RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Interest of Measuring P2X4 Receptors on Blood Monocytes as a Diagnostic Marker in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: P2X4 as a Diagnostic Biomarker for ALS

This study is investigating a new approach to potentially diagnose Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Motor Neurone Disease, earlier. ALS is a serious condition where nerve cells controlling muscles stop working, leading to weakness and paralysis. Currently, there isn't a simple test to diagnose it. Researchers have found a specific pathway in the body, involving something called P2X4 receptors, which might play a role in ALS. This study aims to check if measuring these P2X4 receptors in blood samples could serve as a useful sign or 'biomarker' for the disease in humans. This could help doctors identify ALS sooner and better understand the condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis &Amp; Other Neuromuscular Disorders

What is this study about?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often called Motor Neurone Disease, is a serious condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells, called motor neurons, are responsible for sending messages from your brain to your muscles, allowing you to move. In ALS, these motor neurons gradually stop working, leading to muscles becoming weaker and eventually paralysed. Sadly, there is currently no cure for ALS, and over time, it can make everyday activities very difficult.

Diagnosing ALS can sometimes be a long and challenging process because there isn't one simple test. This study is looking into a new idea that might make diagnosis easier and earlier. Researchers have found that a specific process in the body, involving something called P2X4 receptors, might be important in how ALS develops. Think of these receptors like tiny sensors on the surface of cells that react to certain signals. The scientists believe that changes in these P2X4 receptors could be a sign of ALS.

The main goal of this study is to see if measuring these P2X4 receptors in a blood sample can help doctors recognise ALS. If successful, this could mean that a simple blood test could one day become part of diagnosing ALS. This would be a big step forward, as an earlier diagnosis could allow people to start any available treatments sooner and help them plan for the future.

Key takeaways

Researchers are exploring a new blood test idea for earlier ALS diagnosis.
The study looks at specific 'P2X4 receptors' in blood samples.
It aims to see if P2X4 levels could be a reliable sign of ALS.
This study doesn't involve new treatments, just blood sampling.
Participation could help advance understanding and diagnosis of ALS.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years old or older. If you have been diagnosed with ALS, either as 'probable' or 'confirmed' by your doctor using specific criteria, you might be able to join. You also need to be part of a social security scheme here in the UK.

Before taking part, you will be given all the information about the study. You will then need to give your permission by signing a form. If you are unable to sign yourself, someone else can sign on your behalf.

However, some people cannot take part. This includes if you are currently taking medicines that lower your immune system or steroid treatments. You also can't join if you are already involved in another study that’s testing a new medicine or treatment. People under legal guardianship (like a mental health 'power of attorney') can't participate either. Healthy volunteers cannot be close family members of someone with ALS (like siblings, children, or parents).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you received a probable or confirmed diagnosis of ALS?
Are you covered by a social security scheme (like the NHS here in the UK)?
Are you NOT currently taking medicines that suppress your immune system or steroids?
Are you NOT already in another research study testing a new drug?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is looking at information found in your blood, so if you take part, you would provide blood samples. There are no medicines to take or specific treatments involved. Researchers are simply measuring P2X4 receptors in the samples to see if they can be a helpful marker for ALS. The study duration is not specified but would involve at least one visit to provide a blood sample. There are no follow-up visits or long-term assessments mentioned.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of this study is helping researchers better understand ALS, which could lead to earlier diagnosis methods in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you from taking part. The main risk involves giving a blood sample, which might cause some minor discomfort, bruising, or rarely, a small infection at the site of the blood draw. Remember, you can decide to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Pellegrin
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ALS?

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Motor Neurone Disease, is a serious condition where nerve cells that control muscles stop working, leading to weakness and paralysis.

What are P2X4 receptors?

P2X4 receptors are like tiny sensors on the surface of cells. Researchers believe they might play a role in how ALS develops.

Will I get a new treatment in this study?

No, this study is not testing a new treatment. It's about seeing if a blood test could help diagnose ALS.

How long will I need to be involved?

The study isn't long-term, but it would involve at least one visit to provide a blood sample.

Can my family join if I have ALS?

Close family members (like siblings, children, or parents) who are healthy volunteers cannot take part in this specific study.

How to find out more

Gwendal Le Masson, Pr

gwendal.le-masson@chu-bordeaux.fr 05 57 82 13 70 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.