Clinical trial Recruiting at 6 sites Interventional Ages 50 to 85

Disrupting the blood-brain barrier to treat Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Assessment of Safety and Efficacy of ExAblate Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption for the Treatment of Patients With Probable Alzheimer's Disease

Run by InSightec · NCT03671889 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new method to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier in people with Alzheimer's disease to see if it can help their condition.

More Alzheimer Disease trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorInSightec
Industry-sponsored
Locations10 sites (Delray Beach, Florida and 9 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 28, 2018
Main results expectedJanuary 2028
Study endsJanuary 2030
Registry record updatedJanuary 9, 2026
Trial IDNCT03671889 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are males and females aged 50-85 with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's Disease who can communicate sensations during the procedure.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant cardiac disease, severe renal impairment, or contraindications to MRI or lumbar puncture may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the ExAblate Model 4000 Type 2.0 System to disrupt the blood-brain barrier in patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's Disease. It is a prospective, multi-center, single-arm study that will involve three serial procedures targeting specific brain areas. The trial aims to enroll up to 30 patients across multiple sites in the United States, assessing both the safety of the intervention and its potential therapeutic effects.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel method to enhance drug delivery for Alzheimer's treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using focused ultrasound to disrupt the blood-brain barrier is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in other neurological conditions, indicating potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or Female between 50-85 years of age
2. Probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
3. If taking concurrent Alzheimer's medication, has been on the medication for at least 2 months with a stable dose for at least 3 months
4. Able to communicate sensations during the ExAblate MRgFUS procedure
5. Ambulatory

Exclusion Criteria:

1. MRI Findings
2. Presence of unknown or MR unsafe devices anywhere in the body
3. Significant cardiac disease or unstable hemodynamic status
4. Relative contraindications to ultrasound contrast agent or PET amyloid tracer
5. History of a bleeding disorder
6. History of liver disease
7. Known cerebral or systemic vasculopathy
8. Significant depression and at potential risk of suicide
9. Any contraindications to MRI scanning
10. Any contraindication to lumbar puncture for collection of cerebral spinal fluid
11. Untreated, uncontrolled sleep apnea
12. History of seizure disorder or epilepsy
13. Severely Impaired renal function
14. Currently in a clinical trial involving an investigational product or non-approved use of a drug or device or in any other type of medical research
15. Chronic pulmonary disorders
16. Positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
17. Known apolipoprotein E allele (ApoE4) homozygosity

Where it's running

  • Delray Medical Center & Florida Atlantic University
    Delray Beach, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Broward Health Medical Center & The University of Florida
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Florida Health Shands
    Gainesville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Baptist Health South Florida & Florida International University
    Miami, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Advent Health
    Orlando, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Tampa General Hospital
    Tampa, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
Show 4 more locations
  • Weill Cornell Medicine
    New York, New York, United States
    Active not recruiting
  • The Ohio State University -Wexner Medical Center
    Columbus, Ohio, United States
    Active not recruiting
  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, Texas, United States
    Active not recruiting
  • West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Center
    Morgantown, West Virginia, United States
    Active not recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.