Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) Clinical Trials

CIDP is an acquired demyelinating disorder of the peripheral nervous system in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin covering of peripheral nerves. Pathologically, this results in demyelination, axonal degeneration, and inflammation of the peripheral nerves. The exact trigger is unknown but may involve molecular mimicry following infections, genetic predisposition, and dysregulation of B cells and T cells that target myelin proteins.

The most common symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy include Weakness on both sides of the body, in the hips and shoulders as well as the hands and feet, Tingling, numbness, and paresthesias in extremities, Loss of deep tendon reflexes, Fatigue exacerbated by physical activity, Balance problems and difficulty walking, among others. About 2.8 per 100,000 people in a 2019 pooled analysis of 9 studies (Broers et al., Neuroepidemiology); NORD estimates 5 to 7 per 100,000, and NIH's GARD estimates about 50,000 people in the U.S. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Approved treatments for adults with CIDP include immune globulin given into a vein (IVIG) or under the skin, and Vyvgart Hytrulo (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase), approved for CIDP on June 21, 2024. Late-stage trials are testing new antibody drugs, including the complement inhibitor empasiprubart from argenx.

Yes. Several treatments are FDA approved for adults with CIDP. Vyvgart Hytrulo (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase), a once-weekly injection under the skin, was approved for CIDP on June 21, 2024.

Several immune globulin products also carry a CIDP indication. Those given into a vein include Gamunex-C (2008), Privigen (2017), Panzyga (2021) and Gammagard Liquid (2024). Hizentra (2018) and HyQvia (2024) are given under the skin and are approved as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.

The 2021 European Academy of Neurology and Peripheral Nerve Society guideline strongly recommends IVIG or corticosteroids as a first treatment, and plasma exchange when IVIG and corticosteroids do not work. Each label sets its own rules on who can start it and for how long, so ask your neurologist which fits.

The exact cause of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy is not fully understood. It is not caused by a single gene; inherited variants raise risk, and immune, environmental or other triggers are thought to set it off. Presumed autoimmune; no genetic test has a diagnostic role, though antibodies to neurofascin-155 or contactin-1 define rare variants. About 2.8 per 100,000 people in a 2019 pooled analysis of 9 studies (Broers et al., Neuroepidemiology); NORD estimates 5 to 7 per 100,000, and NIH's GARD estimates about 50,000 people in the U.S. Research is ongoing to better understand the disease mechanism.

No single gene test diagnoses Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. The diagnosis rests on clinical findings and laboratory or imaging results; genetic variants shift risk rather than cause the disease. Presumed autoimmune; no genetic test has a diagnostic role, though antibodies to neurofascin-155 or contactin-1 define rare variants.

Some trials collect genetic samples for research or check specific risk markers. The Genetic Testing section of this page shows any tests listed in the NIH Genetic Testing Registry, which for this condition are usually research or risk-marker tests rather than diagnostic ones.

Eligibility for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.