ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT05121012

Synaptic Loss in Multiple System Atrophy

Record copied from ClinicalTrials.gov: Oct 10, 2026AI summaries generated: Jul 27, 2026

Molecular Imaging of Synaptic Loss in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

StatusRecruitingThe study is currently enrolling participants. Only the study team can say whether a particular person can join.
Study typeObservationalA study in which researchers do not assign participants to a treatment or other intervention. They observe or measure what happens, which may include study visits, tests, questionnaires or a review of medical records.
Age45 years old to 80 years old
SexAll
LocationUnited Kingdom
AI summaryWhat this study is about, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

This is a prospective observational imaging study for people diagnosed with MSA and people diagnosed with PSP. Participants receive clinical assessments, blood tests, MRI and PET scans; a lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid is optional. A subgroup will have a single [18F]APN107 PET scan to study tau, and many participants repeat assessments after about one year.

What it is studying. The study is measuring how much and how early synapses deteriorate in MSA using the PET tracer [11C]UCB-J, tracking brain glucose use with [18F]FDG PET, and measuring multiple MRI features over time. It also examines [18F]APN107 PET uptake (a tau tracer) to compare tau-related signals between MSA and PSP and to follow change in PSP over 12 months. The investigators will look for links between imaging measures and clinical scales and fluid biomarkers.

What the researchers hope to learn. To measure longitudinal change in synaptic density in MSA using [11C]UCB-J PET; to track changes in brain glucose metabolism with [18F]FDG; to characterize structural, microstructural, and functional MRI changes; to assess correlations between imaging and clinical or fluid biomarkers; and to compare [18F]APN107 (tau) uptake between MSA and PSP.

What this study is about

The study's own summary, as published on ClinicalTrials.gov. Underlined terms have a short explanation.

In this study the investigators would like to investigate the degree of damage of the synapses, an important part of the neurons vital for the communications between neurons, in Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and pathology related to abnormal accumulation of a protein named tau, in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Interventions being studied

Being studied in this trial does not mean the treatment or procedure is approved or available for this condition.

Other
  • Study procedures for MSA patients
  • Study procedures for PSP patients

Eligibility

The criteria exactly as listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Only the study team can say whether they apply to you.

Inclusion criteria

  • MSA group:
  • Male or female, aged 45-80 at the time of informed consent. Meet criteria for diagnosis of probable or possible MSA (Gilman et al., 2008) (Appendix 1).
  • A female subject is eligible to participate if she is a) of non-childbearing potential, defined as pre-menopausal females with a documented tubal ligation or hysterectomy, or postmenopausal defined as 12 months of spontaneous amenorrhea or b) of childbearing potential but not pregnant (as determined by urinary pregnancy test on screening and on each study day), is not lactating and is willing to use one of the contraception methods listed below:
  • Combined (estrogen and progesterone containing) hormonal contraception associated with initiation of ovulation( oral, intravaginal, or transdermal);
  • Progesterone-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, injectable, implantable);
  • Intrauterine device;
  • Intrauterine hormone releasing system;
  • Bilateral tubal occlusion;
  • Vasectomized partner;
  • Sexual abstinence.
  • Male subject with a female partner of child-bearing potential must use one of the following contraceptive methods for 90 days after each dose of radiotracer:
  • Condom plus partner use of a highly effective contraceptive (see point above) OR
  • Abstinence Subjects must understand the nature of the study and be able to provide signed and dated written informed consent in accordance with local regulations before the conduct of any study-related procedures. They must be able and willing to participate in all scheduled evaluations, abide by all study restrictions, and complete all required tests and procedures.
  • Must have anticipated survival of ≥3 years (in the opinion of the Investigator).
  • Medical treatment of MSA and co-morbid medical conditions must be stable for at least 30 days prior to screening and between screening and baseline PET scan. Intermittently administered treatment may be considered stable if the dose and dosing frequency have been unchanged for the greater of 30 days or three dosing inbiomartervals (e.g. a treatment given once a month must be at a stable dose and dosing frequency for 3 months).
  • For inclusion in optional CSF sampling, written informed consent must be provided, either by separate signed and dated written informed consent or by specific written acknowledgement on the main study informed consent form, according to local procedure. Failure to participate in optional CSF sampling will have no influence on the subject's ability to participate in the main study.
  • In the opinion of the investigator, the subject must be considered likely to comply with the study protocol and to have high probability of completing the study.
  • PSP Group:
  • Male or female, aged 45-80 at the time of informed consent. Meet criteria for diagnosis of suggestive, probable or possible PSP - with preference for PSP-RS, PSP-OM, PSP-PI, PSP with gait freezing, and PSP-SL and PSP-P subtypes (Höglinger et al., 2017 (Appendix 2).
  • A female subject is eligible to participate if she is a) of non-childbearing potential, defined as pre-menopausal females with a documented tubal ligation or hysterectomy, or postmenopausal defined as 12 months of spontaneous amenorrhea or b) of childbearing potential but not pregnant (as determined by urinary pregnancy test on screening and on each study day), is not lactating and is willing to use one of the contraception methods listed below:
  • Combined (estrogen and progesterone containing) hormonal contraception associated with initiation of ovulation( oral, intravaginal, or transdermal);
  • Progesterone-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (oral, injectable, implantable);
  • Intrauterine device;
  • Intrauterine hormone releasing system;
  • Bilateral tubal occlusion;
  • Vasectomized partner; Sexual abstinence.
  • Male subject with a female partner of child-bearing potential must use one of the following contraceptive methods for 90 days after each dose of radiotracer:
  • Condom plus partner use of a highly effective contraceptive (see point above) OR Abstinence Subjects must understand the nature of the study and be able to provide signed and dated written informed consent in accordance with local regulations before the conduct of any study-related procedures. They must be able and willing to participate in all scheduled evaluations, abide by all study restrictions, and complete all required tests and procedures.

Exclusion criteria

  • MSA group:
  • History of other neurological disorders or intracranial co-morbidities, such as stroke, haemorrhage, space-occupying lesions.
  • Presence of supranuclear gaze palsy. Presence of any clinically significant medical condition (including cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular, hematological, hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal, or other disease) that, based on the judgement of the investigator, is clinically unstable, is likely to deteriorate during the course of the study, could put the patient at risk because of participation in the study, could affect the subject's ability to complete the study, or could influence the study results.
  • Severe-to-complete dependence on caregivers (score >3 on UMSARS Part IV, Global Disability), severe impairment of swallowing (score ≥3 on UMSARS Part I, Question 2), or frequent falls (score ≥3 on UMSARS Part I, Question 8) at Screening.
  • Presence of any of the following MRI contraindications: pacemaker; cardiac defibrillator; spinal cord or vagus nerve stimulator; aneurysm clip; artificial heart valve; recent coronary or carotid stent; ear implant; CSF shunt; other implanted medical device (e.g. Swan-Ganz catheter, insulin pump); or metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body. If the principal investigator considers the presence of any of the above not to be a contraindication to MRI in a given subject, the investigator may obtain approval from the MR operators based on a discussion of the case.Negative modified Allen test in both hands.
  • History of claustrophobia or back pain that makes prolonged laying on the MRI or PET scanner intolerable.
  • Pregnancy, lactation, or, if female of childbearing potential, positive urine β-hCG at screening or prior to PET scan.
  • Use of drugs acting on SV2A such as antiepileptics (e.g. levetiracetam or brivaracetam).
  • History of brain surgery for parkinsonism or stem cell treatment. Clinically significant blood clotting or bleeding disorder, including clinically significant abnormal findings in laboratory assessments of coagulation or hematology.
  • Current or recent history of alcohol or drug abuse / dependence (except nicotine dependence).
  • History of cancer within the last 5 years, with the exception of nonmetastatic basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% at screening. Uncontrolled/poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.
  • For subjects participating in optional CSF sampling:
  • Any spinal malformation or other aspects (e.g. tattoos) / clinical findings (e.g. papilledema) that may complicate or contraindicate lumbar puncture, as judged by the investigator.
  • Neoplasm or other space-occupying intracranial lesion on MRI. Any clinically important abnormality, as determined by the investigator, on physical examination or vital signs, ECG, or clinical laboratory test results other than abnormality due to a stable, well-controlled medical condition; or any abnormality that could be detrimental to the subject or could compromise the study.
  • PSP group:
  • History of other neurological disorders or intracranial co-morbidities, such as stroke, haemorrhage, space-occupying lesions.
  • Inclusion in any clinical trial with investigational drugs targeting tau. Presence of any clinically significant medical condition (including cardiovascular, respiratory, cerebrovascular, hematological, hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal, or other disease) that, based on the judgement of the investigator, is clinically unstable, is likely to deteriorate during the course of the study, could put the patient at risk because of participation in the study, could affect the subject's ability to complete the study, or could influence the study results.
  • Presence of any of the following MRI contraindications: pacemaker; cardiac defibrillator; spinal cord or vagus nerve stimulator; aneurysm clip; artificial heart valve; recent coronary or carotid stent; ear implant; CSF shunt; other implanted medical device (e.g. Swan-Ganz catheter, insulin pump); or metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body. If the principal investigator considers the presence of any of the above not to be a contraindication to MRI in a given subject, the investigator may obtain approval from the MR operators based on a discussion of the case.
  • Abnormal modified Allen test in both hands. History of claustrophobia or back pain that makes prolonged laying on the MRI or PET scanner intolerable.
  • Pregnancy, lactation, or, if female of childbearing potential, positive urine β-hCG at screening or prior to PET scan.
  • History of brain surgery for parkinsonism or stem cell treatment. Clinically significant blood clotting or bleeding disorder, including clinically significant abnormal findings in laboratory assessments of coagulation or hematology.
  • Current or recent history of alcohol or drug abuse / dependence (except nicotine dependence).
  • History of cancer within the last 5 years, with the exception of nonmetastatic basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
  • For subjects participating in optional CSF sampling:
  • Any spinal malformation or other aspects (e.g. tattoos) / clinical findings (e.g. papilledema) that may complicate or contraindicate lumbar puncture, as judged by the investigator.
  • Neoplasm or other space-occupying intracranial lesion on MRI. Any clinically important abnormality, as determined by the investigator, on physical examination or vital signs, ECG, or clinical laboratory test results other than abnormality due to a stable, well-controlled medical condition; or any abnormality that could be detrimental to the subject or could compromise the study.

Study description and what participation involves

The study's detailed description, as published on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Show the detailed description from the registry

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, for which unfortunately there is no cure yet. It is known from pathological studies that the synapses (the terminal parts of the neurons) are affected in this disease, but the investigators don't know how, and how much this happens. An imaging tool called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can study the integrity of the synapses by the use of a dedicated tracer, called [11C]UCB-J. In this study the investigators would like to study how, and how early, the synapse deteriorate in patients with MSA. For this study, patients with the MSA will be enrolled. Participants will be asked to undergo a clinical visit with questionnaires and scales for motor and cognitive symptoms. Then, participants will come for a [11C]UCB-J PET scan, a [18F]FDG PET scan, to check the metabolism of the brain, and a MRI scan, to help the analysis of the PET. The participants will also be asked to perform a Lumbar puncture for a cerebrospinal fluid draw. This procedure will be optional. A subgroup of up to 10 patients with MSA who took part to the main study will also undergo an imaging substudy, with a PET scan (only at a single timepoint) with the tracer [18F]APN107. [18F]APN107 is a novel tracer measuring a protein in the brain named tau. Tau abnormally accumulates in patients with a disease named Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) but not in MSA. It is sometimes very challenging to distinguish MSA and PSP on the basis of the clinical observation. We hope that a PET scan with [18F]APN107 could help distinguish these disorders more. This subgroup of patients with MSA will be compared with a group of up to 16 patients with PSP (the clinical forms named PSP-RS and PSP-P) who will undergo the following activities: At baseline, a clinical visit with administration of pen-and-paper tests and scales,, a venous blood collection, an MRI scan and one [18F]APN107 PET scan; After approximately one year from baseline (follow-up), the repetition of the same activities as at baseline. The results will help in understanding better the mechanisms underlying thiese two conditions and open new avenues for its treatment.

AI summaryWhat participation may involve, in plain languageShow ▾Hide ▴

AI-written from the registry record, not the study's own wording. May contain errors or omissions. Check the registry text on this page and the original record ↗ before acting on it.

Participants attend a baseline visit and a follow-up at about 12 months with neurological exams, clinical scales and questionnaires, and blood draws. MSA participants will have one [11C]UCB‑J PET, one [18F]FDG PET, and one MRI at baseline and at 12 months; a subgroup of up to 10 MSA participants will also have a single [18F]APN107 PET. PSP participants will have [18F]APN107 PET, MRI, blood collection and clinical testing at baseline and ~1 year. An optional lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for cerebrospinal fluid is offered; declining the lumbar puncture does not affect ability to join the main study.

How the study is structured. A prospective observational cohort study. Participants have baseline clinical assessments, blood tests, MRI, and PET scans, then most repeat the same assessments after about 12 months. A subgroup of MSA participants will have an additional single [18F]APN107 PET scan; PSP participants undergo [18F]APN107 PET at baseline and at one-year follow-up. Lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid is offered as an optional procedure.

Questions you could ask

These questions are suggestions for a conversation with the study team or your own clinician, not advice.

  • This is an observational study, so the study itself gives no treatment. What would taking part involve for me, and would it change my usual care?
  • The listed sites are in United Kingdom. Is any of them reachable for me, and does the study help with travel?
  • Which of the eligibility criteria would need to be checked with tests before I could join?

More on progressive supranuclear palsy

This trial is also listed on this site under multiple system atrophy.

Important dates

Study start
Sep 1, 2021
Primary completion
Mar 31, 2027 (estimated)
Study completion
Mar 31, 2027 (estimated)
Target enrollment
36 participants (estimated)
Last updated on registry
Feb 10, 2026
Data verified
Oct 10, 2026

Sponsor and research team

The lead sponsor funds and oversees the trial. A pharmaceutical or biotech company sponsor typically means the study is testing that company's drug or device; a hospital, university, or government agency usually indicates investigator-initiated or publicly funded research.

Lead sponsor
University of Exeter

Central study contact

If you're interested in participating, the central contact can answer general questions about the study — including eligibility requirements and how to find a recruiting site near you. Actual eligibility is determined by the site's medical team.

Participating sites (1)

Terms used on this page · explanations by MedicalUpdates.ai

informed consent
The process of explaining a study, including its risks and what participation involves, so that a person can decide freely whether to take part. Consent is usually documented in writing, and a participant can choose to leave the study later.
childbearing potential
Studies often ask participants who could become pregnant, or could father a child, to use contraception during the study and for a period afterwards, because the effect of the treatment on a pregnancy is unknown.
prior to screening
The checks done before enrolment to see whether a person qualifies, such as tests, scans or a review of medical history.
baseline
Measurements taken at the start of the study, before any study treatment, so that later results can be compared with them.
PET scan
A scan in which a small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected so that activity in tissues can be seen. Often combined with a CT or MRI scan.
stable dose
A dose that has not changed for a defined period before the study starts. Studies may require this so that background treatment is relatively stable when study measurements begin.
MRI
A scan that uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays, to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Some implants and metal objects mean a person cannot have one.
contraindications
A reason a particular test or treatment should not be used for a person, for example a metal implant that rules out an MRI scan.
principal investigator
The doctor or scientist responsible for running the study at a site or overall.
lumbar puncture
A procedure in which a needle is placed between the bones of the lower back to collect spinal fluid or to give a treatment.
ECG
A recording of the heart's electrical activity. QTc is one measurement from it; some drugs are avoided if it is prolonged.
clinical trial
A study in which researchers assign participants to one or more interventions, such as a drug, procedure, device, behavioural programme or other approach, to measure their effects.
investigational
A treatment that is being tested and has not been approved for this use. It may be approved for a different condition. Being studied does not mean it works or is available outside the study.
Inclusion Criteria
The conditions a person must meet to be considered for the study, for example a confirmed diagnosis, an age range or a test result.
Exclusion criteria
The conditions that rule a person out even if they meet the inclusion criteria, for example other illnesses, certain medicines or pregnancy.
follow-up
The period after treatment or enrolment during which participants are observed or contacted, for example to record side effects or outcomes.

The study record on this page is reproduced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, where it was submitted by the study sponsor. MedicalUpdates.ai does not own this content, is not affiliated with or endorsed by ClinicalTrials.gov, NIH, or the U.S. Government, and does not verify the record. Plain-language notes, the glossary and the questions above are added by this site; text in the boxes marked "AI summary" was written by an AI model and may contain errors. Registry records change over time. Check the original record for the current version and discuss eligibility or participation with a qualified healthcare professional.

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