The Spastic Paraplegia - Centers of Excellence Research Network (SP-CERN) is a collaborative research consortium dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). Aims of the consortium are to a) perform natural history studies of HSP subtypes, b) discover and validate biomarkers and clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures, c) uncover HSP's molecular pathophysiology and develop rational therapeutic targets, and d) perform sufficiently powered clinical trials. The current pilot study is aimed at enrolling 100 individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4) or hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5A (SPG5A).
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Establish a shared clinical database, biobank of biospecimen samples, and a central repository for the storage of all genetic data in SP-CERN.
Timeframe: 2 years
Synchronize collaborations between institutions and clinical sites through a central research protocol to standardize outcome measures and maximize the quality of research and data to ensure clinical trial readiness by regulatory standards.
Timeframe: 2 years
Test key elements in pilot projects
Timeframe: 2 years
Build comprehensive programs for advancements in diagnosis, provide more opportunities for innovative treatments, and increase access to high-quality healthcare for HSP and PLS patients.
Timeframe: 2 years
Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari, MD, PhD.