Research network for hereditary spastic paraplegia and primary lateral sclerosis

Spastic Paraplegia - Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN) - Natural History Study Pilot

Observational Boston Children's Hospital · NCT06553976

This study is trying to learn more about hereditary spastic paraplegia and primary lateral sclerosis by enrolling people with specific types of the condition to help find better treatments and understand how these diseases progress.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations11 sites (Miami, Florida and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06553976 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Spastic Paraplegia - Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN) is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). This observational study focuses on enrolling individuals diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4) or type 5A (SPG5A) to perform natural history studies, discover biomarkers, and develop therapeutic targets. The consortium also aims to harmonize efforts with similar international consortia to accelerate research on these conditions globally.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals of all ages with a clinical and molecular diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 or type 5A.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia or primary lateral sclerosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia and primary lateral sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on hereditary spastic paraplegia and related disorders have shown promise, but this consortium approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients of all ages with a clinical and molecular diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4, SPAST) or hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5A (SPG5A, CYP7B1).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not having such a diagnosis and/or not being related to such individual.

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida and 10 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 Hereditary Spastic ParaplegiaPrimary Lateral SclerosisSPG4SPG5ASpastic Paraplegia 4Spastic Paraplegia 5AEarly Onset Hereditary Spastic ParaplegiaNeuromuscular Diseases
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.