Global study on the natural history of Friedreich Ataxia

Friedreich Ataxia Global Clinical Consortium UNIFIED Natural History Study

Observational Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance · NCT06016946

This study looks at how Friedreich Ataxia changes over time in people with the condition to better understand its progression and improve future treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorFriedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance Academic / other
Locations34 sites (Los Angeles, California and 33 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06016946 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The UNIFAI study is a global, multicenter, prospective, longitudinal observational study aimed at understanding the natural progression of Friedreich Ataxia, a rare genetic disorder. Participants with genetically confirmed Friedreich Ataxia will be assessed annually for up to 25 years, with data collected from medical records, clinical evaluations, and patient-reported outcomes. This study seeks to harmonize existing natural history studies to enhance the understanding of clinical measures that can quantitatively assess the disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals of any age with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Friedreich Ataxia.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable or unwilling to provide informed consent or have acute medical conditions that interfere with study assessments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical insights that support the development of effective treatments for Friedreich Ataxia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous natural history studies in Friedreich Ataxia have laid the groundwork for this research, indicating a potential for success in understanding the disease's progression.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both males and females of any age
2. Individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FA): Participants that meet genetically confirmed diagnosis of Friedreich ataxia
3. Written informed consent provided

   1. Informed consent must be obtained for all participants
   2. For underage participants, they and the parent/ legally authorized representative have to sign the informed consent form, child assent (if applicable)
   3. Persons who are not legally competent require the informed consent of their legally authorized representative

   Exclusion Criteria:
4. Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
5. Acute or ongoing medical or other conditions that would interfere with the conduct and assessments of the study
6. For any reason in the opinion of the investigator, participant would be unlikely or unable to comply with study protocol requirements.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 33 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Friedreich AtaxiaRare DiseaseNeuro-degenerative diseaseAtaxiaNeurodegenerative DiseasesNeurologic ManifestationsGenetic Diseases, Inborn
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.