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Recruiting EARLY_Phase 1 NCT04634994

NCT04634994 Assessment of Synaptic Density in MS

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT04634994
Status Recruiting
Phase EARLY_Phase 1
Sponsor Brigham and Women's Hospital
Condition Multiple Sclerosis
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 30 participants
Start Date 2025-05-14
Primary Completion 2026-12-31

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 60 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
[F-18]SDM-8

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

Phase 1 is the earliest stage of human testing — safety and dosage are the primary focus. Visits are frequent and medical supervision is intensive. You will be among the first people to receive this treatment.

This trial targets 30 participants in total. It began in 2025-05-14 with a primary completion date of 2026-12-31.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

The investigators propose to use the novel SV2a-PET ligand, \[F-18\]SDM-8 to assess synaptic density in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) (including primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)), given its improved imaging characteristics and potential for large scale applicability. The specific aims of the study are: Aim 1: To compare the cortical and subcortical grey matter synaptic density in PMS patients, patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and healthy subjects, using a novel \[F-18\] labeled synaptic density PET ligand, \[F-18\]SDM8, also known as \[F-18\]SynvesT-1. Aim 2: To compare the relationship of synaptic density PET and standard 3T MRI measures including global and regional brain atrophy and lesion load with clinical measures of physical disability, cognitive impairment, fatigue and depression in MS patients. Aim 3: To assess the relationship of synaptic density PET with serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) and with serum measurements of inflammatory markers, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 (Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1) and MIF-1 (Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor-1).

Eligibility Criteria

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

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Tarun Singhal, MD

✉ tsinghal@bwh.harvard.edu

📞 617-264-3043

Principal Investigator

Tarun Singhal, MD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT04634994 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 60 Years, studying Multiple Sclerosis. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

What phase is the NCT04634994 trial and what does that mean for participants?

Phase 1 trials are the first stage of human testing. The primary goal is to assess safety and determine appropriate dosage levels. Participants are closely monitored. These trials typically involve a small number of volunteers.

Is NCT04634994 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT04634994 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at tsinghal@bwh.harvard.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT04634994 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Boston, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT04634994 clinical trial?

NCT04634994 is sponsored by Brigham and Women's Hospital. The principal investigator is Tarun Singhal, MD at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: November 2026  ·  Data Methodology