TSPO modulation in AD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Modulation of endothelial function in Alzheimer's Disease by 18kDa Translocator Protein
IRAS ID
324564
Contact name
David Owen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background:
In healthy people, blood flow to particular areas in the brain increases when an area becomes more active. This is important to ensure that the brain gets enough blood at the right place, at the right time. But in people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), this process is disrupted, and the increase in blood flow in response to activity is decreased or absent. The aim of this study is to find out whether blood flow in AD can be made more responsive to activity by altering the function of a protein called TSPO. We will do this by using a drug called XBD173, which binds to TSPO.
Study design:
This is a double-blind, randomised, cross-over study. Alzheimer’s disease patients will be invited to participate from memory clinicals at the Imperial College Healthcare Trust. These patients will undergo a screening to provide consent and determine eligibility. If enrolled in the study, the first six participants will receive XBD173 (90 mg, twice daily, 28 days) on an open-label basis. A spacing of 48 hours between each participant commencing dosing will be used for all 6 subjects. These participants will undergo clinical assessments 1 and 2 (days 0 and 28) including an MRI scan, a cognitive task, and a venous blood test. Safety visit 1 (day 14) will involve clinical assessment and a blood test.
The Independent Data Monitoring Committee will meet after the 6th subject has finished the dosing period to decide whether to approve the blinded crossover phase.
In the blinded crossover phase, participants will be randomised to receive XBD173 (90mg, BD, oral, 4 weeks) or matched placebo to start on Assessment 1 (day 0) following completion of all assessments and continue until Assessment 2 (day 28). After a 6-week washout (days 29-71), they will be switched to receive the other intervention. They will undergo safety visit 2 (day 85) and identical assessments 3 and 4 (days 72 and 100) to the previous assessments 1 and 2.
Healthy volunteers will be identified from the NIHR ICRF HV database or from posters displayed at ICL. Potential participants will be invited to the NIHR ICRF. If they provide informed consent, they will undergo screening which will include a medical history and an examination. If they meet eligibility criteria they will be enrolled in the study. They will attend the NIHR ICRF for a single MRI scan, which will involve a cognitive task and blood test. They will not receive XBD173.
Who is funding the research: Uren Foundation
Where will recruitment take place: Imperial College LondonREC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0737
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion