PET brain imaging program for Parkinson's, MSA, PSP, and frontotemporal dementia
Clinical Core
Uses new PET tracers to image abnormal proteins (α-synuclein and 4R tau) in people with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, or frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181312 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program uses new PET scans that bind to α-synuclein and 4R tau so doctors can see those proteins in the living brain. Participants will receive detailed clinical evaluations and attend consensus-diagnosis conferences to ensure accurate clinical characterization. The main procedures include PET imaging sessions with novel radiotracers and accompanying clinical assessments. The goal is to improve diagnosis and to provide data that help develop future targeted treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with or suspected to have Parkinson's disease, MSA, PSP, or 4R tau-related frontotemporal dementia who can travel to Philadelphia for PET scans.
Not a fit: People without suspected α-synuclein or 4R tau-related conditions, those unable to undergo PET scanning, or those who cannot travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging could enable more accurate diagnosis of these disorders and speed development of targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: These are first-in-human tracers for α-synuclein and 4R tau, building on preclinical work but largely novel in people.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perlmutter, Joel Synes — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Perlmutter, Joel Synes
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.