This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeated administration of NurOwn® (MSC-NTF cells) therapy, which is based on transplantation of autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), which are enriched from the patient's own bone marrow, propagated ex vivo and induced to secrete Neurotrophic factors (NTFs). The autologous NurOwn® (MSC-NTF cells) are back-transplanted into the patient intrathecally by standard lumbar puncture where neurons and glial cells are expected to take up the neurotrophic factors secreted by the transplanted cells
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are potent survival factors for embryonic, neonatal, and adult neurons and are considered potential therapeutic candidates for ALS. Delivery of multiple NTFs to the immediate environment of afflicted neurons in ALS patients is expected to improve their survival and thus slow down disease progression and alleviate symptoms. NTF-secreting mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC-NTF cells) are a novel cell-therapeutic approach aimed at effectively delivering NTFs directly to the site of damage in ALS patients. Participants meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomized and will undergo bone-marrow aspiration. MSC of the participants randomized to the treatment group will be induced into MSC-NTF cells. Participants will undergo a total of three intrathecal (IT) transplantations with NurOwn® (MSC-NTF cells) or matching placebo at three bi-monthly intervals
Inclusion Criteria:
- ALS diagnosed as possible, laboratory-supported probable, probable, or definite as
defined by revised El Escorial criteria.
- Having onset of ALS disease symptoms, including limb weakness within 24 months at the
Screening Visit.
- ALSFRS-R ≥ 25 at the screening Visit.
- Upright slow vital capacity (SVC) measure ≥ 65% of predicted for gender, height, and
age at the screening Visit.
- Rapid progressors
- Participants taking a stable dose of Riluzole are permitted in the study
- Citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canadian citizen able to travel
to a US site for all follow-up study visits
Exclusion Criteria:
- Prior stem cell therapy of any kind
- History of autoimmune or other serious disease (including malignancy and immune
deficiency) that may confound study results
- Current use of immunosuppressant medication or anticoagulants (per Investigator
discretion)
- Exposure to any other experimental agent or participation in an ALS clinical trial
within 30 days prior to Screening Visit
- Use of RADICAVA (edaravone injection) within 30 days of screening or intent to use
edaravone at any time during the course of the study including the follow up period
- Use of non-invasive ventilation (BIPAP), diaphragm pacing system or invasive
ventilation (tracheostomy)
- Feeding tube
- Pregnant women or women currently breastfeeding