Scientists use novel PET tracer to peer into brains of progressive MS patients
NCT ID NCT04634994
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study aims to understand how brain connections (synapses) are lost in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers will use a new type of PET scan to measure synaptic density in 30 people with progressive MS, relapsing-remitting MS, and healthy volunteers. The goal is to see how these brain changes relate to disability, thinking problems, and blood markers. This is an early-phase observational study, not a treatment trial.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects meeting the definition for MS (including PPMS, RRMS or SPMS) by International Panel (2017 McDonald) Criteria. Age and sex-matched healthy controls will also be recruited. * Subjects willing to undergo PET and MRI imaging * Subjects willing and able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a known alternate neurologic disorder, previous head injury, or substance abuse. * Individuals with bipolar disease and schizophrenia * Concurrent medical conditions that contraindicate study procedures. * Women who are pregnant or nursing. Also, any woman who is seeking to become pregnant or suspects she is pregnant will be excluded from enrollment. * Claustrophobia * Non-MRI compatible implanted devices * Corticosteroid treatment in the past four weeks
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Under-the-Skin MS drug: can a shot replace an IV drip?
- Can a common antihistamine boost multiple sclerosis treatment?
- Can exercise rebuild muscle and balance in MS?
- Can diet ease the crushing fatigue of multiple sclerosis?
- One-Time CAR-T infusion tested against progressive MS
- Can PET scans reveal hidden brain inflammation in MS?