Safety and Efficacy of Edaravone Dexborneol Sublingual Tablets for Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in CADASIL

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) water exchange rate (kw), an imaging marker of BBB function, is quantified on whole-brain diffusion-prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL) MRI at baseline, month 6, and month 12. All participants are untreated during the first 6 months (observation period) and receive edaravone dexborneol sublingual tablets during the subsequent 6 months (treatment period). The change in kw during the observation period (baseline to Month 6) is compared with the change during the treatment period (Month 6 to Month 12) to distinguish the natural trajectory of BBB dysfunction from a potential treatment effect.

Number and proportion of participants experiencing any stroke event, including ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, recorded throughout the study.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a cognitive screening tool that assesses multiple domains, including attention, concentration, executive function, memory, language, visuospatial skills, abstract thinking, calculation, and orientation. Scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.

Verbal episodic memory is assessed using the Huashan version of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT-H). The test uses a list of 12 words from three semantic categories (4 words per category). The examiner reads the list aloud and the participant recalls the words immediately; this is repeated for three consecutive trials. The immediate recall score is the sum of correctly recalled words across the three trials, ranging from 0 to 36, with higher scores indicating better memory function.

The Boston Naming Test (BNT) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment that measures confrontation naming-the ability to retrieve and produce the correct name for a visually presented object. Boston Naming Test includes 30 items and evaluates language through measuring the total of correct responses. The minimum score is 0, and the maximum score is 30. Higher score indicates better language.

Inhibitory function and executive control are assessed using the Stroop Color-Word Test. In the color-word interference condition, participants name the ink color of color words while inhibiting the automatic tendency to read the word. The outcome is the completion time in seconds; shorter times indicate better executive function.

Inhibitory function and executive control are assessed using the Stroop Color-Word Test. In the color-word interference condition, participants name the ink color of color words while inhibiting the automatic tendency to read the word. The outcome is the number of correct responses, ranging from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating better executive function.

The total number of correct symbol-digit pairings completed within 90 seconds (common score range: 0-105), where a higher score indicates better processing speed, sustained attention, and visual scanning.

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a widely used neuropsychological test that measures processing speed, visual attention, sequencing, mental flexibility, and executive function. The score is the time it takes to complete the task. Lower times are better, while longer times indicate greater impairment.

Digit Span Test (DST) consists of forward and backward subtests, that respectively assess attention and executive function through measuring the number of correct digit sequences. The minimum score is 0 , and the maximum scores are respectively 10 and 9 for forward and backward subtests. The total score is the sum of the forward and backward subtests, ranging from 0 to 19, with higher scores indicating better attention and working memory.

The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) is a clinician-administered scale used to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms.

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) is a widely used clinical tool for assessing the severity of depression. It consists of multiple items that evaluate various aspects of depressive symptoms, including mood, guilt, suicidal ideation, work and interest, among others. It is scored on a scale from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.

The change in the number of lacunes on brain MRI, assessed using T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and FLAIR sequences. Lacunes are markers of cerebral small vessel disease; an increased number may indicate progression of vascular pathology.

The change in the number of cerebral microbleeds on brain MRI, assessed using susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) or T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging. Cerebral microbleeds are markers of cerebral small vessel disease; an increased burden may indicate worsening vascular pathology.

The change in white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, assessed using quantitative MRI analysis and reported in milliliters (mL). This measure evaluates the impact of treatment on the progression of cerebral small vessel disease. A smaller increase or a decrease in WMH volume suggests a treatment benefit.

The change in the burden of enlarged perivascular spaces on brain MRI, rated on a validated visual rating scale (0 to 4) in the basal ganglia and centrum semiovale. Enlarged perivascular spaces are markers of cerebral small vessel disease; a higher score may indicate worsening vascular pathology.

The change in total brain volume on brain MRI, assessed using quantitative volumetric analysis of 3D T1-weighted images and reported in milliliters (mL). Loss of brain volume reflects atrophy associated with cerebral small vessel disease; a greater reduction in brain volume may indicate disease progression.

The change in fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), an index of white matter microstructural integrity. A decrease in FA reflects loss of white matter integrity and may indicate progression of cerebral small vessel disease.

The change in mean diffusivity (MD) derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). An increase in MD reflects loss of white matter microstructural integrity and may indicate progression of cerebral small vessel disease.

The change in peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD) derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a fully automated marker of cerebral small vessel disease. An increase in PSMD may indicate worsening white matter damage and disease progression.

Assessed using the Tinetti Balance and Gait Evaluation. The scale consists of a balance section (9 items, max 16 points) and a gait section (7 items, max 12 points). Total scores range from 0 to 28, with higher scores indicating better balance and gait, and lower fall risk.

Changes in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score (range 0-12, with higher score indicating better physical performance).

The change in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. The mRS is a widely used functional outcome measure that assesses the degree of disability or dependence in daily activities. The scale ranges from 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (death), with higher scores indicating greater disability. An increase in mRS score suggests a worsening of functional status.

The change in Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale score. IADLs are activities that support daily life and involve interacting with one's environment, such as managing finances, medication and health, shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, communication, and community mobility. The scale is scored from 0 to 8, with higher scores indicating greater functional independence.

The change in serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentration. NfL is a biomarker of neuroaxonal injury; higher levels may indicate greater neuronal damage.

The change in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration. hs-CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation; higher levels may indicate a greater inflammatory burden.

The change in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine; higher levels may indicate a greater inflammatory burden.

The change in serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentration. IL-8 is a pro-inflammatory chemokine; higher levels may indicate a greater inflammatory burden.

The change in serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration. IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine; higher levels reflect an anti-inflammatory response.

The change in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine; higher levels may indicate a greater inflammatory burden.

The change in serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentration. GFAP is a biomarker of astroglial activation and injury; higher levels may indicate greater astrocytic damage.

Adverse events, confirmed by the Clinical Event Committee.

Serious adverse events, confirmed by the Clinical Event Committee.

Number of participants with Alanine Aminotransferase level >2.0×upper limit of the normal

Number of participants with serum creatinine >1.5×upper limit of the normal.