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Synaptic Imaging for Schizophrenia

Phase 1
Recruiting
Led By Jong H Yoon, MD
Research Sponsored by Davidzon, Guido, M.D.
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
A clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective disorder
Able to complete a PET-MR scan without the use of sedation
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 120 minutes (scan duration)
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will use PET scans to look for evidence of reduced synaptic density in the brains of people with schizophrenia, in order to test the hypothesis that too much synaptic pruning may be a key cause of the condition.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective disorder. Participants must be on stable medication for at least two weeks and able to undergo a PET-MR scan without sedation.
What is being tested?
The study uses [11C]UCB-J radiotracer in a PET-MR imaging technique to measure synaptic density in the brain and test the neural synaptic pruning hypothesis related to schizophrenia.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects are not detailed but may include discomfort from lying still during the scan and exposure to radiation typical of PET scans.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or a related disorder.
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I can undergo a PET-MR scan without needing sedation.
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I am between 18 and 65 years old.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~120 minutes (scan duration)
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 120 minutes (scan duration) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Cross-sectional differences in synaptic density between HC and SZ participants

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Schizophrenia (SZ) ParticipantsExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Participants will undergo positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET-MR) imaging using the \[11C\]UCB-J radiotracer
Group II: Healthy Control (HC) ParticipantsExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Participants will undergo positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET-MR) imaging using the \[11C\]UCB-J radiotracer

Find a Location

Logistics

Participation is compensated

You will be compensated for participating in this trial.

Who is running the clinical trial?

Weston Havens FoundationUNKNOWN
Davidzon, Guido, M.D.Lead Sponsor
2 Previous Clinical Trials
1 Total Patients Enrolled
Jong H Yoon, MDPrincipal InvestigatorStanford University
1 Previous Clinical Trials
~9 spots leftby Dec 2025