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Neurology Clinical Trials

The Department of Neurology's clinical trials team at Indiana University School of Medicine specializes in clinical neurologic research of various disease states, which includes Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Huntington's disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, ALS, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis and myotonic dystrophy.

Through support and partnerships with the National Institutes of Health, pharmaceutical sponsors and various academic medical centers across the country, the Neurology clinical trials team is able to advance research and treatment for patients living with these diseases of the nervous system.

Participate in research

Want to help researchers find new ways to diagnose and treat neurologic conditions? Contact the Neurology clinical trials team directly at 317-963-4823 or by email to get connected to ongoing studies.

Email Neurology Clinical Trials

What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that involve people and are conducted to evaluate a new medical treatment, drug or medical device. They are designed to find new and improved ways to diagnose, treat or prevent different diseases. Researchers depend on patient volunteers to participate in clinical trials to determine whether a new drug or procedure is more effective compared to the current or standard method. Besides improving their own health, participants can make a life-saving difference in lives of others with similar conditions.

There are two main categories of trials: interventional and observational. Interventional trials involve studying a new medication. Observational studies do not have an interventional aspect such as medication, but they strive to learn more about the disease process to help develop treatments. The majority of interventional trials have a placebo group, or a group that does not receive active medication. This is to help make sure study results are accurate.

The Department of Neurology offers nearly 60 active clinical trials.

Alzheimer's disease and dementia

  • Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
    A research study to follow participants over several years for imaging (MRI and PET scans) and cognitive testing. There is no medication associated with this research study. Participants may or may not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and may still participate with no concerns about their memory. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you.

    You may be eligible if you are ages 55-90, have a study partner and are able to undergo an MRI. If receiving Aducanumab clinically, you must have received a consistent dose for 24 weeks prior to starting this research study.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Jared Brosch, MD

    Clinical Trial Website

  • AHEAD
    A research study of study medication Lecanemab to remove amyloid plaques from the brains of individuals without a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Study medication or placebo is an intravenous infusion given every two or four weeks.

    You may be eligible if you are between the ages of 55-80, are able to undergo an MRI (do not have a pacemaker or severe claustrophobia), and do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Martin Farlow, MD

    Clinical Trial Website

  • Alector INFRONT-3
    A research study for study medication AL001 for participants with genetic mutations in the progranulin gene that could cause Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Study medication or placebo is an intravenous infusion given every four weeks for two years.

    You may be eligible if you are between the ages of 25-85, have a confirmed progranulin gene mutation (this can be tested via the research study, if you have a family history of Frontotemporal Dementia).You may or may not have a diagnosis to participate.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: David Clark, MD

    Clinical Trial Website

  • ALL-FTD

    A research study for cognitive testing and imaging in participants with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. There is no study medication in this clinical trial.

    You may be eligible is you have a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia and are able to undergo an MRI (do not have a pacemaker or severe claustrophobia).

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: David Clark, MD

  • Alnylam ALN-APP-001
    A research study of study medication ALN-APP to remove amyloid plaques from the brains of individuals with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Study medication or placebo is an injection given into the spinal column by a study physician.

    You may be eligible if you are over 18 years of age, with symptoms of Alzheimer’s before the age of 65, are able to undergo an MRI (do not have a pacemaker or severe claustrophobia), and can receive a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) procedure.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Jared Brosch, MD

  • Biogen ENVISION

    A research study of study medication Aduhelm to remove amyloid plaques from the brains of individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Study medication or placebo is an intravenous infusion given monthly.

    You may be eligible if you are between the ages of 60-85, are able to undergo an MRI (do not have a pacemaker or severe claustrophobia) and have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Jared Brosch, MD

  • Cognitive Therapeutics SHIMMER
    A research study of study medication CT1812 to improve cognition in participants with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB, or Lewy Body Dementia). Participants will take study medication or placebo orally, daily at home. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. You may be eligible to participate if you are ages 50-85, have a diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies, are able to swallow capsules, and able to walk with or without the assistance of a walker or cane.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Jared Brosch, MD

    ***This research study is set to open in late summer 2023.

  • Roche Elecsys

    A research study to evaluate a new blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will complete cognitive testing, bloodwork, an MRI, a PET scan, and a lumbar puncture over approximately four visits. Participants will receive feedback on their results. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. There is no medication associated with this research study.

    You may be eligible to participate if you are ages 55 to 80, and have concerns about your memory. No diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is required. You must be able to undergo an MRI and PET scan.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Jeff Dage, PhD

  • Trial-Ready Cohort-Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease (TRC-PAD)
    A research study to form a group of participants interested in research treatments in future based on cognitive testing and imaging results. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. There is no study medication in this research study. Visits will consist of yearly questionnaires to follow participants over a period of time.

    You may be eligible if you are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, are able to undergo an MRI (do not have a pacemaker or severe claustrophobia) and are between the ages of 50-85.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Martin Farlow, MD

    Clinical Trial Website

  • Trial-Ready Cohort-Down Syndrome (TRC-DS)
    A research study to form a group of participants with Down Syndrome interested in research treatments in the future for dementia.All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you.There is no study medication in this research study. Visits will consist of yearly questionnaires to follow participants over a period of time.

    You may be eligible if you have Down Syndrome, are able to undergo an MRI (do not have a pacemaker or severe claustrophobia) and are between the ages of 30-55.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: David Clark, MD and Jill Fodstad, PhD

    Clinical Trial Website

Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease

  • Abbott ADROIT

    A research study to follow participants that are receiving an Abbott Deep Brain Stimulator for Parkinson’s disease tremors or dystonia. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Visits will consist of questionnaires every 6-12 months to follow participants over a period of time.

    You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18, have Parkinson’s disease and will be receiving an Abbott brand Deep Brain Stimulator surgically implanted within the next six months.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

  • Boston Scientific Vercise

    A research registry study to follow participants that are receiving a Boston Scientific Deep Brain Stimulator for Parkinson’s disease symptoms. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Visits will consist of questionnaires every 6-12 months to follow participants over a period of time.

    You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18, have Parkinson’s disease, and plan to receive a Boston Scientific brand Deep Brain Stimulator surgically implanted.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: S. Elizabeth Zauber, MD

  • ENROLL-HD
    A registry research study for participants with Huntington’s disease.All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you.There is no study medication in this research study.Visits will consist of yearly questionnaires to follow participants over a period of time.

    You may be eligible to participate if you are 18 years of age or older and have a confirmed genetic mutation for Huntington’s disease.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Christopher James, MD

  • SAGE DIMENSION

    A research study of study medication SAGE-718 to improve cognition in individuals with Huntington’s disease. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Study medication or placebo is an oral medication taken daily at home.

    You may be eligible if you are between the ages of 25-65, have confirmed Huntington’s disease and have concerns about your memory and thinking.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Christopher James, MD

  • PD Generation
    A research study to collect blood or saliva samples from participants with Parkinson’s disease to learn if they have a genetic variant causing Parkinson’s disease.All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. There is no study medication in this research study.Participants will sign a consent and provide a saliva sample either in clinic or at home, and receive a free genetic disclosure session after results are received.

    You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18, have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and do not have an active cancer diagnosis.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: S. Elizabeth Zauber, MD

Epilepsy

  • Equilibre Therapeutics Harmonie

    A research study for study medication EQU-001 in participants with focal onset epileptic seizures to help control or limit seizures. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Participants will take the study medication orally, daily at home and return to the research center for safety follow-up. Participants will keep an electronic diary at home, to be entered daily. One out of three participants will receive placebo. After the initial 16 weeks of medication, all participants may receive EQU-001 (no placebo group).

    You may be eligible if you are 18-65 years old, have focal onset seizures averaging one seizure per week and are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the course of the research study.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Pamela O’Dea, MD

  • Neuropace NAUTILUS
    A research study of the Responsive Neurostimulator system (RNS) in participants with primary generalized seizures.Participants will receive surgery to implant the RNS device to help control seizures currently not well controlled with medication only.Some participants will have the RNS device turned off for the first few months of the research study.All participants will have the device turned on within 12 months of surgery.Participants can expect onsite or telephone appointments approximately every three months for 24 months.

    You may be eligible to participate if you are ages 18 and over, have an average of at least one generalized tonic-clonic seizure per month, are willing to comply with an electronic seizure diary and are willing to remain on the same antiseizure medications prior to surgery.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Vicenta Salanova, MD

  • Xenon X-ACKT
    A research study of XEN1101 in participants with generalized tonic clonic seizures or focal onset seizures to help control or limit seizures.All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you.Participants will take the study medication or placebo orally, daily at home and complete a seizure diary.

    You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18, have generalized tonic clonic seizures or focal onset seizures with onset prior to age 40, willing to keep a daily seizure diary and are not pregnant or planning to be pregnant.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Phuong Quan, MD

    ***To be available to enrollment in late summer 2023

Stroke

  • DISCOVERY
    A research study to follow participants with recent stroke over four years for cognitive and functional changes. Participants are consented within six weeks after a stroke and complete a one time blood draw with cognitive testing every six months. Many assessments are completed over the phone. Any onsite assessment will be completed at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. No medication is associated with this research study.

    You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18, were admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of a stroke and have no history of dementia.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Jason Mackey, MD

  • ENDOLOW
    A research study to evaluate a thrombectomy procedure (removal of a clot in a blood vessel in the brain) for those with a stroke scale score of less than six.Participants for this research are enrolled in the hospital setting and may receive a procedure to remove a clot in the brain during an active stroke.Participants will then have follow-up appointments at 30 days and 90 days for safety evaluation.

    You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18 and have been admitted to the hospital for a stroke.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Kaustubh Limaye, MD

  • Janssen LIBREXIA

    A research study to evaluate study medication Milvexian after a stroke, to try to prevent future strokes. Participants will be enrolled while admitted to the hospital for a stroke. After leaving the hospital, participants will take the study medication or placebo orally, daily at home. Participants will then return to the IU Health Neuroscience Center for safety evaluation and follow-up every three months for approximately two and a half years.

    You may be eligible if you are over 40 years of age, have a diagnosis of stroke and do not have a history of increased bleeding risk.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Ann Jones, MD

    ***To be available in late summer 2023

ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Myotonic Dystrophy, Muscular Dystrophy

  • HEALY

    A research study for participants with ALS. This research study has different study medication options available for participants with ALS. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Study medication could be an oral medication taken daily at home, or a subcutaneous shot.

    You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18, have an onset of ALS symptoms within the last 36 months and are able to swallow pills and liquids for the duration of the trial.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Cynthia Bodkin, MD
  • DOMYA
    A research study for participants with generalized myasthenia gravis to complete assessments via a smart phone application and in-person to determine if remote assessment and symptom reporting assisting with doctor-patient communication.

    You may be eligible to participate if you are ages 18 to 60, own and able to use a smart phone with iOS v14 or Android v8 or higher and able to read the language used in the application (English, Spanish, or French available).

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Sara Takcas, MD

  • Medicinova MN-166-ALS-2301

    A research study evaluate Ibudilast to reduce inflammation in participants with ALS. All study procedures will be conducted at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. Participants will take the study medication or placebo orally, daily at home and return to the research center for follow-up. Some visits can be complete over the phone. After 12 months of treatment, participants are eligible to receive active study medication (no placebo group).

    You may be eligible if you are ages 18 to 80, have a diagnosis of ALS and are able to swallow capsules.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Cynthia Bodkin, MD

  • Trehalose Expanded Access Program

    A research treatment for intravenous treatment in ALS.

    For more information, email neuroct@iupui.edu or call 317-963-4823.

    Faculty: Cynthia Bodkin, MD

    ***To be available in late summer 2023

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Sheryl Lynch

Director of Clinical Research

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Lauren Perrey-Moore

Clinical Research Nurse Manager

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