Biomarker Repository for Age-Related and Inherited Neurodegenerative Diseases
Official title: Biofluid Research on Age-Related or Inherited Neurodegeneration (BRAIN)
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT07798700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study collects blood and genetic samples from people with neurodegenerative diseases and their families to build a shared resource for studying disease risk and biology.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2070 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2070 |
| Registry record updated | September 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07798700 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease or their family members who may be at risk for similar conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants without the intended biological or clinical insights may not receive direct personal health benefits.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is an observational project that creates and expands a biobank of blood, DNA/RNA, family history, and related demographic data from individuals with neurodegenerative conditions or their at‑risk relatives. The goal is to support research into the molecular and genetic factors that contribute to diseases like FTD, ALS, PPA, and related conditions. Enrollment is open to people with a diagnosed neurodegenerative disease, their family members, and some individuals without known neurological disease. The study collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania and national aging/neurological research institutes to maintain and utilize the repository for future investigations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Contributors may help advance understanding of genetic and molecular factors underlying neurodegenerative diseases, potentially speeding future diagnostics and therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous biobank and biomarker projects have advanced knowledge in neurodegenerative diseases, though specific outcomes depend on future analyses of collected samples.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. People with a clinical diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease including, but not limited to Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), primary muscular atrophy (PMA), or individuals with a suspected neurodegenerative dementia and/or movement disorder of unknown etiology will be considered for enrollment 2. Family Members of individuals who meet the criteria of group 1, who are people who may or may not be at risk for a similar neurodegenerative disease, who may or may not be symptomatic, and who may or may not have known or unknown genetic risk. 3. People with no known neurological disease who will provide control data. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Anyone who is under the age of 18. 2. Anyone with a condition or in a situation which, in the investigator's opinion, could confound the study findings or may interfere significantly with a person's participation, including but not limited to neurological, psychological, and other medical conditions (such as cardiac, neurosurgical, infectious conditions).
Where it's running
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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Corey McMillan, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cara Joyce, MPH
- Email: cara.joyce@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 267-271-0740
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.