NCT06052163 · Stanford University
Bumetanide in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease
(BumxAD)
What this study is about
This study aims to investigate bumetanide in patients with biologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD). Bumetanide is a potent diuretic administered taken by mouth and is FDA approved for the treatment of edema and hypertension.
View original scientific description
This study aims to investigate bumetanide in patients with biologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD). Bumetanide is a potent diuretic administered orally and is FDA approved for the treatment of edema and hypertension. Repurposing bumetanide as a medication for AD has been proposed based on data that demonstrated its ability to "flip" the APOE genotype-dependent transcriptomic signatures in AD mouse and cell culture models. Critically, this discovery was subsequently explored in Electronic Health Record cohorts, which revealed that among individuals over the age of 65, bumetanide exposure was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of AD in three independent datasets. Primary Objective: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of bumetanide when administered to participants with biomarker-confirmed Alzheimer's disease. Secondary Objective: To evaluate the clinical and biomarker effects of bumetanide in participants with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
Interventions
DRUG
Bumetanide
Bumetanide is an FDA approved loop diuretic that has been used for more than three decades to treat edema, congestive heart failure, and hypertension across the life span. It has a well-known side effect profile. Most importantly it can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance especially at higher doses. This medication is given to individuals at the similar age group as Alzheimer's disease patients and Alzheimer's disease or cognitive impairment do not preclude its use in patients who need it for its FDA indications. At low doses and when titrated carefully, the medication is well tolerated. However, it has not been studied specifically in Alzheimer's disease patients.
DRUG
Placebo
A placebo has no active properties and is taken orally.
Primary outcome measures
Incidence of Treatment-Related Adverse Events
Time frame: 6 months
Number of participants with adverse events including clinical signs and symptoms, change in vital signs, ECGs, laboratory safety tests, and suicidality assessments.
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
- Mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
- Alzheimer's disease medications are planned to remain stable throughout.
- Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the study including assessments, neuropsychological testing, and MRI.
Exclusion criteria
- Clinically significant abnormalities in screening laboratory tests
- Chronic liver disease
- Renal insufficiency
- Poorly managed hypertension
- Participants taking the following concomitant medications, based on the current Prescribing Information for bumetanide: lithium, drugs with ototoxic potential, drugs with nephrotoxic potential, probenecid, and indomethacin.
Where
- Stanford, California
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jan 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations