol, 2006. 
117(7): p. 1444-8. 
8. 
Kuo, J.J., et al., Hyperexcitability of cultured spinal motoneurons from presymptomatic ALS mice. J Neurophysiol, 2004. 
91(1): p. 571-5. 
9. 
Fritz, E., et al., Mutant SOD1-expressing astrocytes release toxic factors that trigger motoneuron death by inducing 
hyperexcitability. J Neurophysiol, 2013. 109(11): p. 2803-14. 
10. 
Kuo, J.J., et al., Increased persistent Na(+) current and its effect on excitability in motoneurones cultured from mutant SOD1 
mice. J Physiol, 2005. 563(Pt 3): p. 843-54. 
11. 
Pieri, M., et al., Increased persistent sodium current determines cortical hyperexcitability in a genetic model of amyotrophic 
lateral sclerosis. Exp Neurol, 2009. 215(2): p. 368-79. 
12. 
Rojas, F., et al., Astrocytes expressing mutant SOD1 and TDP43 trigger motoneuron death that is mediated via sodium 
channels and nitroxidative stress. Front Cell Neurosci, 2014. 8: p. 24. 
13. 
Kuwabara, S., et al., The effects of mexiletine on excitability properties of human median motor axons. Clin Neurophysiol, 
2005. 116(2): p. 284-9. 
14. 
Weiss, M.D., et al., A randomized trial of mexiletine in ALS Safety and effects on muscle cramps and progression. 
Neurology, 2016. 86(16): p. 1474-1481. 
15. 
Aldakkak, M., D.F. Stowe, and A.K. Camara, Safety and Efficacy of Ranolazine for the Treatment of Chronic Angina 
Pectoris. Clin Med Insights Ther, 2013. 2013(5): p. 1-14. 
16. 
Vucic, S. and M.C. Kiernan, Axonal excitability properties in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol, 2006. 
117(7): p. 1458-66. 
17. 
Brooks, B.R., et al., El Escorial revisited: revised criteria for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph 
Lateral Scler Other Motor Neuron Disord, 2000. 1(5): p. 293-9. 
18. 
Cedarbaum, J.M., et al., The ALSFRS-R: a revised ALS functional rating scale that incorporates assessments of respiratory 
function. BDNF ALS Study Group (Phase III). J Neurol Sci, 1999. 169(1-2): p. 13-21. 
19. 
Shenasa, M., et al., Ranolazine: Electrophysiologic Effect, Efficacy, and Safety in Patients with Cardiac Arrhythmias. Card 
Electrophysiol Clin, 2016. 8(2): p. 467-79. 
20. 
Johnson, J.N. and M.J. Ackerman, QTc: how long is too long? Br J Sports Med, 2009. 43(9): p. 657-62. 
21. 
Katzberg, H., et al., Prevalence of muscle cramps in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 2014. 37(1): p. e17-8. 
22. 
Harrison, T.B. and M. Benatar, Accuracy of repetitive nerve stimulation for diagnosis of the cramp-fasciculation syndrome. 
Muscle Nerve, 2007. 35(6): p. 776-80. 
23. 
Tsuji, Y., et al., A muscle ultrasound score in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol, 2017. 
128(6): p. 1069-1074. 
24. 
Salazar, C.A., et al., Ranolazine for stable angina pectoris. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017. 2: p. CD011747.