#Norway #Oslo #Oslo University #ILB® #Tikomed

Upcoming Phase 2 Trial for ALS Treatment at Oslo University Hospital

Oslo University Hospital is preparing to launch a multicenter randomized phase 2 clinical trial focused on the investigational drug ILB® for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This significant initiative aims to enroll 116 participants and is scheduled to start early in 2026. The objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of ILB® against Riluzole, the current standard therapy for ALS.

Dr. Angelina Hatlø Maniaol, a senior consultant neurologist, is leading this trial which will unfold in two distinct phases. The initial phase will be a six-month double-blinded study during which half of the participants will receive ILB® while the other half will be administered Riluzole, allowing researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of ILB® without bias. Following this, the second phase is a six-month open-label extension where all participants will be provided ILB® in addition to Riluzole.

The Role of Tikomed
Provided by Tikomed, a Swedish pharmaceutical company, ILB® is a dextran sulfate that has already shown promise in preliminary studies with a favorable safety profile. Tikomed will not only supply the ILB® for the duration of the trial but will also ensure that corresponding placebos are available for the randomized controlled trial (RCT).

The entire study has received the necessary regulatory approvals and will only be available for Norwegian residents. The advancement and outcomes of this trial are highly anticipated, with results expected to be published by the end of 2028. The study is receiving funding from public research grants, supporting its credibility and transparency in operations.

Understanding ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 250,000 to 300,000 individuals across the globe each year. It is characterized by a progressive decline in motor function due to the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to issues such as difficulty in swallowing and breathing. Tragically, the lifespan after diagnosis is often less than three years, which further emphasizes the pressing need for effective therapies.

This upcoming trial represents a beacon of hope for ALS patients, as the results could reshape current treatment protocols and offer new avenues for care. For more details about the study or to follow its progress, interested individuals can visit the Oslo University Hospital’s official website, though currently, information is available only in Norwegian.

Additional insights can also be gleaned from Tikomed’s official website, where they outline their mission to develop groundbreaking therapies for various degenerative diseases using ILB®.

With this groundbreaking trial on the horizon, the medical community and ALS advocates are watching closely, hoping for significant advancements in treatment that could alter the trajectory of this harrowing condition for countless individuals and families worldwide.