Clinical trial Recruiting at 24 sites Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Evaluating treatments for early onset Alzheimer's disease linked to genetic mutations

Official title: A Phase II/III Multicenter Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Two-Stage Adaptive Design, Platform Trial of Investigational Treatments for Primary Prevention of Disease Progression in Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Disease

Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05552157 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing new drugs to see if they can help people with early onset Alzheimer's caused by genetic mutations by slowing down the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain.

More Alzheimer's Disease trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment280 (estimated)
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsgantenerumab
Locations37 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 36 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 22, 2024
Main results expectedMarch 30, 2034
Study endsAugust 30, 2034
Registry record updatedJuly 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT05552157 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 and older who are carriers of specific genetic mutations linked to dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease or those who are at risk but unaware of their mutation status.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not have a genetic mutation associated with early onset Alzheimer's disease or those who are symptomatic 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 aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and biomarker effects of investigational drugs in individuals with genetic mutations associated with early onset Alzheimer's disease. It consists of two stages: the first stage will determine if the treatment can prevent or slow amyloid beta accumulation using PET imaging, while the second stage will evaluate the impact of reducing amyloid plaques on disease progression through various biomarkers. Participants will be recruited from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network observational study and will undergo comprehensive assessments including cognitive testing and imaging.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to disease-modifying treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in genetically at-risk individuals.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies targeting similar genetic mutations in Alzheimer's disease have shown promise, suggesting that this approach may be viable.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provide written informed consent, signed, and dated by the participant and study partner, or by the participant's legally authorized representative if applicable, according to local regulations for the ICF and, if applicable, country specific ICFs.
2. Participant is at least 18 years old.
3. People of childbearing potential

   1. Must have a negative serum pregnancy test at screening (V1)
   2. Must agree not to try to become pregnant from the time of signed ICF until twenty (20) weeks after the last dose of any study drug.
   3. Must agree not to breastfeed from the time of signed ICF until twenty (20) weeks after the last dose of any study drug.
   4. If partner is not sterilized, must agree to use highly effective contraceptive measures, methods that can achieve a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly from screening (V1) until twenty (20) weeks after last dose of any study drug.

   i. combined (estrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, intravaginal, transdermal ii. progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, injectable, implantable iii. intra-uterine device (IUD) iv. intrauterine hormone-releasing systems (IUS) v. bilateral tubal occlusion vi. vasectomized partner (only when this is the only partner) vii. true sexual abstinence when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant. (Periodic abstinence \[e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-ovulation methods\], declaration of abstinence for the duration of exposure to IMP, and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception)
4. Mutation Status:

   1. Participant is a carrier of a mutation in an APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2 gene that is associated with DIAD or does not know their mutation status and there is a mutation in their family pedigree that puts them at a direct risk of inheriting the known mutation;
   2. Participant is -25 to -11 years from predicted age of cognitive symptom onset based on their mutation type or family pedigree Note: If the at-risk parent is deemed a non-carrier through confirmed genetic testing at any time during the study, the participant will be withdrawn.
5. Cognitive status of participant is normal (CDR-SB 0).
6. Fluency in DIAN-TU trial approved language and evidence of adequate premorbid intellectual functioning. Participants must be fluent in languages for which cognitive and clinical measures have been translated and validated for use in the DIAN-TU. Fluency is generally defined as daily or frequent functional use of a language generally from birth or a young age. In cultures where multiple languages are spoken or for participants who are multilingual, determination as to whether a participant's level of fluency in languages for which clinical and cognitive measures are available meets qualification for the study should be made by the site PI.
7. Adequate visual and auditory abilities to perform all aspects of the cognitive and clinical assessments.
8. Receiving stable doses of medication(s) for the treatment of non-excluded medical condition(s) for at least 30 days prior to baseline visit (V2) with the exceptions of medications taken for episodic conditions (e.g., migraine abortive therapy, antibiotics, and other medications for upper respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments).
9. Has a study partner who in the PI's judgment can provide accurate information as to the participant's cognitive and functional abilities, who agrees to provide information at the study visits that require study partner input for scale completion, and who signs the necessary ICF, if applicable.
10. Agrees not to donate blood or blood products for transfusion from the time of Screening (V1) for a study drug arm, for the duration of the study, and for 5 half lives after the final dose of study drug.
11. In the opinion of the PI, the participant will be compliant and have a high probability of completing the study.
12. Willing to complete all study-related testing, evaluations, and procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant neurologic disease (other than AD) or psychiatric disease that may currently or during the study affect cognition or the participant's ability to complete the study. This would include disorders such as: recent or severe head trauma causing cognitive change, seizure disorder, neurodegenerative disease other than DIAD, hydrocephalus, cerebral/spinal hematoma, inflammatory disease, CNS infection (e.g., encephalitis or meningitis), neoplasm, toxic exposure, metabolic disorder (including hypoxic or hypoglycemic episodes) or endocrine disorder; psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or major depression, or any other psychiatric condition/disorder which could significantly interfere with the participant's cooperative participation (e.g., prominent anxiety, agitation or behavioral problems).

   Disorders that are controlled medically or remote history of these disorders (e.g., history of febrile seizures in childhood) that are not likely to interfere with cognitive function and compliance with study procedures are not exclusionary.
2. At high risk for suicide, e.g., significant suicidal ideation or attempt within last 12 months, current major depression (as defined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition \[DSM-V\]), or increased suicide risk based on screening Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Current stable mild depression or current use of antidepressant medications are not exclusionary.
3. History of clinically evident stroke or history of clinically important carotid or vertebrobasilar stenosis, plaque, or other prominent risk factor for stroke or cerebral hemorrhage (including atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation, documented transient ischemic attack \[TIA\] in the last 12 months) that may be interfering with cognition or is likely to impact with the participant's ability to complete the study.
4. Alcohol or substance use sufficient to meet DSM-V criteria currently or within the past year.
5. History of or Baseline (V2) visit brain MRI scan indicative of any other significant abnormality, definite microhemorrhages, evidence of a cerebral contusion, encephalomalacia, or aneurysms. Minor or clinically insignificant imaging findings are not exclusionary.
6. Presence of certain implanted medical devices, such as some pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, or foreign metal objects in the eyes, skin, or body which would preclude MRI scan.
7. Cardiovascular complications such as uncontrolled hypertension, history of myocardial infarcts, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, long QT interval on ECG likely to interfere with participation in or analysis of the trial in the opinion of the investigator
8. Hepatic or renal abnormalities that in the opinion of the investigator would interfere with participation in or analysis of the trial.
9. History of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, history of Hepatitis B infection within the past year, history of Hepatitis C infection which has not been adequately treated, history of spirochete infection (e.g., syphilis, Lyme) of the CNS or history of other infection with high risk for interfering with participation or interpretation of the study in the opinion of the investigator.
10. History of clinically significant multiple or severe drug allergies, significant atopy, or severe post-treatment hypersensitivity reactions (including but not limited to erythema multiforme major, linear IgA dermatosis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and/or exfoliative dermatitis) or sensitivity to study-drug specific PET imaging agents with a high risk for interfering with participation or interpretation of the study in the opinion of the investigator.
11. Treatment with immunosuppressive medications (e.g., systemic corticosteroids) within 90 days prior to Baseline (V2) visit (topical and nasal corticosteroids and inhaled corticosteroids for asthma are permitted) or chemotherapeutic agents for malignancy within the last 3 years.
12. Current clinically significant abnormalities of thyroid function, or clinically significant deficiency in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 less than the lower limits of normal with normal methylmalonic acid (MMA)/homocysteine is not deemed clinically significant, therefore not exclusionary.
13. Unstable or poorly controlled diabetes which the investigator believes may interfere with participation in or analysis of the study protocol. Participants may be rescreened after 3 months to allow optimization of diabetic control
14. Morbid obesity with significant comorbidities or that would preclude MRI imaging.
15. Current use of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban). Daily use of low dose (\< 325 mg) aspirin is not exclusionary.
16. Have been exposed to a monoclonal antibody targeting Aβ peptide within the past 6 months or 5 half-lives from screening, whichever is longer.
17. Received any other investigational pharmacological treatment within 3 months of Screening or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer.

    Note: Use of approved treatments for AD and other medications may be permitted in this study.
18. Lack of sufficient venous access.
19. Clinically relevant abnormalities in hematology, coagulation, or clinical chemistry.
20. History of cancer that the investigator believes has high risk of recurrence and impacting study participation or analysis.
21. Any other medical condition that could be expected to progress, recur, or change to such an extent that it could bias the assessment of the clinical or mental status of the participant to a significant degree or put the participant at special risk.
22. Currently, or within the last month prior to screening, participated in a clinical study, including a nonpharmacological study, without prior approval.
23. Participants with the "Dutch" APP E693Q mutation.
24. Unable to complete baseline visit (V2) procedures with appropriate cognitive and clinical scores for eligibility

Where it's running

  • University of Alabama in Birmingham
    Birmingham, Alabama, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of California San Diego Medical Center
    La Jolla, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Yale University School of Medicine
    New Haven, Connecticut, United States
    Recruiting
  • Emory University
    Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
    Park Ridge, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting
  • Indiana University School of Medicine
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
    Recruiting
Show 31 more locations
  • Washington University in St. Louis
    St Louis, Missouri, United States
    Recruiting
  • New York University Medical Center
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Butler Hospital
    Providence, Rhode Island, United States
    Recruiting
  • Kerwin Research and Memory Center
    Dallas, Texas, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Washington
    Seattle, Washington, United States
    Recruiting
  • Instituto de Investigaciones Neurologicas Raul Carrea, FLENI
    Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aire, Argentina
    Recruiting
  • Neuroscience Research Australia
    Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Alzheimer's Research Australia
    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
    Recruiting
  • UBC Hospital
    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • McGill Center for Studies in Aging
    Verdun, Quebec, Canada
    Recruiting
  • CHU de Quebec - Hôpital de l' Enfant Jésus
    Québec, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Grupo de Neurociencias Sede de la Universidad de Antioquia
    Medellín, Colombia
    Recruiting
  • Universitaetsklinikum Tubingen
    Tübingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
    Recruiting
  • University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine
    San Juan, Puerto Rico
    Recruiting
  • Hospital Clínic I Provincial de Barcelona
    Barcelona, Spain
    Recruiting
  • The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
    London, Greater London, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • University of Southern Califonria
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Not yet recruiting
  • CHU de Toulouse - Hôpital Purpan
    Toulouse, Haute Garonne, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • Hopital Roger Salengro - CHU Lille
    Lille, Nord, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere
    Paris, Paris, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • Hopital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer
    Bron, Rhone, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • CHU de Rouen - Hôpital Charles Nicolle
    Rouen, Seine Maritime, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • LMU-Campus Grosshadern
    Munich, Bavaria, Germany
    Not yet recruiting
  • IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli
    Brescia, Italy
    Not yet recruiting
  • Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi
    Florence, Italy
    Not yet recruiting
  • Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia Manuel Velasco Suarez
    Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
    Not yet recruiting
  • Brain Research Center
    Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Not yet recruiting
  • New Zealand Brain Research Institute
    Christchurch, New Zealand
    Not yet recruiting
  • Asan Medical Center
    Seoul, South Korea
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

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.