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N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

This study is looking at whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Researchers want to see if different doses of NAC (900mg/day or 3600mg/day) or a placebo (a pill with no medicine) can change levels of a substance called glutathione (GSH) in the brain. GSH is important for protecting cells from damage. To join, you need to be between 21 and 60 years old, have a diagnosis of ME/CFS, and have low baseline GSH levels. The study will consider NAC successful if it helps restore GSH levels. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know if you are receiving NAC or a placebo. About 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups.
What's involved
You would take NAC or a placebo caplet for four weeks. You would have a baseline visit and a follow-up visit, which include blood collection, questionnaires, and MRI and MRS imaging.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your GSH levels will be measured before and after the four-week NAC supplementation period.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04542161

Assessment of N-Acetylcysteine as Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Active, Not Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 21–60Interventional
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
~95 participants
Updated 2026-06-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:NAC 900mg/dayNAC 3600mg/dayNAC 0mg/day (Placebo)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in GSH levels of treatment response: measure 1
Measured over pre/post 4 weeks of NAC supplementation
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Explore related trials

Chronic Fatigue SyndromeSGSH Gene

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
New York1

Study leadership

  • Dikoma C. Shungu, Ph.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Males or females, ages 21 to 60 years (inclusive).
Baseline GSH levels at or less than a predefined cutoff value.
Primary diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Willing and capable of providing informed consent.

Exclusion

Significant and/or comorbid axis I (especially mood and anxiety) and axis II disorders.
Any significant neurological illness or impairment.
Other unstable medical conditions (asthma, hypertension, endocrine or metabolic disease, etc).
History alcohol abuse.
Positive urine toxicology at screening and on days of assessments.
Positive pregnancy test at screening or on days of assessments.
Contra-indication for clinical MRI scan (e.g., pacemaker, metallic prosthesis).
Baseline GSH levels higher than a predefined cutoff value.

What this trial measures

  • Change in GSH levels of treatment response: measure 1pre/post 4 weeks of NAC supplementation

    Levels of occipital cortex GSH, as measured in vivo with 1H MRS

  • Change in GSH levels of treatment response: measure 2pre/post 4 weeks of NAC supplementation

    Levels of striatal GSH, as measured in vivo with 1H MRS