AuthorisedHuman Pharmacology (Phase I)- First administration to humansInterventional

First-in-human evaluation of [11C]UCB-1A as imaging marker for synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C (SV2C): a PET study in healthy volunteers and participants with Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease affects how brain cells communicate with each other. This clinical study is testing a new chemical tracer, called [11C]UCB-1A, for the very first time in humans. Tracers are substances used during PET scans—a type of detailed brain scan—to highlight specific areas inside the body. In this study, researchers want to see if the tracer can safely attach to a particular protein in the brain called SV2C. Tracking this protein may help scientists understand how Parkinson's changes brain connections over time. The trial is open to both healthy volunteers and people living with Parkinson’s disease who are 18 or older. Participants will receive a small injection of the tracer and undergo brain scans. The main goal is to check how safe the tracer is and how clearly it shows up on scans, helping researchers develop better tools to study Parkinson's in the future.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Human Pharmacology (Phase I)- First administration to humans

Sponsor

Karolinska Institutet

Enrolment target

Start

02 Sep 2026

Parkinson's disease

What is this study about?

Inside our brains, billions of nerve cells communicate using tiny chemical messengers. In Parkinson’s disease, some of these cells become damaged or die, leading to difficulties with movement, balance, and everyday tasks. Researchers are working hard to find new ways to look closely at these living brain cells to see how the disease starts and progresses.

This study is testing a new imaging tool called [11C]UCB-1A. It is known as a 'radiotracer.' When a tiny, safe amount is injected into the bloodstream, it travels to the brain and briefly binds to a specific protein called SV2C. This protein is found in brain cells that are closely linked to movement and Parkinson's disease. Using a special scanner called a PET scanner, doctors can take detailed pictures of where the tracer goes.

Because this is a 'first-in-human' study, the main goal is to find out if the tracer is safe to use and whether it produces clear, helpful images. By comparing scans from healthy volunteers with scans from people who have Parkinson’s disease, scientists hope to learn if this scan can show real differences in the brain.

If successful, this imaging tool will not cure Parkinson’s, but it could become an invaluable research aid. In the future, it might help doctors detect brain changes much earlier and measure how well new treatments are protecting brain cells.

Key takeaways

This is an early-stage study testing a new brain imaging tracer called [11C]UCB-1A in humans for the first time.
The trial includes both healthy volunteers and people living with Parkinson’s disease aged 18 and over.
The goal is to test safety and see if the tracer clearly highlights an important brain protein on PET scans.
The study does not provide treatment for Parkinson's, but it could help future research and drug development.
Participation involves health checks and undergoing at least one brain scan.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of adults: people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and healthy volunteers with no history of serious brain conditions. Both men and women aged 18 and older can take part.

To join, participants generally need to be able to lie still in a scanner for an extended period. Because this is an early safety trial, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding will not be able to take part. Having certain metal implants or severe claustrophobia may also make brain scanning unsafe or uncomfortable.

The research team will review your complete medical history and carry out standard health checks to confirm whether taking part is safe and appropriate for you.

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 aged 18 or older?
Do you either have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease OR consider yourself a healthy volunteer?
Are you able to lie still on your back inside a scanner for up to two hours?
Are you comfortable receiving an injection via a small needle in your arm?
Are you free of metal implants that might interfere with medical imaging?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study will usually involve one or two visits to a specialist hospital imaging centre. First, you will attend a screening appointment where researchers explain the study, check your health, and ensure you are happy to join. On the scanning day, a small plastic tube (a cannula) will be placed in a vein in your arm to give you the imaging tracer. You will then lie flat and still inside a PET scanner while it takes pictures of your brain. The scan typically takes around one to two hours, during which the team will monitor you closely. Staff will check on your wellbeing after the scan before you go home, and total involvement usually lasts a few weeks from screening to final follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not improve your health or treat Parkinson’s disease directly, but it provides crucial scientific knowledge that could help others in the future. As with any scan using a tracer, you will be exposed to a very small amount of radiation, similar to typical medical imaging tests. You might also experience mild bruising or tenderness where the injection is given, or feel uncomfortable lying still in the scanner. The team will monitor you closely for any rare side effects or allergic reactions. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you are free to change your mind and withdraw at any time without affecting your normal NHS care.

Locations (1)

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

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Unverified
Sweden

Common questions

Will taking part improve my Parkinson's symptoms?

No. The tracer used in this study is designed purely for taking brain pictures, not as a treatment or cure.

What is a PET scan?

A PET scan is a type of medical imaging that uses a very small, safe amount of a radioactive tracer to show how tissues and organs are working.

Is the radiation dangerous?

The amount of radiation used in research PET scans is kept as low as reasonably possible and is carefully regulated to ensure it remains within safe medical limits.

Can I leave the study if I feel uncomfortable?

Yes. You can leave the study at any point, including during the scan, without giving a reason and without any impact on your regular medical care.

Will my travel costs be covered?

Many clinical studies offer reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses to and from the hospital. The study coordinator can confirm the details for this trial.