Melpida: Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus (Serotype 9) Encoding a Codon Optimized Human AP4M1 T… (NCT05518188) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 1/2
Melpida: Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus (Serotype 9) Encoding a Codon Optimized Human AP4M1 Transgene (hAP4M1opt)
United States4 participantsStarted 2023-02-15
Plain-language summary
MELPIDA is proposed for the treatment of subjects with SPG50 and targets neuronal cells to deliver a fully functional human AP4M1 cDNA copy via intrathecal injection to counter the associated neuronal loss. Outcomes will evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single dose of MELPIDA, which will be measured by the treatment-associated adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Secondarily, the trial will explore efficacy in terms of disease burden assessments.
Who can participate
Age range
4 Months – 10 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age 4 months-10 years old
. Confirmed diagnosis of SPG50 disease by:
. Genomic DNA mutation analysis demonstrating homozygous or compound heterozygous, confirmed pathogenic variants in the AP4M1 gene
. Clinical history or examination features consistent with SPG50 and that include neurologic dysfunction
. 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
. Ability to stand for more than 5 seconds OR
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Since this is a Phase 1/2 trial for SPG50, and the main thing being measured is whether the gene therapy causes serious or unexpected side effects (Grade 3 or higher toxicities), what does that mean for how much is currently known about its safety in people — and how does that uncertainty weigh against our options?
2This trial uses a one-time AAV9 gene therapy to deliver a corrected copy of the AP4M1 gene — is my child's specific genetic mutation in AP4M1 the kind that this approach is designed to address, and would their age or disease progression affect whether they might be considered a candidate?
3Given that AAV9-based gene therapies can sometimes trigger immune reactions, what monitoring or precautions does this trial have in place, and how would we respond if a serious reaction occurred?
4Are there any standard-of-care treatments for SPG50 — like physical therapy, antispasticity medications, or other supportive care — that we should be pursuing now regardless of this trial, or that might be affected by participation?
5Since this trial is actively recruiting, what would the practical demands look like for our family — things like how often we'd need to travel for visits, how long follow-up lasts, and what happens to my child's care if we need to withdraw?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Incidence of unanticipated treatment-related toxicities, Grade 3 or higher in participants with SPG50
. Ability to take 5 steps independently or with a walker OR
Exclusion criteria
. Inability to participate in study procedures (as determined by the site investigator)
. Presence of a concomitant medical condition that precludes lumbar puncture (LP) or use of anesthetics
. History of bleeding disorder or any other medical condition or circumstance in which lumbar puncture is contraindicated according to local institutional policy
. Inability to be safely sedated in the opinion of the clinical anesthesiologist
. Active infection, at the time of dosing, based on clinical observations
. Concomitant illness or requirement for chronic drug treatment that in the opinion of the PI creates unnecessary risks for gene transfer
. Inability of the patient to undergo MRI according to local institutional policy
. Inability of the patient to undergo any other procedure required in this study