AuthorisedHuman Pharmacology (Phase I)- OtherInterventional

A PET Study to Assess the Occupancy of M4 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors by BMS-986521 in Healthy Adult Participants

This research study is investigating a new medication, BMS-986521, to understand how it works in the body. Specifically, we're using a special type of scan called a PET scan to see how much of the medicine connects with a particular part of the brain known as M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This study is being carried out in healthy adult volunteers to ensure their safety and well-being. By understanding how this medicine interacts with these receptors, scientists hope to learn more about its potential to help people with brain-related conditions, such as those affecting mood, thought, or behaviour. This is an early-stage study, meaning it’s one of the first steps in developing new treatments.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Human Pharmacology (Phase I)- Other

Sponsor

Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Unlimited Company

Enrolment target

Start

22 May 2026

Neuropsychiatric indications and potentially other conditions

What is this study about?

This study is an early-stage exploration of a new medication called BMS-986521. Think of it like a detective story: scientists are trying to understand exactly how this new medicine works inside the body. They are particularly interested in a specific target in the brain called the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. These receptors are tiny docking stations on brain cells that play a part in how our brains function.

To see what's happening, the researchers will use a special imaging technique called a PET scan. This scan allows them to gently look inside the brain and see how much of the new medication, BMS-986521, attaches to these M4 receptors. It's a bit like using a special camera to see where a particular key fits into a lock. By doing this in healthy volunteers, they can safely observe the medicine's behaviour without the complications of existing health conditions.

The main reason this research matters is to gather important information for future studies. If this medicine successfully connects with the M4 receptors as expected, it could potentially be developed further to treat various neuropsychiatric conditions. These are conditions that affect the brain, such as problems with thinking, mood, or behaviour. This is a foundational step in bringing new, effective treatments to people who need them.

Key takeaways

This is an early-stage study testing a new medicine (BMS-986521).
It aims to see how the medicine interacts with a specific part of the brain (M4 receptors).
Healthy adult volunteers aged 18 and over are needed.
Participation involves receiving the medicine and undergoing PET scans.
The findings could help develop treatments for brain-related conditions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy adults to take part. This means that if you have any existing serious health conditions, you might not be suitable for this research.

To be considered, you need to be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, so adults of all ages, providing they meet other health criteria, can potentially join.

Both men and women are welcome to participate in this study. The research team will carefully check your health to make sure it's safe for you to take part.

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?
Do you consider yourself generally healthy?
Are you able to commit to several hospital or clinic visits?
Are you comfortable undergoing special brain scans (PET scans)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will primarily focus on receiving the study medicine, BMS-986521, and undergoing regular check-ups and a special brain scan. These PET scans will help researchers see how the medicine works in your brain. You'll have several visits to the study clinic for these assessments. You will be closely monitored by doctors and nurses to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the study. The total duration of your participation, including all visits and follow-ups, will be clearly explained to you before you agree to join.

Potential risks and benefits

While there aren't direct health benefits to you personally from taking part in this early-stage study, your participation is invaluable to medical science by helping to understand how a new medicine works. This knowledge could eventually lead to new treatments for serious conditions. As with any medication, there's always a possibility of side effects, which the study team will discuss in detail. You will be carefully monitored, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your usual 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 a PET scan?

A PET scan is a type of medical imaging that uses a small amount of a safe, temporary radioactive tracer to show how organs and tissues are working. It's often used to look at brain activity.

Why are you studying healthy people?

Studying healthy volunteers first helps us understand how the new medicine works in the body without the complications of existing illnesses. This makes it safer and clearer to see its effects before testing in people with conditions.

What are M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors?

These are like tiny 'antennae' or 'docking stations' on brain cells. They play a role in how brain cells communicate, and they are important for processes like memory and learning. The new medicine is designed to interact with them.

Will I receive the actual medication or a placebo?

This study focuses on understanding how the medicine interacts with the brain. All participants will receive the study medication, BMS-986521, as the goal is to measure its effect on the M4 receptors.

What exactly does 'neuropsychiatric indications' mean?

This refers to conditions that affect the brain and can impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Examples can include conditions related to mood, memory, or mental processing.