A Pilot Trial of Triheptanoin for People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (PALS)

The causes of ALS are largely unknown. However, mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in impaired energy production, oxidative stress and apoptosis, may play a key role in ALS progression. Triheptanoin can improve mitochondrial function and energy production and therefore has potential for slowing ALS progression. Indeed, triheptanoin slowed motor neuron loss and delayed the onset of weakness in a mutant SOD1 model of ALS. This pilot trial will determine if Triheptanoin is safe tolerable, alters biomarkers of brain energy metabolism and oxidative stress, and slows functional decline in people with ALS.