Degenerative myelopathy - clinical trial

What is Degenerative Myelopathy?

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) in humans. This condition causes gradual weakness and loss of coordination in the hind limbs, eventually leading to paralysis. DM is caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene and currently has no effective treatment to slow or stop its progression.

Purpose of This Study

This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether a new medication called CNR-401, derived from cannabis-based polyphenols and cannabinoids, can slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy and delay the loss of ability to walk. This treatment has shown promise in laboratory studies by reducing inflammation, protecting nerve cells, and combating oxidative stress—key factors in DM progression.

By participating in this study, you will contribute to advancing our understanding of this disease and potentially help develop the first effective treatment for DM in dogs, with implications for human ALS research as well.

Eligibility Criteria

Your dog may be eligible if:

• They have been clinically diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy
• Genetic testing confirms they carry two copies of the SOD1 mutation (homozygous)
• They are still able to walk (ambulatory)
• They can safely undergo anesthesia for diagnostic procedures

Your dog cannot participate if:

• They have other neurological or systemic diseases
• They are already unable to walk
• They have had adverse reactions to cannabinoids in the past
• They are currently receiving any of the following medications:
  • Anticoagulants (especially clopidogrel or rivaroxaban)
  • Anticonvulsants (especially phenobarbital or zonisamide)
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Opioids
  • Antidepressants (SSRIs or tricyclics)
  • Cyclosporine
  • Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers

Study Procedures and Timeline

This study will last up to 12 months or until your dog loses the ability to walk. Your dog will be randomly assigned to receive either the CNR-401 treatment or a placebo (inactive substance), and neither you nor the veterinary team will know which group your dog is in until the study ends.

What to expect:

Initial Visit (Day 0):

• Complete neurological examination
• Muscle impedance assessment
• Blood collection
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection under anesthesia
• MRI of the spinal cord under anesthesia
• Start of treatment (oral medication given twice daily at home)

Every 3 Months:

• Neurological examination and gait analysis
• Muscle impedance measurements
• Blood collection for routine testing and medication levels

At 6 Months:

• Repeat CSF collection under anesthesia
• Repeat MRI of the spinal cord

Monthly Throughout the Study:

• Online questionnaire about your dog's health and any side effects (completed at home)

Emergency Contact:

You will have direct access to the research team veterinarians by phone and email throughout the study. If your dog experiences worsening symptoms or any concerning changes, you should contact the team immediately.

Benefits of Participating

• Potential Treatment: Your dog may receive a promising new medication that could slow disease progression
• Comprehensive Monitoring: Regular neurological examinations and advanced diagnostics at no cost
• Expert Care: Close monitoring by specialized veterinary neurologists
• Advanced Diagnostics: Access to MRI and specialized testing that would normally be very expensive
• Contributing to Science: Help advance research that may lead to treatments for both dogs and humans affected by similar diseases
• No Cost: All study-related procedures, examinations, and medications are provided free of charge

Study Location

All evaluations and procedures will be conducted at:

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV)
Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire
Université de Montréal
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec

This study has been approved by the Animal Care Ethics Committee (CÉUA) of Université de Montréal.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas Parmentier, DMV, PhD, DACVIM-Neurology
Graduate student: Mr Émile Roy



This content has been updated on 4 February 2026 at 22 h 20 min.