Purpose and Rationale

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural compound acting inside the mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the cell. CoQ10 supports the cell's energy metabolism. CoQ10 is also an antioxidant. It helps neutralizing free radicals, molecules that carry an electrical charge and can react with and damage other cellular compounds.

CoQ10 is promising in the treatment of ALS for several reasons: 1) Researchers found evidence of mitochondrial impairment and free radical damage in ALS patients, 2) In an ALS mouse model, CoQ10 prolonged survival, 3) CoQ10 showed trends towards improvement in Parkinson's disease, which is, like ALS, a neurodegenerative disease.

The objective of this study is to determine whether high dose Coenzyme Q10 slows the course of ALS.

Study Details

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-center trial in which neither participants nor researchers know who is taking which substance. CoQ10 will be given at a high dose, and there will be a placebo (inert substance) group. The odds of being put in a CoQ10 group are equal to being put in a placebo group in the second part of the study.

Contact Information

If you would like more information about this trial or the participating trial site nearest you please contact: Kate Bednarz: keb2114@columbia.edu and phone number (212) 305-2027.