NCT06372821 · University College, London
A Trial Evaluating the Effect of NIO752 on Tau Synthesis Measured by a Process Known as SILK
(NIO-SILK)
What this study is about
This study will assess if drug (NIO752) reduces production of a protein, tau, by the brain. Normally tau maintains the internal skeleton of nerve cells. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) it builds up in the brain, causing damage. Abnormal tau proteins cling to each other forming 'tangles' inside nerve cells, which interfere with how the nerve cells work, and eventually die.
View original scientific description
This study will assess if drug (NIO752) reduces production of a protein, tau, by the brain. Normally tau maintains the internal skeleton of nerve cells. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) it builds up in the brain, causing damage. Abnormal tau proteins cling to each other forming 'tangles' inside nerve cells, which interfere with how the nerve cells work, and eventually die. This is what causes the symptoms of dementia. It is thought that NIO752 reduces production of tau.
Interventions
DRUG
NIO752
Antisense oligonucleotide
OTHER
Placebo
Saline
Primary outcome measures
Tau synthesis rate inhibition in individuals with sporadic AD and ADAD
Time frame: Day 23
Tau synthesis rate calculated using tracer to tracee ratio of tau specific peptide calculated on day 20 post leucine administration in individuals with sporadic and ADAD (analyzed collectively) receiving intrathecal NIO752 compared to placebo.
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
- Able to provide signed informed consent.
- Between 21 to 80 years old (inclusive).
- A diagnosis of mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease by a Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0.5 to 2, where the investigator believes they will be able to complete the study.
- A history of cerebrospinal fluid, Positron Emission Topography (PET), or blood-based biomarkers supporting the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, or symptomatic approved presenilin (PSEN) or amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation carriers. If blood biomarkers are equivocal then amyloid status can be confirmed using cerebrospinal fluid.
- Fluency in English
- Participant has a reliable study partner or caregiver
- Able to undergo lumbar punctures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid draws, and blood draws.
- Individuals will be willing to consent for their biological samples and personal data to be shared with the commercial partner (Novartis)
Exclusion criteria
- Live in a skilled nursing facility or dementia care facility.
- Any clinically significant laboratory abnormality
- Attempted suicide, suicidal ideation with a plan that required hospital admission within 12 months prior to Screening
- Any previous use of experimental therapy within 180 days or 5 half-lives prior to Day 1, whichever is greater.
- Any previous use of MAPT antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or any other ASO or other gene therapy meant as treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
- History of hypersensitivity to any of the study treatments or its excipients or to drugs of similar chemical classes.
- Any condition that increases risk of meningitis unless participant is receiving appropriate prophylactic treatment.
- Current medical or non-Alzheimer's disease neurological condition that might impact cognition or performance on cognitive assessments
- Have any other conditions which, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for inclusion or could interfere with the patient participating in or completing the study.
- Unlikely to cooperate in the study; not able to attend scheduled examinations and visits; or not able to follow study instructions per the judgement of the investigator.
- Current alcohol (\>14 units per week) or current cannabis use; or history of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence (except nicotine dependence) within 2-years before the screening visit.
- Treatment with immunosuppressants, antipsychotics, lithium, neuroleptics, dopaminergic agonists, L-dopa, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors at the time of screening. Current use of medications, other than cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine, that could alter cognition, as determined by the Investigator. If patients are taking cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine at screening, the dose must have been stable within 12-weeks prior to screening and must remain stable during the duration of the study.
- Unable to undergo MRI due to for example claustrophobia, or presents absolute contraindications to MRI (e.g., metallic implants, metallic foreign bodies, pacemaker, defibrillator).
- Significant signs of major cerebrovascular disease
- Sexually active males, unless they agree to use a condom during intercourse from the time of consent until a minimum of 15 weeks after treatment.
- Breast feeding women, pregnant women, and females of reproductive potential unless they use highly effective contraception methods, as specified in the protocol.
- Patients on regular anticoagulants or anti-platelets that would preclude lumbar puncture are not eligible to participate
- Seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
Washington University School of Medicine, University of Washington, Alzheimer's Association, Sigrid Rausing Trust
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 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations