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
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).
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.
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 →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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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).
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
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.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Patients with a diagnosis of MSA and either a clinical form MSA-C or MSA-P
Other: Study procedures for MSA patients
Patients with a diagnosis of PSP, either the clinical forms PSP-RS or PSP-P
Other: Study procedures for PSP 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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
To investigate differences in quantitative iron in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping \[QSM\]
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
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
To investigate differences in neuromelanin-MRI in MSA patients.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging change in Neuromelanin-MRI
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.