Clinical Research Directory

PROFIL Study to Investigate the Effect of GPB on NfL Levels in Patients With Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS)

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with an average survival time of about 6-8 years after the first clinical manifestation. No potent symptomatic treatment is currently available. A disease-modifying therapy does not exist either. Neuroinflammation is key to the pathogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases with Tau- and/or AD-pathology. There is strong evidence that phenylbutyrate can modulate microglial function by enhancing their phagocytic activity, most likely by epigenetic mechanisms. So the main goal of this clinical trial is to study a potential disease-modifying effect of treatment with glycerol phenylbutyrate (GPB), which is a prodrug of phenylbutyric acid, for 26 weeks assessed by the levels of the biomarker neurofilament light chain (NfL) indicating disease progression in CBS. Given the aggressive nature of CBS, it is feasible to study effects of GPB on plasma NfL levels.

The CurePSP Genetics Program

This study is an observational, prospective genetic study. It aims to obtain DNA for research and testing from patients with PSP, CBS, MSA, and related neurological conditions and their families. Up to 1,000 adults who have been clinically diagnosed with PSP, CBS, MSA, or related neurological conditions will be enrolled. The study intervention involves sequencing of participant blood samples using non-CLIA-approved whole genome sequencing at the National Institutes of Health. Pathogenic variants that are deemed possibly related to these conditions will be confirmed using CLIA-approved testing. The study involves minimal risk to participants.

Imaging Studies in Corticobasal Syndrome

The primary goal of this study is to investigate inflammation and white matter damage in corticobasal syndrome and determine whether these processes are related to each other. The investigator's will address our goal by using neuroimaging and blood plasma biomarkers, as well as molecular pathology.