Clinical Research Directory

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in Infants With Krabbe Disease

This study is designed to learn about early brain development in children with Krabbe disease, and to use diffusion tensor imaging as an early diagnostic tool to identify newborns at risk for the disease.

Longitudinal Study of Neurodegenerative Disorders

The purpose of this study is to understand the course of rare genetic disorders that affect the brain. This data is being analyzed to gain a better understanding of the progression of the rare neurodegenerative disorders and the effects of interventions.

Gene Transfer Clinical Trial for Infantile and Late Infantile Krabbe Disease Treated Previously With HSCT

This is a non-blinded, non-randomized dose escalation study of intravenous FBX-101 in which subjects will receive a single infusion of an adeno-associated virus gene therapy product, after more than 21 days of the HSCT (UCBT preferred HSCT source). Data from previously transplanted patients with infantile and late infantile Krabbe disease will be used as a comparator group.

The Myelin Disorders Biorepository Project

The Myelin Disorders Biorepository Project (MDBP) seeks to collect and analyze clinical data and biological samples from leukodystrophy patients worldwide to support ongoing and future research projects. The MDBP is one of the world's largest leukodystrophy biorepositories, having enrolled nearly 2,000 affected individuals since it was launched over a decade ago. Researchers working in the biorepository hope to use these materials to uncover new genetic etiologies for various leukodystrophies, develop biomarkers for use in future clinical trials, and better understand the natural history of these disorders. The knowledge gained from these efforts may help improve the diagnostic tools and treatment options available to patients in the future.

Early Check: Expanded Screening in Newborns

Early Check provides voluntary screening of newborns for a selected panel of conditions. The study has three main objectives: 1) develop and implement an approach to identify affected infants, 2) address the impact on infants and families who screen positive, and 3) evaluate the Early Check program. The Early Check screening will lead to earlier identification of newborns with rare health conditions in addition to providing important data on the implementation of this model program. Early diagnosis may result in health and development benefits for the newborns. Infants who have newborn screening in North Carolina will be eligible to participate, equating to over 120,000 eligible infants a year. Over 95% of participants are expected to screen negative. Newborns who screen positive and their parents are invited to additional research activities and services. Parents can enroll eligible newborns on the Early Check electronic Research Portal. Screening tests are conducted on residual blood from existing newborn screening dried blood spots. Confirmatory testing is provided free-of-charge for infants who screen positive, and carrier testing is provided to mothers of infants with fragile X. Affected newborns have a physical and developmental evaluation. Their parents have genetic counseling and are invited to participate in surveys and interviews. Ongoing evaluation of the program includes additional parent interviews.

Krabbe Disease Global Patient Registry

The purpose of this study is to develop a clinical database of individuals diagnosed with Krabbe disease in order to determine which symptoms herald the onset of clinical disease in the various phenotypes of Krabbe disease; to determine whether level of GALC enzyme activity, or a specific genetic mutation predict the clinical course; and to determine which neurodiagnostic tests predict onset and/or severity of the disease.

Gene Transfer Clinical Trial for Krabbe Disease

This is a nonblinded, non-randomized dose escalation study of intravenous AAVrh10 after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in which subjects will receive standard of care hematopoietic cell transplantation for Krabbe disease, followed by a single infusion of an adeno-associated virus gene therapy product. Extensive natural history subjects will be used to compare as control group.