A phase I study of recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rHCNTF) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

J. M. Cedarbaum, C. Chapman, M. Charatan, N. Stambler, L. Andrews, C. Zhan, S. Radka, D. Morrisey, D. Lakings, B. R. Brooks, M. Sanjak, A. Pestronk, J. Florence, H. Mitsumoto, K. Szirony, L. Bittle, S. Ringel, H. Neville, J. Brinkmann, J. Wittes

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66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fifty-seven patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were randomly assigned to receive 0.5, 1, 3, 7, 10, or 30 μg/kg recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rHCNTF) or placebo subcutaneously 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicity, consisting of febrile reactions in some patients, fatigue, and nonproductive cough, was observed at a dose level of 30 μg/kg. Dose-related changes in parameters of the acute-phase response were noted, consistent with the relationship of CNTF and its receptor system to the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its receptor. No adverse neurologic consequences of rHCNTF administration were observed. Antibodies to rH-CNTF were observed in sera of most patients tested after 2 weeks of continuous treatment and 4 weeks' withdrawal period. rHCNTF was safe and tolerated within acceptable limits when administered to patients with ALS in this study at doses of up to 30 μg/kg 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Further studies to explore the efficacy of rHCNTF in the treatment of human motor neuron diseases are justified.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)515-532
Number of pages18
JournalClinical Neuropharmacology
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995

Keywords

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Ciliary neurotrophic factor
  • rHCNTF

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