Implantation of a device for delivering nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy patients
Official title: Safety and Performance of the ThecaFlex DRx™ System Port and Catheter for Chronic Intrathecal Access, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Aspiration, and DElivery of Nusinersen in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patients Resistant to Lumbar PunctuRE Trial (PIERRE)
Run by Alcyone Therapeutics, Inc · NCT05866419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that delivers a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy directly into the spine to see if it is safe and works well for patients who have trouble with regular injections.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Alcyone Therapeutics, Inc Industry-sponsored |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 23 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 22 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 27, 2023 |
| Main results expected | April 2028 |
| Study ends | July 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05866419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 3 years or older diagnosed with SMA who require chronic intrathecal administration of nusinersen and are resistant to lumbar punctures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have spinal muscular atrophy or those who are not candidates for nusinersen treatment will 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 clinical investigation aims to evaluate the safety and performance of the ThecaFlex DRx™ System, which is designed for the intrathecal delivery of nusinersen in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Participants aged 3 years and older who are candidates for this treatment will undergo implantation of the device and will be monitored for 12 months post-implantation. The study is multicenter and non-randomized, focusing on subjects who are resistant to lumbar punctures due to various health concerns. The data collected will support a Pre-Market Approval application for the device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer and more effective method for administering nusinersen to SMA patients who cannot undergo traditional lumbar punctures.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in the use of intrathecal delivery systems for other therapies, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Subject is 3 years or older 2. Subject is diagnosed with SMA and is a candidate for Spinraza treatment as indicated in country-specific label 3. Subject resistant to lumbar puncture (LP), where resistance is defined as: 1. Subject with respiratory issues or other comorbidities who is at an increased risk for complications due to the need for repeat anesthesia and imaging radiation exposure to safely perform LP; or 2. Subjects for whom the treating physician determines implantation of the ThecaFlex DRx™ System is otherwise in the subject's best interest 4. Subject has been prescribed nusinersen via chronic intrathecal bolus administration in accordance with the country-specific drug labeling 5. Subject, per Investigator discretion, is able to undergo a percutaneous or open surgical procedure for index port and catheter implantation where at least 7 cm of the ThecaFlex DRx system catheter will be placed intrathecally 6. Subject (or subject's legally authorized representative) is willing and able to provide written informed consent; and 7. Subject and parent/caregiver able and willing to complete all clinical investigation procedures, measurements, and visits. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Subject meets any of the contraindications for use of the ThecaFlex DRx System as outlined in the ThecaFlex DRx System Instructions for Use 2. Presence or history of (\< 6 months prior to the procedure): an implanted microinfusion pump, intrathecal catheter, or other intrathecal drug delivery devices/component, or implanted shunt for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or reservoir in the CSF space (note: any ThecaFlex Port and Catheter System must not be placed in the same location as a previous indwelling port and catheter) 3. Subject is pregnant or nursing or plans to become pregnant during the course of the clinical investigation, or is a woman of childbearing potential or a man of reproductive age who is unwilling or unable to practice contraception, as described in Section 14.10. 4. Any condition or event, which in the opinion of the Investigator may adversely affect the safety and effective implantation and use of the ThecaFlex DRx system or confound the clinical investigation, including: 1. Severe structural impediment that may preclude safe implantation of the catheter and port 2. Major medical events (as defined per investigator's discretion) within 60 days prior to screening; or 3. Relevant surgeries (e.g., head and neck, back, etc.) within 60 days prior to screening or planned during the duration of the clinical investigation 4. Space-occupying lesion with mass effect 5. Posterior fossa mass 6. Arnold-Chiari malformation 7. Coagulation abnormalities and/or thrombocytopenia 8. Insufficient or inadequate skin or underlying fat to adequately protect the port or enough surface area to allow the skin to close safely 5. Subject is contraindicated for administration of nusinersen per its approved country-specific labeling 6. History of intrathecal granuloma formation 7. History of bacterial meningitis or aseptic meningitis within 6 months of screening 8. History of tumors or other spinal abnormalities documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) that would interfere with the catheter implantation procedures or CSF circulation 9. History of hydrocephalus 10. Diagnosed degenerative muscular disease other than SMA 11. History of depression, cognitive impairment, or another psycho-behavioral problem that in the opinion of the Investigator may preclude safe participation in the clinical investigation and 12. Serious medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may lead to reduced life expectancy beyond 12 months. 13. Subject is involved in another Investigation Device Exemption Study. 14. Subject has clinically meaningful immunosuppression, in the opinion of the investigator, either from therapy or a comorbid condition, which, in the opinion of the investigator, makes them a poor surgical candidate due to increased risk of infection.
Where it's running
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Barrow Neurological Institute
Phoenix, Arizona, United States Recruiting -
Children's Hospital Orange County
Orange, California, United States Recruiting -
Stanford Medical Center
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting -
Rady Children's Hospital
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting -
Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida
Orlando, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Lurie Childrens Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Show 17 more locations
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States Recruiting -
Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York, United States Recruiting -
UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting -
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Children's Hospital Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting -
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States Recruiting -
Childrens Hospital of the King's Daughters
Norfolk, Virginia, United States Recruiting -
Universitätsklinikum Essen
Essen, Germany Recruiting -
Specialised Hospital Ludwika Rydygiera
Krakow, Poland Recruiting -
Research Institute of Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital
Lodz, Poland Recruiting -
Hospital Universitario La Paz
Madrid, Spain Recruiting -
Hospital Universitario y Politecnico la Fe de Valencia
Valencia, Spain Recruiting -
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield, United Kingdom Recruiting -
John's Hopkins Children's Center
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Not yet recruiting -
Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas
Austin, Texas, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Janelle Arrambide
- Email: janelle.arrambide@biogen.com
- Phone: 857-500-7526
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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.