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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | InSightec Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 10 sites (Delray Beach, Florida and 9 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 28, 2018 |
| Main results expected | January 2028 |
| Study ends | January 2030 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03671889 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
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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
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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
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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.