RecruitingObservational

Collecting high-quality biomaterial from patients with neurodegenerative diseases and controls for diagnostic and prognostic biomarker investigation/validation, therapeutic applications and other research activities

This study is looking for better ways to diagnose and understand brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. As more people get older, these diseases are becoming more common, and it can be hard to spot them early. Researchers believe tiny particles in blood and urine could be 'biomarkers' – natural signals that help detect diseases, show who might be at risk, and track how well treatments are working. The study involves collecting blood and urine samples from people with these diseases and healthy volunteers, including family members. If successful, this research could lead to easier, more accurate tests, earlier diagnosis, and new treatments, ultimately improving care for people with these conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Vesalic Limited

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2028

Assessment of early biomarkers that predict disease progression and help identifying novel therapeutic options for patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD).

What is this study about?

This study is all about trying to find new and better ways to understand, diagnose, and treat brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. As more people live longer, these diseases are becoming more common. Currently, it can be quite tricky to diagnose them early and accurately. For example, about one in four people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at specialist clinics might have been given the wrong diagnosis initially. This study hopes to change that.

Scientists are looking into tiny particles found in blood and urine. They believe these particles could act like an early warning system, or a 'biomarker,' for these conditions. Imagine a signal that could tell us if someone has a disease before symptoms are obvious, track how it's progressing, or even show if a treatment is working. This research wants to gather more samples from people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as from healthy volunteers. By comparing these samples, they hope to get a clearer picture of what makes each disease unique and how it differs from normal ageing.

The main goal is to find easy and reliable tests, using simple samples like blood and urine, that can detect these diseases very early on. There's good evidence that treatments for these brain conditions work best when started as soon as possible. This study could help in developing those early tests, improving diagnosis, and even finding new targets for future medicines to help people with these neurodegenerative diseases.

Key takeaways

The study aims to find better ways to diagnose and understand Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers are looking for 'biomarkers' in blood and urine samples.
You will provide blood and/or urine samples; no new treatments are given.
Healthy volunteers and people with the conditions can participate.
The study has minimal risks, mainly slight discomfort from blood tests.
Your participation helps advance future diagnosis and treatments for others.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older. The study is open to both men and women from any background.

They are looking for two main groups of people: adults who have been diagnosed with a brain condition like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, and healthy volunteers. Healthy volunteers can include family members (like parents, children, or siblings) of people with these conditions, partners, carers, or even people who don't have a direct link to a patient but are healthy and want to help.

You can't join if you are currently taking part in another clinical trial where you are receiving a new treatment. Also, if you have severe learning difficulties that would make it hard for you to understand and agree to take part, you wouldn't be able to join this study.

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?
Do you have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, or are you a healthy volunteer (including relatives of patients)?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part?
Can you provide blood and/or urine samples?
Are you currently not taking part in another clinical trial that involves a new treatment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first meet face-to-face with a researcher. You would have already received information about the study to read beforehand. During this meeting, you'll be asked to provide some samples.

The main part of the study involves giving either blood samples, urine samples, or both. Blood samples might be taken during a regular clinic visit or during an extra visit if needed. Urine samples can usually be collected at the same time as blood samples. For some participants, usually those with a condition, researchers might ask you to give another set of samples within six months of the first ones. This is optional.

It's important to know that you won't receive any new treatments as part of this study. Any medical care you receive will be your usual standard care. The study is mainly about collecting samples for research purposes. The study is expected to run from June 2025 to August 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

There might not be any direct, immediate medical benefit for you personally by taking part in this study. However, the information gathered is very important and will greatly help scientists understand more about these brain conditions, which could lead to better diagnosis and treatments for others in the future, both in the UK and worldwide. The risks of taking part are very small. You might feel a little discomfort or a bruise when blood is taken, as with any blood test. All procedures will be explained by trained healthcare staff. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Leatherhead, England

Common questions

What is a 'biomarker'?

A biomarker is like a natural signal in your body, like a substance in your blood or urine, that can tell doctors something about your health, such as if you have a disease or how it's progressing.

Will I get any specific treatment in this study?

No, this study does not involve any new treatments. You will continue to receive your usual medical care.

What happens to my samples after I give them?

Your blood and urine samples will be used by researchers to look for these 'biomarkers' and to better understand brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

How long will the study last?

The study aims to collect samples for about three years, from June 2025 to August 2028.

Can my family members also take part?

Yes, healthy volunteers, including first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) of patients, partners, or caregivers, are welcome to participate.

How to find out more

Chloe Walsh

research@sabp.nhs.uk +44 (0)1372 216584 Official trial record

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