Actively Recruiting
Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Led by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Updated on 2026-02-25
95
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
295 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is an unexplained multisymptom/multisystem disorder for which there are currently no validated treatments. The present exploratory clinical trial aims to advance our understand of the mechanisms of in situ GSH synthesis control through assessment of the response of brain GSH and plasma markers of oxidative stress to different doses of NAC in comparison to placebo, as a potential treatment for ME/CFS that would provide neuroprotection against oxidative stress by restoring cortical GSH reserves. If successful, this exploratory clinical trial would address a significant public health concern by shedding new light onto the mechanisms of action of NAC in brain GSH restoration, which could open a new avenue for the development of potentially effective treatments for a disorder, ME/CFS, that currently has none.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Males or females, ages 21 to 60 years (inclusive)
- Baseline GSH levels at or less than a predefined cutoff value
- Primary diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
- Willing and capable of providing informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Significant and/or comorbid axis I (especially mood and anxiety) and axis II disorders
- Any significant neurological illness or impairment
- Other unstable medical conditions (asthma, hypertension, endocrine or metabolic disease, etc)
- History alcohol abuse
- Positive urine toxicology at screening and on days of assessments
- Positive pregnancy test at screening or on days of assessments
- Contra-indication for clinical MRI scan (e.g., pacemaker, metallic prosthesis)
- Baseline GSH levels higher than a predefined cutoff value
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States, 10021
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
X
Xiangling Mao, MS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
3
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