Tests N-acetyl cysteine in people with multiple sclerosis
Tests whether N-acetyl cysteine supplement affects brain function in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Physiological Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Key facts
- Where
- Philadelphia, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Trial code
- NCT03032601
- Record updated
- 17 September 2025
- Original description
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the myelin surrounding the nerve cells is damaged which affects functioning. MS usually is treated with medications designed to reduce the occurrence of future MS events. Evidence suggests that an important part of the disease process is damage to the myelin and brain caused by too much oxygen (sometimes called oxidative stress) or too much inflammation (or swelling).Read full original descriptionShow less
Physiological Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the myelin surrounding the nerve cells is damaged which affects functioning. MS usually is treated with medications designed to reduce the occurrence of future MS events. Evidence suggests that an important part of the disease process is damage to the myelin and brain caused by too much oxygen (sometimes called oxidative stress) or too much inflammation (or swelling).
The overall goal of this study will be to determine whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will help to support cerebral function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This positron emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) study will utilize 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography FDG PET to measure cerebral metabolism, along with MRI analysis, to measure metabolism and structural effects of NAC in patients with MS.
Inclusion: Clinical diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS or progressive MS who do not plan to start a medication during the study, or on stable disease modifying medication (interferon, glatiramer, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide); Age 18 years old to no upper limit; Physically independent, ambulatory; Women of childbearing potential will confirm a negative pregnancy test and must practice effective contraception during the period of pilot study. In addition, male subjects who have a partner of childbearing age should practice effective contraception; Participants must be able to complete study procedures in the greater Philadelphia area.
Exclusion: Patients are excluded who have received treatment with intravenous steroids within the past 90 days for reasons other than MS; Previous brain surgery that would interfere with determination of cerebral metabolism or structure on the FDG PET-MRI; Patients with current alcohol or drug abuse; Enrollment in active clinical trial/ experimental therapy within the prior 30 days; Pending surgery during the course of the study; Currently using medications that might alter the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals in - -the body or brain (as determined by Investigator); Intracranial abnormalities that may complicate interpretation of the brain scans (e.g., stroke, tumor, vascular abnormality affecting the target area); History of head trauma with loss of consciousness > 48 hours; History of asthma requiring daily medications for adequate management; Any medical disorder or physical condition that could reasonably be expected to interfere with the assessment of MS symptoms, or with any of the study assessments including the PET-MRI imaging; Patients with evidence of a significant psychiatric disorder by history/examination that would prevent completion of the study will not be allowed to participate; Patients taking medications that might interact with NAC involved in this study will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the PI or study physician. These medications include: Medications for high blood pressure; Medications that slow blood clotting; Medications for diabetes; Nitroglycerin; Patients with history of pulmonary hypertension; Any neurological, psychiatric, or medical condition that might affect the distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the body or brain (as determined by Investigator); Glucose level that would interfere with the FDG PET scan; Score on Mini-Mental Status examination of 20 or lower; Wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, non-ambulatory; Pregnant or lactating women; Patient exceeds the weight limit of the table; Claustrophobia that would prevent completion of imaging studies; Any additional contraindications for MRI; Has metallic objects (e.g., pacemakers) in the body.