McElhiney, Martin

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsMuscle cramps are a common symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Ameliorating muscle cramps may improve quality of life in devastating diseases like ALS. A traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo, TJ‐68) is widely prescribed in Japan for muscle cramps. However, it is not available in the USA. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of TJ‐68 in ALS.MethodsThis study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial, consisting of four periods, conducted at three centers in the USA. Safety was evaluated using multiple measures. The primary efficacy outcome was the Visual Analog Scale for Muscle Cramps Affecting Overall Daily Activity (item #5 of the Muscle Cramp Scale (MCS)). The secondary outcomes included the remaining items of the MCS and the Clinical Global Impression of Changes (CGIC), among others. The study was planned to enroll 22 participants with ALS within 2 years.ResultsThe enrollment was slow and was completed with 11 participants. There were no serious safety issues and TJ‐68 was well tolerated. Although the primary outcome measure did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.35), several secondary measures showed significant results: MCS #1 triggering of cramps (p = 0.01), MCS #2 cramp frequency (p = 0.03), MCS Additional 1 change of motor behaviors (p = 0.02), and CGIC assessed by the evaluator (p = 0.009). Other outcome measures did not reach statistical significance.DiscussionThe study revealed that N‐of‐1 trial design can detect changes in a small sample size, and TJ‐68 appeared to be safe. Larger studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of TJ‐68.

Abstract Introduction/Aims: Muscle cramps are a common and often disabling symptom in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a devastating and incurable neurodegenerative disorder. To date, there are no medications specifically approved for the treatment of muscle cramps. Ameliorating muscle cramps in this patient population may sustain quality of life longer. A traditional Japanese medicine, shakuyakukanzoto (TJ-68) is widely prescribed in Japan for managing muscle cramps in a variety of conditions. The Japanese ALS Management Guideline mentions TJ-68 for difficult muscle cramps in ALS. Therefore, this clinical trial is designed to test the safety and efficacy of TJ-68 in participants with ALS reporting serious muscle cramps using a personalized N-of-1 approach. If successful, we can introduce TJ-68 for muscle cramps in ALS to Western medicine. Methods: With FDA-IND approval, we are conducting a two-site, double-blind, randomized personalized N-of-1 early clinical trial with TJ-68. At least 22 participants with ALS and daily muscle cramps will receive drug or placebo for 2 weeks (one treatment period) followed by a 1-week washout in a four-period cross-over design. While the primary objective is to evaluate the safety of TJ-68, the study was sized to detect a one-point shift on the Columbia Muscle Cramp Scale (MCS) item #5 with 85% power under a four-period crossover design.The secondary assessment includes the full MCS score, a Cramp Diary, Clinical Global Impression of Changes, Goal Attainment Scale, quality of life scale and ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R). Discussion: The study is underway. A personalized N-of-1 trial design is an efficient approach to testing medications that alleviate MCS in rare disorders. If TJ-68 proves safe and efficacious, we will work to introduce this product to Western medicine for treatment of patients with ALS and disabling muscle cramps. Trial Registration: This clinical trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04998305).