NCT06274528 · Washington University School of Medicine
DORA and LP in Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to see if the sleep aid, lemborexant, can decrease the amount of amyloid-beta and tau in the blood. Amyloid-beta and tau are proteins involved in the disease process leading to Alzheimer's disease.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to see if the sleep aid, lemborexant, can decrease the amount of amyloid-beta and tau in the blood. Amyloid-beta and tau are proteins involved in the disease process leading to Alzheimer's disease.
Interventions
DRUG
Lemborexant 10 mg
Within FDA approved dose 10 mg; capsule; QD, 6 month duration
DRUG
Lemborexant 20mg
20 mg; capsule; QD; 6 month duration
DRUG
Placebo
0 mg; capsule; QD; 6 month duration
Primary outcome measures
Changes plasma pT181/T181 ratio of lemborexant 10 and 20 mg compared to Placebo
Time frame: 6 months
plasma collection
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
- Male or female.
- Any race or ethnicity.
- Participants must be age ≥ 65 years and able to sign informed consent.
- Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) 0.
- Willing and able to undergo study procedures.
Exclusion criteria
- History or reported symptoms suggestive of restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, or parasomnia.
- STOP-Bang score \>6 for participants without PAP.
- Untreated sleep apnea AHI\>15
- Poorly treated sleep apnea due to noncompliance or an AHI ≥ 10. \- PAP compliance is defined as ≥ 4 hours per night \>70% of the nights.
- Plasma p-Tau217/np-Tau217% \<2.5
- History of renal impairment
- Defined as older adult patients with markers of kidney damage or eGFR \< 45.0 ml/min/1.73m2.
- Normal Limits ≥ 45.0 mL/min/1.73m2
- History of hepatic impairment
- AST and/or ALT ≥ 2X upper limit of normal (ULN).
- Normal Limits: AST 11-47 IU/L and ALT 6-53 IU/L
- History of substance abuse or alcohol abuse in the preceding 6 months.
- Regular alcohol consumption 3 or more days a week over the last 6 months. Regular alcohol consumption is defined as having more than 2 alcoholic beverages within 3 hours of bedtime. Participants that agree to reduce alcohol consumption during the study may not be excluded.
- History of presence of any clinically significant medical condition, behavioral or psychiatric disorder, or surgical history based on medical record or participant report that could affect the safety of the participant or interfere with study assessments or in the judgement of the Principal-Investigator (PI) if participant is not a good candidate.
- Has any medical condition that, in the PI's or study team investigator's opinion, could increase risk to the participant, limit the participant's ability to tolerate the research procedures, or interfere with the collection/analysis of the data. Potential medical conditions that will be exclusionary at the PI's or study team investigator's discretion:
- Cardiovascular disease requiring medication except for controlled hypertension.
- Pulmonary disease.
- Type I diabetes.
- Neurologic or psychiatric disorder requiring medication.
- Untreated depression
- Tobacco use.
- Use of sedating medications.
- Use of medications that interact with lemborexant (if cannot be discontinued).
- Abnormal safety labs.
- History of current suicidal ideations.
- Inability to speak and understand English.
- Currently pregnant or breast-feeding.
- In the opinion of the PI, the participant should be excluded due to an abnormal physical examination.
- Must not have participated in any clinical trial involving a study drug or device within the 30-days prior to study enrollment.
- Must not participate in another drug or device study prior to the end of this study participation. Optional assessment exclusion criteria: • Contraindication to lumbar puncture (anticoagulants; bleeding disorder; allergy to lidocaine or disinfectant; prior central nervous system or lower back surgery).
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), Eisai Inc., National Institute on Aging (NIA)
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 Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations