Leopard: using multi-omics to boost genetic diagnosis for neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Multi-Omics Genetic Investigation Strategies to Enhance the Diagnostic Workflow for Rare Diseases
Run by Istituto Giannina Gaslini · NCT07884227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a multi-omics approach to find genetic explanations for neurodevelopmental disorders in people with moderate-to-severe intellectual disability.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituto Giannina Gaslini Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Genova) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 4, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07884227 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals with autism spectrum disorder or another neurodevelopmental disorder who have moderate-to-severe intellectual disability (IQ < 50) and prior CMA or ES testing.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without detectable genetic findings or whose conditions are non-genetic may not benefit from additional molecular investigations.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
LEOPARD is a multicenter observational project that reexamines existing genetic data with updated analysis and adds targeted molecular tests, RNA sequencing, and DNA methylation profiling. The goal is to increase the diagnostic yield for rare neurodevelopmental disorders where previous testing left many cases unexplained. A two-phase plan includes reanalysis of data from about 500 individuals and, for undiagnosed cases, additional molecular investigations in up to 200 patients. The project also builds a computational infrastructure to support data reanalysis, integration, storage, and sharing to facilitate personalized patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive a genetic diagnosis that informs prognosis, management, and family planning.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies using reanalysis and multi-omics have shown increased diagnostic yield in unexplained neurodevelopmental disorders.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and/or another neurodevelopmental disorder. * Moderate-to-severe intellectual disability, documented by psychometric assessment, with an intelligence quotient (IQ) below 50. * Previous genetic testing by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and/or exome sequencing (ES). * Availability and willingness to provide biological samples, including peripheral blood, saliva, and urine, as required for the planned molecular investigations. * Availability of parental biological samples, whenever feasible. Exclusion Criteria: * An established clinical diagnosis that already explains the participant's clinical presentation. * Intellectual disability of a known non-genetic etiology, such as perinatal hypoxia.
Where it's running
-
IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini
Genova, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aldamaria Puliti, MD, PhD
- Email: aldamariapuliti@gaslini.org
- Phone: +3901056362802
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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.