Oslo University Hospital in Norway is launching a significant clinical trial investigating the efficacy of Tikomed’s ILB® in treating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The multicenter, randomized phase 2 trial is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The study, coordinated by senior consultant neurologist Dr. Angelina Hatlø Maniaol, will compare ILB® to Riluzole, the current standard of care for ALS. A total of 116 participants will take part in the 12-month trial.
The trial design incorporates a six-month double-blind, randomized phase. Patients will receive either ILB® or Riluzole. This will be followed by a six-month open-label extension phase where all participants will receive both ILB® and Riluzole.
Funding for the study comes from public research grants, and participation is limited to Norwegian residents. Tikomed, a Swedish pharmaceutical company, will provide the ILB® for both phases of the trial, along with the necessary placebo for the randomized controlled trial (RCT).
The study has received all necessary regulatory approvals. Researchers anticipate completing patient enrollment by the first quarter of 2026, with final results expected by the end of 2028.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 individuals globally. Approximately 60,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is less than three years. The disease primarily impacts motor function, eventually leading to difficulties with swallowing and breathing.
Tikomed, based in Viken, Sweden, focuses on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Their drug candidate, ILB®, a dextran sulphate, has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and promising results in smaller-scale phase 2a studies. The company is dedicated to advancing therapies for ALS and other degenerative disorders.
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