Imaging Synapse Density in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Using a New PET Tracer
Uses a new PET scan tracer to measure brain synapses in progressive multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Assessment of Synaptic Density in MS
Key facts
- Where
- Boston, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Early phase 1
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Source: NCT04634994, who can take part
Where in United States
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBoston, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT04634994
- Record updated
- 9 January 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Novel Assessment of Synaptic Density in Progressive MS
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).
Inclusion: 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: Individuals with a known alternate neurologic disorder, previous head injury, or substance abuse; Concurrent medical conditions that contraindicate study procedures; Corticosteroid treatment in the past four weeks; Individuals with bipolar disease and schizophrenia; 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.