Using intravenous trehalose to treat patients with ALS

An Expanded Access Protocol of Intravenous Trehalose Injection 90 mg/mL Treatment of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10649756

This study is looking at how giving trehalose through an IV can help people with ALS, offering a new treatment option for those who can’t join another trial, and you can get the infusions either at the research center or at home with a nurse's help.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10649756 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of intravenous trehalose, a disaccharide that activates autophagy, as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Patients will receive weekly infusions of trehalose, which can be administered at the research center or at home by a trained nurse. The study aims to provide expanded access to this treatment for patients who are not eligible for the ongoing HEALEY ALS Platform Trial. By targeting multiple biological pathways involved in ALS, this approach seeks to enhance treatment efficacy beyond existing medications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who are not eligible for the current randomized controlled trial.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological conditions or those who are not diagnosed with ALS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that may slow the progression of ALS and improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with trehalose in animal models, but this expanded access protocol represents a novel opportunity for human treatment.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.