The DRPLA Natural History and Biomarkers Study has three main objectives:
- Researchers would like to characterize the natural history of DRPLA, that is to say, how subjects with DRPLA change over time.
- This study will identify genetic factors and biomarkers that could predict disease progression. A biomarker is any variable/characteristic that informs of physiological processes, pathological processes or response/effects of a drug.
- This study will provide useful information to support the design and conduct of clinical trials in the future.
This study will collect health information from DRPLA individuals over three years to understand how this condition develops over time. The study also recruits participants without DRPLA, so that they are able to compare how individuals with DRPLA differ from those without. Participating in this study will involve annual appointments at the clinics where the neurologist will do some clinical assessments (e.g. ataxia scales, brain MRI, blood collection, etc.).
This study has sites in the United Kingdom (London), the United States (New York and North Carolina) and Japan. Although participants from anywhere in the world could also be recruited.
LIST OF SITES THAT ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS:
- Prof. Paola Giunti at University College London site – you can find the recruitment flyer here. Contact details:
Research Fellow: Dr. Hector Garcia-Moreno – hector.garcia-moreno@nhs.net
Coordinator: Ola Volhin – o.volhina@nhs.net
- Dr. Shiloh-Malawsky at University of North Carolina site – you can find the recruitment flyer here. Contact details:
Clinical Research Coordinator: Yulissa Gonzalez
Phone: + 1 (919) 843-3516 / Email: yulissa_gonzalez@neurology.unc.edu
- Dr. Claire Miller at the New York University site – you can find the recruitment flyer here and a letter from Dr. Claire Miller here. Contact details:
Study Investigator: Claire Miller, MD – Claire.Miller@nyulangone.org
Study Coordinator: Danika Anganoo-Khan – Danika.Anganoo-Khan@nyulangone.org
If you live outside the UK and the USA, you can still participate in this study! If that is your case contact the Study Coordinator, Silvia Prades, at silvia.prades@curedrpla.org