NCT07332013 · Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Urinary Titin Biomarker in DMD
What this study is about
A universal challenge in clinical investigation of novel therapeutics is the need for quantitative, objective biomarkers that directly address the mechanisms of disease and provide information relevant to clinically meaningful functional improvement. This has been a particular challenge in rare and slowly progressive diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
View original scientific description
A universal challenge in clinical investigation of novel therapeutics is the need for quantitative, objective biomarkers that directly address the mechanisms of disease and provide information relevant to clinically meaningful functional improvement. This has been a particular challenge in rare and slowly progressive diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The investigators hypothesize that urinary N-terminal fragment of titin (NTFT) corresponding to activity level/intensity will define a high-precision, non-invasive biomarker of systemic muscle injury to enable serial measurements of efficacy and safety in the clinical investigation of gene therapy for DMD and other myopathies. This should provide a valuable exploratory, secondary and eventually primary outcome measure of therapeutic efficacy to minimize the enrollment size in informative early phase and pivotal clinical trials.
Interventions
OTHER
Descending stair walk
Subjects will participate in a brief on-site, descending stair walk. Subjects will walk down stairs, up to a maximum 2 floors, under the supervision of a physical therapist or study team member.
Primary outcome measures
Change in urinary NTFT (titin) after structured activity
Time frame: Day 1, 6-12 months , 12-18 months
Change in urinary NTFT concentration will be measured before and after clinical visits, during which subjects will complete standard of care physical therapy assessments and perform a two-flight stair descent (if able).
Urinary NTFT (titin) relative during unstructured activity in home environment
Time frame: Day 1, 6-12 months, 12- 18 months
Change in urinary NTFT (titin) concentration over 1 week in response to unstructured activity at home and will be measured after each scheduled visit. This period of home NTFT monitoring will occur at the same time as activity monitoring described in outcome measure #3.
Unstructured activity level as assessed by wearable activity device
Time frame: Day 1, 6-12 months, 12-18 months
Subjects' daily movement and activity levels will be measured continuously over 1 week at home using a pair of wearable accelerometry sensors. This will be completed after each scheduled clinical visit. This period of home activity monitoring will occur in conjunction with NTFT monitoring as described in outcome measure #2.
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.
Exclusion criteria
- Ambulatory at screening
- Genetically confirmed diagnosis of DMD/BMD
- Parental/guardian permission (informed consent) for children. Child assent will also be obtained from patients ages 7 years old and older and deemed by the investigator to be neurodevelopmentally appropriate
- Access to electricity and a freezer in the home, in order to utilize the provided device and store collected samples Exclusion Criteria:
- Non-ambulatory at Screening, defined as unable to walk independently and needing assistive devices
- Female patients
- Parental/guardian unable to provide informed consent Healthy Control Subject Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria Inclusion criteria:
- Healthy children without DMD, BMD, or other significant chronic medical disease
- Ambulatory at Screening, defined as able to walk independently without assistive devices
- Parental/guardian permission (informed consent). Child assent will also be obtained from patients aged 7 years and older and deemed by the investigator to be neurodevelopmentally appropriate.
- Access to electricity and a freezer in the home, in order to utilize the provided device and store collected samples Exclusion criteria:
- Non-ambulatory at Screening, defined as unable to walk independently and needing assistive devices
- Female patients
- Parental/guardian unable to provide informed consent
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
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 Apr 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations