Ongoing, recruitingHuman Pharmacology (Phase I)- OtherInterventional

A Multiple-Ascending-Dose Study of MK-1708 in Healthy Participants

This is an early-stage medical study, sometimes called a Phase 1 trial, looking into a new medicine known as MK-1708. Researchers are carefully testing this medicine in healthy volunteers to understand its safety and how the body deals with different doses. The study will gradually increase the amount of medicine given to see what levels are safe and well-tolerated. This initial research is crucial because it helps scientists gather important information about the medicine before it can be tested in people who actually have diseases. If found to be safe, MK-1708 might eventually be explored as a potential treatment for serious conditions like motor neuron disease (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Human Pharmacology (Phase I)- Other

Sponsor

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Enrolment target

Start

29 Apr 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease

What is this study about?

This study is an early development step for a new medicine called MK-1708. Think of it like a very first test drive for a new car model, but instead of a car, it's a medicine, and instead of a test track, it's in healthy people. The main purpose of this type of study is to find out if the medicine is safe and what dose (amount) the body can handle without serious side effects.

Researchers will give different groups of healthy volunteers increasing doses of MK-1708. By carefully watching how their bodies react, they can learn important things about the medicine. This includes how long it stays in the body, how it's processed, and if there are any immediate concerns. This information is vital because it helps researchers decide if it's safe to continue developing the medicine.

The reason this medicine is being studied is because it might one day help people with serious conditions like motor neuron disease (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease. These are very challenging diseases, and researchers are always looking for new ways to treat them. However, it's important to remember that this study is just the very first step, and the medicine is not yet being tested as a treatment for these conditions itself. It's about gathering fundamental safety information.

Key takeaways

This is an early safety study for a new medicine.
It involves healthy adult volunteers.
The goal is to understand safety and dosing of MK-1708.
It could eventually help people with motor neuron disease or Alzheimer's.
Participants will be closely monitored by medical staff.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy adults to take part. This means you shouldn't have any serious ongoing health problems or illnesses at the time of the study.

To be eligible, you need to be at least 18 years old. There's no upper age limit specified, so older adults could also potentially join, provided they are otherwise healthy.

Both men and women are welcome to participate in this study. The researchers want to get a complete picture of how the medicine works in different people.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you generally in good health?
Are you able to attend appointments at a study clinic?
Are you willing to follow study instructions carefully?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would receive the study medicine, MK-1708, over a period of time. You would have regular visits to the study clinic where doctors and nurses would perform various health checks. These checks might include blood tests, urine tests, heart checks (like an ECG), and physical examinations to closely monitor your health and how you react to the medicine. The total duration of your participation, including follow-up checks after you stop taking the medicine, would be explained to you in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

As this is an early-stage study, the main 'benefit' for participants is contributing to medical research that could one day help people with serious diseases. However, there is no direct personal health benefit expected from taking this new medicine. Potential risks could include side effects from the medicine, which are not fully known yet, or discomfort from medical procedures like blood tests. You would be closely monitored, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Belgium

Common questions

What is MK-1708?

MK-1708 is a new medicine being investigated. This study is one of the very first steps to understand its safety in people.

Will this medicine treat my illness?

No. This study is only for healthy volunteers and is designed to check the medicine's safety, not to treat any illnesses.

Who can take part in this study?

Healthy adults who are 18 years old or older, both men and women, may be able to join.

What does 'Human Pharmacology (Phase I)' mean?

It means this is a very early stage of testing new medicines, usually in healthy volunteers, to learn about their safety and how they work in the body.

How long will I be involved?

The exact length of time will be explained by the study team, but it includes time for screening, receiving the medicine, and follow-up checks.