Clinical Trial of Ceftriaxone in Subjects with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Research subjects for the ‘Clinical Trial of Ceftriaxone Subjects with ALS’ are being recruited at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Six hundred research participants with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are being recruited for this double-blind study of Ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is being tested for its safety, tolerability, and effect on the symptoms of ALS. The principal investigator is Dr. David Lacomis. Eligible patients must be at least 18 years or older with a diagnosis of probable or definite ALS. Patients must have had symptoms of ALS for less than 3 years and must have a vital capacity (breathing function) of greater than or equal to 60% of normal. Eligible participants will receive IV (intravenous) Ceftriaxone or placebo for at least 12 months. Enrollment should begin in April 2009. For more information, please call 412-648-9053 or email doerflerd@upmc.edu.