Open-label Study to Evaluate Brain α-Synuclein Deposition Using PET and [18F]MK-0947 in Parkinson's Disease

Overview

This clinical study is being conducted to learn more about a new imaging drug called \[18F\]MK-0947, which is designed to help doctors see changes in the brain related to Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a condition that affects movement, balance, and thinking. The drug works with a type of scan called PET (Positron Emission Tomography) to show areas of the brain where a protein called α-synuclein builds up. This buildup is linked to PD and other brain disorders. The main goal of this study is to find out if \[18F\]MK-0947 is safe for people and if it works well to show α-synuclein in the brain. The study will also look at how the drug moves through the body and how much radiation it gives off. Researchers hope this information will help develop better tools for diagnosing PD and tracking how it changes over time. Who can join? Adults who have PD or who are healthy may be able to take part. Participants will have screening tests to make sure they qualify. What does participation involve? People in the study will have PET scans, blood tests, and other safety checks. Some participants will also have an MRI scan. The study is divided into two parts: Part 1 looks at how the drug works in the brain of PD patients and healthy elderly participants, and Part 2 measures radiation levels in healthy participants. Why is this important? There is currently no cure for PD, and better imaging tools could help researchers develop new treatments. By joining this study, participants will help advance research that may improve care for people with PD and similar conditions in the future.

This Phase 1, open-label study will evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and imaging characteristics of \[18F\]MK-0947, a novel PET tracer targeting α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD). The study consists of two parts: Part 1 includes PD and healthy elderly participants for brain imaging using standard and high-resolution PET scanners; Part 2 includes healthy participants for whole-body dosimetry to estimate radiation exposure. Imaging sessions will involve dynamic PET scans lasting up to 2 hours, arterial or venous blood sampling for kinetic modeling, and MRI for anatomical co-registration. Safety assessments include vital signs, ECGs, laboratory tests, and adverse event monitoring. The investigational tracer will be administered intravenously at doses up to 10 mCi, with strict adherence to radiation safety guidelines. Data will be analyzed using compartmental and graphical modeling approaches to derive quantitative metrics such as SUV, SUVR, VT, and DVR. This study aims to establish proof of concept for \[18F\]MK-0947 as a biomarker for α-synuclein pathology, supporting future therapeutic trials and advancing diagnostic capabilities for synucleinopathies.