ClinicalTrials.gg
RecruitingNCT05121012Updated Feb 10, 2026

Synaptic Loss in Multiple System Atrophy

An observational study in Multiple System Atrophy and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), sponsored by University of Exeter. Recruiting at 1 site in United Kingdom. Open to participants aged 45 Years to 80 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-10.

Sponsored by University of Exeter · Observational

From the registry’s dates

  • Started Sep 2021; still recruiting 5 years 2 months later.
Study type
Observational
Model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrollment
36
Ages
45 Years to 80 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

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).

Read the detailed description

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.

02

Conditions studied

  • Multiple System Atrophy
  • Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

Keywords

  • Neurodegeneration
  • Positron Emission Tomography
  • Multiple System Atrophy
  • Biomarkers
  • Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
03

In context

Multiple System Atrophy

207 studies on the registry are indexed under Multiple System Atrophy; 73 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 36 is below the median of 196 across 67 observational studies indexed under Multiple System Atrophy.

Browse Multiple System Atrophy studies →

Lead sponsor

University of Exeter is the lead sponsor of 140 studies on the registry; 25 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

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Who can participate

Ages eligible
45 Years to 80 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No
Sampling method
Non-probability sample

Study population

Patients with a diagnosis of MSA; patients with a diagnosis of PSP

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

MSA group:

Male or female, aged 45-80 at the time of . 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-, defined as pre-menopausal females with a documented tubal ligation or hysterectomy, or 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 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

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 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 : 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 , 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.

(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, , 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 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.

Terms in these criteria, in plain language(9)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

Childbearing potential

Able to become pregnant: from the first period until menopause, unless permanently unable to through surgery (removal of the womb, or of both ovaries or both fallopian tubes).

Criteria for people of childbearing potential usually ask for a negative pregnancy test and for contraception during the study and for a time after it.

Postmenopausal

Periods have stopped for good: usually no period for 12 months in a row without another medical reason, sometimes confirmed by a blood test (FSH).

Contraception

Ways of preventing pregnancy. “Highly effective” methods fail less than 1% of the time a year when used correctly — for example an IUD or an implant.

Criteria usually say which methods count and how long to keep using them after the last dose, sometimes for male participants too. Some studies accept a partner’s vasectomy if it was confirmed successful and that person is the participant’s only sexual partner.

Clinically significant

Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.

Contraindication

A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.

HbA1c

A blood test of average blood sugar over the past two to three months, given as a percentage or in mmol/mol. 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or more is the usual threshold for diabetes, normally confirmed by a second test.

ECG (electrocardiogram)

A recording of the heart’s electrical activity, taken with stickers on the chest, arms and legs. It takes a few minutes and does not hurt.

Investigational drug or device

A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.

It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.

05

Study design

Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrollment
36 participants (estimated)
Patient registry
No
Biospecimen retention
Samples without dna

Groups and cohorts

  • Patients with MSA

    Patients with a diagnosis of MSA and either a clinical form MSA-C or MSA-P

    Other: Study procedures for MSA patients

  • Patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

    Patients with a diagnosis of PSP, either the clinical forms PSP-RS or PSP-P

    Other: Study procedures for PSP patients

Interventions

  • OtherStudy procedures for MSA patients

    The group of MSA patients will undergo a collection of demographic data, a neurological examination with administration of clinical scales relevant for MSA, and a collection of venous blood sample for routine and biomarker analyses. Participants will undergo one PET scan with the tracer \[11C\]UCB-J, and one PET scan with the tracer \[18F\]FDG. All participants will also undergo one MRI scan. Participants will also undergo one lumbar puncture (optional). All procedures will be performed at baseline and after one-year follow-up. A subgroup of patients with MSA will also undergo, at one time point only, one PET scan with the tracer \[18F\]APN107.

  • OtherStudy procedures for PSP patients

    The group of PSP patients will undergo a collection of demographic data, a neurological examination with administration of clinical scales relevant for PSP, and a collection of venous blood sample for routine and biomarker analyses. Participants will undergo one PET scan with the tracer \[18F\]APN107 and one MRI scan. All procedures will be performed at baseline and after one-year follow-up.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. To measure the magnitude of longitudinal within-group change in [11C]UCB-J volume of distribution in MSA

    \[11C\]UCB-J is a marker of synaptic damage in MSA

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Progression of brain glucose metabolism in MSA

    Brain glucose metabolism is assessed with serial \[18F\]FDG PET scans at baseline and after 12-month follow-up.

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  2. To investigate differences in MRI structural, microstructural, molecular, and functional parameters in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo \[MPRAGE\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  3. To investigate differences in structural MRI parameters in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo \[MPRAGE\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  4. To investigate differences in iron-sensitive MRI in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Susceptibility Weighted Imaging \[SWI\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  5. To investigate differences in quantitative iron in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping \[QSM\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  6. To investigate differences in microstructural MRI parameters in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Diffusion Tensor Imaging \[DTI\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  7. To investigate differences in neuromelanin-MRI in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Neuromelanin-MRI

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  8. To investigate differences in perfusion MRI parameters in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Arterial Spin Labelling \[ASL\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  9. To investigate differences in functional MRI parameters in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in resting state functional MRI \[rs-fMRI\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  10. To investigate differences in markers of neurite density on MRI in MSA patients.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging \[NODDI\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  11. To investigate correlations between imaging and grading of MSA in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the grading scale UMSARS

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  12. To investigate correlations between imaging and staging of MSA in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the staging scale Hoehn and Yahr

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  13. To investigate correlations between synaptic density, regional brain glucose metabolism, and clinical measures in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the screening cognitive measure MoCA

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  14. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and functional scales in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the ability scale Schwab \& England

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  15. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and quality of life in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the quality of life scale MSA QoL

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  16. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the autonomic symptoms scale COMPASS-31

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  17. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms of postural instability and tendency to fall in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the balance scale ABC-16

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  18. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms of depression in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the depression scale BDI-II

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  19. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and symptoms suggestive of depression in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the depression scale HDRS

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  20. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and REM sleep behaviour disorder in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the sleep scale RBD-SQ

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  21. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and presence of behavioural symptoms in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the behavioural scale NPI

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  22. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and cognitive decline in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and the cognitive battery CANTAB

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  23. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and fluid biomarkers of inflammation in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and blood biomarkers related to neuroinflammation

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  24. To investigate correlations between imaging measures and CSF biomarkers in MSA patients.

    Correlations between imaging measures and CSF biomarkers related to neuroinflammation and misfolded proteins deposition

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months

  25. Change in [18F]APN107 brain uptake in patients with PSP

    Quantification of the changes over time of \[18F\]APN107 brain uptake, reflective of tau deposition, in patients with PSP

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 months

  26. Correlation between longitudinal changes in [18F]APN107 and structural changes on MRI

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo \[MPRAGE\]

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 months

  27. To investigate differences in tau pathology across MSA and PSP patients

    differences in the brain uptake of \[18F\]APN107 between MSA and PSP patients

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 months

07

Study locations

1 of 1 sites recruiting
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Started Sep 2021 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Mar 2027, 66 months after the start.

Of 39 observational studies under Multiple System Atrophy, half reached primary completion within 94 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 37. This study's planned 66 months is below that.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Sep 29, 2021
First posted
Nov 16, 2021
StartActual
Sep 1, 2021
Primary completionEst.
Mar 31, 2027
CompletionEst.
Mar 31, 2027
Last update
Feb 10, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Feb 10, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT05121012
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Nov 16, 2021
Start date
Sep 1, 2021
Primary completion
Mar 31, 2027 (estimated)
Completion
Mar 31, 2027 (estimated)
Last update
Feb 10, 2026

Study contacts

Edoardo R. de Natale, MD MSc Ph.D
Contact
e.de-natale@exeter.ac.uk
07503741242
Heather Wilson, MSc Ph.D
Contact
h.wilson4@exeter.ac.uk
Marios Politis, MD MSc PhD
study chair · University of Exeter

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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