NCT06692712 · Elpida Therapeutics SPC
Phase 3 Efficacy Study With Concurrent Control of IT MELPIDA in SPG50.Concurrent Controls.
(SPG50)
What this study is about
Phase 3, where both patients and doctors know the treatment given study to assess the effectiveness and safety of a single lumbar intrathecal administration of MELPIDA in individuals with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 50 (SPG50).
View original scientific description
Phase 3, open-label study to assess the efficacy and safety of a single lumbar intrathecal administration of MELPIDA in individuals with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 50 (SPG50).
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
- For the treatment group
- Male and females between the ages of 4 months to 72 months at the time of screening.
- Molecularly-confirmed diagnosis of SPG50 (confirmed by a CLIA certified, CE-marked, or equivalent lab): Genomic DNA mutation analysis demonstrating bi-allelic pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the AP4M1 gene.
- Subjects must have features of neurologic dysfunction by clinical history and physical examination.
- Stable doses of concomitant medications such as anti-spasticity medications, anti-seizure medications, behavioral management medications, sleep medications, and special diets, supplements, or nutritional support for at least 3 months prior to Screening. If recent changes (\< 3 months) in medications, the subject may be allowed per Investigator judgement.
- Parent/legal guardian willing to provide written informed consent for their child prior to participation in the study,
- Subjects and caregivers must demonstrate the ability to travel to the study center. For the 30 days post treatment subjects must reside within 100 miles (approximately 160 km) of the clinical site. For the control group
- Male and females between the ages of 4 to 72 months at the time of screening.
- A molecularly confirmed diagnosis of SPG47, SPG50 or SPG52 (confirmed by a CLIA certified, CE-marked, or equivalent lab). Genomic DNA mutation analysis demonstrating bi-allelic pathogenic variants in the AP4B1, AP4M1, or AP4S1 gene,
- Subjects must have features of neurologic dysfunction by clinical history and physical examination.
- Parent/legal guardian willing to provide written informed consent for their child prior to participation in the study.
- Subject able to comply with all protocol requirements and procedures.
- Subjects and caregivers must demonstrate the ability to travel to the study center.
Exclusion criteria
- For the treatment group
- Loss of one of the 8 major motor milestones within the last 12 months. Milestones defined as:
- #24: Sit on mat: Maintain, arms free, 3 seconds
- #44: 4 Point: Crawls or hitches forward 1.8m (6')
- #53: Standing: Maintains, arms free, 3 seconds
- #67: Standing: 2 hands held: walks forward 10 steps
- #69: Standing: Walks forward 10 steps
- #84: Standing: Holding 1 rail: walks up 4 steps, holding 1 rail, alternating feet
- #85: Standing: Holding 1 rail: walks down 4 steps, holding 1 rail, alternating feet
- #88: Standing on 15cm (6") step: Jumps off, both feet simultaneously
- Inability to participate in the clinical evaluation as determined by the principal investigators.
- Clinically significant abnormal laboratory values (hemoglobin \< 6 or \> 20 g/dL; white blood cell \> 20,000 per cmm, platelets count \< 100,000 per cmm; INR \> ULN; GGT, ALT, and AST or total bilirubin \> 1.5 × ULN, creatinine ≥ 1.5 mg/dL) prior to gene replacement therapy.
- Presence of a concomitant medical condition (eg, scoliosis or bleeding disorder) that precludes a lumbar puncture or use of anesthetics for sedated procedures.
- Documented cardiomyopathy or significant congenital heart abnormalities.
- History of severe/life-threatening allergic reaction to sirolimus, tacrolimus, corticosteroids, or gadolinium.
- Concomitant illness or requirement for chronic drug treatment that in the opinion of the PI creates unnecessary risks for gene transfer, or interactions with the immunosuppressive agents.
- Any item which would exclude the subject from being able to undergo MRI according to local institutional policy, or any other procedure.
- The presence of significant AP-4 related CNS impairment or behavioral disturbances that would confound the scientific rigor or interpretation of results of the study.
- Recent or planned elective surgical procedures (within 6 months) that would confound the scientific rigor or interpretation of results of the study.
- Failure to obtain appropriate informed consent.
- Reason to believe that the subject or parents of the subject will not comply with the study procedures outlined in the study protocol.
- Have received an investigational drug within 30 days prior to screening or plan to receive an investigational drug (other than gene therapy) during the study.
- Enrollment and participation in another interventional clinical trial 90 days before first visit (screening). For the control group
- Loss of one of the 8 major motor milestones within the last 12 months. Milestones defined as:
- #24: Sit on mat: Maintain, arms free, 3 seconds
- #44: 4 Point: Crawls or hitches forward 1.8m (6')
- #53: Standing: Maintains, arms free, 3 seconds
- #67: Standing: 2 hands held: walks forward 10 steps
- #69: Standing: Walks forward 10 steps
- #84: Standing: Holding 1 rail: walks up 4 steps, holding 1 rail, alternating feet
- #85: Standing: Holding 1 rail: walks down 4 steps, holding 1 rail, alternating feet
- #88: Standing on 15cm (6") step: Jumps off, both feet simultaneously
- Inability to participate in the clinical evaluation as determined by the principal investigators.
- Any other situation that would exclude the subject from undergoing any other procedure required in this study.
- The presence of significant AP-4 related CNS impairment or behavioral disturbances that would confound the scientific rigor or interpretation of results of the study.
- Recent or planned elective surgical procedures that would confound the scientific rigor or interpretation of results of the study.
- Failure to obtain appropriate informed consent.
- Reason to believe that the subject or parents of the subject will not comply with the study procedures outlined in the study protocol.
- Have received an investigational drug within 30 days prior to screening or plans to receive an investigational drug (other than gene therapy) during the study.
- Enrollment and participation in another interventional clinical trial 90 days before first visit (screening).
Where
- Dallas, Texas
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 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations