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NCT Number: NCT03671889

ExAblate Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Disruption for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ExAblate Model 4000 Type 2.0 System as a tool to disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in patients with probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Recruiting

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Key information

Age range

50 year–85 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Delray Medical Center & Florida Atlantic University, Delray Beach, Florida, United States

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About this study

This is a prospective, multi-center, single-arm study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BBB disruption using the ExAblate Model 4000 Type 2.0 (220 kHz) system. Patients with diagnosis of Probable Alzheimer's Disease may qualify for a clinical trial to have three serial ExAblate BBB disruption procedures in specific areas in the brain. This study will be conducted at up to 8 sites in the United States and will enroll up to 30 patients.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male or Female between 50-85 years of age
  • Probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
  • If taking concurrent Alzheimer's medication, has been on the medication for at least 2 months with a stable dose for at least 3 months
  • Able to communicate sensations during the ExAblate MRgFUS procedure
  • Ambulatory

Exclusion criteria

  • MRI Findings
  • Presence of unknown or MR unsafe devices anywhere in the body
  • Significant cardiac disease or unstable hemodynamic status
  • Relative contraindications to ultrasound contrast agent or PET amyloid tracer
  • History of a bleeding disorder
  • History of liver disease
  • Known cerebral or systemic vasculopathy
  • Significant depression and at potential risk of suicide
  • Any contraindications to MRI scanning
  • Any contraindication to lumbar puncture for collection of cerebral spinal fluid
  • Untreated, uncontrolled sleep apnea
  • History of seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • Severely Impaired renal function
  • Currently in a clinical trial involving an investigational product or non-approved use of a drug or device or in any other type of medical research
  • Chronic pulmonary disorders
  • Positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Known apolipoprotein E allele (ApoE4) homozygosity

Treatment and study plan

Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) Disruption

Device

Focal Ultrasound (FUS) involves the application of acoustic energy at low frequencies from over 1000 individual transducers into distinct targets to induce BBB disruption.

Other names: ExAblate Neuro

Primary outcomes

  1. Device and procedure related adverse events

    Time frame: 5 years

    Rate of adverse events following each treatment through end of study

Other outcomes

  1. BBB Disruption and Closure

    Time frame: Immediately after the end of each ExAblate treatment and 24 hours post treatment

    MR images post-procedure to verify that the BBB was disrupted and subsequently closed within 24 hours.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

InSightec

Industry

Registry information

Official study title

Assessment of Safety and Efficacy of ExAblate Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption for the Treatment of Patients With Probable Alzheimer's Disease

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2030
First posted
Sep 14, 2018
Registry last updated
Jan 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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