MND-SMART is designed to test multiple drugs at the same time. Each drug is evaluated at pre-specified time points called ‘interim-analyses’ and a decision is made as to whether we should continue collecting data or discontinue the drug due to lack of benefit.
We have 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 we should stop testing amantadine as the interim analysis results show that this drug has not demonstrated a benefit in slowing MND progression.
Whilst we acknowledge that this outcome may be disappointing, through the significant commitment of MND-SMART participants and innovative study design, we have 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.
We 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. We are currently recruiting to the tacrolimus arm launched in early 2025 and are planning to start testing a further drug later this year.
Watch our interim analysis update video:
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.