Table 1

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteriaExclusion criteria

  1. Diagnosis of probable, probable laboratory supported or definite sporadic or familiar ALS according to the revised El Escorial criteria

  2. Age >18 years

  3. Onset ≤18 months before randomization

  4. sVC ≥70% in spinal onset

  5. Riluzole 100 mg/day or no riluzole

  6. Written informed consent

  1. PEG, NIV or tracheotomy

  2. Known heart, renal or liver failure

  3. Known intolerance to alpha II agonists

  4. Known conditions at risk for cardiovascular disorders or symptomatic hypotension

  5. Participation in a clinical trial within 3 months prior to the screening

  6. Cognitive impairment

  • ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; NIV, non-invasive ventilation; PEG, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy; sVC, slow vital capacity.