Could a single gene injection slow frontotemporal dementia?

NCT ID NCT04747431

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial tests a gene therapy called PBFT02 for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in people with specific genetic mutations. The therapy delivers a working copy of the GRN gene directly into the brain. The study involves 30 adults and primarily checks for safety and side effects, while also measuring changes in key proteins linked to the disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
PBFT02 (a gene therapy that delivers a working copy of the GRN gene into brain cells)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment that slows or stops the progression of frontotemporal dementia in people with specific genetic mutations.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small trial (30 people) focused on safety. Gene therapies can have serious side effects, and it is unknown if PBFT02 will improve symptoms or long-term outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra

    Coimbra, Portugal

  • Eastern Health-Box Hill Hospital

    Melbourne, Victoria, 3128, Australia

  • Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP)

    São Paulo, Brazil

  • Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

    Minas Gerais, Brazil

  • Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, United States

  • Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital

    Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • University of Texas at Houston

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital

    Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2S8, Canada

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.