Neuromuscular Research

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects many polio patients years after recovery from an initial acute attack of the poliomyelitis virus. Most often patients start to experience slowly progressive muscle weakness and fatigue. We perform a randomised, placebo controlled trial to assess the influence of an oral treatment with L-citrulline on energy metabolism in muscles of post-polio patients and its effect on muscle function, endurance and quality of life. This study is sponsored by the Thomi-Hopf-Foundation.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02801071

Recruitment of patients has been terminated.

The examination of the peripheral nervous system with ultrasonogaphy is an emerging non-invasive technique that became popular in the last few years. To distinguish a pathological swelling of the nerves from normal aspects a comparison with normal values from a group of healthy children is important. This investigator-initiated study aims to establish normal values for cross sectional areas of several upper and lower limb nerves and cervical roots in children and adolescents from 2 to 18 years.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02570802

We are actually recruiting patients, please contact us.

At the university’s children hospital (UKBB), the phase III, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial SIDEROS (sponsored by Santhera®) aims to assess the efficacy of Raxone in slowing the rate of respiratory function decline in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients receiving concomitant glucocorticoids. Study participants will receive either Raxone (900 mg/day; given as 2 tablets 3 times a day with meals) or placebo for 78 weeks (18 months). The primary endpoint of the trial is change from baseline to week 78 in forced vital capacity % predicted (FVC%p). Patients completing the trial will be offered the opportunity to enroll in an open label extension study where all patients receive Raxone.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02814019

We are recruiting patients, please contact us.

In this study the effect of Tamoxifen is evaluated in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Using the mouse DMD model encouraging results have been shown concerning the muscle function during a treatment with tamoxifen. Patients will be recruited internationals in 9 centers (7 countries), the trial will be coordinated by the UKBB (sponsored by EU, SNF, patient organizations: Duchenne UK, NL and Monaco).

We are not yet recruiting patients. Please contact us for more information. 

Approx. one billion people are suffering from migraine worldwide and yet, therapeutic options are still very limited. Research suggests that changes in energy metabolism could be part of migraine pathophysiology. Ketone bodies (KB) are endogenous alternative energy substrates. Our clinical trial assesses the efficacy and safety of KB supplements in 60-90 adult migraineurs (5-14 migraine days / months) at the University Hospital Basel. The total duration of the trial is approx. 6 months, consisting of 4 weeks baseline, 12 weeks intervention with KB powder or matched placebo and 8 weeks follow-up. The primary endpoint is the change in migraine days at the end of intervention compared to baseline. Additionally, changes in gene expression, fat-, protein- and glucose metabolism, inflammatory markers and quality of life will be examined.

We are currently recruiting. Please contact us for more information on the study.