Leukodystrophy
MONDO:0019046Leukodystrophies are a group of rare, progressive, metabolic, genetic diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord and often the peripheral nerves. Each type of leukodystrophy is caused by a specific gene abnormality that leads to abnormal development or destruction of the white matter (myelin sheath) of the brain. The myelin sheath is the protective covering of the nerve and nerves can't function normally without it. Each type of leukodystrophy affects a different part of the myelin sheath, leading to a range of neurological problems.
Also known as: hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, hypomyelinating leukoencephalopathy, leukodystrophy, hypomyelinating
76 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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Experimental pill targets toxic fat buildup in rare genetic disease
Disease control CompletedThis study tested an oral drug called ADX-629 in 8 people with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, a rare inherited disorder that causes harmful fatty substances to build up in the skin, brain, and eyes. The main goals were to see if the drug is safe and can reduce these fatty aldehydes. P…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: University of Nebraska • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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New hope for rare brain disease: Long-Term safety data collected
Disease control CompletedThis study followed 24 people with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare and serious brain disease, who were already receiving an experimental drug called HGT-1110. The main goal was to check for side effects and immune reactions over a long period. Researchers wanted to see…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Shire • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Experimental enzyme therapy tested in rare brain disease after transplant
Disease control CompletedThis study tested an experimental drug called METAZYM (a lab-made enzyme) in one child with late infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) who had already received a stem cell transplant. The goal was to see if the enzyme could improve nerve function and reduce harmful buildup…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Gene therapy shows promise for rare fatal brain disease in kids
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a gene therapy called OTL-200 in 10 children with early-onset metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare and severe brain disease. The treatment uses the child's own blood stem cells, modified to produce a missing enzyme, and aims to slow or stop disease progres…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Orchard Therapeutics • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:01 UTC
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Brain gene therapy shows promise for rare childhood disease
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a gene therapy for children with early-onset metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare and severe brain disease. Five children aged 6 months to 5 years received injections of a harmless virus carrying a working copy of the ARSA gene directly into their brains. …
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:09 UTC
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Could a rheumatoid arthritis drug calm a rare brain disease?
Disease control CompletedThis phase 2 trial tested baricitinib (Olumiant), a drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, in 54 people with Aicardi Goutières Syndrome (AGS), a rare genetic disorder that causes brain inflammation and developmental problems. The goal was to see if the drug could stabilize or improv…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Adeline Vanderver, MD • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:07 UTC
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Gene therapy offers hope for children with rare brain disease
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a gene therapy for children with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare, inherited brain disease that causes severe disability and early death. The treatment uses the child's own blood stem cells, which are modified in a lab to carry a working copy of the mi…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Orchard Therapeutics • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:02 UTC
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Could HIV drugs tame a rare immune disease in kids?
Disease control CompletedThis small pilot study tested whether drugs normally used for HIV could help children with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS), a rare genetic disorder that causes severe brain inflammation. The trial gave 11 children a combination of three reverse transcriptase inhibitors to see if…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 13:51 UTC
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AI eye scan could diagnose brain diseases in seconds
Diagnosis CompletedResearchers tested an artificial intelligence program that analyzes retinal images to diagnose several nerve and brain conditions, such as optic neuropathy and brain tumors. The study used data from 693 patients with confirmed diagnoses. The goal is to create a fast triage tool f…
Sponsor: Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 14:30 UTC
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Study explores how family and friends impact caregiver health
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at how the social networks of caregivers affect their stress and health when caring for someone with an inherited disease. Researchers surveyed over 680 participants, including family members and formal caregivers, to understand caregiving burden and s…
Sponsor: National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Scientists track canavan disease in 67 children to map its progression
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 67 children with Canavan disease, a rare genetic brain disorder, to learn how the condition naturally changes over time. Researchers reviewed medical records and conducted checkups to track symptoms, milestones, and disease progression. The goal was to better …
Sponsor: Aspa Therapeutics • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:08 UTC
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Smart homes for seniors: telemonitoring trial aims to cut hospital stays
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether home automation and remote monitoring can help elderly people (65+) with multiple chronic conditions live safely at home. Over 500 participants had their homes equipped with sensors that tracked health signs and sent alerts to doctors. The main goal was …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Limoges • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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Italian swallowing assessment tool validated for neurodegenerative patients
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study aimed to translate and validate an Italian version of a tool that helps speech therapists assess swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's or ALS. Researchers tested the tool on 101 adults with such conditions to ens…
Sponsor: Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:09 UTC
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Brain scans and memory tests shed light on how the brain works after injury
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study looked at how different types of brain damage—from strokes, tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases—affect thinking and memory. Researchers used brain scans (MRI) and cognitive tests in 346 patients and healthy volunteers to map which brain areas are res…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Rouen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:02 UTC
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New MRI study maps rare brain disease in children
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study used powerful MRI scans to track how a rare genetic disease called metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) damages the brain's white matter in young children. Researchers studied 29 children aged 1 to 6 years with MLD, along with a control group, to better understand how th…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
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Could a single DNA test solve the mystery of rare brain diseases in kids?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at whether whole genome sequencing (a complete read of a person's DNA) can help diagnose leukodystrophies, a group of rare brain diseases that are hard to identify. Researchers enrolled 236 children with white matter abnormalities on brain scans but no known gen…
Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:56 UTC