Back to search results

Understanding Serotonin Receptors in Neurodegenerative Diseases

This study is looking at how a specific brain chemical receptor, called the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A), works in people with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, especially those experiencing psychosis (hallucinations or delusions). We're using a special imaging technique called a PET scan with a tracer called [18F]MH.MZ to measure these receptors. We're also studying how the medication pimavanserin, used for Parkinson's-related psychosis, affects these receptors and psychosis symptoms. The study aims to enroll 75 participants, including those with neurodegenerative diseases and a healthy comparison group. Success would mean understanding how 5HT2A receptor levels and how pimavanserin affects them relate to improvements in psychosis symptoms.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a treatment. It involves both patients with neurodegenerative diseases and a healthy comparison group.
What's involved
Participants will have PET scans at the beginning of the study and again after 6 weeks of taking pimavanserin. MRI scans will also be performed at these time points.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 6 weeks after starting pimavanserin treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05357612

Characterization of the Serotonin 2A Receptor Selective PET Tracer [18F]MH.MZ in Patients With Neurodegenerative Diseases

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 50–85InterventionalBasic science
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
~75 participants
Updated 2026-08-07 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Pimavanserin

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in 5HT2A receptor density measured using the PET radioligand MH.MZ
Measured over Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention of Pimavanserin
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Neurodegenerative Diseases
Parkinson Disease
Parkinson Disease Psychosis

Explore related trials

Degenerative Disease of Nervous System, UnspecifiedFrontotemporal DementiaHuntington's DiseaseLewy Body DementiaMultiple System AtrophyParkinson Disease

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Tennessee1

Study leadership

  • Ciaran Considine, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Richard Darby, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Who to contact

Levi Pettit, BA
[email protected]
6154210569
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patient arm - clinical diagnosis of Parkinson disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, multiple systems atrophy, Huntington's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, and other variants
Healthy arm - age and gender matched to patient arm
Psychosis (presence of hallucinations or delusions) starting after the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, occurring at least weekly for 4 weeks, severe enough to warrant treatment.
Study partner available for study visits

Exclusion

Prior stroke or other uncontrolled serious neurological or medical illness
Contra-indication or inability to tolerate MRI scan
Use of serotonergic medications in the last 6 weeks
Incapable of providing independent consent.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
psychosis due to a metabolic, toxic, or primary psychiatric disease
Deemed unable to complete neurocognitive testing
For PD Participants: current or prior use of pimavanserin
Use of antipsychotics in the last 2 weeks

What this trial measures

  • Change in 5HT2A receptor density measured using the PET radioligand MH.MZBaseline and 6 weeks after intervention of Pimavanserin

    Receptor density (Bmax) of 5HT2A receptors measured using the PET radioligand MH.MZ uptake in regions of interest.

  • Change in 5HT2A receptor binding occupancy measured using the PET radioligand MH.MZBaseline and 6 weeks after intervention of Pimavanserin

    Receptor binding occupancy (RO) of 5HT2A receptors measured using the PET radioligand MH.MZ uptake in regions of interest.