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Facioscapulohumeral Muscular DystrophyReSolveNCT03458832

Clinical Trial Readiness to Solve Barriers to Drug Development in FSHD

An observational study of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, run by University of Kansas Medical Center at 14 sites in 6 countries.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The primary cause of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a common adult-onset dystrophy, was recently discovered identifying targets for therapy. As multiple drug companies pursue treatments for FSHD, there is an urgent need to define the clinical trial strategies which will hasten drug development… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
What is being tested?
FSHD-specific functional rating scale and Electrical Impedance Myography
Type of treatment
Medical device
How many people
324 participants
Where
14 sitesin 6 countries
Study dates
5 Mar 2018to Dec 2027
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Participants with FSHD that are seen in the researchers clinic.

Who may be able to join

  • Patients with genetically confirmed FSHD1 or clinical diagnosis of FSHD with characteristic findings on exam and an affected parent or offspring
  • Patients with symptomatic limb weakness
  • Patients must be able to walk 30 feet without the support of another person or assistance (canes, walking sticks, and braces allowed; no walker).
  • If taking over the counter supplements, willing to remain consistent with supplement regimen throughout the course of the study

Who cannot join

  • Patients with cardiac or respiratory dysfunction (deemed clinically unstable, or would interfere with safe testing, in the opinion of the Investigator)
  • Patients with orthopedic conditions that preclude safe testing of muscle function
  • Patients that regularly use available muscle anabolic/catabolic agents such as corticosteroids, oral testosterone or derivatives, or oral beta agonists
  • Patients that have used an experimental drug in an FSHD clinical trial within the past 30 days
  • Patients that are pregnant

Trial locations and contacts

14 sites in 6 countries.

14 sites in 6 countries

United States8 sites
  • Kennedy Krieger Institute

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21205

  • The Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210

  • University of Kansas Medical Center

    Kansas City, Kansas, 66160

  • University of California Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, California, 90095

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond, Virginia, 23298

  • University of Rochester Medical Center

    Rochester, New York, 14642

  • University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132

  • University of Washington

    Seattle, Washington, 98195

Other trials in United States

France2 sites
  • Chu De Nice

    Nice, 06001

  • Institut de Myologie

    Paris, 75013

Other trials in France

Germany1 site
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

    München, 80336

Other trials in Germany

Italy1 site
  • Centro Clinico NeMO

    Milan, 20162

Other trials in Italy

Netherlands1 site
  • Radboud Unviersity

    Nijmegen, 6525 XZ

Other trials in Netherlands

United Kingdom1 site
  • University of College London - Queens Square

    London, WC1N 3BG

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

The primary cause of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a common adult-onset dystrophy, was recently discovered identifying targets for therapy. As multiple drug companies pursue treatments for FSHD, there is an urgent need to define the clinical trial strategies which will hasten drug development, including creating disease-relevant outcome measures and optimizing inclusion criteria. This proposal will develop two new outcome measures (FSHD-COM and EIM) and optimize eligibility criteria by testing 320 patients across 14 international sites over a period of 24 months.

Read the detailed description

The overall aim of this study is to hasten drug development for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Recent breakthroughs in FSHD research have identified the primary disease mechanism as the aberrant expression of a normally silenced gene, DUX4, resulting in a toxic gain-of-function. This disease mechanism is particularly amenable to knock-down of DUX4 using epigenetic strategies or RNA therapies, as well as to other interventions targeting the downstream effects of DUX4 expression. There are many drug companies actively working towards disease-targeted therapies, and two clinical trials either under way now, or planned to start in early Fall 2016. However, meetings with industry, advocacy groups, and FSHD researchers have identified several gaps in the clinical trial arsenal, and clinical trial planning as a major goal for the community. Consequently, there is an urgent need to establish the tools necessary for the conduct of currently planned and expected therapeutic trials in FSHD.

To this end, the researchers propose to develop two novel clinical outcome assessments (COA), a composite functional outcome measure (FSHD-COM) and skeletal muscle biomarker, electrical impedance myography (EIM). In addition, there is broad consensus a better understanding of the relationship of genetic and demographic features to disease progression will be necessary for enumerating eligibility criteria.

The specific aims are to: 1. Determine the multi-site validity of the COAs, 2. Compare the responsiveness of new COAs to other FSHD outcomes and determine the minimal clinically meaningful changes, and 3. establish FSHD cohort characteristics useful for determining clinical trial eligibility criteria. To achieve these aims, the researchers are conducting a multicenter, prospective, 24 months study of 320 subjects.

Being tested
FSHD-specific functional rating scale, Electrical Impedance Myography
Keywords
muscular dystrophy., FSHD
Medical subject headings
Muscular Dystrophy, Facioscapulohumeral, Muscular Dystrophies

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • FSHD-specific functional rating scaleDiagnostic test

    Also called FSHD-COM

    The FSHD-COM is composed of disease-relevant functional tasks such as leg function; shoulder and arm function; trunk function, hand function, and balance.

  • Electrical Impedance MyographyDevice

    Also called EIM

    EIM is a non-invasive, painless, and fast technique for obtaining information on how a patient's muscle structure is changing. EIM uses a small electrical current to measure the health of the underlying muscle. The patient will be asked to lie down and a trained clinical evaluator will perform testing on 16 total muscles (8 on each side) on your arms and legs.

Study groups in NCT03458832
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
FSHD-COMAll participants will be asked to undergo FSHD-specific functional rating scale tests and procedures and Electrical Impedance Myography.
Receives: Diagnostic Test: FSHD-specific functional rating scale; Device: Electrical Impedance Myography

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. FSHD composite (FSHD-COM)

    The FSHD composite (FSHD-COM) is an 18-item evaluator-administered instrument comprised of individually validated functional motor tasks. The body regions represented match areas of importance identified by patients and include: leg function; shoulder and arm function; trunk function, hand function; and balance. Each item is scored on a 0-4 scale, with 0 representing unaffected/normal performance, and the divisions based on healthy population normative values, or the relative degree of ability to perform the functional task. The total scale has 72 points, with larger weight given to the two most frequently patient-cited areas of functional motor concern - leg function and shoulder and arm function.

    Measured: 24 Months

  2. Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM)

    EIM is administered using an investigational device manufactured by Skulpt, Inc (Boston, MA) that non-invasively measures the impedance of skeletal muscle over a frequency range between 1 kHz and 10 MHz (Figure 2). The impedance is measured at each frequency by applying low-intensity electrical current (<1 mA) via surface electrodes and measuring the resulting voltage signals using a second set of surface electrodes, converting them into 2 impedance parameters, the resistance and the reactance.

    Measured: 24 Months

Secondary outcomes (17)
  1. Motor Function Measure (MFM) Domain 1

    The MFM domain 1 is a validated evaluator administered functional measure for neuromuscular disorders, with 13 items related to standing and transfers.

    Measured: 24 Months

  2. Facial Function

    The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) is a means to quantify lip, tongue, and buccal strength using a validated tool with published ranges for normative data for lingual measurements.

    Measured: 24 Months

  3. Reachable Workspace (RWS)

    Subjects are seated in front of a 3D camera and asked to perform a standardized upper extremity movement protocol under the supervision of a study clinical evaluator.

    Measured: 24 Months

  4. Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)

    Strength testing will be performed using manual muscle testing (MMT) using a hand held force dynamometer.

    Measured: 24 Months

  5. Force Vital Capacity (FVC)

    The researchers will obtain bedside spirometry including forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second.

    Measured: 24 Months

  6. Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP)

    The researchers will obtain maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) using bedside spirometry.

    Measured: 24 Months

  7. Whole body and regional lean muscle mass (LMM)

    Whole body and regional lean muscle mass (LMM) will be measured via Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA).

    Measured: 24 Months

  8. Severity Scores

    A limited physical exam and strength testing will be used to derive two FSHD clinical severity scores. These severity scores both rank weakness in the face, shoulders, arms, distal, and proximal lower extremities on either a 10 or 15 point scale.

    Measured: 24 Months

  9. FSHD-Health Index (FSHD-HI)

    The HI is a 15 domain questionnaire designed and based on patient interviews to measure total FSHD health-related quality-of-life, including both motor impairment and the social and emotional impact of FSHD. 116 questions are combined into a total score, the score is transformed onto a percentage scale, with 100 representing maximal disability, and lower scores representing decreasing disability.

    Measured: 24 Months

  10. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-57 (PROMIS57)

    The PROMIS57 is an instrument developed by the NIH which generates scores for physical function, and the impact of physical limitations on daily life. 57 questions are summed into a total score, which is transformed into a normalized t-score with 50 representing normal, and lower scores representing increasing disability.

    Measured: 24 Months

  11. The Upper Extremity Functional Index

    This index measures upper extremity dysfunction. 20 questions are combined into a total score, the score is transformed into a normalized score with 80 representing normal, and lower scores representing increasing disability.

    Measured: 24 Months

  12. The Facial Disability Index (FDI)

    The FDI is a short 5 item questionnaire. The five questions are summed into total score which transformed onto a percentage scale, with 100 representing normal, and lower scores representing increasing disability.

    Measured: 24 Months

  13. Fall assessment

    Fall assessment will be completed weekly for 3 months after the month 3 visit.

    Measured: Total between Month 3 and Month 6 Visit

  14. Domain Delta Anchor

    Participants will be asked to complete a self-assessment "domain-delta" questionnaire at 3, 12, 18 and 24-month visits. The purpose of the "domain-delta" questionnaire is to determine each patient's perceived change in their health-related quality-of-life in the last 6-months. This questionnaire will inquire about total health as well as health related to 14 subdomains self-identified as important by patients during development of the FSHD Health Index. Participants indicate their perceived change by answering if an area "is a lot worse", "is a little worse", "there has been no change", "it is a little better", or "it is a lot better" for each subdomain.

    Measured: 24 Months

  15. Quantitative myometry (QMA)

    Force will be measured on digital myometer, in KG-force.

    Measured: 24 Months

  16. Muscle Biopsy

    Will be performed on 30 subjects at European and United Kingdom sites only. Participants will undergo one needle muscle biopsy of one lower extremity muscle (Vastus Lateralis (VL), Tibialis Anterior (TA), Medial Gastrocnemius (MG), or Lateral Gastrocnemius (LG)) at any study visit. For each biopsy, approximately three muscle tissue samples will be collected, two samples will be individually flash frozen in liquid nitrogen while the third sample will be put into media for myoblast cell cultures.

    Measured: 24 Months

  17. Blood biomarkers

    DNA and RNA will be collected at Baseline and 3-month visits. Plasma and serum samples will be collected at every visit (Baseline, 3, 12, 18, and 24-months).

    Measured: 24-Months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted8 Mar 2018
  2. Study start5 Mar 2018
  3. Primary completionDec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
324 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03458832
Sponsor's protocol ID
STUDY00140842
Other IDs
U01NS101944
Acronym
ReSolve
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
11 Jan 2018
Last updated
17 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • LoRusso S, Johnson NE, McDermott MP, Eichinger K, Butterfield RJ, Carraro E, Higgs K, Lewis L, Mul K, Sacconi S, Sansone VA, Shieh P, van Engelen B, Wagner K, Wang L, Statland JM, Tawil R; ReSolve Investigators and the FSHD CTRN18. Clinical trial readiness to solve barriers to drug development in FSHD (ReSolve): protocol of a large, international, multi-center prospective study. BMC Neurol. 2019 Sep 10;19(1):224. doi: 10.1186/s12883-019-1452-x.

    PubMed 31506080

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, run by University of Kansas Medical Center at 14 sites in 6 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 14 sites in United States, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and 1 more country. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

FSHD composite (FSHD-COM) (time frame: 24 Months). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03458832, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Sep 2026.

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