AAV2-GDNF for Advanced Parkinson s Disease

Completed · Phase 1

Conditions studied: Parkinson's Disease

In brief

Background: \- Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a chemical that may help protect and strengthen brain cells that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that affects brain function. People with Parkinson's disease (PD) have problems producing dopamine in the brain. Researchers want to see if gene transfer can help deliver GDNF into the area of the brain that is damaged by PD. The gene transferred in this study, called AAV2-GDNF, may help produce GDNF to protect the damaged brain cells. Objectives: \- To test the safety and effectiveness of AAV2-GDNF gene transfer for advanced PD. Eligibility: \- Individuals at least 18 years of age who have advanced PD that is not well controlled by medications. Design: * Participants will be in the study for about 5 years. There will be 18 outpatient study visits and a 3-day stay in the hospital. There may also be overnight stays for followup visits. * Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood samples will be collected. Tests of PD symptoms and mood and memory will be given. Imaging studies will be used to find the right part of the brain to infuse the gene. The screening visit will take place up to 60 days before surgery. * Participants will have a baseline visit about a month before the surgery. For 1 week before the baseline visit, participants will keep a diary on any motor problems. The visit will involve movement tests given before and after taking a regular dose of levodopa. * Participants will have surgery to infuse AAV2-GDNF into the brain. The surgery will also include a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect cerebrospinal fluid. After surgery, participants will recover in the hospital for at least 2 days. * Participants will have another lumbar puncture 6 and 18 months after surgery. This will be an outpatient visit. * Participants will have regular followup visits after the surgery. These visits will include neurological tests and movement studies. Visits with a neurosurgeon will take place 1, 2, and 4 weeks after surgery. Additional visits will take place every 3 months for the first 3 years, and then at longer intervals for up to 5 years.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01621581

Run by

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

People needed

25

Starts

2013-03-13

Expected to finish

2022-02-04

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-28

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may not qualify if…

• Presence of prominent oculomotor palsy, cerebellar signs, vocal cord paresis,mean standing blood pressure below 75mmHg, pyramidal tract signs or amyotrophy.
• Genetic PD disorders or with a strong family history of PD.
• Presence of dementia (Montreal Cognitive Assessment less than or equal to 25).
• Received an anti-dementia drug for treatment of cognitive impairment within 30 days of their screening for protocol eligibility.
• Presence or history of psychosis, including if induced by anti-PD medications at doses required to improve motor symptoms.
• Presence of untreated or suboptimally treated depression (Hamilton Depression Scale score >10) or a history of a serious mood disorder (i.e., requiring psychiatric hospitalization or a prior suicide attempt).
• Presence of substance (drug, alcohol) abuse.
• Contraindication to MRI and/or gadolinium.
• Presence of normal striatal uptake on PET.
• Coagulopathy, anticoagulant therapy, low platelet count, or inability to temporarily stop any antithrombotic medication.
• Prior brain surgery, including GDNF, NTN, GAD, AADC therapy or deep brain stimulation.
• Male or female with reproductive capacity who is unwilling to use barrier contraception throughout the study.
• History of stroke or poorly controlled cardiovascular disease.
• Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes or any other acute or chronic medical condition that would increase the risks of a neurosurgical procedure.
• History of malignancy (cerebral or systemic) other than treated cutaneous squamous cell or basal cell within the prior 5 years.
• Clinically active infection, including acute or chronic scalp infection.
• Received investigational agent within 12 weeks prior to screening.
• Unable to comply with the procedures of the protocol, including frequent and prolonged follow-up.
• Chronic immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., chronic steroids, TNF antagonists, chemotherapy)
• Pregnancy or lactation.

Where it is running

• National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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