Effect of PXS-4728A on Microglia Activation in Participants With Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder
This research study is looking into a new medicine called PXS-4728A for individuals aged 50 to 80 who have a sleep condition known as Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD). In this condition, people act out their dreams during sleep. The study aims to find out if PXS-4728A is safe to use and if it can help by reducing inflammation in the brain. Inflammation in the brain, often involving certain cells called microglia, is thought to be linked to the development of other brain conditions. Approximately 40 people will take part. Participants will either receive the active medicine or a 'dummy' drug (placebo) to fairly compare the effects. This is a single-dose study, meaning participants will receive the medicine once.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called "Effect of PXS-4728A on Microglia Activation in Participants With Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder," is testing a new medicine called PXS-4728A. It's designed for people between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a sleep problem called Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD). This disorder causes people to physically act out their dreams, sometimes waking up themselves or their bed partner. Scientists believe that this condition might be an early sign of other brain diseases in some people, and it's thought to be linked to brain inflammation.
The main goal of this study is to see if PXS-4728A is safe for people to take and if it can help by reducing brain inflammation. Researchers will be looking at how the medicine affects tiny brain cells called microglia, which play a role in the brain's immune response and inflammation. By targeting these cells, the hope is to find a way to potentially slow down or prevent the progression of iRBD to other conditions.
About 40 people are expected to join this study. Some will receive the active medicine (PXS-4728A), while others will receive a placebo, which looks exactly like the medicine but contains no active drug. This is done to make sure that any improvements or side effects seen are genuinely due to the medicine and not just other factors. This particular study will look at the effects of a single dose of the medicine.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new medicine (PXS-4728A) for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD).
- Aims to reduce brain inflammation.
- For people aged 50-80 with iRBD.
- Compares PXS-4728A to a dummy drug (placebo).
- Only a single dose of the medicine will be given.
- Focuses on safety and effectiveness (how well it works).
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you must be between 50 and 80 years old. You need to have been diagnosed with Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD) by a doctor. The doctors will also check for some specific signs that suggest a higher risk of developing other brain conditions, such as problems with your sense of smell, colour vision, or some mild movement difficulties.
You'll also need to have certain blood test results within a healthy range, especially for your liver. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you'll need to have a negative pregnancy test and agree to use two reliable forms of birth control throughout the study and for 90 days afterward. Men whose partners could become pregnant will also need to use similar birth control methods.
Finally, the study will involve a special brain scan (called a PET scan) which needs to show certain signals in your brain. You must also be able to understand the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form.
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 between 50 and 80 years old?
- Have you been diagnosed with Isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD)?
- Do you have good overall health, especially concerning your liver?
- Are you able to use reliable birth control methods if applicable?
- Are you comfortable having additional brain scans (like a PET scan)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step is a 'Screening period' lasting up to two weeks. During this time, doctors will check if you meet all the requirements for the study. This will likely involve health checks, blood tests, and medical history questions.
If you are eligible, you'll be officially enrolled. You will need to visit the study clinic on 'Day 1'. On this day, you'll be given either the active study medicine (PXS-4728A) or the placebo. You'll also have initial health assessments. The exact number of visits after Day 1 isn't specified, but the study focuses on a single dose. Details about any follow-up visits or the total length of time you'd be involved will be fully explained by the study team. An independent group called a Data Safety Monitoring Committee will keep an eye on the study to make sure it's safe for everyone involved.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Parkinsons Disease Research Clinic - Macquarie UniversityUnverifiedMacquarie, Australia
- Cognitive Neuroscience Brain & Mind CentreVerified postcodeCamperdown, Australia
- Clinical Neuroscience Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesVerified postcodeOxford, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD)?
It's a sleep disorder where you act out your dreams, often with movements or sounds, because the natural muscle paralysis during REM sleep doesn't happen.
What is PXS-4728A?
It's a new medicine being tested. It aims to reduce brain inflammation, which some scientists believe plays a role in iRBD and the potential development of other brain conditions.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is a 'dummy' treatment that looks just like the real medicine but contains no active drug. It helps researchers fairly compare the medicine's effects.
Will I know if I'm getting the medicine or the placebo?
No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor your doctors will know whether you are receiving the active medicine or the placebo. This helps ensure fair results.
How many doses of the medicine will I receive?
This study is designed to investigate the effects of a single dose of the medicine.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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