NCT06819683 · Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Validation of Nanosensor Oxygen Measurement
What this study is about
Past mitochondrial disease treatment studies have been unsuccessful in determining treatment effectiveness, and a major factor has been the lack of validated biomarkers in mitochondrial myopathy (MM).
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Past mitochondrial disease treatment studies have been unsuccessful in determining treatment efficacy, and a major factor has been the lack of validated biomarkers in mitochondrial myopathy (MM). There is currently a growing number of potential new treatments to be tested through MM clinical intervention trials, which has created a pressing need for quantitative biomarkers that reliably reflect MM disease severity, progression, and therapeutic response. The purpose of the study is to measure the efficacy of an electrochemical oxygen nanosensor to measure in vivo mitochondrial function in human muscle tissue, and its ability to discriminate MM patients from healthy volunteers. The data and results from this nanosensor study may contribute to current and future research, including improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with mitochondrial disease.
Interventions
DEVICE
Nanosensor
The purpose of the study is to test a device called a "nanosensor", which measures oxygen levels (a proxy of mitochondrial function) in muscle. The nanosensor has not been tested in humans nor has it been approved by the FDA. The study nanosensor measures 1.8 mm width x 6 mm length x 0.3 mm depth. Placement of the sterilized nanosensor involves a small incision for manual placement of the nanosensor in muscle forearm tissue.
Primary outcome measures
Nanosensor-muscle oxygen (Torr) levels during handgrip exercises
Time frame: before, during and after handgrip exercise up to 4 hours or up to 40 days after the screening visit
Nanosensor-muscle oxygen (Torr) levels will be measure in the (dominant) forearm muscle during handgrip exercises and correlated to the standard measure of venous oxygenation (VO2) levels using standard clinical indirect calorimetry as a measure of tissue oxygen consumption. This data will be reported as the Torr value at each time point during measurement.
Nanosensor-muscle oxygen (Torr) levels post Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
Time frame: After CPET exercise up to 1-hour
Nanosensor-muscle oxygen (Torr) levels before cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) will be measured in the (dominant) forearm muscle by comparing exercised muscle oxygen levels to the venous oxygen (VO2max) levels recorded during the CPET exercise. This data will be reported as the Torr value at each time point during measurement.
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
- Males and females, between the ages of 18 and 65 years, inclusive
- Provide informed consent for study participation; able to understand and complete the protocol
- Able to ambulate independently
- Able to perform bicycle ergometry Inclusion Criteria for Mitochondrial Myopathy (MM) Cases
- Males and females, between the ages of 18 and 65 years, inclusive
- Provide informed consent for study participation; able to understand and complete the protocol
- Genetically-confirmed MM as defined by a diagnosis of primary mitochondrial disease (PMD) with predominant symptoms of myopathy as expressed by exercise intolerance and muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Previously enrolled (or will enroll) in Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Institutional Review Board (IRB) study #08-006177 (Falk, PI) or CHOP IRB #16-013364 (Zolkipli, PI)
- Able to ambulate independently
- Able to perform bicycle ergometry
Exclusion criteria
- Subjects will be excluded if any of the following apply:
- Unable to provide informed consent and complete all study procedures, including ergometry
- Non-ambulatory or unable to ambulate independently
- Within 1 month of a recent hospital admission due to acute illness
- Have severe cardiac disease as defined by an ejection fraction of less than 35% and New York Heart Association Functional Classification Class III; or severe pulmonary disease as defined by the need for supplemental O2 therapy or daytime ventilatory support
- Have a tracheostomy
- Have a known bleeding disorder and/or family history (first-degree relative) with a known bleeding disorder
- Daily intake of aspirin or any other anti-platelet therapy which cannot be temporarily discontinued for medical reasons
- a) Have known or suspected congenital or acquired immune deficiency; b) concurrent use of immunosuppressive drugs, including corticosteroids; c) past history of recurrent (more than 6 times per year) severe (required hospitalization) skin or soft tissue infections; d) history of infection or delayed wound healing after surgery or biopsy; e) known history of neutropenia with absolute neutrophil count less than 500/mm3
- Undergo chronic steroid treatment as defined by daily oral intake (for more than 1 month) or have existing untreated endocrinopathies, such as hypothyroidism that caused acquired myopathy
- Prone to hypertrophic scars and keloids
- Have any other known inherited myopathy, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy or congenital myopathy
- Known allergy to lidocaine
- Have a cognitive impairment that may prevent the ability to complete study procedures
- Unable to comply with the requirements of the study protocol and/or unsuitable for the study for any reason, in the opinion of the principal investigator
- Individuals from vulnerable populations (e.g., prisoners/detainees)
- Participants who are unable to speak and/or read English (as participants will be required to be proficient to complete study procedures)
- Employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, including U.S. military personnel
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense
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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 Feb 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations