Exploring N-Acetylcysteine as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome
Official title: Mechanistic Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as an Antioxidant Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Through Dose Response and Treatment Target Engagement
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10821379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) feel better by boosting a natural antioxidant in the body, and participants will either get NAC or a placebo to see how it affects their fatigue and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,792 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS116887-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10821379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome who experience severe fatigue and related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other chronic illnesses or those not diagnosed with ME/CFS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a dietary supplement, as a treatment for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The study aims to understand how NAC can help restore levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant in the body, which may alleviate symptoms of fatigue and improve overall health in patients with ME/CFS. Participants will receive either NAC or a placebo in a double-blind setup, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of NAC in reducing oxidative stress and improving symptoms. The research will also measure changes in brain chemistry and other biological markers to evaluate the treatment's impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from ME/CFS, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings from earlier studies suggest that NAC may effectively improve symptoms in ME/CFS patients, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shungu, Dikoma C — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Shungu, Dikoma C
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.