Imaging Agents for Alzheimer's Disease
(ADNI4 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to study and validate biomarkers (measurable indicators of a condition) for Alzheimer's disease by examining clinical, cognitive, imaging, genetic, and biochemical factors. It tests multiple treatments, including Amyvid, MK-6240, NAV4694, Neuraceq, PI-2620, and Tauvid, to understand their effects on individuals with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those who are cognitively normal. Participants may be suitable if they have mild memory issues or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's-related dementia. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to significant advancements in Alzheimer's treatment.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
You may need to stop certain medications, especially psychoactive ones, for at least 4 weeks before joining the trial. Some medications like antidepressants without anticholinergic effects, estrogen replacement, and Gingko biloba are allowed if stable. Specific Alzheimer's treatments need to be stable for a longer period before screening.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
In a previous study, researchers tested Amyvid in 555 adults and generally found it to be safe. Some participants reported mild headaches and reactions at the injection site, but these were uncommon. The FDA has also approved Amyvid for other uses, which adds confidence in its safety.
Research on MK-6240 has shown it to be safe for participants, with no major side effects reported, suggesting it is well-tolerated.
NAV4694 was studied in individuals, including those with mild cognitive issues, and was found to be safe with no serious side effects.
Researchers evaluated Neuraceq in 872 adults. Most participants tolerated it well, with only a few experiencing mild reactions like headaches or dizziness. It is also FDA-approved for other uses, supporting its safety.
PI-2620 was tested in 22 people, and no adverse effects were reported, indicating it is well-tolerated.
Tauvid is FDA-approved for imaging in adults with cognitive issues. Studies showed only mild side effects, which were considered acceptable.
Overall, studies have shown these treatments to be safe, with only minor and uncommon side effects.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for Alzheimer's disease because they represent a new wave of diagnostic tools utilizing advanced imaging agents. While traditional methods focus on symptom management or target amyloid plaques, these agents—like Amyvid, MK-6240, and Tauvid—are used in PET scans to visualize amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. This precise imaging helps to better understand and diagnose the disease, potentially leading to earlier and more personalized treatment approaches. Unlike current treatments that manage symptoms, these innovative imaging agents aim to enhance diagnosis and tracking, which could revolutionize how Alzheimer's is treated in the future.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for Alzheimer's disease?
This trial will evaluate various imaging agents to understand and track Alzheimer's disease progression through advanced imaging techniques. Studies have shown that Amyvid, one of the imaging agents in this trial, helps identify the risk of memory and thinking problems in people with mild memory issues and older adults without symptoms. MK-6240, another agent under study, effectively tracks the buildup of tau protein, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease and related to memory problems. NAV4694 imaging results are similar to other well-known brain scans for early Alzheimer's detection, suggesting reliability. Neuraceq has improved the diagnosis of memory and thinking issues by identifying brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's. PI-2620 detects tau protein levels in the brain, aiding in the diagnosis of memory decline. Lastly, Tauvid scans predict future memory problems by identifying patterns of tau protein. Each of these methods is being tested in this trial to help understand and track Alzheimer's disease progression.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michael Weiner, MD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Paul Aisen, MD
Principal Investigator
USC Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI)
Ronald Petersen, MD, PHD
Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline/Initial Assessment
Participants undergo initial clinical and cognitive assessments, including imaging and biomarker tests
Longitudinal Assessment
Participants undergo repeated clinical and cognitive assessments, imaging, and biomarker tests over time
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the main assessment period
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Amyvid
- MK-6240
- NAV4694
- Neuraceq
- PI-2620
- Tauvid
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute
Collaborator
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Northern California Institute of Research and Education
Collaborator