NCT07236190 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Biomarker-based Trial of NPC-1 for Alzheimer's Pathology
(NPC1-AD)
What this study is about
This early phase, open label, single treatment group$1 clinical trial will determine the intraindividual safety, tolerability and effects of NPC1 (parthenolide and ipriflavone) on blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology among adults with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's disease and objective indicators of seeding AD pathology
View original scientific description
This early phase, open label, single arm clinical trial will determine the intraindividual safety, tolerability and effects of NPC1 (parthenolide and ipriflavone) on blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology among adults with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's disease and objective indicators of seeding AD pathology
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 55 and older, male and female;
- Subjective Cognitive Impairment or MCI or AD dementia per NIA-AA 2011 criteria;
- Clinical Dementia Rating \< or = to 2 and Mini Mental Status Exam \> or = to 16;
- Modified Hachinski Ischemic Score \< or = to 4
- Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 \< 6 documenting absence from significant depressive syndromes
- Other medications including non-disease modifying for MCI and AD (e.g., acetylcholine esterase inhibitor, N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antagonist) stable \> or = to 3-months ;
- Biomarker evidence of AD pathology: Plasma abeta42/40 ratio \< or = to 0.12 AND Plasma p-tau217 \> or = to 0.25 OR Amyloid PET positive (centiloid \> or = to 20) as part of routine clinical care.
- Sufficient vision and hearing to complete all tests
- Study partner available with frequent (at least 1 hour/day or 1 day/week) contact with participant to provide collateral information about cognition, daily functioning, adverse events reporting, and support for study drug intake
- General health status that will not interfere with the ability to complete the prospective study (these conditions are listed below in the study
Exclusion criteria
- list) Exclusion Criteria:
- CDR \> 2 MMSE \< 16;
- Significant CNS disease within the last 2 years (i.e., brain tumor, seizure disorder, subdural hematoma, cranial arteritis, cortical stroke);
- Alcohol or substance abuse according to DSM-IV criteria within the last 2 years
- Major depressive disorder or anxiety within the last year; Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other major psychiatric disorder defined by DSM-IV criteria
- Abnormal labs indicating potential reversible causes of dementing illness such as vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, or UTI (documented bacterial colonization is acceptable)
- Unstable or significantly symptomatic CVD (e.g. CAD with frequent angina, CHF with dyspnea at rest)
- Hypertension: defined as uncontrolled BP \> 160/100
- Clinical symptomatic orthostatic hypotension
- Diabetes mellitus that requires insulin injections
- Hachinski ischemic score \> or = to 4
- Cancer within the last 5 years, apart from localized prostate cancer (Gleason Grade \< 3) and non-metastatic skin cancers (melanoma).
- Illness that requires \>1 visit /month to a clinician
- Medications and dietary supplements:
- a. AD disease modifying monoclonal antibody treatment e.g., aducanumab or lecanemab
- b. Dietary supplements containing parthenolide or ipriflavone (1-month wash out period prior to enrollment is permitted)
- c. CNS active meds that have not been on stable doses for at least 2 months e.g., cimetidine, beta-blockers, and SSRIs
- d. Neuroleptics, antiparkinsonian agents, systemic corticosteroids, and narcotic analgesics; in the case where these were used for a self-limited time they must have been discounted for a period of five half-lives prior to baseline visit
- e. Over the counter supplements are not by themselves exclusionary, however, participants are asked not to change the dosing regimen over the course of the trial unless medically indicated; the presence and dose of these product are recorded
- Participation in any Alzheimer's Disease interventional trial. Participation in other non-AD related trials will be evaluated at the discretion of the investigator
- Currently pregnant. Positive pregnancy tests during the course of the trial will be evaluated at the discretion of the investigator. Women of Child Bearing Potential (WOCBP) For the purposes of this study, women of childbearing potential are defined as all women who are capable of becoming pregnant, unless they meet one of the following criteria:
- 12-months post-menopausal
- Post-hysterectomy/surgically sterile If a female Participant does not meet either of these criteria they will be considered of childbearing potential and will have a serum pregnancy test performed at Screening, Visit 3 (2 months), Visit 6 (5 months), and Visit 10 (8 months).
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations