(Average reading time 2 mins)
MND-SMART is designed to test multiple drugs at the same time. Each drug is evaluated at prespecified time points called ‘interim-analyses’ and a decision is made as to whether the Trial team should continue collecting data or discontinue the drug due to lack of benefit.
The trial has now reached the second interim analysis point for amantadine, the third drug to be tested as part of MND-SMART.
The independent trial committees have reviewed the data and have decided that the Trial should stop testing amantadine as the interim analysis results show that this drug has not demonstrated a benefit in slowing MND progression.
Whilst acknowledging that this outcome may be disappointing, through the significant commitment of MND-SMART participants and innovative study design, the Trial has reached this definitive result within 3 years and can now move on to test other drugs.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all trial participants and their families for their contributions to MND-SMART. The time taken to attend trial visits, complete questionnaires and provide samples is helping drive science forward at pace.
The MND-SMART team will publish these results in an academic journal so that other scientists know that amantadine requires no further testing in people with MND - meaning researchers can focus efforts and resources on the next promising candidates.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to work alongside MND-SMART participants and their families until we find those drugs that slow down progression and prolong survival for people living with motor neuron disease.
MND-SMART remains open to recruitment at 26 centres across the UK. MND-SMART is currently recruiting to the tacrolimus arm launched in early 2025 and is planning to start testing a further drug later this year.
Watch the interim analysis video:
(Opens the University of Edinburgh's Media Hopper. Video length 2 mins 7 secs)
Relevant links
Register interest in joining the trial (UK only)
Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research website
MND-SMART is led by the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research at the University of Edinburgh. The trial is a flagship project of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
The trial is funded by the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, MND Scotland, MND Association, the Alan Davidson Foundation, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Baillie Gifford.
The Anne Rowling Clinic is proud to be on of MND-SMART's 26 recruitment sites in the UK.