Conditions: Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Keywords: SALS Mexiletine TMS NCS
Allocation: RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: PARALLEL
Enrollment: 20
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
The purpose of this research study is to find out whether the drug mexiletine will be effective in lowering motor neuron electrical activity in the brains and nerves in the arms of people with ALS. The investigators will also determine if there are any signs that the drug may slow down the progression of ALS and reduce muscle cramps and muscle twitching. This will be determined through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and threshold tracking nerve conduction studies (TTNCS). In this trial, the participants will be taking either 300mg/day of mexiletine, 600mg/day of mexiletine, or placebo (non-active study drug).

Detailed description:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting primarily motor neurons, for which treatment designed to slow or arrest progression remains lacking. Mexiletine is a use-dependent sodium channel blocker that has been FDA-approved for decades for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and more recently to treat neuropathic pain in diabetic polyneuropathy. Mexiletine has been shown also to be protective of neurons following spinal cord, head injury, and cerebral ischemia, largely by blocking excitotoxicity. Based on previous studies, mexiletine appears to penetrate into the central nervous system at concentrations sufficient to confer significant protection. Recent unpublished studies in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Brown at the University of Massachusetts have also demonstrated that mexiletine ingestion in mice genetically engineered to express high levels of mutant cytosolic copper-zinc superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) transgene prolongs survival in these animals. As mexiletine already has FDA-approval as an anti-arrhythmic agent, much is known about the pharmacology and safety of this drug in non-ALS patients. We anticipate that by excluding subjects with a known history of cardiac disease and with the known neuroprotectant properties of this medication, mexiletine is a good choice for further study in an ALS clinical trial.

Arms:
arm 1: Mexiletine, 300 milligrams by mouth per day for 4 weeks. arm 2: Mexiletine, 600 milligrams by mouth per day for 4 weeks. arm 3: Placebo, by mouth per day for 4 weeks.

Interventions: intervention 1: Mexiletine intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: None intervention 2: None

Protocol document:
Prot_000.pdf: 


CLINICAL STUDY PROTOCOL 
 
 
STUDY TITLE:  
Effect of Mexiletine on Cortical Hyperexcitability 
in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (SALS) 
 
 
STUDY DRUG:  
 
Mexiletine 
 
 
VERSION:  
 
 
5.0 
 
 
PROTOCOL DATE: 
 
July 10, 2017 
 
 
PROTOCOL NUMBER:  
MX-ALS-002 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The information contained herein is confidential and proprietary in nature, 
and will not be disclosed to any third party without written approval of NEALS 
or its authorized designee.  This document may be disclosed to the appropriate institutional 
review boards under the condition that they maintain confidentiality. 
 


Mexiletine 2 Protocol: Version 5.0 
 Date: July 10, 2017 
 
 
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 
2 
 
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 
 
This study will be conducted in compliance with the protocol, International Conference on 
Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use 
(ICH), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the applicable regulatory requirements, United States 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 45 CFR Part 46 and Title 21 CFR Parts 50, 56, and 312. 


 
 
 
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CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 
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SIGNATURE PAGE 
 
I have read the attached protocol entitled, “Effect of Mexiletine on Cortical Hyperexcitability 
in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (SALS)” dated July 10, 2017 (Version 5.0) and 
agree to abide by all described protocol procedures.  I agree to comply with the International 
Conference on Harmonisation Tripartite Guideline on Good Clinical Practice, applicable 
regulations and guidelines, local Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines and policies, and 
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Site Investigator (Print Name):___________________________________________________ 
 
 
 
Signature:  
Date: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE ........................................................................................................................... 2 
SIGNATURE PAGE ................................................................................................................................................... 3 
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 4 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 8 
PROTOCOL SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................ 10 
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND STUDY WORKFLOW ..................................................................................... 13 
TABLE 1. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ............................................................................................................................. 13 
1.0. 
ETHICS........................................................................................................................................................ 16 
1.1. 
INDEPENDENT ETHICS COMMITTEE (IEC) OR INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) .............................. 16 
1.2. 
ETHICAL CONDUCT OF STUDY .................................................................................................................. 16 
1.3. 
SUBJECT INFORMATION AND CONSENT ..................................................................................................... 16 
2.0. 
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 17 
2.1. 
BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE ............................................................................................................ 17 
2.1.1. 
Clinical Features and Epidemiology of ALS ..................................................................................... 17 
2.1.2. 
Overview of ALS Pathogenesis ........................................................................................................... 17 
2.1.3. 
Mexiletine in Neurological Disorders ................................................................................................ 18 
2.1.3.1.   The Neuroprotective Properties of Mexiletine in Animal Models............................................ 18 
2.1.3.2.   Experience with Mexiletine in Neurologic Disease .................................................................... 19 
2.1.4. 
Rationale for Choosing Mexiletine in ALS ........................................................................................ 22 
2.1.5. 
Experimental Therapeutics in ALS .................................................................................................... 23 
2.1.6. 
Significance ........................................................................................................................................ 23 
2.2. 
MEXILETINE .............................................................................................................................................. 23 
2.2.1. 
Pharmacokinetics ............................................................................................................................... 23 
2.2.1.1.   Absorption, Distribution, Elimination and Metabolism ........................................................... 23 
2.2.2. 
Drug Interactions ................................................................................................................................ 24 
2.2.3. 
Mexiletine Adverse Effects ................................................................................................................. 25 
2.2.4. 
Selection of Dosage in the Study ........................................................................................................ 30 
2.3 
OTHER POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS ....................................................................................................... 30 
2.3.1 
Potential Risks .................................................................................................................................... 30 
2.3.2. 
Potential Benefits ................................................................................................................................ 31 
3.0. 
STUDY OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................... 32 
3.1. 
PRIMARY ................................................................................................................................................... 32 
3.2. 
SECONDARY .............................................................................................................................................. 32 
4.0. 
STUDY DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 33 
4.1. 
OVERALL STUDY DESIGN AND PLAN ........................................................................................................ 33 
4.2 
     INFORMED CONSENT ................................................................................................................................. 33 
4.3. 
STUDY CENTERS ....................................................................................................................................... 34 
4.4. 
STUDY DURATION ..................................................................................................................................... 34 
4.5. 
PROTOCOL ADHERENCE ............................................................................................................................ 34 
5.0. 
STUDY ENROLLEMENT AND WITHDRAWAL ................................................................................. 35 
5.1. 
NUMBER OF STUDY SUBJECTS................................................................................................................... 35 
5.2. 
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria ....................................................................................................... 35 
5.2.2.  
Exclusion Criteria .......................................................................................................................... 35 
5.3. 
RE-SCREENING .......................................................................................................................................... 36 


 
 
 
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5.4 
     RANDOMIZATION PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 36 
5.5. 
REASONS FOR WITHDRAWAL .................................................................................................................... 36 
5.6. 
HANDLING OF WITHDRAWALS .................................................................................................................. 37 
5.7. 
TERMINATION OF STUDY ........................................................................................................................... 37 
6.0. 
TREATMENT OF SUBJECTS ................................................................................................................. 39 
6.1. 
TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 39 
6.1.1. 
Mexitil ................................................................................................................................................. 39 
6.1.2. 
Placebo ................................................................................................................................................ 39 
6.2. 
Treatments Administered .................................................................................................................... 39 
6.2.1. 
Dosage Initiation/Escalation .............................................................................................................. 40 
6.3. 
METHOD OF ASSIGNING STUDY SUBJECTS TO TREATMENT GROUPS (RANDOMIZATION).......................... 40 
6.4. 
STUDY DRUG ADJUSTMENTS, DOSAGE REDUCTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS .................................................. 41 
6.4.4. 
Dosage Re-Challenge ......................................................................................................................... 41 
6.4.5. 
Dosage Discontinuation ..................................................................................................................... 41 
6.5. 
BLINDING .................................................................................................................................................. 42 
6.5.1. 
Emergency Unblinding ....................................................................................................................... 42 
6.6. 
EXCLUDED, PRIOR AND CONCOMITANT MEDICATIONS ............................................................................. 42 
6.6.1. 
Drug Interactions ................................................................................................................................ 43 
6.7. 
TREATMENT COMPLIANCE ........................................................................................................................ 44 
6.8. 
STUDY DRUG STORAGE ............................................................................................................................ 44 
6.9. 
WARNINGS/PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 44 
6.9.1. 
Death or Heart Attack......................................................................................................................... 44 
6.9.2. 
Acute Liver Injury ............................................................................................................................... 44 
6.9.3. 
General ................................................................................................................................................ 44 
6.9.4. 
Pregnancy & Nursing Mothers .......................................................................................................... 45 
6.9.5. 
Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS) Device .......................................................................................... 45 
7.0. 
SAFETY VARIABLES AND OUTCOME MEASURES ........................................................................ 46 
7.1. 
SAFETY VARIABLES .................................................................................................................................. 46 
7.1.1. 
Vital Signs, Height and Weight .......................................................................................................... 46 
7.1.2. 
Clinical Laboratory Assessments ....................................................................................................... 46 
7.1.3. 
Mexiletine Levels/Biomarker Samples ............................................................................................... 46 
7.1.3.1. 
DNA Collection ......................................................................................................................... 47 
7.1.3.2. 
Plasma Collection ..................................................................................................................... 47 
7.1.4. 
12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) .................................................................................................... 47 
7.1.5. 
Physical and Neurological Examinations .......................................................................................... 47 
7.1.6. 
Adverse Events .................................................................................................................................... 48 
7.2. 
OUTCOME MEASURES ............................................................................................................................... 48 
7.2.2. 
ALSFRS-R .......................................................................................................................................... 51 
7.2.3. 
Slow Vital Capacity (Pulmonary Function Testing/Spirometry) ...................................................... 51 
7.2.4. 
Hand Held Dynamometry (HHD) ...................................................................................................... 51 
7.2.5.   
Edinburgh Handedness Inventory Short Form ............................................................................ 51 
7.2.6.   
Blindedness Questionnaire and Exit Survey ................................................................................. 52 
7.2.7. 
RAND-36 ....................................................................................................................................... 52 
7.2.8. 
Assessment of Muscle Cramps and Fasciculations .................................................................... 52 
7.2.9. 
Training and Validation ..................................................................................................................... 53 
8.0. 
STUDY PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................. 54 
8.1. 
SCHEDULE OF STUDY PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................... 54 
8.1.1. 
Screening Visit .................................................................................................................................... 54 
8.1.2. 
Pre-dose Baseline Visit ....................................................................................................................... 55 
8.1.3. 
Post-dose Baseline Visit ...................................................................................................................... 55 
8.1.4. 
Week 1 Safety Telephone Visit ........................................................................................................... 55 
8.1.5. 
Week 4 Visit ........................................................................................................................................ 56 
8.1.6. 
Week 8 Visit ........................................................................................................................................ 56 


 
 
 
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8.1.7. 
Final Safety Visit ................................................................................................................................ 57 
8.2. 
PROTOCOL DEVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 57 
8.3. 
MISSED VISITS AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................. 58 
9.0. 
SAMPLE PROCESSING ........................................................................................................................... 59 
9.1. 
SAMPLE PROCESSING FOR REPOSITORY .................................................................................................... 59 
9.2. 
SAMPLE STORAGE AND SHIPPING .............................................................................................................. 59 
10.0 
SAMPLE SHARING .................................................................................................................................. 60 
10.1 
GLOBAL UNIQUE IDENTIFIER (GUID) ....................................................................................................... 60 
11.0  
SAFEGUARDS TO PROTECT PARTICIPANT CONFIDENTIALITY ............................................. 61 
12.0. 
DATA SAFETY MONITORING .............................................................................................................. 62 
12.1. 
Medical Monitoring ............................................................................................................................ 62 
13.0. 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................................................... 63 
13.2. 
EFFICACY VARIABLES ............................................................................................................................... 63 
13.3. 
ANALYSIS POPULATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 63 
13.4. 
MISSING DATA .......................................................................................................................................... 63 
13.5. 
BASELINE AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................... 63 
13.6. 
ANALYSIS OF PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE ........................................................................................... 64 
13.7. 
ANALYSIS OF SECONDARY EFFICACY VARIABLE ...................................................................................... 64 
13.8. 
SELECTION CRITERIA ................................................................................................................................ 65 
13.9. 
DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE ............................................................................................................ 65 
14.0. 
SAFETY AND ADVERSE EVENTS ........................................................................................................ 66 
14.1. 
DEFINITIONS OF AES, SUSPECTED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS & SAES ................................................. 66 
14.1.1. 
Adverse Event and Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions ................................................................ 66 
14.1.2. 
Serious Adverse Events .................................................................................................................. 67 
14.2. 
ASSESSMENT AND RECORDING OF ADVERSE EVENTS ............................................................................... 68 
14.2.1. 
Assessment of Adverse Events ....................................................................................................... 68 
14.2.2. 
Relatedness of Adverse Event to Investigational Product ............................................................ 68 
14.2.3. 
Recording of Adverse Events ......................................................................................................... 69 
14.3 
ADVERSE EVENTS AND SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS - REPORTABLE EVENTS ............................................ 69 
15.0. 
DATA COLLECTION, MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING.......................................................... 71 
15.1. 
ROLE OF DATA MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................. 71 
15.1.1. 
Data Entry and Checks .................................................................................................................. 71 
15.1.2. 
Database Security ........................................................................................................................... 71 
15.1.3. 
Data Lock Process .......................................................................................................................... 72 
15.1.4. 
QUALITY ASSURANCE .......................................................................................................................... 72 
15.2. 
STUDY MONITORING ................................................................................................................................. 72 
15.3. 
STEERING COMMITTEE .............................................................................................................................. 72 
15.4. 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING ................................................................................................. 73 
15.4.1. 
CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA ................................................................................................................. 73 
15.4.3. 
RETENTION OF RECORDS ...................................................................................................................... 73 
15.4.4. 
 Publications ................................................................................................................................... 73 
16.0. 
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 74 
17.0. 
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................. 77 
APPENDIX 1 
REVISED EL ESCORIAL CRITERIA (ECC) ......................................................................................... 78 
APPENDIX 2 
ALSFRS-R ...................................................................................................................................... 80 
APPENDIX 3 
 NEALS BIOREPOSITORY COMMITTEE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ............................................... 82 
APPENDIX 4 
VISUAL ANALOG SCALE (PAIN SCALE) ........................................................................................... 85 


 
 
 
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
AE 
 
 
Adverse Event 
AM 
 
 
Morning 
ALS 
 
 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
ALSFRS-R 
 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale – Revised 
ALT 
 
 
Alanine aminotransferase  
AST 
 
 
Aspartate aminotransferase 
APB  
 
Abductor pollicis brevis 
BID 
 
 
Twice a day 
BUN  
 
Blood Urea Nitrogen 
CBC  
 
Complete Blood Count 
CHF  
 
Congestive Heart Failure 
CFR 
 
 
Code of Federal Regulations 
CK 
 
 
Creatine Kinase 
Cmax  
 
Peak Drug Concentration 
CRF 
 
 
Case Report Form 
CSF 
 
 
Cerebrospinal Fluid 
DM 
 
 
Data Management 
DPS 
 
 
Diaphragm Pacing System 
ECG  
 
Electrocardiogram 
eCRF  
 
Electronic Case Report Form 
EDC  
 
Electronic Data Capture 
FALS  
 
Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
GCP  
 
Good Clinical Practice 
HHD  
 
Hand Held Dynamometry 
HIPAA 
 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
ICH 
 
 
International Conference on Harmonisation  
ICF 
 
 
Informed Consent Form 
IRB 
 
 
Institutional Review Board 
IS 
 
 
Information Systems 
ITT 
 
 
Intent to Treat 
MedDRA 
 
Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities 
MGH  
 
Massachusetts General Hospital 
mITT  
 
Modified Intent to Treat 
MS 
 
 
Microsoft 
NCRI  
 
Neurological Clinical Research Institute 
NEALS 
 
Northeast ALS Consortium 
PI 
 
 
Principal Investigator 
Q 
 
 
Once 
QD  
 
 
Once a day 
RBC  
 
Red Blood Cells 
RR 
 
 
Relative Risk 
SAE 
 
 
Serious Adverse Event 
SALS  
 
Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
SAS 
 
 
Statistical Analysis Software 


 
 
 
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SICI   
 
Short-interval intracortical inhibition 
SOD1  
 
Superoxide dismutase-1 
SQL 
 
 
Structured Query Language 
SSL 
 
 
Secure Sockets Layer 
SUSAR 
 
Serious Unexpected Suspected Adverse Reaction 
SVC  
 
Slow Vital Capacity 
Tmax  
 
Time to Peak Serum Concentration 
TMS  
 
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation 
TTNCS 
 
Threshold Tracking Nerve Conduction Study 
VAS 
 
 
Visual Analog Scale 
VC 
 
 
Vital Capacity 


 
 
 
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PROTOCOL SUMMARY 
Study Title 
Effect of Mexiletine on Cortical Hyperexcitability in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
(SALS) 
 
Version Number 
5 
 
Study Indication 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
 
Phase of Development 
2 
 
Rationale for the Study 
Recent research suggests that hyperexcitability of cortical motor neurons may contribute to the 
pathogenesis of ALS. Hyperexcitability of both spinal and cortical motor neurons has been 
demonstrated during the early development of ALS SOD1 mouse mutants prior to signs of 
disease and may play an important role in causing neuronal injury and cell death in this disorder. 
Through the use of TMS, an FDA-approved device that involves the use of magnetic fields to 
determine the physiologic properties of cortical motor neurons, recent studies suggest that 
stimulus thresholds required to generated a motor evoked potential (motor thresholds) are lower 
in both sporadic and familial ALS patients, especially early in disease, and may serve as a 
biomarker for cortical hyperexcitability in ALS. Mexiletine, a cardiac anti-arrhythmic, is a use-
dependent sodium channel blocker that has been shown to inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability and 
prevent cell death in a motor neuron cell line exposed to cultured media from astrocytes 
engineered to express the human SOD1 gene and to extend survival of hSOD1 transgenic mice 
and could potentially benefit patients with this disease.  
 
A dose-ranging phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial of 900 mg and 300 mg/day of 
mexiletine versus placebo was recently completed to determine the safety and tolerability of the 
drug at these doses and effects on exploratory measures including ALSFRS-R score, slow vital 
capacity (SVC), and frequency and severity of muscle cramps. The conclusion of the study was 
that mexiletine was determined safe at both 300 mg and 900 mg / day doses and well tolerated at 
the lower dose but gastrointestinal side effects led to frequent discontinuation at the higher dose. 
Mexiletine treatment resulted in large dose-dependent reductions in muscle cramp frequency and 
severity. An effect on rate of progression was not detected, but clinically important differences 
could not be excluded in this small and short duration study. An additional early stage study to 
assess pharmacodynamic effects on cortical excitability, confirm efficacy for cramps, and test 
intermediate doses is warranted. 
 
Study Design 
This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 8-week study evaluating the 
effect of mexiletine treatment on both cortical motoneuronal and peripheral nerve 


 
 
 
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hyperexcitability.  
 
Rationale for Dose and Schedule Selection 
Studies of mexiletine designed to determine the efficacy of the drug in treating neuropathic pain 
and myotonia have largely demonstrated benefit with minimal side effects at doses between 300 
and 600 mg a day. In the first mexiletine study, 300 mg/day was determined to be safe and well 
tolerated but mexiletine 900 mg/day, while found to be safe, was not well tolerated, largely due 
to gastrointestinal side effects. Given that the optimal dose of mexiletine is not known for 
neuroprotection in ALS, the dosage to be use in this study, 300 mg/day, deemed tolerable and 
safe in the first study, and the intermediate dose of 600 mg/day were chosen to determine 
whether they reduce motoneuronal and peripheral nerve excitability as well as to determine 
safety and tolerability of the high dose. The schedule of visits was chosen to ensure that 
appropriate safety evaluations will be performed at reasonable intervals without being so 
excessive as to limit subject compliance. 
 
Study Objectives and Endpoints  
 
Primary: 
The primary study objective is to determine whether treatment with mexiletine at doses of 300 
mg/day or 600 mg/day suppresses cortical hyperexcitability in sporadic ALS patients relative to 
placebo, and, thus, may be able to slow progression in ALS.  The change in resting motor 
threshold (RMT), estimated from single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) 
measurements made before treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, and then again after a 4 week 
washout, will be used as the primary pharmacodynamic marker of cortical hyperexcitability. 
 
Secondary: 
Secondary pharmacodynamics outcome measures will include effects on motor evoked potential 
(MEP) amplitude (as a % of compound muscle action potential amplitude), cortical silent period 
(CSP) measured by single pulse TMS, and in short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) from 
dual pulse TMS, as additional pharmacodynamic markers of cortical hyperexcitability, prior to 
and following treatment with mexiletine or placebo. Additionally, as a pharmacodynamic marker 
of peripheral motor nerve axonal hyperexcitability, threshold tracking nerve conduction studies 
(TTNCS) will be performed to assess time constant and recovery cycle analysis. Safety and 
tolerability and determination of mexiletine concentrations in blood at the time of each of the 
five TMS studies will also be assessed. Additionally, the effect on frequency and severity of 
muscle cramps and fasciculations will be assessed using a daily muscle cramps/fasciculations 
diary and assessment form at Baseline. ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and 
slow vital capacity (SVC) will be obtained at Screening, Pre-Dose Baseline, Week 4, and Week 
8 or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable as exploratory outcomes. 
 
Study Locations 
Approximately 9 Northeast Consortium (NEALS) centers in the US will participate.  
 
Number of Planned Subjects 
Approximately 60 subjects will be enrolled. 
 


 
 
 
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Study Population 
This study will be conducted in subjects with a clinical diagnosis of sporadic ALS who meet the 
El Escorial criteria of possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite criteria for a 
diagnosis of ALS.  At screening, eligible subjects must be at least 18 years old, must have an 
SVC ≥ 50% of predicted capacity for age, height and gender, and onset of symptoms must be ≤ 
60 months prior to screening.  Subjects using or not using riluzole at the time of screening, and 
women of child-bearing age at screening are eligible for inclusion as long as they meet specific 
protocol requirements.   
 
Treatment Groups 
Subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to 3 treatment groups: oral mexiletine 600 
mg/day, oral mexiletine 300 mg/day, or matching placebo. 
 
Duration of Treatment and Follow-up 
Subjects will remain on randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment until the Week 4 
visit but will return for neurophysiological testing off study drug for the Week 8 visit. 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND STUDY WORKFLOW 
Table 1. Schedule of Events 
Activity 
Screening 
Visit1 
Baseline 
Visit 
(Pre-Dose) 
Baseline 
Visit2 
(Post-Dose) 
Treatment Period 
Final Safety 
Visit  
(For early 
termination 
only) 
Week 1 
Safety 
Telephone 
Visit 
Week 4 
Visit 
Week 8 
Visit 
Written Informed Consent 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inclusion/Exclusion Review 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical History / Demographics 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALS Diagnosis / ALS History 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Physical Examination 
X 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Abbreviated Neurological Examination 
X 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Vital Signs / Height & Weight3 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
12-Lead ECG 
X 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
Safety Labs4 
X 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Pregnancy Test5 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Blood sample for Plasma Mexiletine Level6 
 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Blood sample for Plasma (NEALS Biomarker Repository)7 
 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Blood sample for DNA 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
ALSFRS-R 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Threshold Tracking Nerve Conduction Studies (TTNCS) 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Hand Held Dynamometry (HHD) of Abductor pollicis brevis8 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Edinburgh Handedness Inventory Short Form 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RAND-36 
 
X 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Concomitant Medication Review 
X 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Adverse Event Review9 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Randomization10 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
Administer / Dispense Study Drug 
 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
Drug Accountability / Compliance 
 
 
 
X 
X 
 
X 
Assessment of Muscle Cramping / Fasciculations 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Muscle Cramping / Fasciculations Diary11 
 
 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
Blindness Questionnaire / Exit Survey 
 
 
 
 
 
X 
X 
1 Screening procedures must be completed within 21 days prior to Baseline Visit.  
2 Baseline Visit (Post-Dose) procedures must be completed on the same day as the Baseline Visit (Pre-Dose). 


 
 
 
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3 Vital signs include systolic and diastolic pressure in mmHg, respiratory rate/minute, heart rate/minute, temperature and weight.  
Height measured at Screening Visit only. 
4 Safety labs includes Hematology, Chemistry, liver function tests (LFTs), urine/serum pregnancy test for women of childbearing 
potential (WOCBP).   
5 Serum pregnancy test to be completed at screening visit.  Urine pregnancy test may be performed in place of serum for Baseline 
(pre-dose), Week 4 and Week 8 visits. 
6Blood draw for trough mexiletine level. 
7 Plasma will be stored in the NEALS Biorepository for future analysis.  Please refer to the Site Manual of Procedures (MOP) for 
collection, storage, and shipping information 
8 HHD to be completed prior to TMS 
9Adverse events that occur AFTER signing consent form will be recorded. 
10 Randomization should occur no more than 48 hours prior to the Baseline Visit, when possible. 
11 Daily summaries of muscle cramping and fasciculations will be completed every morning or evening by the patient in a Muscle 
Cramping/Fasciculations Diary.  Data from the diary will be abstracted by study staff at every visit after the Baseline Visit. 
* It is strongly encouraged that each visit and the procedures be completed on the same day.  However, if this is not possible visits can 
be split up into 2 consecutive days.


 
 
 
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STUDY WORKFLOW 
 
 
21 Days 
Baseline Visit 
Week 8 
Visit 
20 Study Subjects on 600 mg/day Mexiletine 
20 Study Subjects on 300 mg/day Mexiletine 
20 Study Subjects on Placebo 
~90 Screened
Screening Period 
On Active Treatment 
Wash-out 
Subjects who discontinue from the study early will be asked to return to the study site for Final Safety assessments. 
Subjects who discontinue study drug early but agree to be followed will be asked to remain in the study and to attend all 
assigned visits through the Week 8 Visit. 
 
Week 4 
Visit 
Week 1 
Safety 
Telephone 
Visit 
~60 Enrolled


 
 
 
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1.0. 
ETHICS 
1.1. 
Independent Ethics Committee (IEC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) 
This study will be conducted in compliance with current Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and 
Title 21 Part 56 of the United States of America Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) relating to 
IRBs.  
1.2. 
Ethical Conduct of Study 
The study will be conducted in accordance with GCP defined by the International Conference on 
Harmonization (ICH) and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. 
1.3. 
Subject Information and Consent 
This study will be conducted in compliance with Title 21 Part 50 of the United States of America 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Federal Regulations and ICH Guidance Documents 
pertaining to informed consent.  At the first visit, prior to initiation of any study-related 
procedures, subjects will be informed about the nature and purpose of the study, 
participation/termination conditions, and risks and benefits. Subjects will be given adequate time 
to ask questions and become familiar with the study prior to providing consent to participate. 
Subject will give their written consent to participate in the study and will be provided with a 
copy of the fully executed consent form for their records. 


 
 
 
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2.0. 
INTRODUCTION 
2.1. 
Background and Significance 
2.1.1. 
Clinical Features and Epidemiology of ALS 
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare degenerative disorder of large motor neurons of the 
cerebral cortex, brain stem and spinal cord that results in progressive wasting and paralysis of 
voluntary muscles [1]. The incidence of ALS is currently approximately 2/100,000/year [2, 3] 
and may be increasing [4]. The lifetime ALS risk is 1 in 600 to 1 in 1000. Fifty percent of people 
diagnosed with ALS  die within three years of onset of symptoms and 90% die within five years 
[5]. The median age of onset is 55 years. The cause in most cases is unknown. Age and gender 
are the only risk factors repeatedly documented in epidemiological studies [6]. There is a slight 
male predominance (3:2 male to female ratio) in sporadic ALS. No treatment prevents, halts or 
reverses the disease, although riluzole use is associated with a slight prolongation of survival [7, 
8]. 
 
Essential features of ALS are progressive signs and symptoms of lower motor neuron 
dysfunction (atrophy, cramps, and fasciculations) associated with corticospinal tract signs 
(spasticity, enhanced and pathological reflexes) in the absence of sensory findings. There is 
relative sparing of eye movement muscles and the urinary sphincters. The course is relentless 
with declines in strength, respiratory function and overall muscle function during the active 
phase of the disease. Natural history studies have determined that age at onset, site of onset, 
delay from first symptom to diagnosis, and rate of change in respiratory function are significant 
predictors of survival.  
2.1.2. 
Overview of ALS Pathogenesis 
Many causes of ALS have been proposed including toxicity from excess excitation of the motor 
neurons by transmitters such as glutamate, free radical-mediated oxidative cytotoxicity, 
neuroinflammation, 
mitochondrial 
dysfunction, 
autoimmune 
processes, 
cytoskeletal 
abnormalities, and aberrant activation of cyclo-oxygenase [9]. It has also been suggested that 
atypical viral infections may trigger this disease (e.g. enteroviruses or atypical retroviruses) [10-
12]. Whatever the cause, it is evident that there are multiple levels of cellular dysfunction as the 
disease progresses and that programmed cell death is activated in this disease [13-17]. While the 
cause of sporadic ALS is not known, about 10% of cases are familial; of these, approximately 
70% are caused by mutations in the genes encoding C9orf72, cytosolic SOD1, FUS/TLS and 
TAR-DNA binding protein; other genes have also been implicated [18, 20-24]. 
 
Several lines of investigation are consistent with the view that hyperexcitability is a critical 
factor in ALS pathogenesis.  An extensive literature review documents that reuptake of glutamate 
at synapses on the motor neuron is impaired, in part by reductions in levels of the critical 
astroglial glutamate transporter EAAT2.  This phenomenon has been demonstrated in human 
ALS brains and is also evident in transgenic ALS rats that express mutant SOD1 protein [25]. 
Recent in vivo [26-28] and in vitro [29-31] studies support a role for hyperexcitability of both 
peripheral motor nerve axons and cortical motor neurons as a possible pathogenic mechanism of 
ALS and a plausible mechanistic target for novel therapeutics. Several reports document that 
motor neurons cultured from transgenic SOD1G93A mice demonstrate hyperexcitability, arising at 
least in part because of inappropriately elevated levels of inward sodium current [26-28]. It has 


 
 
 
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been speculated that neuronal hyperexcitability as a direct consequence of persistent inward 
sodium current results in reverse operation of the Na+-Ca++ exchanger, intracellular and 
intraxonal Ca++, and motor neuron degeneration by activation of Ca++-dependent enzyme 
pathways {32]. Increased repetitive firing of cortical motor neurons following injection of 
current using current clamp conditions in SOD1G93A mice relative to age-matched controls has 
also been shown [27, 28], correlating with cortical hyperexcitability in the mutant mice. A recent 
study by Wainger and colleagues also demonstrated that inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived 
(IPS) motor neurons from ALS patients with superoxide dismutase 1, C9orf72, and fused-in-
sarcoma mutations had evidence of hyperexcitability as a consequence of reduced delayed-
rectifier potassium current compared to control IPS motor neuron cells from control cells [33]. 
Additionally, the Kv7 channel activator retigabine was able to block the hyperexcitability and 
improve survival of the cells in vitro, suggesting that it could also be a putative disease 
modifying therapy [33]. Studies employing TMS have demonstrated that RMT and SICI are 
reduced and MEP increased in both clinically affected familial ALS and SALS patients when 
compared to asymptomatic SOD1 mutation carriers and normal controls, consistent with 
increased cortical hyperexcitability in the patients [31]. Threshold tracking nerve conduction 
studies have also demonstrated hyperexcitability of peripheral motor nerve axons as a 
consequence of increased persistent sodium current [29, 30], which could also play a role in the 
generation of fasciculations and muscle cramps, problematic and poorly treated symptoms in 
ALS.  Additionally, by this technique, there is evidence that measurement of the strength-
duration time constant, reflecting axonal persistent sodium currents, inversely correlates with 
survival in ALS [29]. 
2.1.3. 
Mexiletine in Neurological Disorders 
2.1.3.1.   The Neuroprotective Properties of Mexiletine in Animal Models 
As a consequence of this body of research, an interest in selective targeting of persistent sodium 
current and corticomotoneuronal hyperexcitability in ALS has resulted in experiments suggesting 
a role for mexiletine as a putative disease modifying therapy. Mexiletine is a use-dependent 
sodium channel blocker that has been shown to have neuroprotective effects on neurons 
following experimental spinal cord [34] and head injury [35], diabetic oxidative damage [36], 
and cerebral ischemia paradigms [37-40] in part by acting as an antioxidant, inhibiting caspase 3 
activation and preventing apoptosis [34], and by blocking glutamate and inward sodium current 
and decreasing reverse operation of the Na+-Ca++ exchanger limiting calcium influx [34]. Swiss 
albino rats pre-treated with mexiletine were shown in a study of induced head injury to 
demonstrate significant reduction of malondialdehyde, a marker for lipid peroxidation and 
therefore brain injury, compared to untreated animals [35]. Under different oxidant conditions in 
vitro, using thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances to measure lipid peroxidation, mexiletine has 
been found to inhibit iron-ascorbate-H2O2-induced lipid peroxidation in brain membranes 
prepared from brain homogenate in a manner that is dose and time-dependent [41]. In vivo, 
compared to untreated animals, mexiletine injected intraperitoneally significantly reduced the 
levels of malondialdehyde, nitrous oxide, reduced glutathione, and xanthine oxidase, all markers 
of oxidative stress, in the brain, brain stem, and cervical spinal cord of rats given streptozotocin-
induced hyperglycemia, a model for diabetic oxidative damage in the central nervous system 
[36]. A number of experimental studies have also demonstrated that after spinal cord injury, as in 
ALS, apoptosis contributes to cellular damage, often in part reflected in increased activity of 
caspase 3. In one study, Wistar rats that underwent induced traumatic spinal cord injury, treated 


 
 
 
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immediately thereafter with mexiletine, had an accelerated recovery of hind limb function and an 
inhibition of caspase 3 up regulation as compared to untreated animals that was comparable to 
those rats treated with methylprednisolone [34]. 
 
Cerebral ischemia in particular shares some of the molecular changes that occur in the central 
nervous system of ALS patients. Increased levels of glutamate and opening of glutamate 
operated voltage dependent Ca++ channels leading to raised intracellular levels of calcium are 
thought to promote neuronal cell death in as a consequence of ischemic injury. Mexiletine is 
believed to prevent neuronal death in cerebral ischemia by blocking glutamate and voltage 
dependent Ca++ channels as well as promoting Na+ channel and inward sodium current blockade, 
thereby inhibiting Na+-Ca++ exchanger-dependent Ca++ overload and Ca++-dependent structural 
injury [38]. In one study, mexiletine given prior to bilateral carotid occlusion and controlled 
hypotension in Sprague-Dawley rats demonstrated a 50% reduction of the number of ischemic 
hippocampal neurons compared to animals that received normal saline only [38]. In another 
study using a similar rat model for cerebral ischemia, the effects of riluzole and mexiletine were 
compared when given prior to carotid occlusion in the animals. Compared to untreated animals, 
both drugs had a similar significant effect on promoting the survival of hippocampal neurons 
[37]. Based on previous studies, mexiletine also appears to penetrate into the central nervous 
system at concentrations sufficient to confer significant protection [40]. Mexiletine has also 
recently been demonstrated to inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability and prevent cell death in a 
motor neuron cell line exposed to cultured media from astrocytes engineered to express the 
human SOD1G93A mutation [42]. Additionally, compared to untreated SOD1G93A mice (n=75), 
ALS mutant mice (n=75) treated with mexiletine (100 mg/kg) starting at postnatal day 60 
demonstrated prolonged survival (133±10 days versus 128±10 days, Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon 
Test, p=0.0023) with no change in the age of onset (Dr. Robert Brown, University of 
Massachusetts, personal communication).   
 
Recent studies of the effects of mexiletine on peripheral nerve excitability have shown that a 
dose of 300 mg reduces persistent sodium current in vitro in patients with muscle cramps, as 
indicated by decreased strength-duration time constant measurements by threshold tracking, in 
addition to reducing the number of cramps [43]. Mexiletine has also been found to reduce muscle 
cramps in a small open label study in Machado-Joseph disease, a hereditary spinocerebellar 
neurodegenerative disorder that also leads to degeneration of anterior horn cells [30]. Muscle 
cramps are common in ALS and without well-defined therapy [44]. They are thought to be a 
consequence of peripheral motor nerve axonal hyperexcitability [30]. Often they are more 
prevalent in the first year of symptoms of ALS and lessen over time, occurring in over 75% of 
patients [45]. There have been few treatment trials designed to address this often disabling 
symptom and none have been successful to date. These have included the use of 
tetrahydrocannabinol, gabapentin, leviteracetam, and vitamin E [44].Though riluzole, like 
mexiletine, is a use-dependent sodium channel blocker, it has not been shown to have any 
significant impact on muscle cramps [44]. 
2.1.3.2.   Experience with Mexiletine in Neurologic Disease 
Mexiletine is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cardiac 
arrhythmias and has been used in clinical trials for the treatment of clinical myotonia in 
myotonic dystrophy type 1 [46] and painful diabetic neuropathy [47].   
 


 
 
 
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In a recent randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial of either 150 mg or 200 mg of 
mexiletine given three times a day in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1, only mild side 
effects were noted for either dose relative to placebo. These included primarily mild upper 
gastrointestinal distress and lightheadedness. One patient discontinued treatment of the drug at 
the higher dose due to diarrhea [46]. In a four-arm, randomized, double-blind controlled study of 
mexiletine for the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain, 17 out of 95 patients randomized to 
225 mg, 450 mg, or 675 mg of mexiletine a day demonstrated a mild increase in gastrointestinal 
side effects, primarily nausea, diarrhea, and gastric pain, evenly distributed among the groups, 
relative to placebo. No serious adverse events were noted [47]. 
 
Based on these studies and the putative role of cortical and peripheral motor nerve axonal 
hyperexcitability in the pathogenesis of ALS as well as muscle cramps and fasciculations, we 
recently completed a 12-week randomized placebo-controlled phase II multicenter study to 
determine the safety and tolerability of mexiletine on patients with SALS [48]. We decided upon 
two doses of the medication, 300 and 900 mg, suggested by the known safety profile of this drug 
for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Effects of the medication on markers of disease 
progression and muscle cramp frequency and intensity were also determined. Sixty ALS patients 
from 10 NEALS centers were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo, mexiletine 300 mg, and mexiletine 
900 mg per day and followed for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability. 
Secondary endpoints were change on the ALSFRS-R score and SVC and frequency and severity 
of muscle cramps.  
 
One instance of loss of balance was the only serious adverse event reported among active arm 
participants, a participant randomized to 900 mg/day. Incidence of nausea and tremor were 
higher in the mexiletine 900 mg group, with 32% intolerance at that dose vs. 5% at 300 mg, 
leading to discontinuation in some patients at the higher dose. No significant changes were noted 
on screening laboratory testing or electrocardiograms performed at each visit. Pharmacokinetic 
studies showed that at both doses of mexiletine, plasma concentrations reached their peak at 2 
hours post treatment (Fig 1A). Mean serum concentrations at 2 hours post dose were 3-fold 
greater with 900 mg/day of mexiletine than with 300 mg/day (1.27 g/mL versus 0.4 g/mL) 
(Fig 1B). There was also a strong correlation between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid 
concentrations at both doses (R2= 0.85 by linear regression analysis, p<0.001). Rates of decline 
of the ALSFRS-R (Fig 2A) did not differ from placebo (300 mg mexiletine vs. placebo = -0.23 / 
month [95% CI -1.03,0.56], p=0.56; 900 mg vs. placebo = -0.19 / month [1.04,0.66], p=0.66), 
but given the small size of the study and its short duration, confidence intervals were wide and 
neither excluded a clinically meaningful slowing of progression. SVC results (Fig 2B) were 
similar (300 mg mexiletine = 1.74 %-predicted/month [-0.72,4.20], p= 0.16; 900 mg = -0.50 %-
predicted/month [-3.33,2.32], p=0.72). Analysis of all randomized patients demonstrated 
significant reductions of muscle cramp frequency (Fig 3A; 300 mg mexiletine: 31% of placebo, 
p=0.047; 900 mg mexiletine: 16% of placebo, p=0.002) and intensity (Fig 3B; 300 mg 
mexiletine: 45% of placebo, p=0.08; 900 mg mexiletine: 25% of placebo, p=0.005). Effects were 
greater among participants who reported at least 10 cramps over the 30 days prior to baseline.  
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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A.                                                                           B. 
 
Figure 1. A. Mean plasma (± SD) concentrations of mexiletine for ALS patients treated with 
300 mg and 900 mg a day. B. Comparison of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma 
concentrations. 
 
 
A.                                                                                      B. 
 
Figure 2. Effects of mexiletine (Mexl) at 300 mg and 900 mg a day versus placebo for 
changes in ALSFRS-R  (Fig 2A) and SVC (Fig 2B). 
 
 
 
 
 
y=0.35x
R2=0.85
MEXILETINE PLASMA CONCENTRATION (µg/mL)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
MEXILETINE CSF CONCENTRATION (µg/mL)
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
300 mg
900 mg
HOUR
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
MEXILETINE CONCENTRATION (µg/mL)
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
300 mg
900 mg


 
 
 
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A.                                                                                      B.  
 
Figure 3. Effects of mexiletine (Mexl) on muscle cramp frequency and intensity (Fig 3A and 
B, respectively) at 300 mg and 900 mg a day versus placebo.    
 
Mexiletine was found to be safe at both 300 mg and 900 mg doses and well tolerated at the lower 
dose. Nausea, imbalance, and dizziness led to discontinuation of the higher dose. The 2-hour 
peak concentration of mexiletine in serum is similar to studies in non-ALS patients. Mexiletine 
treatment resulted in large dose-dependent reductions in muscle cramp frequency and severity. 
While the effects of mexiletine on muscle cramps was not the primary focus of this study, the 
dose dependent reduction on cramp frequency and intensity, especially on those patients with 
more frequent cramps at baseline, was dramatic, suggesting that mexiletine could become an 
important therapy for this symptom of the disease. An effect on rate of progression was not 
detected, but clinically important differences could not be excluded in this initial study.  
 
The study was limited by the small number of patients and short duration of treatment and was 
likely insufficiently powered to reliably detect a response on slowing progression of the disease 
(7% power for a 30% reduction in mean rate of progression).  Additionally, a pharmacodynamic 
marker of cortical hyperexcitability, such as the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation to 
determine any increase in the RMT, SICI, or other parameters of cortical motor neuronal 
excitation with treatment, was not performed. However, given that the 95% confidence bounds 
included a beneficial effect of mexiletine equal to a slowing of progression of the ALSFRS-R by 
about 0.6 units per month and the SVC by about 4.2% per month for 300 mg and 2.3% per 
month for 900 mg, clinically important differences could not be excluded.  
2.1.4. 
Rationale for Choosing Mexiletine in ALS 
Mexiletine has been shown also to be protective of neurons following spinal cord injury, head 
injury, and cerebral ischemia, largely by blocking neuronal hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity. 
As a use dependent sodium channel blocker like riluzole, it has a similar potential to reduce 
persistent inward sodium current and spinal and cortical motor neuron hyperexcitability, which 
have been implicated as early events in the pathogenesis of ALS. Based on previous studies, 


 
 
 
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mexiletine appears to penetrate into the central nervous system at concentrations sufficient to 
confer significant protection. Recent unpublished studies in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Brown 
at the University of Massachusetts have also demonstrated that mexiletine ingestion in mice 
genetically engineered to express high levels of mutant cytosolic copper-zinc superoxide 
dismutase-1 (SOD1) transgene prolong survival in these animals. As mexiletine already has 
FDA-approval as an anti-arrhythmic agent, much is known about the pharmacology and safety of 
this drug in non-ALS volunteers. The relatively benign safety profile of mexiletine in the cardiac 
population and the evidence that it may act as a neuroprotectant suggest that this medication 
could serve as a potential therapy for ALS. Further study of mexiletine in a randomized, double- 
blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients suffering from ALS is warranted. 
2.1.5. 
Experimental Therapeutics in ALS 
Riluzole, a drug that has multiple mechanisms of action including inhibition of glutamate release 
at pre-synaptic terminals, was reported in two controlled studies to extend survival by three 
months (about 11%) in subjects with ALS and is the only FDA-approved treatment for ALS. 
Trials of CNTF, gabapentin, BDNF, xaliproden, topiramate, celebrex, low dose creatine, lithium, 
and minocycline failed to demonstrate efficacy in ALS clinical trials. Ceftriaxone, arimoclomol, 
and dexpramipexole are examples of compounds recently tested in clinical trials.  
2.1.6. 
Significance 
Despite recent critical advances in understanding the pathogenesis of ALS, this remains an 
untreatable and uniformly lethal disease. The potential of mexiletine in ALS as a disease 
modifying therapy is unknown, though the previous mexiletine study suggests a beneficial effect 
on muscle cramps. 
2.2. 
Mexiletine 
Mexiletine belongs to the Class IB anti-arrhythmic group of medicines.  It is used to treat 
arrhythmias within the heart, or seriously irregular heartbeats.  It slows nerve impulses in the 
heart and makes the heart tissue less sensitive.  The FDA approved mexiletine for cardiac 
arrhythmias in 1985. 
2.2.1. 
Pharmacokinetics 
2.2.1.1.   Absorption, Distribution, Elimination and Metabolism 
Mexiletine is well absorbed (~90%) from the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike lidocaine, its first-pass 
metabolism is low. Peak blood levels are reached in two to three hours. In normal subjects, the 
plasma elimination half-life of mexiletine is approximately 10 to 12 hours. It is 50 to 60% bound 
to plasma protein, with a volume of distribution of 5 to 7 liters/kg. Mexiletine is mainly 
metabolized in the liver, the primary pathway being CYP2D6 metabolism, although it is also a 
substrate for CYP1A2. With involvement of CYP2D6, there can be either poor or extensive 
metabolizer phenotypes. Since approximately 90% of mexiletine hydrochloride is metabolized in 
the liver into inactive metabolites, pathological changes in the liver can restrict hepatic clearance 
of mexiletine hydrochloride and its metabolites. The metabolic degradation proceeds via various 
pathways including aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylation, dealkylation, deamination and N-
oxidation. Several of the resulting metabolites are submitted to further conjugation with 
glucuronic acid (phase II metabolism); among these are the major metabolites p-
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is excreted unchanged by the kidney. While urinary pH does not normally have much influence 
on elimination, marked changes in urinary pH influence the rate of excretion: acidification 
accelerates excretion, while alkalinization retards it. 
 
Several metabolites of mexiletine have shown minimal antiarrhythmics activity in animal 
models. The most active is the minor metabolite N-methylmexiletine, which is less than 20% as 
potent as mexiletine. The urinary excretion of N-methylmexiletine in man is less than 0.5%. 
Thus the therapeutic activity of mexiletine is due to the parent compound. 
 
Hepatic impairment prolongs the elimination half-life of mexiletine. In eight patients with 
moderate to severe liver disease, the mean half-life was approximately 25 hours. 
 
Consistent with the limited renal elimination of mexiletine, little change in the half-life has been 
detected in patients with reduced renal function. In eight patients with creatinine clearance less 
than 10 mL/min, the mean plasma elimination half-life was 15.7 hours; in seven patients with 
creatinine clearance between 11 to 40 mL/min, the mean half-life was 13.4 hours. 
 
The absorption rate of mexiletine is reduced in clinical situations such as acute myocardial 
infarction in which gastric emptying time is increased. Narcotics, atropine and magnesium-
aluminum hydroxide have also been reported to slow the absorption of mexiletine. 
Metoclopramide has been reported to accelerate absorption. 
 
Mexiletine plasma levels of at least 0.5 mcg/mL are generally required for therapeutic response. 
An increase in the frequency of central nervous system adverse effects has been observed when 
plasma levels exceed 2.0 mcg/mL. Thus the therapeutic range is approximately 0.5 to 2.0 
mcg/mL. Plasma levels within the therapeutic range can be attained with either three times daily 
or twice daily dosing but peak to trough differences are greater with the latter regimen, creating 
the possibility of adverse effects at peak and arrhythmic escape at trough. Nevertheless, some 
patients may be transferred successfully to the twice daily regimen. 
 
In the recently completed safety and tolerability study of mexiletine in ALS, the peak 
concentration in plasma at 2 hours post dose is similar to what has been shown previously in 
non-ALS patients. 
2.2.2. 
Drug Interactions  
Since mexiletine hydrochloride is a substrate for the metabolic pathways involving CYP2D6 and 
CYP1A2 enzymes, inhibition or induction of either of these enzymes would be expected to alter 
mexiletine plasma concentrations. In a formal, single-dose interaction study (n = 6 males) the 
clearance of mexiletine was decreased by 38% following the coadministration of fluvoxamine, 
an inhibitor of CYP1A2. In another formal study (n = 8 extensive and n = 7 poor metabolizers of 
CYP2D6), coadministration of propafenone did not alter the kinetics of mexiletine in the poor 
CYP2D6 metabolizer group. However, the metabolic clearance of mexiletine in the extensive 
metabolizer phenotype decreased by about 70% making the poor and extensive metabolizer 
groups indistinguishable. In this crossover steady-state study, the pharmacokinetics of 
propafenone were unaffected in either phenotype by the coadministration of mexiletine. Addition 
of mexiletine to propafenone did not lead to further electrocardiographic parameters changes of 
QRS, QTc, RR, and PR intervals than propafenone alone. When concomitant administration of 


 
 
 
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either of these two drugs is initiated, the dose of mexiletine should be slowly titrated to desired 
effect. 
 
In a large compassionate-use program, mexiletine has been used concurrently with commonly 
employed antianginal, antihypertensive, and anticoagulant drugs without observed interactions. 
A variety of antiarrhythmics such as quinidine or propranolol were also added, sometimes with 
improved control of ventricular ectopy. When phenytoin or other hepatic enzyme inducers such 
as rifampin and phenobarbital have been taken concurrently with mexiletine, lowered mexiletine 
plasma levels have been reported. Monitoring of mexiletine plasma levels is recommended 
during such concurrent use to avoid ineffective therapy. 
 
In a formal study, benzodiazepines were shown not to affect mexiletine plasma concentrations. 
ECG intervals (PR, QRS, and QT) were not affected by concurrent mexiletine and digoxin, 
diuretics, or propranolol. 
 
Concurrent administration of cimetidine and mexiletine has been reported to increase, decrease, 
or leave unchanged mexiletine plasma levels; therefore patients should be followed carefully 
during concurrent therapy. 
 
Mexiletine does not alter serum digoxin levels but magnesium-aluminum hydroxide, when used 
to treat gastrointestinal symptoms due to mexiletine, has been reported to lower serum digoxin 
levels. 
 
Concurrent use of mexiletine and theophylline may lead to increased plasma theophylline levels. 
One controlled study in eight normal subjects showed a 72% mean increase (range 35 to 136%) 
in plasma theophylline levels. This increase was observed at the first test point which was the 
second day after starting mexiletine. Theophylline plasma levels returned to pre-mexiletine 
values within 48 hours after discontinuing mexiletine. If mexiletine and theophylline are to be 
used concurrently, theophylline blood levels should be monitored, particularly when the 
mexiletine dose is changed. An appropriate adjustment in theophylline dose should be 
considered. 
 
Additionally, in one controlled study in five normal subjects and seven patients, the clearance of 
caffeine was decreased 50% following the administration of mexiletine. 
2.2.3. 
Mexiletine Adverse Effects 
Mexiletine hydrochloride commonly produces reversible gastrointestinal and nervous system 
adverse reactions but is otherwise well tolerated. Mexiletine has been evaluated in 483 patients 
in one-month and three-month controlled studies and in over 10,000 patients in a large 
compassionate use program. Dosages in the controlled studies ranged from 600 to 1200 mg/day; 
some patients (8%) in the compassionate use program were treated with higher daily doses (1600 
to 3200 mg/day). In the three-month controlled trials comparing mexiletine to quinidine, 
procainamide and disopyramide, the most frequent adverse reactions were upper gastrointestinal 
distress (41%), lightheadedness (10.5%), tremor (12.6%) and coordination difficulties (10.2%). 
Similar frequency and incidence were observed in the one-month placebo-controlled trial. 
Although these reactions were generally not serious, and were dose-related and reversible with a 
reduction in dosage, by taking the drug with food or antacid or by therapy discontinuation, they 


 
 
 
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led to therapy discontinuation in 40% of patients in the controlled trials. Table 2 presents the 
adverse events reported in the one-month placebo-controlled trial. 
 
Table 2. Comparative Incidence (%) of Adverse Events among Patients Treated with 
Mexiletine and Placebo in the 4-Week, Double-blind Crossover Trial 
 
 
Mexiletine 
N = 53 
Placebo 
N = 49 
Cardiovascular 
 
 
Palpitations 
7.5 
10.2 
Chest Pain 
7.5 
4.1 
Increased Ventricular Arrhythmia / PVCs 
1.9 
- 
Digestive 
 
 
Nausea / Vomiting / Heartburn 
39.6 
6.1 
Central Nervous System 
 
 
Dizziness / Lightheadedness 
26.4 
14.3 
Tremor 
13.2 
- 
Nervousness 
11.3 
6.1 
Coordination Difficulties 
9.4 
- 
Changes in Sleep Habits 
7.5 
16.3 
Paresthesias / Numbness 
3.8 
2.0 
Weakness 
1.9 
4.1 
Fatigue 
1.9 
2.0 
Tinnitus 
1.9 
4.1 
Confusion / Clouded Sensorium 
1.9 
2.0 
Other 
 
 
Headache 
7.5 
6.1 
Blurred Vision / Visual Disturbances 
7.5 
2.0 
Dyspnea / Respiratory 
5.7 
10.2 
Rash 
3.8 
2.0 
Non-specific Edema 
3.8 
- 
 
Table 3 presents the adverse reactions occurring in one percent or more of patients in the three-
month controlled studies. 
 
Table 3. Comparative Incidence (%) of Adverse Events among Patients Treated with 
Mexiletine or Control Drugs in the 12-Week Double-blind Trials 
 
 
Mexiletine 
N = 430 
Quinidine 
N = 262 
Procainamide 
N = 78 
Disopyramide 
N = 69 
Cardiovascular 
 
 
 
 
Palpitations 
4.3 
4.6 
1.3 
5.8 
Chest Pain 
2.6 
3.4 
1.3 
2.9 
Angina / Angina-like Pain 
1.7 
1.9 
2.6 
2.9 


 
 
 
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Mexiletine 
N = 430 
Quinidine 
N = 262 
Procainamide 
N = 78 
Disopyramide 
N = 69 
Increased Ventricular 
Arrhythmias / PVCs 
1.0 
2.7 
2.6 
- 
Digestive 
 
 
 
 
Nausea / Vomiting / Heartburn 
39.3 
21.4 
33.3 
14.5 
Diarrhea 
5.2 
33.2 
2.6 
8.7 
Constipation 
4.0 
- 
6.4 
11.6 
Changes in Appetite 
2.6 
1.9 
- 
- 
Abdominal Pain / Cramps /  
Discomfort 
1.2 
1.5 
- 
1.4 
Central Nervous System 
 
 
 
 
Dizziness / Lightheadedness 
18.9 
14.1 
14.1 
2.9 
Tremor 
13.2 
2.3 
3.8 
1.4 
Coordination Difficulties 
9.7 
1.1 
1.3 
- 
Changes in Sleep Habits 
7.1 
2.7 
11.5 
8.7 
Weakness 
5.0 
5.3 
7.7 
2.9 
Nervousness 
5.0 
1.9 
6.4 
5.8 
Fatigue 
3.8 
5.7 
5.1 
1.4 
Speech Difficulties 
2.6 
0.4 
- 
- 
Confusion / Clouded 
Sensorium 
2.6 
- 
3.8 
- 
Paresthesias / Numbness 
2.4 
2.3 
2.6 
- 
Tinnitus 
2.4 
1.5 
- 
- 
Depression 
2.4 
1.1 
1.3 
1.4 
Other 
 
 
 
 
Blurred Vision / Visual 
Disturbances 
5.7 
3.1 
5.1 
7.2 
Headache 
5.7 
6.9 
7.7 
4.3 
Rash 
4.2 
3.8 
10.3 
1.4 
Dyspnea / Respiratory 
3.3 
3.1 
5.1 
2.9 
Dry Mouth 
2.8 
1.9 
5.1 
14.5 
Arthralgia 
1.7 
2.3 
5.1 
1.4 
Fever 
1.2 
3.1 
2.6 
- 
 
Less than 1%: Syncope, edema, hot flashes, hypertension, short-term memory loss, loss of 
consciousness, other psychological changes, diaphoresis, urinary hesitancy/retention, malaise, 
impotence/decreased libido, pharyngitis, congestive heart failure. 
 
An additional group of over 10,000 patients has been treated in a program allowing 
administration of mexiletine hydrochloride under compassionate use circumstances. These 
patients were seriously ill with the large majority on multiple drug therapy. Twenty-four percent 
of the patients continued in the program for one year or longer. Adverse reactions leading to 
therapy discontinuation occurred in 15 percent of patients (usually upper gastrointestinal system 


 
 
 
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or nervous system effects). In general, the more common adverse reactions were similar to those 
in the controlled trials. Less common adverse events possibly related to mexiletine use include: 
 
Cardiovascular System: Syncope and hypotension, each about 6 in 1000; bradycardia, about 4 in 
1000; angina/angina-like pain, about 3 in 1000; edema, atrioventricular block/conduction 
disturbances and hot flashes, each about 2 in 1000; atrial arrhythmias, hypertension and 
cardiogenic shock, each about 1 in 1000. 
 
Central Nervous System: Short-term memory loss, about 9 in 1000 patients; hallucinations and 
other psychological changes, each about 3 in 1000; psychosis and convulsions/seizures, each 
about 2 in 1000; loss of consciousness, about 6 in 10,000. 
 
Digestive: Dysphagia, about 2 in 1000; peptic ulcer, about 8 in 10,000; upper gastrointestinal 
bleeding, about 7 in 10,000; esophageal ulceration, about 1 in 10,000.  Rare cases of severe 
hepatitis/acute hepatic necrosis with mexiletine treatment have been reported. 
 
Skin: Rare cases of exfoliative dermatitis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome with mexiletine 
treatment have been reported. 
 
Laboratory: Abnormal liver function tests, about 5 in 1000; positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) 
and thrombocytopenia, each about 2 in 1000; leukopenia (including neutropenia and 
agranulocytosis), about 1 in 1000; myelofibrosis, about 2 in 10,000 patients. 
 
Other: Diaphoresis, about 6 in 1000; altered taste, about 5 in 1000; salivary changes, hair loss 
and impotence/decreased libido, each about 4 in 1000; malaise, about 3 in 1000; urinary 
hesitancy/retention, each about 2 in 1000; hiccups, dry skin, laryngeal and pharyngeal changes 
and changes in oral mucous membranes, each about 1 in 1000; Systemic lupus erythematosus 
(SLE) syndrome, about 4 in 10,000. 
 
Hematology: Blood dyscrasias were not seen in the controlled trials but did occur among 10,867 
patients treated with mexiletine in the compassionate use program. 
 
Myelofibrosis was reported in two patients in the compassionate use program; one was receiving 
long-term thiotepa therapy and the other had pre-treatment myeloid abnormalities. 
 
In postmarketing experience, there have been isolated, spontaneous reports of pulmonary 
changes including pulmonary infiltration and pulmonary fibrosis during mexiletine therapy with 
or without other drugs or diseases that are known to produce pulmonary toxicity. A causal 
relationship to mexiletine therapy has not been established. In addition, there have been isolated 
reports of drowsiness, nystagmus, ataxia, dyspepsia, hypersensitivity reaction, and exacerbation 
of congestive heart failure in patients with pre-existing compromised ventricular function. There 
have been rare reports of pancreatitis associated with mexiletine treatment. 
 
In the recently completed safety and tolerability study in ALS, only nausea and tremor were 
more commonly seen in treated patients compared to placebo and only in the patients treated 
with 900 mg /day. 


 
 
 
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Table 4. Adverse Events in the Safety and Tolerability Study of Mexiletine in ALS by 
MedDRA preferred term. 48 
 
 
Treatment Groups 
 
 
 
  
Mx300mg  
n=20 
Mx900mg  
n=19 
Placebo 
n=20  
p value 
Mx300mg 
vs 
placebo 
p value 
Mx900mg 
vs 
placebo 
p value 
Mx900mg 
vs 
Mx300mg 
Abdominal 
discomfort 
5% (1) 
11% (2) 
0% (0) >0.99 
0.23 
0.60 
Anxiety 
5% (1) 
16% (3) 
0% (0) >0.99 
0.11 
0.34 
Asthenia 
5% (1) 
16% (3) 10% (2) >0.99 
0.66 
0.34 
Constipation 
5% (1) 
21% (4) 10% (2) >0.99 
0.41 
0.18 
Depression 
0% (0) 
11% (2) 10% (2) 0.49 
>0.99 
0.23 
Dizziness 
15% (3) 
32% (6) 20% (4) >0.99 
0.48 
0.27 
Dysarthria 
0% (0) 
11% (2) 
0% (0) >0.99 
0.23 
0.23 
Dysgeusia 
0% (0) 
11% (2) 
0% (0) >0.99 
0.23 
0.23 
Affect 
lability 
0% (0) 
16% (3) 
0% (0) >0.99 
0.11 
0.11 
Pain in 
extremity 
0% (0) 
16% (3) 
0% (0) >0.99 
0.11 
0.11 
Fall 
10% (2) 
26% (5) 20% (4) 0.66 
0.72 
0.24 
Fatigue 
10% (2) 
21% (4) 15% (3) >0.99 
0.69 
0.41 
Headache 
10% (2) 
21% (4) 10% (2) >0.99 
0.41 
0.41 
Balance 
disorder 
0% (0) 
11% (2) 
5% (1) >0.99 
0.60 
0.23 
Muscle 
spasms 
5% (1) 
16% (3) 10% (2) >0.99 
0.66 
0.34 
Muscular 
weakness 
15% (3) 
16% (3) 15% (3) >0.99 
>0.99 
>0.99 
Nausea 
5% (1) 
42% (8) 10% (2) >0.99 
0.031 
0.008 
Tremor 
0% (0) 
26% (5) 
5% (1) >0.99 
0.091 
0.020 
 
Values are % (N). Significant comparisons (p<0.05) are in bold. Mx300mg = 300 mg of 
mexileine daily. Mx900mg = 900 mg of mexiletine daily. 


 
 
 
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2.2.4. 
Selection of Dosage in the Study 
Studies of mexiletine designed to determine the efficacy of the drug in treating neuropathic pain 
and myotonia have largely demonstrated benefit with minimal side effects at doses between 300-
600 mg a day. However, mexiletine dosing is generally higher for the prevention of cardiac 
arrhythmias, typically 900 mg to 1200 mg a day, with about 20% of patients developing side 
effects. Given that the optimal dose of mexiletine is not known for neuroprotection in ALS, 
though 900 mg/day was not shown to be tolerable in the previous study, the doses for this current 
mexiletine study, 300 mg and 600 mg, were chosen to be within the spectrum of dosing for these 
neurologic and non-neurologic disorders with an acceptable side effect profile at the higher dose. 
2.3 
Other Potential Risks and Benefits 
Overall, it is believed that the risks of the study are small compared to the devastating impact of 
the clinical disease and that the potential for improved clinical understanding, treatment and 
future benefit outweigh the risk to the study subjects of this FDA-approved medication and the 
associated other risks described here.  
2.3.1 
Potential Risks 
Potential risks 
include those 
associated 
with 
mexiletine treatment, 
blood 
draws, 
neurophysiological studies, risk due to compromise of medical information and psychological 
risk. 
 
Blood Draw: A blood draw may cause pain, bruising and/or bleeding at the needle site. 
Occasionally, a person feels faint when blood is drawn. Rarely, an infection may develop, which 
can be treated. 
 
Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) Testing: The risks and discomforts associated with the Slow Vital 
Capacity testing include feeling tired, light-headed or short of breath. These symptoms will 
disappear with rest.  
 
Questionnaires: The ALSFRS-R Questionnaire and the RAND-36 may cause participants to feel 
sad or upset about how ALS has changed how well they can perform daily activities, and how it 
has affected their quality of life. Participants may get tired or bored when they are asked 
questions or completing questionnaires. They do not have to answer any question they do not 
want to answer. 
 
Abductor pollicis brevis (APB) Testing via Hand Held Dynamometry (HHD): The only known 
risks and side effects associated with the muscle strength testing include fatigue (tiredness) or 
muscle cramping.  These will get better with rest.  There may be other risks or side effects that 
are not known at this time. 
 
TMS/TTNCS: There are small risks associated with neurophysiological tests. TMS is associated 
with risk of headache (common), neck pain (uncommon), tinnitus and transient decreased 
hearing (made minimal by wearing ear plugs), seizure (rare), skin irritation (common), changes 
in memory (theoretical), attention (theoretical) or other cognitive function (theoretical) or other 


 
 
 
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unknown risk. The threshold tracking NCS (TTNCS) tests can be associated with mild to 
moderate discomfort and transient skin irritation due to either electrodes or stimulation. 
 
Other Risks:  Reviewing health related information might be stressful or make participants feel 
uncomfortable. Participants do not have to answer any questions they do not want to, and may 
stop the interview at any time if it is too uncomfortable.  
 
Despite the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protections and the best efforts 
of the research team, there may still be a risk if information about participants were to become 
known to people outside of this study. 
 
Genetic information is unique to the participant, even without their name or other identifiers. For 
this reason, genetic information like DNA may be used to identify participants and possibly their 
family members.  The main risk of allowing us to store and use participant samples and certain 
limited health information for research is a potential loss of privacy. We will protect participant 
privacy by labeling participant samples and information only with a code, and keeping the key to 
the code in a password protected database. However, there is the risk this can happen as new 
ways of tracing genetic information are being developed that may make re-identification of 
genetic information possible. 
 
Genetic information that results from this study does not have medical or treatment importance at 
this time. However, there is a risk that information about taking part in a genetic study may 
influence insurance companies and/or employers regarding participant health, or have a negative 
impact on family or other relationships. To further safeguard privacy, genetic information 
obtained in this study will not be placed in the medical record.  Samples will be coded. 
 
There may be other side effects and discomforts that are not yet known.   
2.3.2. 
Potential Benefits 
There are no specific anticipated potential benefits to subjects for participating in this study, 
although subjects may benefit from the close follow-up and detailed medical care associated with 
study participation. It is not known whether treatment with mexiletine will be helpful for ALS 
subjects. It is possible that results from the study may yield benefits to future ALS patients. 


 
 
 
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3.0. 
STUDY OBJECTIVES 
3.1. 
Primary 
The primary study objective is to determine whether treatment with mexiletine at doses of 300 
mg or 600 mg/day suppresses cortical hyperexcitability in sporadic ALS patients relative to 
placebo, and, thus, may be able to slow progression in ALS.  The change in RMT, estimated 
from single pulse TMS measurements made before treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment, and 
then again after a 4 week washout, will be used as the primary pharmacodynamic marker of 
cortical hyperexcitability. 
3.2. 
Secondary 
Secondary pharmacodynamics outcome measures will include effects on motor evoked potential 
(MEP) amplitude (as a % of CMAP) and cortical silent period (CSP) measured by single pulse 
TMS, and SICI measured by dual pulse TMS, as additional pharmacodynamic markers of 
cortical hyperexcitability, prior to and following treatment with mexiletine or placebo. 
Additionally, as a pharmacodynamic marker of peripheral motor nerve axonal hyperexcitability, 
threshold tracking nerve conduction studies (TTNCS) will be performed to assess strength 
duration time constant and recovery cycle analysis. Safety and tolerability and determination of 
mexiletine concentrations in blood at the time of each of the four TMS studies will also be 
assessed. Additionally, the effect on frequency and severity of muscle cramps and fasciculations 
will be assessed using a daily muscle cramps/fasciculations diary from the Baseline Visit through 
the Week 8 Visit and using an assessment form at the Baseline Visit. ALS Functional Rating 
Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and slow vital capacity (SVC) will be obtained at Screening, Pre-
Dose Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable as exploratory 
outcomes. 


 
 
 
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4.0. 
STUDY DESIGN 
4.1. 
Overall Study Design and Plan 
During the enrollment period, approximately 90 sporadic ALS (sALS) patients will be screened 
at approximately 9 Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) centers in the US.  Approximately 60 
eligible sALS subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to oral mexiletine 300 mg/day, 
600 mg/day or matching placebo. After randomization, subjects will undergo the Baseline Visit 
and take their first dose of study drug in clinic at that visit.  All visit windows are consecutive 
calendar days and are calculated from the day the participant has their Baseline Visit (Day 1).  
 
In the phase II study, within three weeks following screening, RMT will be assessed by single 
pulse TMS prior to initiating study drug (baseline), four weeks after initiating placebo or 
mexiletine at either 300 mg or 600 mg per day, and then again after a four week washout period. 
Therefore, there will be a total of four visits (screening, baseline, week 4, and week 8). To ensure 
tolerance, the medication dose will be escalated over the course of one week. The RMT will 
serve as a pharmacodynamic marker of the effects on cortical excitability in ALS using this 
medication. The goal of these studies is to determine if targeting this putative mechanism of 
motor neuron injury in ALS reduces this excitability (significantly increases the RMT), which 
may serve as a pathogenic mechanism for the disease, potentially slowing progression in ALS.   
 
Secondary outcome measures will include effects on MEP amplitude % and CSP measured by 
single pulse TMS, and SICI by dual pulse TMS, as additional pharmacodynamics markers of 
cortical hyperexcitability and TTNCS as a pharmacodynamic marker of peripheral motor axonal 
hyperexcitability (and therefore a potential marker for the therapeutic effect of mexiletine on 
muscle cramps and fasciculations), prior to and following treatment with mexiletine or placebo 
and then again after withdrawal of treatment. Safety and tolerability and determination of 
mexiletine concentrations in blood at the time of each of the two post-baseline TMS studies will 
also be assessed. Additionally, the effects on muscle cramps and fasciculations will be 
determined utilizing an Assessment Form at Baseline, and by employing a daily muscle 
cramping and fasciculations diary describing both frequency and severity of these symptoms 
from the Baseline Visit through the Week 8 Visit. Finally, ALSFRS-R, APB testing via HHD, 
and SVC will be obtained at Screening, Pre-Dose Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 or the Final 
Safety Visit, if applicable.  
4.2 
Informed Consent 
At the screening visit, prior to initiation of any study-related procedures, research participants 
will give their written consent to participate in the study after having been informed about the 
nature and purpose of the study, participation/termination conditions, and risks and benefits.  
 
The appropriate ICF will be presented to the research participant and reviewed by the Site 
Investigator or study staff designee. The original signed and dated consent form will be 
maintained in the participant’s research file.  One copy of the signed informed consent form will 
be given to the research participant and one will remain in the research participant’s medical/ 
research record per site standards. The Site Investigator will determine study eligibility as 
determined by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 


 
 
 
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Informed consent can only be obtained by the Site Investigator for the purposes of this research 
study. 
4.3. 
Study Centers 
This study will be conducted at approximately 9 NEALS centers in the US selected because of 
their excellent record of recruitment, compliance with study protocols and regulations, clinical 
research expertise and resources. 
4.4. 
Study Duration 
There will be an enrollment period of approximately 40 weeks (10 months) during which time 
subjects will be screened and randomized. Subjects will receive study medication for a total of 4 
weeks (1 month). 
4.5. 
Protocol Adherence 
Each Site Investigator must adhere to the protocol detailed in this document and agree that any 
changes to the protocol must be approved by the Coordination Center or their representative 
prior to seeking approval from the site IRB.  Each Site Investigator will be responsible for 
enrolling only those study subjects who have met protocol eligibility criteria. 
 
 


 
 
 
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5.0. 
STUDY ENROLLEMENT AND WITHDRAWAL 
5.1. 
Number of Study Subjects 
Approximately 60 subjects will be enrolled and equally randomized 1:1:1 to receive 300 mg/day 
oral mexiletine or 600 mg/day oral mexiletine or placebo.  
5.2. 
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria 
5.2.1.       Inclusion Criteria 
Volunteers will be eligible if they meet the following criteria: 
1. Sporadic ALS diagnosed as possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or 
definite ALS as defined by revised El Escorial criteria. 
2. Age 18 years or older. 
3. Symptom onset of weakness or spasticity due to ALS ≤ 60 months prior to Screening 
Visit. 
4. Slow vital capacity (SVC) measure ≥50% of predicted for gender, height, and age at 
the screening visit. 
5. Must be able to swallow capsules throughout the course of the study, according to 
Site Investigator judgment. 
6. Capable of providing informed consent and following trial procedures. 
7. For TMS: a resting motor threshold, defined as 50% of pulses eliciting a motor 
evoked potential (MEP) of amplitude ≥ 50 µV.  
8. For TTNCS: Median CMAP ≥ 1.5 mV.  
9. Subjects must not have taken riluzole for at least 30 days or be on a stable dose of 
riluzole for at least 30 days prior to the Screening Visit and continue on the stable 
dose throughout the course of the study (riluzole-naïve subjects are permitted in the 
study). 
10. Subjects must not have taken medication for muscle cramping such as 
cyclobenzaprine, baclofen, carisoprodol, or methacarbamol, for at least 30 days prior 
to screening or be on a stable dose for at least 60 days prior to screening. 
11. Geographic accessibility to the site. 
12. Women must not become pregnant for the duration of the study and must be willing 
to use two contraceptive therapies and have a negative pregnancy test throughout the 
course of the study. 
13. Use of medications known to affect the neurophysiology measures in the study must 
be scheduled, not as needed (pro re nata, PRN). A subject must have been on a fixed 
dose for 30 days prior to the Screening Visit, and there must be no reason to believe 
that a subsequent change would be necessary during the course of the study. These 
medications include: benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, 
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, 
hypnotics (including anti-histamines) and anti-cholinergics. 
5.2.2.  
Exclusion Criteria 
Volunteers who meet any of the following criteria are not eligible: 
1. Invasive ventilator dependence, such as tracheostomy. 
2. Creatinine level greater than 1.5 mg/dL at screening. 


 
 
 
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3. SGOT (AST) / SGPT (ALT) greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal at 
screening.  
4. History of known sensitivity or intolerability to mexiletine or lidocaine. 
5. Any history of either substance abuse within the past year, unstable psychiatric 
disease, cognitive impairment, or dementia.  
6. Clinically significant conduction abnormalities on electrocardiogram or a known 
history of cardiac arrhythmia. 
7. Known history of epilepsy. 
8. Known history of congestive heart failure (CHF) or history of myocardial infarction 
within the past 24 months. 
9. Use of mexiletine for 30 days prior to Screening Visit. 
10. Exposure to any other experimental agent (off-label use or investigational) including 
high dose creatine (>10 grams a day) within 30 days prior to Screening Visit. 
11. Metal in the head and neck region, cardiac pacemaker or brain stimulator, cochlear 
implants, implanted infusion device or personal history of epilepsy. 
12. Use of amiodarone, flecainide, duloxetine, tizanidine, or clozapine. 
13. Pregnant women or women currently breastfeeding. 
14. Placement of Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS) device < 60 days prior to Screening 
Visit. 
15. Planned DPS device implantation during study participation. 
 
Riluzole. Subjects taking concomitant riluzole at study entry must be on a stable dose for 30 days 
prior to the Screening Visit and must continue taking the same dosage throughout the study, 
unless the Site Investigator determines that riluzole should be discontinued for medical reasons.     
Date of ALS Symptom Onset. For the purposes of this study, the date of symptom onset will be 
defined as the date the subject first had symptoms of their disease, i.e., weakness.  To be eligible 
for this study, the date of symptom onset must be no greater than exactly 60 months prior to the 
Screening Visit date. 
5.3. 
Re-screening 
Participants who are determine ineligible may be re-screened a single time if their ineligibility 
was due to one of the following time-limited or modifiable criteria: inclusion criterion 2, 8, 9, 10, 
11, or 13 or exclusion criterion 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, or 15.  Re-screened participants will be issued a 
new screening identifier that is linked to their original screening identifier. 
5.4 
Randomization Procedures 
A permuted-block randomization schedule, stratified by site and use of riluzole at screening, will 
be developed by the study statistician with assignments in a 1:1:1 ratio among 300 mg/day oral 
mexiletine, 600 mg/day oral mexiletine, and placebo. If a randomized subject withdraws from 
the study prior to initiating study drug, their assignment will be released and re-used.  
5.5. 
Reasons for Withdrawal 
A subject will be withdrawn from the study if: 
 Any clinical AE, laboratory abnormality, concurrent illness, or other medical condition or 
situation occurs such that continued participation in the study would not be in the best 


 
 
 
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interest of the subject. Note, however, that any subject who has initiated treatment should 
only discontinue study drug and remain on study if the safety concern relates to study 
drug and not to study procedures. 
 The subject no longer meets eligibility criteria at any time prior to initiating study drug or 
is discovered at anytime to have been enrolled in error. 
 
Subjects are free to withdraw from participation in the study at any time upon request. 
5.6. 
Handling of Withdrawals 
The medical monitor should be notified in all instances a subject may choose to discontinue their 
participation, start a prohibited medication, or wishes to withdraw consent. 
 
A subject may choose to discontinue participation in the study at any time.  However, the SI or 
designee will encourage subjects to continue with follow-up, regardless of their compliance with 
study drug. If a subject who initiated study drug permanently discontinues study drug, the SI or 
designee should still encourage subjects to follow the study protocol under the modified intent-
to-treat principle (ITT). Subjects unable or unwilling to return for clinic visits should be 
encouraged to receive follow-up telephone calls per the study visit schedule up to Week 8. These 
calls will include administration of the ALSFRS-R and review of adverse events and 
concomitant medications.  Loss to follow-up should be prevented whenever possible 
 
Any subject who is on study drug and needs to begin the use of any prohibited medication, must 
immediately discontinue use of study drug and should not begin use of the prohibited medication 
before an appropriate wash-out period occurs.  Subjects who permanently discontinue study drug 
should return any unused study drug and complete early study drug discontinuation procedures 
without any study drug unblinding, if possible.  Subjects who must permanently discontinue 
study drug may continue in the ITT portion of the study, per protocol. 
 
If a subject wishes to withdraw consent, i.e., withdraw his or her participation in future study 
procedures, the subject will be asked to delay consent withdrawal to allow for a final safety visit 
and final safety telephone call. The subject will be asked to return to the study site for a final 
safety visit within 14 days of asking to withdraw consent. The subject will also be asked to have 
a final telephone call no sooner than 28 days after taking their last dose of study drug to monitor 
their safety and to permit review of their medical records at the end of the study to document 
their vital status.  
 
Subjects who discontinue study drug due to an AE will be followed for outcome measures under 
the ITT protocol as noted above.  
5.7. 
Termination of Study  
This study may be prematurely terminated if, in the opinion of the PI or sponsor, there is 
sufficient reasonable cause.  Written notification, documenting the reason for study termination, 
will be provided to the PI or sponsor by the terminating party. 
 
Circumstances that may warrant termination include, but are not limited to: 
 Determination of unexpected, significant, or unacceptable risk to subjects. 


 
 
 
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 Enrollment is unsatisfactory. 
 Insufficient adherence to protocol requirements. 
 Data that is not sufficiently complete and/or evaluable.  
 Plans to modify, suspend or discontinue the development of the study drug. 
 
If the study is prematurely terminated or suspended, the sponsor will promptly inform the 
investigators/institutions, of the termination or suspension and the reason(s) for the termination 
or suspension.  The site IRBs will also be informed promptly and provided the reason(s) for the 
termination or suspension by the sponsor or by the investigator/institution. Study subjects will be 
called to explain the decision to terminate the trial and asked to return study drug at a final safety 
visit scheduled to occur within 14 days after last known dose of study drug. If the study was 
prematurely terminated due to safety concerns, they will be provided with relevant safety 
information to share with their primary care provider. 
 


 
 
 
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6.0. 
TREATMENT OF SUBJECTS 
6.1. 
Treatments 
6.1.1. 
Mexitil 
Mexitil (Mexiletine hydrochloride [mexiletine]) is an orally active anti-arrhythmic agent 
available as 150 mg, 200 mg and 250 mg capsules. One-hundred milligrams (100 mg) of 
mexiletine is equivalent to 83.31 mg of mexiletine base. It is a white to off-white crystalline 
powder with slightly bitter taste, freely soluble in water and in alcohol. Mexiletine has a pKa of 
9.2. 
Chemically, mexiletine 1-methyl-2-(2, 6-xylyloxy) ethylamine hydrochloride has the following 
structural formula: 
 
 
Mexiletine capsules contain the following excipients: corn starch, NF.  The capsule shell 
contains: FD&C Yellow #6, gelatin and titanium dioxide.  The 150 mg capsule also contains 
D&C Red #28 and FD&C Blue #1. The imprinting ink contains ammonium hydroxide, black 
iron oxide, D&C Yellow #10, ethyl alcohol, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Blue #2, FD&C Red #40, 
isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol and shellac.  
The mexiletine capsules will be over-encapsulated in #00 Swedish Orange Opaque (4188) 
capsules and will be overfilled with corn starch, NF. 
6.1.2. 
Placebo 
A matched placebo will be used to maintain the dosage-blind.  The placebo capsules for this 
study will match the corresponding mexiletine capsules in size, color, and presentation. 
 
The placebo capsules are #00 Swedish Orange Opaque (4188) capsules and will be overfilled 
with corn starch, NF. 
Administration of matching placebo will be the same as for subjects in the two mexiletine 
treatment groups. 
6.2. 
Treatments Administered 
The three treatment arms include placebo, mexiletine 300 mg/day, and mexiletine 600 mg/day.  
Mexiletine or the matching placebo will be taken orally as a capsule. Subjects must be able to 


 
 
 
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swallow oral medication at the Baseline Visit and expected to be able to swallow the capsule 
throughout the course of the study to be eligible for enrollment.   The capsules must not be 
opened and mixed with food/drink or any gastrostomy feedings.  Study drug capsules must be 
taken with solid food or antacids.  It may not be taken with a liquid diet.   
Capsules will contain 150 mg of either placebo or mexiletine and will be administered 
concurrently from two bottles containing 60 capsules each.  Study subjects will be titrated up to 
the appropriate dosage level over the course of 7 days (see Table 5. Study Drug Titration 
Schedule).  After the titration period, the subject will continue at the target dosage level of 2 
capsules twice a day until the Week 4 Visit.  Mexiletine and placebo will be packaged in kits.  
Each subject is expected to utilize one kit during study participation.  Additional drug kits will be 
shipped to each site, as needed based on enrollment. 
Mexiletine or placebo will be started at the Baseline Visit and continue treatment until the Week 
4 Visit. The day that a subject starts treatment with study drug will be designated as Day 1.  All 
subsequent visits must be scheduled from the Baseline Visit, not the date of their last assessment.    
The first dose of study treatment will be administered in the clinic by authorized site personnel 
and will be observed in clinic for 1-2 hours post-dose.  
6.2.1. 
Dosage Initiation/Escalation 
Given the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects to taking mexiletine, a titration approach was chosen 
for this study. Mexiletine will be supplied as 150 mg capsules in bottles containing 60 capsules.  
Study drug kits will contain two bottles labeled 1 and 2.  Each participant will start with 1 
capsule a day, the first dose taken at the Baseline Visit and the second taken in the am from 
bottle 1 for 2 days (Day 1 – 2).  Subjects will follow the titration schedule illustrated below in 
Table 5 until the full study dosage level is reached at Day 7.  After initial titration, subjects will 
take 2 capsules of study drug in the morning and in the evening.  One capsule will be taken from 
each bottle labeled with a 1 in the morning and evening until the Week 4 Visit. Each bottle is 
good for 4 weeks of dosing.  
Table 5. Study Drug Titration Schedule 
Number of capsules per bottle per day – Bottle 1 and 2 
 
Day 1-2 
Day 3-4 
Day 5-6 
Day 7 
Bottle #1 
1 QD 
1 BID 
1 BID 
1 BID 
Bottle #2 
- 
- 
1 Q AM 
1 BID 
 
6.3. 
Method of Assigning Study Subjects to Treatment Groups (Randomization) 
Each subject who meets all eligibility criteria, is accepted for the study, and signs an informed 
consent form will be randomized to receive mexiletine 300 mg/day or mexiletine 600 mg/day or 
placebo on a 1:1:1 basis. Randomization will be stratified by site and use of riluzole at screening. 


 
 
 
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The randomization scheme will be independently developed by the Biostatistics Center and will 
indicate the treatment assignment and the subject numbers to be used by each site. A 
programmer in the Biostatistics Center will develop the plan under the guidance of the chief 
biostatistician.   
6.4. 
Study Drug Adjustments, Dosage Reductions and Suspensions 
Any dosage adjustment including the reason for and dates of adjustment will be documented in 
the CRF for each subject requiring this manipulation. The Site Investigator or licensed physician 
Sub-Investigator has the option of reducing or temporarily stopping the study drug for AEs 
thought to be related to the study drug or any other reason during the trial (the reason for, and 
dates of suspension or dose reduction must be documented). If the adverse event is mild or 
moderate, the dosage may be reduced until the event improves (See Table 6. Study Drug 
Reduction Schedule). The Site Investigator may then choose to resume the higher dosage or 
maintain the subject at a reduced dosage. If the event is serious or life threatening, and deemed to 
be drug related, the study drug should be discontinued immediately. Study subjects may remain 
off the study drug permanently, until the condition improves or they may resume on a reduced 
dosage, as advised by the Site Investigator.  Subjects may not resume study drug after a 
suspension that is longer than 10 days. Any resumption of drug after a suspension requires 
approval from the Medical Monitor. All adverse events will be followed for resolution or 28+5 
days after stopping study drug.     
Table 6. Study Drug Reduction Schedule: Number of capsules per bottle per day 
 
Day 1-2 Dose 
Reduction 
Day 3-4 Dose 
Reduction 
Day 5-6 Dose 
Reduction 
Bottle #1 
1 BID 
1 BID 
1 Q AM 
Bottle #2 
1 Q AM 
- 
- 
 
6.4.4. 
Dosage Re-Challenge 
The Site Investigator or licensed physician Sub-Investigator may choose to re-challenge a subject 
after approval from the Medical Monitor if the adverse event resolves or it is felt that the study 
subject can continue safely.  Subjects may not resume study drug after a suspension that is longer 
than 10 days. 
6.4.5. 
Dosage Discontinuation 
Reasons for discontinuation of study medication may include an adverse event, Medical Monitor 
or Site Investigator recommendation, Sponsor termination, protocol violation, loss to follow-up, 
patient request, or death.  All serious adverse events (SAEs) that occur in a subject who has 
terminated early must be recorded and reported within 24 hours of awareness.   
Study subjects who discontinue study drug prematurely should remain on study as described in 
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6.5. 
Blinding 
The Randomization ID will be used to identify the subject's electronic case report forms 
(eCRFs), laboratory tests, study medication and all communications.  Study Subjects, 
Investigators, Coordinators, Clinical Evaluators (and all other study site staff), Study Monitors, 
Project Management, Clinical Laboratory and Data Management personnel, and the Sponsor will 
be blinded to treatment group assignment throughout the study. Only the Biostatistician 
developing the randomization schedule, the Research Pharmacists at the Central Pharmacy and 
the Site Pharmacist storing and distributing the study drug at each site will be unblinded to the 
individual drug assignments in this study. 
6.5.1. 
Emergency Unblinding 
An emergency unblinding procedure will allow the Site Investigator the option of learning the 
treatment assignment for an individual subject if clinical circumstances require it.  For 
unblinding, the Site Investigator must contact the Medical Monitor.  The Site Investigator should 
attempt to contact the NCRI Coordination Center prior to completing emergency unblinding if 
time allows. If this is not possible, the site must inform the NCRI Coordination Center as soon as 
possible regarding the emergency unblinding and the circumstances surrounding it.  The Site 
Investigator must document the reason for unblinding in the subject’s source documents.  
Rarely should such an extreme action be taken.  Experimental medications can usually be 
withdrawn without the need for unblinding.  Sites should take care to unblind only those study 
staff member(s) and other persons whose knowledge of the treatment assignment is necessary for 
the clinical safety of the subject.  Sites should take all reasonable measures to keep study staff, 
NCRI Coordination Center staff and the subject blinded to treatment assignment, especially site 
staff completing any Early Termination Visit procedures, if possible.   
In the event that emergency disclosure of treatment assignment is necessary, the study subject 
will be withdrawn from further participation in the trial.  All adverse events (AEs) resulting in 
emergency unblinding will be followed for resolution.   
6.6. 
Excluded, Prior and Concomitant Medications 
Throughout the study, Site Investigators or licensed physician Sub-Investigators may prescribe 
concomitant medications or treatments deemed necessary to provide adequate supportive care 
provided that the medications are licensed in the US and not prohibited.   
Study subjects should not receive other experimental therapy during the study.  This includes 
marketed agents at experimental dosages that are being tested for the treatment of ALS.  Subjects 
and/or primary caregivers should consult with the site Principal Investigator or licensed 
physician Sub-Investigator prior to initiating any new medication, including non-prescription 
compounds or any other non-drug therapy. 
The following medications are prohibited when given on an as needed (PRN) basis. A subject 
must therefore be on a stable dose for 30 days prior to the Screening Visit, and the dose must not 
change during the course of the study, unless there is a safety risk to the subject, in which case 
the change must be documented at the subsequent clinical encounter. 
* 
Benzodiazepines 


 
 
 
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* 
Muscle relaxants  
* 
Tricyclic antidepressants 
* 
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 
* 
Non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 
* 
Sedating antihistamines including the following: 
 
Alimemazine 
 
Chlorphenamine 
 
Clemastine 
 
Cyproheptadine 
 
Hydroxyzine 
 
Ketotifen 
 
Promethazine 
* 
Anti-cholinergics. 
Any investigational therapy being used or evaluated for the treatment of ALS is prohibited 
beginning 30 days prior to Screening Visit and throughout the study.  This includes, but is not 
limited to, the following: 
o Pioglitazone 
o Arimoclomol 
o Olanzapine 
o Tamoxifen 
o Mexiletine 
o NP001 
o Ezogabine (Retigabine) 
o Tocilizumab (Actemra) 
o Tirasemtiv 
o Ibudilast 
o Fingolimod 
o Ozanezumab (GSK 1223249) 
o Rasagiline 
o Memantine 
o CK-2017357 
o CK-2127107 
o RNS60 (Revalesio) 
o Masitinib 
o Immune Modulating Treatments   
o Anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) or other gene experimental therapies targeting SOD1 
or C9orf72 
 
The Site Investigator should contact the medical monitor with any questions regarding prohibited 
concomitant medication usage. 
 
6.6.1. 
Drug Interactions 
Due to increased risk of prolonged QT and cardiac arrhythmias, study subjects will not be able to 
take concomitantly the anti-arrhythmics amiodarone and flecainide. The use of duloxetine, 


 
 
 
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tizanidine, and clozapine will also be prohibited in this study due to their ability to inhibit hepatic 
metabolism and alter mexiletine levels. Site investigators should contact the medical monitor for 
concerns about potential interactions with other medications. 
6.7. 
Treatment Compliance 
Subjects will be instructed to return their empty and unused study medication bottle at the Week 
4 Visit or the Final Safety Visit, whichever occurs first. Site personnel will review returned and 
unused study medication to determine compliance.  
Non-compliance will be otherwise defined as taking less than 80% or more than 120% of study 
medication as determined by capsule counts.  If a study subject is non-compliant with study 
medication, the Site Investigator and staff should re-educate and train the subject in 
administration of study drug. Data indicating non-compliance will be used in the end of study 
analysis.   
6.8. 
Study Drug Storage 
The Site Investigator must ensure that all investigational drug supplies are kept in a locked, safe 
area at room temperature (68-77°F) with access limited to those directly involved in the study. 
Investigational drug supplies should not be repackaged in any way.  
6.9. 
Warnings/Precautions 
Mexiletine should be used cautiously in patients with known hypersensitivity to other class IB 
anti-arrhythmics. For this reason, subjects who have had a previous reaction to lidocaine will be 
excluded from this study. Mexiletine can uncommonly cause seizures, especially in patients with 
a known history of seizures and should be used cautiously in this setting. Cigarette smoking can 
diminish the efficacy of mexiletine and should be restricted in patients taking mexiletine. 
Mexiletine can also prolong the stimulant effects of caffeine and its intake should also be limited. 
6.9.1. 
Death or Heart Attack 
Antiarrhythmic drugs, similar to mexiletine, have been reported to increase the risk of death or 
heart attack, especially in people who have had a heart attack within the past 2 years. Mexiletine 
may increase the chance of having arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and has not been proven to 
help people without life-threatening arrhythmias to live longer.  
6.9.2. 
Acute Liver Injury 
In post-marketing experience abnormal liver function tests have been reported, some in the first 
few weeks of therapy with mexiletine. Most of these have been observed in the setting of 
congestive heart failure or ischemia and their relationship to mexiletine has not been established.   
6.9.3. 
General 
If a ventricular pacemaker is operative, patients with second or third degree heart block may be 
treated with mexiletine if continuously monitored. A limited number of patients (45 of 475 in 
controlled clinical trials) with pre-existing first degree AV block were treated with mexiletine; 
none of these patients developed second or third degree AV block. Caution should be exercised 
when it is used in such patients or in patients with pre-existing sinus node dysfunction or 
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Like other antiarrhythmics, mexiletine can cause worsening of arrhythmias. This has been 
uncommon in patients with less serious arrhythmias (frequent premature beats or non-sustained 
ventricular tachycardia), but is of greater concern in patients with life-threatening arrhythmias 
such as sustained ventricular tachycardia. In patients with such arrhythmias subjected to 
programmed electrical stimulation or to exercise provocation, 10-15% of patients had 
exacerbation of the arrhythmia, a rate not greater than that of other agents. 
 
Mexiletine should be used with caution in patients with hypotension and severe congestive heart 
failure  (CHF) because of the potential for aggravating these conditions. 
 
Since mexiletine is metabolized in the liver, and hepatic impairment has been reported to prolong 
the elimination half-life of mexiletine, patients with liver disease should be followed carefully 
while receiving mexiletine. The same caution should be observed in patients with hepatic 
dysfunction secondary to congestive heart failure.  
 
Concurrent drug therapy or dietary regimens which may markedly alter urinary pH should be 
avoided during mexiletine therapy. The minor fluctuations in urinary pH associated with normal 
diet do not affect the excretion of mexiletine. 
6.9.4. 
Pregnancy & Nursing Mothers 
Subjects or partners of male subjects should not become pregnant during the study.  If a 
female subject becomes pregnant, study treatment must be discontinued immediately.  
 
Reproduction studies performed with mexiletine hydrochloride in rats, mice and rabbits at doses 
up to four times the maximum human oral dose (24 mg/kg in a 50 kg patient) revealed no 
evidence of teratogenicity or impaired fertility but did show an increase in fetal resorption. 
 
Mexiletine appears in human milk in concentrations similar to those observed in plasma. 
Therefore, no subject should nurse their infant while participating in this study. 
 
6.9.5. 
Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS) Device 
Subjects should not undergo DPS implantation surgery during the study. If a subject does 
undergo DPS implantation surgery during the study, study treatment must be discontinued 
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7.0. 
SAFETY VARIABLES AND OUTCOME MEASURES 
7.1. 
Safety Variables 
The safety of mexiletine will be evaluated using vital signs, weight, clinical laboratory 
determinations, physical examinations, AEs (including deaths and other SAEs), use of 
concomitant medications and treatment discontinuations (tolerability).  
7.1.1. 
Vital Signs, Height and Weight 
Vital signs will be obtained after the subject has been in a seated position for at least 3 minutes.  
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate (radial artery) will be obtained at specified 
visits.  Height will be measured and recorded at the Screening Visit only.  Weight and vital signs 
will be measured and recorded at Screening, Pre-Dose and Post-Dose Baseline, Week 4, and 
Week 8 or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. 
7.1.2. 
Clinical Laboratory Assessments 
The following laboratory tests will be performed to assess the safety profile of mexiletine: 
o Hematology and differential panel: complete blood count with differential (hematocrit, 
hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], mean corpuscular hemoglobin 
concentration [MCHC], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], platelets, red blood cell count 
[RBC], white blood cell count [WBC], RBC morphology, basophils, eosinophils, 
lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils) 
o Blood chemistry panel: ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), albumin, calcium, chloride, 
alkaline phosphatase, bicarbonate, cholesterol, creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, direct 
bilirubin, Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, phosphorus, potassium, 
sodium, total bilirubin, total protein, triglycerides, urea nitrogen 
o Serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) for women of childbearing potential 
(WOCBP) to be completed at screening visit 
o Serum or urine human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) for women of childbearing 
potential (WOCBP) to be completed at  Baseline (pre-dose), Week 4 and Week 8 visits 
All subjects will have safety laboratory tests as above at the Screening Visit and Weeks 4 and 8, 
or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. These samples will be analyzed locally at the site’s 
institutional laboratory. If a subject is unable to go to the clinic for the testing, other 
arrangements may be made with the approval of the NCRI Coordination Center. The Site 
Investigator may order additional testing, if needed, to further assess an adverse event, or if there 
is any suspicion that a subject may be pregnant. 
7.1.3. 
Mexiletine Levels/Biomarker Samples  
Subjects will have blood drawn to assess a random mexiletine plasma concentration at the Pre-
Dose Baseline Visit and Weeks 4, and 8 or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. Levels will be 
assayed in a blinded fashion by an experienced clinical pharmacologist at Tufts University 


 
 
 
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Public Health in Boston, MA.  Tufts University will be analyzing plasma for mexiletine trough 
levels. 
Additionally, subjects will have blood drawn for storage and use though the New York Genome 
Center (NYGC) and the NEALS Biorepository.   
7.1.3.1. 
DNA Collection 
Consented patients will have blood drawn for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction for 
genome sequencing at the Baseline Visit.  Blood samples will be stored at the New York Genome 
Center (NYGC) in New York City, NY.  
 
The NYGC will be conducting the sequencing of the de-identified samples, doing the analysis of 
the sequencing and sharing the results of such sequencing and analysis with researchers pursuant 
to this protocol, as well as uploading the data to data repositories such as the National Institutes 
of Health (NIH) Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP).  
7.1.3.2. 
Plasma Collection  
Consented patients will have blood drawn for plasma processing, storage and use in the NEALS 
Biorepository at the Pre-Dose Baseline, Weeks 4, and 8 Visits or the Final Safety Visit, if 
applicable.  These samples will be used for future research in motor neuron diseases.    
7.1.4. 
12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) 
A standard 12-lead ECG will be performed at the Screening Visit, Post-Dose Baseline Visit and 
Weeks 4, and 8 or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. A copy of the tracings will be kept on site 
as part of the source documents.  The following measures will be obtained: heart rate, RR 
interval, PR interval, QRS interval, QT interval, and either Bazett-corrected QT interval or 
Fridericia-corrected QT interval, and any clinical abnormalities. The ECG will be reviewed same 
day by the site PI. The following conditions will be brought to the attention of the reviewing 
cardiologist and medical monitor. The medical monitor will determine if the subject should 
discontinue study medication.  
 any significant change from the screening ECG noted by the reviewing cardiologist  
 a PR interval > 200 ms  
 a QRS complex > 120 ms  
 a QTc interval > 450 ms in males or > 470 ms in females 
7.1.5. 
Physical and Neurological Examinations 
A physical examination will be performed and recorded at Screening Visit, Week 4, and Week 8 
or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable and will include the following systems: head/neck, eyes, 
ears, nose/throat, cardiovascular, lungs, abdomen, musculoskeletal, central nervous system, 
extremities, and skin. In addition, an abbreviated neurological examination will be performed at 
the Screening Visit, Week 4, Week 8, and the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. The examination 
will include assessment of mental status, cranial nerves, motor and sensory function, reflexes, 
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7.1.6. 
Adverse Events 
Adverse events will be documented at each study visit, including the Screening Visit once the 
informed consent form has been signed by the subject.  Information on adverse effects of study 
medication and on inter-current events will be determined at each visit by direct questioning of 
the subjects, clinical examination, review of concomitant medications, vital signs and laboratory 
test results.  Tolerability will be determined by the ability to complete the study on the assigned 
treatment at the assigned dose. Subjects on a dose reduction are considered intolerant. Side 
effects that would not be tolerable in a drug chronically administered are of particular interest.  
Given the severity of the disease, some significant side effects might be tolerated.  
7.2. 
Outcome Measures 
7.2.1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Threshold Tracking Nerve Conduction 
Studies 
As a primary outcome measure, the RMT will be recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis 
muscle. The RMT is defined as the minimum stimulus intensity required to elicit a 50 V MEP 
in at least 5/10 trials. RMT is thought to reflect the density of corticomotoneuronal projections 
onto the spinal motor neuron. It is also a biomarker of corticomotor neuronal excitability, in part 
correlating with persistent sodium current [49]. 
 
As secondary outcome measures, the slope of the input/output curve of the relationship between 
stimulus strength and MEP output and the maximum MEP amplitude will also be recorded. The 
maximum MEP amplitude reflects density of corticomotoneuronal projections onto motor 
neurons and is affected by cortical hyperexcitability early in ALS and axonal degeneration later 
in the disease [49]. It is defined as a percentage of the maximum compound muscle action 
potential (CMAP), to account for lower motor neuron pathology, as measured by standard motor 
nerve conduction study, which will be performed on the median motor nerve recoding over the 
APB muscle contralateral to the side of cortical stimulation and just prior to TMS [49]. 
Maximum MEP amplitudes have been shown to increase in ALS, especially early, reflecting 
cortical hyperexcitability [49]. 
 
Another secondary outcome measure to be assessed by TMS, CSP, is recorded as a duration 
from the onset of the MEP response to resumption of voluntary electromyography activity. The 
CSP is induced by having patients perform a voluntary contraction, set to 30% of maximal 
voluntary contraction. The level of contraction will be monitored by recording muscle activity by 
surface electromyography of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The CSP duration is measured 
from the beginning of MEP to the return of EMG activity. The CSP is thought to be mediated by 
spinal mechanisms and cortical inhibitory neurons and is a measure of cortical inhibition. Absent 
or reduced CSP duration is seen in both sporadic and familial ALS patients, most prominently 
early in the disease [49]. 
 
As another key secondary outcome measure, changes in SICI, will be measured by dual pulse 
TMS at the Pre-Dose Baseline Visit, Weeks 4, and 8, and the Final Safety visit, if applicable with 
conditioned (80% of RMT) and test pulses (120% of RMT) to generate a stable MEP amplitude 
of 0.2 mV, averaged over interstimulus intervals of 1-7 ms. SICI is thought to reflect refractory 
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volleys or activation of non-GABAergic cortical inhibitory circuits (initial phase) and synaptic 
neurotransmission through GABAA receptors (second phase) [49]. 
 
To determine the effects of mexiletine on muscle cramps and fasciculations, 14-day history of 
fasciculations and a 7 and 30 day history of muscle cramps will be assessed at Baseline and daily 
summaries of muscle cramping and fasciculations will be completed every morning or evening 
by participants in a Muscle Cramping/Fasciculations Diary (see Section 7.2.8).  Data from the 
diary will be abstracted by study staff at every visit after the Baseline Visit. 
 
As another secondary outcome measure and pharmacodynamic marker, peripheral nerve axonal 
excitability will be assessed by TTNCS performed at the same visits as TMS using a Digitimer 
DS5 stimulator. CMAPs will be recorded by standard motor nerve conduction study (NCS) on 
electromyography machines at each site. Determinations will be made of the strength duration 
time constant using pulses of varying stimulus duration as this correlates with persistent sodium 
current [29], have been shown previously to be reduced in patients with muscle cramps using 
mexiletine [30, 43], and have been shown to predict survival in ALS [29]. 
 
There may be up to two TMS physiologists and up to two TTNCS physiologists at each site. 
 
After the screening visits and randomization, ALS subjects will undergo two study visits over the 
course of 8 weeks with TMS and TTNCS studies at each visit. For these visits, the time of the 
TMS study (i.e. morning or afternoon) should be kept as consistent as possible. The same TMS 
and TTNCS physiologist should perform tests at both visits for an individual subject.  
 
As part of the inclusion criteria, a study subject must meet TMS inclusion criteria (resting motor 
threshold, defined as 50% of pulses eliciting a motor evoked potential (MEP) of amplitude ≥ 50 
µV).  A study subject must meet TTNCS inclusion criteria (CMAP ≥ 1.5 mV). Specific attention 
must be paid to exclusion criteria related to TMS, namely metal in the head and neck region, 
cardiac pacemaker or brain stimulator, cochlear implants, implanted infusion device or personal 
history of epilepsy.  
 
All recordings will use the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle on a single hand for the 
duration of the study. The hand to be recorded will be determined during the neurological exam 
with the goal of selecting a modestly affected muscle. 
• 
if both sides have MMT score of 5/5, choose the right side  
• 
if both sides are <5, choose the stronger side 
• 
if one side is 5/5 and the other side is ≥3, choose the weaker side 
• 
if one side is 5/5 and the weak side is <3, choose the stronger side 
 
TMS Protocol Summary 
For TMS recording, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) will be recorded using the Powerlab 26T 
with LabChart V8 software. The TMS protocol will consist of four components: 
 
1) Identification of hot spot and measurement of RMT and maximum MEP amplitude. Both 
RMT and MEP amplitude must be manually entered into the LabChart software data file. 
2) Paired testing. This consists of pseudorandomized blocks of: 


 
 
 
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 Single unconditioned pulses 
with stimulator output 120% 
of RMT 
 Conditioned pulses (prepulse 
80% RMT and test pulse 
120% 
RMT) 
and 
interstimulus interval 3 ms 
for determination of short 
intracortical inhibition (SICI) 
 Single unconditioned pulses 
with stimulator output 80% 
of RMT as a control. 
3) Input output curves to determine 
relationship 
between 
stimulus 
strength and MEP output. These are 
performed over a range from 25% to 
100% of maximum stimulus output. 
4) Cortical silent period. This will 
consist of pulses of 120% RMT 
while subject is activating muscle.  
 
File naming convention and data handling 
will be specified once all TMS physiologists 
are confirmed.  
 
TTNCS Protocol Summary 
TTNCS will be performed using a Digitimer 
DS5 stimulator, which is controlled by 
Qtracs software through a National 
Instruments Data Acquisition Board. 
Compound muscle action potentials 
(CMAPs) will be recorded using the site 
EMG/NCS machine at almost all sites 
(requires analog output on EMG machines). 
 
The entire protocol is controlled via the Qtracs software and consists of: 
1) Setup. It is essential that the physiologist enters his/her unique code, as this is part of the 
file name. The codes will be assigned once all TTNCS physiologists are confirmed. 
2) Determination of suprathreshold CMAP amplitude 
3) Measurement of CMAP response/stimulus relationship  
4) Determination of strength duration time constant using pulses of varying stimulus 
duration. 
5) Recovery cycle analysis. Figure shows threshold change following a single prepulse, 
illustrating periods of refractoriness, superexcitability and late subexcitability.  
6) The procedure concludes with recording of final temperature generation of a MEM data 
file and visual display of the collected data. 
TTNCS Measurements (Hugh Bostock) 
Top, determination of strength duration time 
constant using pulses of different stimulus 
widths.. Bottom, recovery cycle analysis 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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File naming convention and data handling will be specified once all TTNCS physiologists are 
confirmed.  
 
To ensure reproducibility, each neurophysiologist at each site will need to perform TMS and 
TTNCS on a single unpaid volunteer over three separate days, preferably at the same time of day, 
and receive approval after review of the data. 
 
7.2.2. 
ALSFRS-R 
The ALSFRS-R is a quickly administered (5 min) ordinal rating scale (ratings 0-4) used to 
determine subjects' assessment of their capability and independence in 12 functional activities.  
All 12 activities are relevant in ALS.  Initial validity was established by documenting that in 
ALS patients, change in ALSFRS-R scores correlated with change in strength over time, was 
closely associated with quality of life measures, and predicted survival. The test-retest reliability 
is greater than 0.88 for all test items. The advantages of the ALSFRS-R are that the categories 
are relevant to ALS, it is a sensitive and reliable tool for assessing activities of daily living 
function in those with ALS, and it is quickly administered.  With appropriate training the 
ALSFRS-R can be administered with high inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability.  The 
ALSFRS-R can be administered by phone, again with good inter-rater and test-retest reliability.  
The equivalency of phone versus in-person testing, and the equivalency of study subject versus 
caregiver responses have also recently been established.  Therefore, if necessary, the ALSFRS-R 
may be given to the study subject over the phone.   The ALSFRS-R will be administered at the 
Screening, Pre-Dose Baseline, Weeks 4 and 8 Visits, or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. All 
ALSFRS-R evaluators must be NEALS certified. 
7.2.3. 
Slow Vital Capacity (Pulmonary Function Testing/Spirometry) 
The vital capacity (VC) (percent of predicted normal) will be determined, using the slow VC 
(SVC) method with normalization to percent predicted based on age, height, and gender. The 
SVC can be measured using conventional spirometers that have had a calibration check prior to 
subject testing.  A printout from the spirometer of all SVC trials will be retained. All SVC 
evaluators must be NEALS certified. Three SVC trials are required for each testing session, 
however up to 5 trials may be performed if the variability between the highest and second 
highest SVC is 10% or greater for the first 3 trials. Only the 3 best trials are recorded on the 
CRF. The highest SVC recorded is utilized for eligibility.  The SVC will be completed at the 
Screening, Pre-Dose Baseline, Weeks 4 and 8 Visits, or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. 
7.2.4. 
Hand Held Dynamometry (HHD) 
The abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle will be measured by hand held dynamometry (HHD). 
The APB will be tested at the Screening, Pre-Dose Baseline, Weeks 4, and 8 Visits, or the Final 
Safety Visit, if applicable.  The APB testing via HHD must always be completed prior to TMS.  
7.2.5.   
Edinburgh Handedness Inventory Short Form 
The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory Short Form is a common instrument used to assess 
handedness and is important in interpreting the neurophysiological data. This will be completed 
at the Screening Visit. 


 
 
 
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7.2.6.   
Blindedness Questionnaire and Exit Survey 
The Blindedness Questionnaire will be used to determine whether there is effective unblinding 
due to treatment effects, as assessed by the subject and a member of the study team. The Exit 
Survey will assess subject tolerance of components of the study, including TMS and TTNCS. 
The exit survey will be completed at the Week 8 Visit or the Final Safety Visit, if applicable. 
7.2.7. RAND-36 
The RAND 36-Item Health Survey taps eight health concepts: physical functioning, bodily pain, 
role limitations due to physical health problems, role limitations due to personal or emotional 
problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, energy/fatigue, and general health 
perceptions. It also includes a single item that provides an indication of perceived change in 
health.  
Scoring the RAND 36-Item Health Survey is a two-step process. First, numeric values are 
recoded so that a high score defines a more favorable health state and then scaled to a 0 to 100 
range so that the lowest and highest possible scores are 0 and 100, respectively. Scores represent 
the percentage of total possible score achieved. Second, items in the same scale are averaged 
together to create 8 scale scores. Hence, scale scores represent the average for all items in the 
scale that the respondent answered. 
7.2.8. Assessment of Muscle Cramps and Fasciculations 
The effects of mexiletine on muscle cramps will also be assessed as a secondary endpoint.  
Cramps in SALS patients are common and are often debilitating.  Various medications including 
quinine sulfate, magnesium, lioresal, dantrolene, clonazepam, diphenylhydantoin and 
gabapentin, have been used in the treatment of cramps in ALS, though few have been studied in 
the ALS population and none have clearly shown efficacy.  Mexiletine has been shown to have a 
beneficial impact on muscle cramps in a small non-randomized study of patients with Machado-
Joseph disease [45] but has never been studied in ALS patients until the recent safety and 
tolerable study using mexiletine. 
 
The visual analog scale (VAS) is a scale that measures pain associated with muscle cramping. It 
will be used to measure muscle cramping in this study. The scale rating is from 0-10; 0 equals no 
symptoms, 10 equals most severe symptoms. The VAS will be explained at the Baseline visit to 
all subjects. It will then be completed each day by the subject and entered on a muscle cramps 
and fasciculations diary. At baseline, subjects will be asked to recount the number and intensity 
on VAS of muscle cramps experienced in the previous 7 and 30 days. At each visit (beginning at 
the Week 4 Visit), the coordinator will review the Muscle Cramp/Fasciculations Diary and 
complete a Muscle Cramp CRF based on this data and/or subject’s verbal self-report. Cramp 
intensity as assessed by a VAS is the most common measure used in cramp trials [44]. 
 
Fasciculations will also be recorded in the diary on a daily basis, graded in the following manner: 
0. no fasciculations on this day; 1. fasciculations after exertion only, not substantially interfering 
with daily activity; 2. fasciculations at rest or after exertion, not substantially interfering with 
daily activity; and 3. fasciculations at rest or after exertion and substantially interfering with 
daily activity. At baseline, subjects will be asked several questions related to their fasciculations 
experienced in the previous 14 days. Subjects will be provided with a muscle cramps and 
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fasciculations at home daily. At each subsequent visit, the coordinators will review the diary and 
record the daily frequency and maximal intensity of muscle cramps and fasciculations before 
returning the diary or providing the subject with a new diary.  
7.2.9. 
Training and Validation 
All Evaluators must be NEALS certified for ALSFRS-R and SVC; specific certification 
requirements are outlined in the study manual of operations. Repeat NEALS certification will be 
required on bi-annual basis for all outcome measures. It is strongly preferred that a single 
Evaluator performs all measures throughout the study.  NEALS certification is required for all 
Evaluators prior to performing any study tests. Additionally, Evaluators will receive separate 
certification following a TMS and TTNCS training session immediately after the site investigator 
meeting. 


 
 
 
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8.0. 
STUDY PROCEDURES 
No study procedures or obtainment of biospecimens will be performed prior to the signing of the 
informed consent form. All subjects will sign an informed consent form prior to undergoing any 
study tests or procedures. The order of testing will be at the discretion of each Site Investigator 
with the exception of APB testing via HHD.  That must always be completed prior to TMS.  
 
It is strongly encouraged that each visit and the procedures be completed on the same day.  
However, if this is not possible visits can be split up into 2 consecutive days. For the baseline 
visit, all measurements and procedures must be completed prior to initiating treatment.  For the 
week 4 visits, all measurements and procedures must be completed after study drug is finished.  
Visit windows are consecutive calendar days and the target visit dates are calculated from the day 
study drug is started (i.e. the day of the Baseline Visit – Post-Dose).  Study visits have the 
following visit windows:  
 
Table 7. Visit Windows 
 
Subjects who withdraw consent will be asked to come in for a Final Safety Visit.   
8.1. 
Schedule of Study Procedures 
8.1.1. 
Screening Visit 
The following procedures will be performed at the Screening Visit: 
o Obtain written informed consent from subject 
o Assess inclusion and exclusion criteria 
o Obtain medical history and demographics 
o Obtain ALS diagnosis and ALS history 
o Perform physical and neurological examinations 
o Measure vital signs including height & weight 
o Perform APB testing by HHD  
o Perform 12-lead ECG 
o Collect blood samples for clinical laboratory assessments including: 
o Hematology and differential panel 
o Blood chemistry panel 
o Serum pregnancy test (for woman of childbearing potential [WOCBP]) 
o Perform TMS and NCS to determine if subject meets inclusion criteria 
 
Baseline Visit 
(Pre-Dose) 
Baseline Visit 
(Post-Dose) 
Week 1 
Safety 
Telephone 
Visit 
Week 4 
Visit 
Week 8 
Visit 
Visit 
Window 
Within 21 days 
of Screening 
Visit 
1-2 hours after 
administration of 
study drug 
7 ± 3 days 
from 
Baseline 
 29 + 3 days 
from 
Baseline  
56 ± 3 days 
from 
Baseline  


 
 
 
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o Administer ALSFRS-R questionnaire 
o Edinburgh Handedness Inventory Short Form 
o Perform slow vital capacity (SVC) 
o Review and document concomitant medications and therapies 
o Assess and document AEs after subject signs informed consent form 
o Schedule the Baseline Visit within 21 days 
8.1.2. 
Pre-dose Baseline Visit 
This visit will take place within 21 days of the Screening Visit.  The following procedures will 
be performed: 
o Assess inclusion and exclusion criteria (Note: Baseline Visit SVC is not exclusionary, 
even if below 50%) 
o Measure vital signs and weight 
o Administer ALSFRS-R questionnaire 
o Perform APB testing by HHD 
o Perform SVC 
o Administer RAND-36 
o Muscle Cramps/Fasciculations Assessment 
o Perform TMS/TTNCS 
o Review and document concomitant medications and therapies 
o Collect blood for plasma mexiletine level, DNA and plasma for NEALS biorepository 
o Urine pregnancy test (for woman of childbearing potential [WOCBP])  
o Assess and document AEs 
o Distribute Muscle Cramps/Fasciculations Diary 
o Randomize subject*  
o Administer first dose of the study drug on site. The subject will be observed at the site for 
60-120 minutes by an appropriate healthcare staff member according to the site’s 
institutional/state regulations to assess any immediate reaction to the study drug. 
 
*Randomization should occur as close to the Baseline Visit as possible to give enough time for 
the site pharmacy to distribute the study drug kits (usually 24-48 hours in advance of the 
Baseline Visit). 
8.1.3. 
Post-dose Baseline Visit  
This visit will take place the same day as the Baseline Visit (1-2 hours after administering first 
dose of the study drug).  The following procedures will be performed: 
o Perform 12 Lead ECG 
o Assess and document AEs 
o Dispense study medication and dosing diary 
o Schedule the Week 1 Safety Telephone Visit 
8.1.4. 
Week 1 Safety Telephone Visit 
This visit will take place 7 ± 3 days after the Baseline Visit.  The following procedures will be 
performed: 


 
 
 
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o Review and document concomitant medications and therapies 
o Assess and document AEs  
o Check study drug compliance and dosing diary 
o Schedule the Week 4 Visit 
8.1.5. 
Week 4 Visit 
This visit will take place 29 + 3 days after the Baseline Visit.  Please note this visit must occur 
on Day 29, Day 30, Day 31, or Day 32.  The visit cannot occur before Day 29. Study drug is 
to be taken for at least 28 days.  The last dose will be the night before the scheduled visit. 
The following procedures will be performed: 
o Perform physical and neurological examinations 
o Measure vital signs and weight 
o Perform 12-lead ECG 
o Collect blood samples for clinical laboratory assessments including: 
o Hematology and differential panel 
o Blood chemistry panel 
o Urine pregnancy test (for woman of childbearing potential [WOCBP]) 
o Collect blood for plasma mexiletine level and plasma for NEALS biorepository 
o Administer ALSFRS-R questionnaire 
o Administer RAND-36 
o Perform APB testing by HHD  
o Perform SVC 
o Perform TMS/TTNCS 
o Review and document concomitant medications and therapies 
o Assess and document AEs  
o Check study drug compliance and dosing diary 
o Collect Muscle Cramp/Fasciculations Diary and dispense new Diary to subject 
o Perform study drug accountability and collect all unused study drug and empty 
 
containers 
o Schedule the Week 8 Visit 
8.1.6. 
Week 8 Visit 
This visit will take place 56 ± 3 days after the Baseline Visit.  The following procedures will be 
performed: 
o Perform physical and neurological examinations 
o Measure vital signs and weight  
o Perform 12-lead ECG 
o Collect blood samples for clinical laboratory assessments including: 
o Hematology and differential panel 
o Blood chemistry panel 
o Urine pregnancy test (for woman of childbearing potential [WOCBP]) 
o Collect blood for plasma mexiletine level and plasma for NEALS biorepository 
o Administer ALSFRS-R questionnaire 
o Administer RAND-36 
o Perform APB testing by HHD 


 
 
 
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o Perform SVC  
o Perform TMS/TTNCS 
o Review and document concomitant medications and therapies 
o Assess and document AEs  
o Review returned Muscle Cramping/Fasciculations Diary  
o Perform Blindness Questionnaire and Exit Survey 
8.1.7. 
Final Safety Visit 
Subjects who discontinue study drug early are encouraged to come in for a Final Safety Visit.  
The following will be performed: 
 
o Perform physical and neurological examinations 
o Measure vital signs and weight 
o Perform 12-lead ECG 
o Collect blood samples for clinical laboratory assessments including: 
o Hematology and differential panel 
o Blood chemistry panel 
o Urine pregnancy test (for woman of childbearing potential [WOCBP]) 
o Collect blood for plasma mexiletine level and plasma for NEALS biorepository 
o Administer ALSFRS-R questionnaire 
o Administer RAND-36 
o Perform APB testing by HHD 
o Perform SVC 
o Perform TMS/TTNCS 
o Review returned Muscle Cramping/Fasciculations Diary  
o Review and document concomitant medications and therapies 
o Assess and document AEs 
o Check study drug compliance and collect dosing diary 
o Perform study drug accountability and collect all unused study drug and empty containers 
o Perform Blindness Questionnaire and Exit Survey 
 
All subjects who discontinue study drug early will be encouraged to complete follow-up per 
study protocol under the intent-to-treat (ITT) principle.  If they are unable to return for in-person 
visits, the scheduled in-person visits can be replaced by Telephone Interviews. Telephone 
Interviews will occur at the same intervals as regularly-scheduled Study Visits (Weeks 4 and 8). 
The first Follow-up Telephone Call will occur at the next scheduled study visit. Subjects who 
withdraw consent will also be asked to come in for a Final Safety Visit. 
8.2. 
Protocol Deviations 
A protocol deviation is any noncompliance with the clinical trial protocol.  The noncompliance 
may be either on the part of the subject, the SI, or the study site staff.  As a result of deviations, 
corrective actions are to be developed by the site and implemented promptly. 
 
All deviations from the protocol must be addressed in the subject’s source documents.  Protocol 
deviations must be sent to the local IRB per their guidelines and entered in the Protocol 
Deviations Log in the EDC System.  


 
 
 
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8.3. 
Missed Visits and Procedures  
Missed visits and any procedures not performed (not attempted) for reasons other than illness, 
injury or progressive disability (i.e., subject is physically unable to perform test) will be reported 
as protocol deviations.   
 
Procedures or visits not performed due to illness, injury or disability, including procedures that 
were attempted but failed (i.e., blood samples unable to be drawn after multiple attempts, or 
weight unable to be obtained due to subject immobility) will not be reported as protocol 
deviations.   
 
Study drug compliance that is outside the limits set in the protocol will be reported as a protocol 
deviation.   
 
Details and specific instructions regarding protocol deviations, including any exceptions to this 
standard procedure, are found in the Site Manual of Operations. 
 


 
 
 
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9.0. 
SAMPLE PROCESSING 
9.1. 
Sample Processing for Repository 
The participating sites will label and process the samples collected from participants in a 
standardized manner. The purpose of standardization is to both minimize collection and 
processing variability and to maximize the quality and continuity of the samples. Specific 
instructions for site personnel regarding the collection and processing of these samples will be 
provided in the Study Manual for this study. All supplies including blood collection tubes and the 
vials used for blood, urine, and aliquots for freezing, will be standardized either by delineation of 
supplies in the Study Manual or by providing supplies to the study sites from the study 
coordination center.   
9.2. 
Sample Storage and Shipping 
Specific instructions for site personnel regarding the storage and shipment of these samples will 
be provide in the Study Manual. 
 
Using a bar coding and scanner system, each sample aliquot will be catalogued for future 
reference.  In the electronic data capture system, sample number and location will be cross-
referenced to the clinical information. All samples will be linked to GUID and may be stored 
using the Global Unique Identifier (GUID) to identify the sample. 
 
Samples may be stored locally at the site of collection, and/or in the NEALS Biorepository.  


 
 
 
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10.0 
SAMPLE SHARING 
Samples collected will become a part of the Northeast ALS (NEALS) Consortium Biorepository 
operated by the Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI) located at the Massachusetts 
General Hospital, Boston, MA under IRB protocol (2006P000982). The NCRI has extensive 
experience in handling multicenter ALS clinical research studies and currently manages a large 
infrastructure for the storage, cataloging, and sharing of biofluid samples collected in prior 
studies. The mission of this resource is to provide essential, valuable research samples to 
researchers that may help them to develop new diagnostic tests, new treatments and a new 
understanding of the pathogenesis of ALS and other medical diseases.  The NEALS Sample 
Repository Committee will review all requests for samples and, based on the merits and 
scientific validity of the application, will decide who the samples will be shared with.  Samples 
and clinical and demographic data will be available to academic researchers at hospitals, 
universities, and commercial organizations.  Global Unique Identifier (GUID) will be provided 
to collaborators on samples and accompanied by clinical information. The information that will 
be provided with the sample will include, but will not be limited to, current age, gender, 
diagnosis, race/ethnicity, and information about the disease and diagnostic and general medical 
history information. 
10.1 
Global Unique Identifier (GUID) 
The GUID is generated on a secure website that utilizes 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL).  Of 
note, this website is not linked to NeuroBANK™.  The GUID is generated using an irreversible 
encryption algorithm – it accepts twelve identifying data elements, (e.g. last name at birth, first 
name at birth, gender at birth, day, month and year of birth, city and country of birth, etc.), and 
produces a unique random-generated character string, or GUID.  No identifying information is 
stored in the system; it is simply used to generate the GUID.  If the same information is entered 
again, the same GUID will be returned.  


 
 
 
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11.0  
SAFEGUARDS TO PROTECT PARTICIPANT CONFIDENTIALITY  
For the subject’s safety, certain information may be included in the participant’s medical records.  
This could include the participant’s participation status, the procedures performed, and any 
complications arising from the procedure, treatment associated with the complications and 
results of routine clinical tests.  Results of genetic research testing from this study will not go 
into the medical record and will not be used to make healthcare decisions; however, results of 
any standard clinical testing that is performed as a part of this study (e.g., vital capacity or 
ALSFRS-R) may go into the participant’s medical record.  Organizations that make rules and 
policy about how research is conducted have the right to review the study records.  Agencies that 
help to fund the study have the right to review the study records.  We will make every effort to 
use only the linked code and not the participants’ names, when these agencies are reviewing 
records.  Participants will not be identified by name should the data from this study lead to 
publications.  
 
All clinical information, study procedures performed, and the code linking the participant’s 
information to the samples will be placed in a research database.   The only individuals who will 
be able to use the study code to link a participant’s identity with the clinical information, 
procedures and samples are the study staff at the research site. 


 
 
 
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12.0. 
DATA SAFETY MONITORING 
12.1. 
Medical Monitoring 
The designated Medical Monitor for the study is identified in the Site Manual of Procedures.  
Site personnel should contact the Medical Monitor for assistance with the following: 
 
 Medically-related protocol questions 
 Safety concerns, including AEs and SAEs 
 Protocol deviations 
 Protocol eligibility questions 
 
The Medical Monitor can decide whether a specific subject must discontinue study drug due to 
concerns about recurrent or persistent serious side effects such as cardiac events. 


 
 
 
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13.0. 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 
13.1.     Safety and Tolerability Variables 
The primary safety and tolerability variables include: 
o Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) 
o Treatment discontinuations due to AEs/SAEs (tolerability) 
o Treatment discontinuations due to loss to follow-up or other reasons not related to 
AEs/SAEs (tolerability) 
The secondary safety variables include: 
o Vital signs 
o Clinical laboratory test results  
o Physical and neurological examinations 
o Concomitant medication requirements 
13.2. 
Efficacy Variables 
The efficacy variables include: 
o TMS/TTNCS Parameters 
o ALS Functional Rating Scale – Revised (ALSFRS-R) 
o Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) 
o Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Muscle Cramps/Fasciculation Assessment 
o Pharmacokinetic analysis of the study drug 
13.3. 
Analysis Populations 
The modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population will include all study subjects who are 
randomized and receive at least one dose of study drug. The mITT population will be used for all 
safety and tolerability analyses, with participants classified according to the treatment actually 
received. The mITT population will be used for primary efficacy analyses, with participants 
classified according to their randomized treatment assignment regardless of which treatment was 
actually received.  
13.4. 
Missing Data 
The trial will be intent-to-treat. We will get follow-up outcome measure information for all 
subjects whether or not they continue on treatment. If a subject is lost to follow-up, their data 
will be included in the primary analysis. Data from unobserved visits will be assumed missing at 
random conditional on the observed visits. If loss to follow-up appears to be associated with 
treatment arm, then sensitivity analyses will be pursued to investigate the possible influence of 
non-ignorable missingness. 
13.5. 
Baseline and Demographic Characteristics 
Demographic and baseline data will be presented according to randomized treatment in tabular 
form. Summary statistics will be presented for each assessment.  


 
 
 
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13.6. 
Analysis of Primary Outcome Measure  
The effect of mexiletine on RMT will be estimated from a modified intention-to-treat sample (all 
participants receiving at least one dose of study drug, classified according to randomization) 
using a shared-baseline repeated-measures two-way ANOVA with fixed effects of visit (4 levels) 
and treatment x post-baseline visit interaction (2 x 2 = 4 levels) and unstructured covariance 
among repeated measures (10 terms). Use of a shared baseline reflects the true state of the 
sample prior to randomization and has the benefit of adjusting for chance baseline differences in 
RMT across the three treatment groups and improved power similar to ANCOVA. Treatment-
dependent differences in the 4-week change in RMT and any sustained benefit at 8 weeks will be 
estimated using linear contrasts of the least-square means. Not knowing whether a linear dose 
effect will be present, the primary test will compare each active arm to placebo, using Dunnett’s 
method to control for multiple comparisons. A secondary analysis will test for linear dose 
response. The proposed mixed effects model makes efficient use of observed data and is 
unbiased in the presence of loss to follow-up if the probability of loss to follow-up is predictable 
from observed RMT results. Additional covariates may be included in the primary analysis if 
rates of loss to follow-up are higher among participants randomized to mexiletine. Wilcoxon 
rank sum tests of changes from baseline for each active arm vs. placebo and each follow-up time 
point, imputing the worst observed outcome for missing data, will be evaluated as a sensitivity 
analysis. The final primary model will be specified prior to unblinding. An additional secondary 
analysis will look at the effect of mexiletine dosing as achieved, using the estimated serum 
mexiletine level in place of treatment group. Subgroup differences will be tested by including 
subgroup, subgroup x visit, and subgroup x treatment x post-baseline visit terms. Subgroups of 
interest will be pre-specified prior to unblinding. 
13.7. 
Analysis of Secondary Efficacy Variable 
Equivalent models will be used to analyze other pharmacodynamic markers obtained by TMS 
and NCS and clinical measures of progression. Frequency of muscle cramping will use a similar 
generalized linear mixed model assuming that weekly counts follow a negative binomial 
distribution and including participant-specific random slopes with unstructured covariance of 
random intercepts and slopes. Pain from cramping and interference from fasciculations will be 
analyzed in similar models assuming a normal distribution and identity link for pain and a 
multinomial distribution and cumulative logit link for interference from fasciculations. 
 
Analyses of safety will include frequency of AEs compared by negative binomial regression, 
proportion of participants experiencing a given AE or SAE classified by MedDRA system organ 
class or preferred term by Fisher’s exact test, occurrence of clinically significant clinical 
laboratory abnormalities by Fisher’s exact, and trends in vital signs and ECG parameters by 
linear mixed models. Participants will be analyzed according to the treatment actually received. 
With a plan of 40 participants exposed to mexiletine, the study will have an 80% probability of 
observing at least one instance of any safety outcome expected to occur in at least 4% of exposed 
patients, or 8% for events unique to a single dose. Comparisons of event rates across doses will 
be sensitive only to relatively large differences. The study will have 80% power to detect 
treatment differences in event rates if the rates in the placebo arm are moderately frequent (20% 
to 50%) and mexiletine exposure increases the odds at least 6-fold. 
 


 
 
 
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13.8. 
Selection Criteria 
The best dosage level to carry forward in future trials will be based on safety and tolerability as 
estimated from the rates of AEs, SAEs, mortality, clinical abnormalities, and early termination of 
study drug or withdrawal from the study.  Given the uncertain nature of possible differences in 
safety and tolerability, absolute criteria cannot be pre-specified. 
13.9. 
Determination of Sample Size 
Steve Vucic (personal communication) reports a mean 4-week change in RMT among 18 ALS 
patients of 6.2% and a SD of 5.1%. A sample size of 60 participants randomized 1:1:1 with up to 
10% loss to follow-up will provide 80% power to detect an effect of a given dose of mexiletine 
on RMT if the increase in RMT relative to placebo is at least 5.3% based on a simple one-way 
ANOVA and two-sided alpha = 0.027 for each of the two active arms. This estimate of power is 
conservative relative to our proposed shared-baseline mixed model analysis. This effect is 
roughly 85% of the natural variation in RMT over 4 weeks. Power will also be greater if a linear 
dose-response is present (a secondary analysis), with 80% power to detect a slope of 2.4% / 300 
mg dose. Selection of the active dose exhibiting greater increase in RMT in our sample, 
irrespective of compliance with assigned dose and thus reflecting variation in tolerance, will 
correctly identify the dose with greater true ITT efficacy with at least 80% probability if the 
difference in efficacy is at least 1.4%. 


 
 
 
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14.0. 
SAFETY AND ADVERSE EVENTS 
The AE definitions and reporting procedures provided in this protocol comply with all applicable 
International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.  The SI will carefully monitor each 
subject throughout the study for possible AEs.  All AEs will be documented on CRFs designed 
specifically for this purpose.  It is also important to report all AEs, especially those that result in 
permanent discontinuation of the investigational product being studied, whether serious or non-
serious. 
14.1. 
Definitions of AEs, Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions & SAEs 
14.1.1. 
Adverse Event and Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions 
An AE is any unfavorable and unintended sign (including a clinically significant abnormal 
laboratory finding, for example), symptom, or disease temporally associated with a study, use of 
a drug product or device whether or not considered related to the drug product or device.  
 
Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are all noxious and unintended responses to a medicinal product 
related to any dose.  The phrase “responses to a medicinal product” means that a causal 
relationship between a medicinal product and an AE is at least a reasonable possibility, i.e., the 
relationship cannot be ruled out.  Therefore, a subset of AEs can be classified as suspected 
ADRs, if there is a causal relationship to the medicinal product. 
 
Examples of AEs include: new conditions, worsening of pre-existing conditions, clinically 
significant abnormal physical examination signs (e.g., skin rash, peripheral edema), or clinically 
significant abnormal test results (e.g., lab values or vital signs), with the exception of outcome 
measure results, which are not being recorded as AEs in this trial (they are being collected, but 
analyzed separately). Stable chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, arthritis) that are present prior to 
the start of the study and do not worsen during the trial are NOT considered AEs.  Chronic 
conditions that occur more frequently (for intermittent conditions) or with greater severity, would 
be considered as worsened and therefore would be recorded as AEs. 
 
AEs are generally detected in two ways: 
 
 
Clinical  symptoms reported by the subject or signs detected on examination. 
 
Ancillary Tests  abnormalities of vital signs, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic 
procedures (other than the outcome measures, the results of which are not being captured 
as AEs). 
 
For the purposes of this study, symptoms of progression/worsening of ALS, including ‘normal’ 
progression, will be recorded as AEs.     
 
The following measures of disease progression will not be recorded as AEs even if they worsen 
(they are being recorded and analyzed separately): vital capacity results and ALSFRS-R results.  
 
If discernible at the time of completing the AE log, a specific disease or syndrome rather than 
individual associated signs and symptoms should be identified by the SI and recorded on the AE 


 
 
 
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log.  However, if an observed or reported sign, symptom, or clinically significant laboratory 
anomaly is not considered by the SI to be a component of a specific disease or syndrome, then it 
should be recorded as a separate AE on the AE log.  Clinically significant laboratory 
abnormalities, such as those that require intervention, are those that are identified as such by the 
SI. 
 
Subjects will be monitored for AEs from the time they sign consent until completion of their 
participation in the study (defined as death, consent withdrawal, loss to follow up, early study 
termination for other reasons or following completion of the entire study).   
 
An unexpected AE is any AE, the specificity or severity of which is not consistent with the 
current IB.  An unexpected, suspected ADR is any unexpected AE that, in the opinion of the SI 
or Sponsor, there is a reasonable possibility that the investigational product caused the event. 
14.1.2. 
Serious Adverse Events 
An SAE is defined as an AE that meets any of the following criteria: 
1. Results in death. 
2. Is life threatening: that is, poses an immediate risk of death as the event occurred. 
a. This serious criterion applies if the study subject, in the view of the SI or Sponsor, 
is at immediate risk of death from the AE as it occurs.  It does not apply if an AE 
hypothetically might have caused death if it were more severe. 
3. Requires inpatient hospitalization for 24 hours or more or prolongation of existing 
hospitalization. 
a. Hospitalization for an elective procedure (including elective PEG tube/g-
tube/feeding tube placement) or a routinely scheduled treatment is not an SAE by 
this criterion because an elective or scheduled “procedure” or a “treatment” is not 
an untoward medical occurrence. 
4. Results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity. 
a. This serious criterion applies if the “disability” caused by the reported AE results 
in a substantial disruption of the subject’s ability to carry out normal life 
functions. 
5. Results in congenital anomaly or birth defect in the offspring of the subject (whether the 
subject is male or female).   
6. Necessitates medical or surgical intervention to preclude permanent impairment of a body 
function or permanent damage to a body structure. 
7. Important medical events that may not result in death, are not life-threatening, or do not 
require hospitalization may also be considered SAEs when, based upon appropriate 
medical judgment, they may jeopardize the subject and may require medical or surgical 
intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed in this definition.  Examples of such 
medical events include blood dyscrasias or convulsions that do not result in inpatient 
hospitalization, or the development of drug dependency or drug abuse. 
 


 
 
 
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An inpatient hospital admission in the absence of a precipitating, treatment-emergent, clinical AE 
may meet criteria for "seriousness" but is not an adverse experience, and will therefore, not be 
considered an SAE.  An example of this would include a social admission (subject admitted for 
other reasons than medical, e.g., lives far from the hospital, has no place to sleep). 
 
A serious, suspected ADR is an SAE for which, in the opinion of the SI or Sponsor, there is a 
reasonable possibility that the investigational product caused the event. 
 
The SI is responsible for classifying AEs as serious or non-serious. 
14.2. 
Assessment and Recording of Adverse Events 
The SI will carefully monitor each subject throughout the study for possible AEs.  All AEs will 
be documented on CRFs designed specifically for this purpose.  All AEs will be collected and 
reported in the EDC system and compiled into reports for monthly reviewing by the Medical 
Monitor. The Medical Monitor shall promptly review all information relevant to the safety of the 
investigational product, including all SAEs.  Special attention will be paid to those that result in 
permanent discontinuation of the investigational product being studied, whether serious or non-
serious. 
14.2.1. 
Assessment of Adverse Events 
At each visit (including telephone interviews), the subject will be asked if they have had any 
problems or symptoms since their last visit in order to determine the occurrence of AEs.  If the 
subject reports an AE, the SI will probe further to determine: 
1. Type of event 
2. Date of onset and resolution (duration) 
3. Severity (mild, moderate, severe) 
4. Seriousness (does the event meet the above definition for an SAE) 
5. Causality, relation to investigational product and disease 
6. Action taken regarding investigational product 
7. Outcome 
14.2.2. 
Relatedness of Adverse Event to Investigational Product 
The relationship of the AE to the investigational product should be specified by the SI using the 
following definitions: 
 
1.  Not Related:          
Concomitant illness, accident or event with no reasonable 
association with treatment. 
 
2.  Unlikely: 
The reaction has little or no temporal sequence from administration 
of the investigational product, or a more likely alternative etiology 
exists. 
 
3.  Possibly Related: 
The reaction follows a reasonably temporal sequence from 
administration of the investigational product and follows a known 
response pattern to the suspected investigational product; the 


 
 
 
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reaction could have been produced by the investigational product 
or could have been produced by the subject’s clinical state or by 
other modes of therapy administered to the subject. (Suspected 
ADR) 
 
4.  Probably Related: 
The reaction follows a reasonably temporal sequence from 
administration of investigational product; is confirmed by 
discontinuation of the investigational product or by re-challenge; 
and cannot be reasonably explained by the known characteristics 
of the subject’s clinical state. (Suspected ADR) 
 
5.  Definitely Related: 
The reaction follows a reasonable temporal sequence from 
administration of investigational product; that follows a known or 
expected response pattern to the investigational product; and that is 
confirmed by improvement on stopping or reducing the dosage of 
the investigational product, and reappearance of the reaction on 
repeated exposure (Suspected ADR). 
14.2.3. 
Recording of Adverse Events 
All clinical AEs are recorded in the AE Log in the subject’s study binder. The site should fill out 
the AE Log and enter the AE information into the EDC system within 48 hours of the site 
learning of a new AE or receiving an update on an existing AE.   
 
Please Note: SAEs must be reported to the NCRI CC within 24 hours of the site learning of the 
SAE.  This applies regardless of whether the subject is taking study drug or not.  Any events of 
drug-induced liver injury whether classified as SAEs or not, must also be reported within 24 
hours.  
 
Entries on the AE Log (and into the EDC) will include the following: name and severity of the 
event, the date of onset, the date of resolution, relationship to investigational product, action 
taken, and primary outcome of event.   
14.3 
Adverse Events and Serious Adverse Events - Reportable Events 
The following are considered reportable events and must be reported to the NCRI CC within 24 
hours of the site being notified of the event.  
o All events that meet the above criteria for Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) 
o Dosage Changes (Dose Management) 
o Investigational Product Suspension, Reduction or Re-challenge 
o Investigational Product Discontinuation 
 
o Key Study Events: 
o Subject Final Disposition 
o Feeding Tube Placement 
o Permanent Assisted Ventilation (PAV)* 
o Tracheostomy 


 
 
 
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o Mortality 
o Pregnancy 
o Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS) device implantation 
 
* Permanent Assisted Ventilation (PAV) is defined as more than 22 hours daily of non-invasive 
mechanical ventilation for more than one week.  The date of onset of PAV is the first day of the 
seven days. 
 


 
 
 
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15.0. 
DATA COLLECTION, MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING 
15.1. 
Role of Data Management 
Data Management is the development, execution and supervision of plans, policies, programs, 
and practices that control, protect, deliver, and enhance the value of data and information assets. 
 
All data will be managed in compliance with NEALS policies, and applicable Sponsor and 
regulatory requirements. Site personnel will collect, transcribe, correct, and transmit the data 
onto source documents, Case Report Forms (CRFs), and other forms used to report, track and 
record clinical research data.  Clinical sites will be monitored to ensure compliance with data 
management requirements and Good Clinical Practices.  NCRI Data Management is responsible 
for developing, testing, and managing clinical data management activities. 
15.1.1. 
Data Entry and Checks 
The site personnel are instructed to enter information into the EDC System within 5 days of a 
visit.  Data collection is the responsibility of the staff at the site under the supervision of the SI.  
During the study, the SI must maintain complete and accurate documentation for the study. 
 
The EDC includes password protection.  An edit checking and data clarification process will be 
put in place to ensure accuracy and completeness of the database.  Logic and range checks as 
well as more sophisticated rules will be built into the EDC to provide immediate error checking 
of the data entered.  The system has the capability to automatically create electronic queries for 
forms that contain data that are out of range, out of window, missing or not calculated correctly.  
The sites will only have access to the queries concerning their subjects.   
15.1.2. 
Database Security  
The MS SQL Server database is located on a secure database server.  This server is located in a 
restricted area of the Partners Healthcare server farm and physical access to it is limited to 
authorized personnel only.  Both database and Web servers are located on the Partners Healthcare 
network behind the firewall.  Access to the data at the clinical site will be restricted and 
monitored through the system's software with its required log-on, security procedures and audit 
trail.  The data will not be altered, browsed, queried, or reported via external software 
applications that do not enter through the protective system software.  There will be a cumulative 
record that indicates, for any point in time, the names of authorized personnel, their titles, and a 
description of their access privileges.  The record will be in the study documentation accessible 
at the site.  Controls will be in place to prevent, detect, and mitigate effects of computer viruses 
on study data and software.  The application utilizes SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology and 
128-bit encryption to comply with requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 for Open Systems.  Backups 
of the database will be performed nightly using the services provided by the MGH network.  All 
PCs run virus protection software full-time and are updated with the latest virus detection strings 
regularly; the Windows NT server does this as well and has the additional security of scanning 
all e-mail for viruses before a user can even access them.  All accounts are password protected 
and passwords must be changed on a regular basis.  
 


 
 
 
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In addition, the EDC system will have an extra level of password security.  At study initiation, 
the Data Manager will set default passwords for the relevant study personnel at the study sites.  
When a new user logs in with the assigned username and default password for the first time, he 
or she will be forced to change the password to a unique one (at least six characters long), known 
only to the user.  An ongoing paper log will be kept showing when usernames and passwords are 
set up, for whom, in what user capacity and when usernames are disabled.  In case an employee 
forgets her/his password, they will submit a password request form via email to the Data 
Manager, who will issue a new default password.  They must then go through the Change 
Password process.  The passwords will expire every 90 days, users will then be required to go 
through the Change Password process.  To avoid password-based software attacks, the system 
will lock a user for one minute if an incorrect password is provided three times in a row.  A user 
will also be able to change the password at will if he or she feels that it may have been 
compromised. 
15.1.3. 
Data Lock Process 
The application will have the ability to lock the database to prevent any modification of data 
once the study is closed.  Once this option is activated, every user will have Read-Only access to 
the data. The database can only be locked after each SI has signed off on their subjects and all 
queries have been resolved.   
15.1.4. 
Quality Assurance 
Protocol procedures are reviewed with the SI and associated personnel prior to the study to 
ensure the accuracy and reliability of data. Each SI must adhere to the protocol detailed in this 
document and agree that any changes to the protocol must be approved by the NCRI 
Coordination Center prior to seeking approval from the site IRB.  Each SI will be responsible for 
enrolling only those study subjects who have met protocol eligibility criteria. 
15.2. 
Study Monitoring  
Study Monitors will visit each study site to review source documentation materials, ICFs, and 
confirm entered data and that data queries have been accurately completed, and again at a study 
close-out visit.  Study Monitors will also verify that SAEs and protocol deviations have been 
reported appropriately, as required.  The Study Monitors will also review clinical facilities, 
resources and procedures for evaluating study subjects and study drug dispensing.  Subsequently, 
the Study Monitors will provide monitoring reports to the Project Manager and, if requested, will 
provide reports of protocol compliance to the Study PI and the Steering Committee.  Completed 
ICFs from each subject must be available in the subject’s file and verified for proper 
documentation.  A document outlining the monitoring plan is provided to each Study Monitor. 
15.3. 
Steering Committee  
The Steering Committee (SC) is composed of the Principal Investigator of the study (serving as 
SC Chair), the biostatistician, and independent Investigator members of the NEALS consortium 
with expertise in ALS and study-related medical (e.g., renal and cardiac) conditions and priorities 
(trial recruitment and drug supply). The SC is responsible, along with the Study Principal 
Investigator, for the design of the study protocol and analysis plan, and oversees the clinical trial 
from protocol development to study analysis and publication. 


 
 
 
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15.4. 
Data Handling and Record Keeping 
The SI is responsible to ensure the accuracy, completeness, legibility, and timeliness of the data 
reported.  All source documents should be completed in a neat, legible manner to ensure accurate 
interpretation of data.  Dark ink is required to ensure clarity of reproduced copies.  When making 
changes or corrections, cross out the original entry with a single line, and initial and date the 
change.  Do not erase, overwrite, or use correction fluid or tape on the original.  
 
Source document templates (SDTs) will be provided for use and maintained for recording data 
for each subject enrolled in the study.  Data reported in the eCRF derived from source documents 
should be consistent with the source documents and discrepancies should be explained.  The 
NCRI CC will provide guidance to SIs on making corrections to the source documents and 
eCRFs. 
15.4.1. 
Confidentiality of Data 
Study subject medical information obtained by this study is confidential, and disclosure to third 
parties other than those noted below is prohibited. Upon the subject’s permission, medical 
information may be given to his or her personal physician or other appropriate medical personnel 
responsible for his or her welfare. All local and federal guidelines and regulations regarding 
maintaining study subject confidentiality of data will be adhered to. 
 
Data generated by this study must be available for inspection by representatives of the Office for 
Human Research Protections (OHRP), the sponsor, all pertinent local health and regulatory 
authorities, the NCRI CC or their representative, Study Monitoring personnel, and the IRBs. 
15.4.3. 
Retention of Records 
Research records will be retained in accordance with site IRB policies.  
15.4.4. 
 Publications 
The PI, Dr. Michael Weiss, will be responsible for publications of results from this trial. This 
responsibility will include the following: 
 Analyze and interpret data gathered in this study, and write publications from these data. 
 Submit manuscripts to selected journals and address peer reviewers’ comments. 
 Submit abstracts to selected meetings and present data at the meetings. 
 Determine authorship on the basis of the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts. 
 


 
 
 
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17.0. 
APPENDICES 
 
Appendix 1  
Revised El Escorial Criteria (ECC) 
Appendix 2  
Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) 
Appendix 3  
NEALS Sample Repository Banking Policy 
Appendix 4 
Visual Analog Scale 
Appendix 5 
Edinburgh Handedness Inventory Short Form 
 


 
 
 
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Appendix 1 
Revised El Escorial Criteria (ECC) 
 
El Escorial Criteria 
 
The diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis [ALS] requires:  
 
A - the presence of: 
(A:1) 
evidence 
of 
lower 
motor 
neuron 
(LMN) 
degeneration 
by 
clinical, 
electrophysiological or neuropathologic examination,  
(A:2) evidence of upper motor neuron (UMN) degeneration by clinical examination, and  
(A:3) progressive spread of symptoms or signs within a region or to other regions, as 
determined by history or examination, together with 
 
B - the absence of: 
(B:1) electrophysiological and pathological evidence of other disease processes that 
might explain the signs of LMN and/or UMN degeneration, and  
(B:2) neuroimaging evidence of other disease processes that might explain the observed 
clinical and electrophysiological signs.  
 
CLINICAL STUDIES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ALS 
 
A careful history, physical and neurological examination must search for clinical evidence of 
UMN and LMN signs in four regions [brainstem, cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spinal cord] 
(see Table 1) of the central nervous system [CNS]. Ancillary tests should be reasonably applied, 
as clinically indicated, to exclude other disease processes. These should include 
electrodiagnostic, neurophysiological, neuroimaging and clinical laboratory studies.  Clinical 
evidence of LMN and UMN degeneration is required for the diagnosis of ALS.  The clinical 
diagnosis of ALS, without pathological confirmation, may be categorized into various levels of 
certainty by clinical assessment alone depending on the presence of UMN and LMN signs 
together in the same topographical anatomic region in either the brainstem [bulbar cranial motor 
neurons], cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spinal cord [anterior horn motor neurons]. The terms 
Clinical Definite ALS and Clinically Probable ALS are used to describe these categories of 
clinical diagnostic certainty on clinical criteria alone: 
 
A. Clinically Definite ALS is defined on clinical evidence alone by the presence of UMN, as 
well as LMN signs, in three regions.  
 
B. Clinically Probable ALS is defined on clinical evidence alone by UMN and LMN signs in at 
least two regions with some UMN signs necessarily rostral to (above) the LMN signs. 
 
C. Clinically Probable ALS - Laboratory-supported is defined when clinical signs of UMN and 
LMN dysfunction are in only one region, or when UMN signs alone are present in one region, 
and LMN signs defined by EMG criteria are present in at least two limbs, with proper 
application of neuroimaging and clinical laboratory protocols to exclude other causes. 
 


 
 
 
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D. Clinically Possible ALS is defined when clinical signs of UMN and LMN dysfunction are 
found together in only one region or UMN signs are found alone in two or more regions; or 
LMN signs are found rostral to UMN signs and the diagnosis of Clinically Probably-Laboratory 
supported ALS cannot be proven by evidence on clinical grounds in conjunction with 
electrodiagnostic, neurophysiologic, neuroimaging or clinical laboratory studies.  Other 
diagnoses must have been excluded to accept a diagnosis of clinically possible ALS. 
 
Table 1 
 
Brainstem  
Cervical  
Thoracic  
Lumbosacral  
Lower motor 
neuron signs 
weakness, 
atrophy, 
fasciculations  
jaw, face, 
palate, 
tongue, larynx  
neck, arm, hand, 
diaphragm  
back, 
abdomen  
back, abdomen, leg, 
foot  
Upper motor 
neuron signs 
pathologic spread 
of reflexes, clonus, 
etc.  
clonic jaw 
gag reflex 
exaggerated 
snout reflex 
pseudobulbar 
features 
forced yawning 
pathologic 
DTRs 
spastic tone  
clonic DTRs  
Hoffman reflex 
pathologic 
DTRs 
spastic tone 
 
preserved reflex 
in weak wasted 
limb  
loss of 
superficial 
abdominal 
reflexes 
pathologic 
DTRs 
spastic tone  
clonic DTRs - 
extensor plantar 
response 
pathologic DTRs 
spastic tone 
 
preserved reflex in 
weak wasted limb  
 


 
 
 
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Appendix 2 
ALSFRS-R 
 
QUESTIONS:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCORE: 
    
1.Speech 
4 = Normal speech processes 
3 = Detectable speech disturbances 
2 = Intelligible with repeating 
1 = Speech combined with nonvocal communication 
0 = Loss of useful speech 
 
2. Salivation 
4 = Normal 
3 = Slight but definite excess of saliva in mouth; may have nighttime drooling 
2 = Moderately excessive saliva; may have minimal drooling 
1 = Marked excess of saliva with some drooling 
0 = Marked drooling; requires constant tissue or handkerchief 
 
3. Swallowing 
4 = Normal eating habits 
3 = Early eating problems – occasional choking 
2 = Dietary consistency changes 
1 = Needs supplemental tube feeding 
0 = NPO (exclusively parenteral or enteral feeding) 
 
4. Handwriting 
4 = Normal 
3 = Slow or sloppy; all words are legible 
2 = Not all words are legible 
1 = No words are legible but can still grip a pen  
0 = Unable to grip pen 
 
5a. Cutting Food and Handling Utensils (patients without gastrostomy) 
 
 
 
4 = Normal 
3 = Somewhat slow and clumsy, but no help needed 
2 = Can cut most foods, although clumsy and slow; some help needed 
1 = Food must be cut by someone, but can still feed slowly 
0 = Needs to be fed 
 
5b. Cutting Food and Handling Utensils (alternate scale for patients with gastrostomy) 
4 = Normal 
3 = Clumsy, but able to perform all manipulations independently 
2 = Some help needed with closures and fasteners 
1 = Provides minimal assistance to caregivers 
0 = Unable to perform any aspect of task 
 
6. Dressing and Hygiene 
4 = Normal function 
3 = Independent, can complete self-care with effort or decreased efficiency 
2 = Intermittent assistance or substitute methods 


 
 
 
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1 = Needs attendant for self-care 
0 = Total dependence 
 
7. Turning in Bed and Adjusting Bed Clothes 
4 = Normal function 
3 = Somewhat slow and clumsy, but no help needed 
2 = Can turn alone, or adjust sheets, but with great difficulty 
1 = Can initiate, but not turn or adjust sheets alone 
0 = Helpless 
 
8. Walking 
4 = Normal 
3 = Early ambulation difficulties 
2 = Walks with assistance 
1 = Nonambulatory functional movement only 
0 = No purposeful leg movement 
 
9. Climbing Stairs 
4 = Normal 
3 = Slow 
2 = Mild unsteadiness or fatigue 
1 = Needs assistance 
0 = Cannot do 
 
R-1. Dyspnea  
 
 
 
4 = None 
3 = Occurs when walking 
2 = Occurs with one or more of the following: eating, bathing, dressing 
1 = Occurs at rest, difficulty breathing when either sitting or lying 
0 = Significant difficulty, considering using mechanical respiratory support 
 
R-2 Orthopnea 
 
 
 
4 = None 
3 = Some difficulty sleeping at night due to shortness of breath, does not routinely use more than two 
pillows 
2 = Needs extra pillow in order to sleep (more than two) 
1 = Can only sleep sitting up 
0 = Unable to sleep without mechanical assistance 
 
R-3 Respiratory Insufficiency  
 
4 = None 
3 = Intermittent use of BiPAP 
2 = Continuous use of BiPAP during the night 
1 = Continuous use of BiPAP during the night and day 
0 = Invasive mechanical ventilation by intubation or tracheostomy 
 
Total Score: ________________ 
 


 
 
 
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Appendix 3 
 NEALS BioRepository Committee Policies and Procedures 
 
October 2nd, 2013 
 
Mission of the Committee 
Our mission is to provide investigators with patient derived samples linked to clinical 
information that can be used to advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and therapies 
for ALS.  However, there are a limited number of samples and to safeguard their distribution 
NEALS established a scientific review committee with specific review criteria to evaluate 
requests. The BioRepository Committee of the Northeast ALS Consortium reviews all 
applications. Applications are judged on potential impact of study, research design and 
investigator.  
 
Applications 
The application requires a brief description and scientific justification for the use of the samples. 
A NIH biosketch for the PI should also be provided. The investigator can request samples from 
specific studies. A list of studies, sample processing, age ranges/gender of subjects and dates 
collected is provided with the application form. 
There are a very limited number of samples and to help evaluate their distribution NEALS 
established a scientific review committee and specific review criteria to evaluate requests. The 
BioRepository Committee of the Northeast ALS Consortium reviews and approves applications. 
Applications will be accepted at any time, but the committee meets every other month to review 
applications. Applications must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the meeting date.  Applicants can 
expect a response from the committee within 7 days after a committee meeting.  
Priority will be given to members of NEALS and investigators from sites that participated in the 
collection of samples. Investigators must provide IRB approval from their institution.  
NEALS will make every effort to send approved samples approximately three weeks after the 
request has been accepted. Should the request come from a commercial application, samples will 
be sent pending a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with Massachusetts General Hospital, 
where NEALS/NCRI samples are stored. 
 
Application Scoring: 
Each application will be scored during its review by the BioRepository Committee based on the 
strengths and weaknesses of the following criteria:  
- 
Impact: The significance of developing biomarkers and potential for understanding 
disease mechanisms is understood.  Reviewers should use this category to best judge the 
feasibility and likelihood of success of the proposed project as well as its potential to 
make a difference and move the field forward. 
 
- 
Research Approach: Evaluation of approach- Is there appropriate use of techniques and 
technology? Does the experimental design include appropriate controls?  Is the ability to 
interpret data present?   
 
- 
Investigator: Reviewers should consider the experience, expertise and past productivity 
of the research team. Additional consideration is given to whether the applicant is a 


 
 
 
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member of NEALS and participated and contributed to the collection of samples for the 
repository. 
 
 
Administrative Processes and Fees 
NEALS collects an administrative fee of $1,000 at the time of application submission to offset 
processing costs. Applications will not be reviewed until payment is received.  If an application 
for samples is denied, 80% of the administrative fee will be returned. The administrative fee is 
waived for NEALS members. Checks may be made payable to: The Northeast ALS Consortium.  
Non-academic requests will require a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with Massachusetts 
General Hospital, where NEALS/NCRI samples are stored. Academic request will require a 
transfer letter. All investigators, including NEALS members, are required to cover any shipping 
costs associated with the sample request. 
 
Research and Publications 
NEALS requires that all journal publications that result from the use of NEALS samples 
acknowledge the “NEALS BioRepository” as their sample source. The committee also strongly 
encourages that researchers using NEALS samples contact the Sponsor/PI(s) who initially 
collected the samples and invite them to be co-authors/collaborators on the research. You will 
find study Sponsor/PI information at the end of this document. 
 
Follow-Up to NEALS Sample Repository Requests 
The NEALS BioRepository Committee will send all applicants whose requests have been 
approved a simple form to fill out five months after they have received their requested samples. 
This form will serve as a progress report and should be completed and sent to the Committee six 
months after the initial request is approved. 
 
NEALS 
BioRepository 
Policy 
to 
Confirm 
Reproducibility 
of 
Approaches  
Before samples are sent from the NEALS repository for an assay/lab combination that has not 
been used before or has insufficient preliminary data regarding assay characteristics, special 
samples are sent for ‘pilot studies’ to test the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurement at 
a particular lab. These studies will be small; the total number of samples is generally less than 
30, and the samples generally do not come from the main pool of participant samples. Duplicate 
samples from the same individual will be sent blinded to the outside lab for analysis, in order to 
assess the measurement error, or reproducibility of the lab’s assay. 
 
NEALS BioRepository Policy to Send Blinded-Samples to Investigators 
It is NEALS policy that all samples are sent blinded to investigators.  Once the experiments are 
complete, a data set should be generated and sent to NEALS.  NEALS in turn will unblind the 
samples and return the information to the investigator.  It is not NEALS intent to interpret or 
evaluate the investigator’s data, but to insure consistency with how samples are released.   
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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Trial Name 
Study Principle Investigator 
A Clinical Trial of Topiramate in ALS            
 
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org)  
A Clinical Trial of Celebrex in Subjects with 
ALS         
 
A Clinical Trial of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients 
with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis           
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
A Multicenter, Dose-Ranging, Safety & 
Pharmacokinetics Study of Arimoclomol in 
ALS – Phase IIa 
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Jeremy Shefner (shefnerj@upstate.edu) 
Robert Brown (robert.brown@umassmed.edu) 
A Multicenter Study for the Validation of ALS 
Biomarkers 
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Robert Bowser (robert.bowser@dignityhealth.org) 
Determination of Biological Markers in 
Cerebrospinal Fluid of Subjects with 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis  
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Robert Bowser (robert.bowser@dignityhealth.org) 
Determinants of Disease Severity in 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Application of a product enhanced reverse 
transcriptase (PERT) assay to search for 
evidence of retroviral involvement in 
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)  
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Metabolomic Signatures in Amyotrophic 
Lateral Sclerosis 
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Identification of Diagnostic Biomarkers and 
Therapeutic Targets for Amyotrophic Lateral 
Sclerosis  
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Robert Bowser (robert.bowser@dignityhealth.org) 
Validation of ALS Metabolomic Biomarkers 
and Development of ALS Diagnostics 
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
Clinical Trial of Ceftriaxone in Subjects with 
ALS       
Merit Cudkowicz (mcudkowicz@partners.org) 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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Appendix 4 
Visual Analog Scale (Pain Scale) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
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Appendix 5 
Edinburgh Handedness Inventory- Short Form  
 

SAP_001.pdf: