BRAIN NEURO-INFLAMMATION

X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare inherited peroxisomal neurodegenerative disorder with the following symptoms: central inflammatory demyelination in the brain, axonal degeneration and adrenal insufficiency.

There are two main neurologic phenotypes of X-ALD. The first occurs in both children and adults and is the most serious, called Cerebral X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD). Sufferers experience brain neuroinflammation and early death. However, the most common is Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), a progressive severe motor dysfunction condition that affects young adults.

Whether it presents in children or adults, X-ALD can be recognised by central inflammatory demyelination in the brain, axonal degeneration, and adrenal insufficiency.

The severity of the inflammatory process has been correlated with the rapidity of disease progression.

IAG’s team has experience with designing and deliverying clinical trials that involve use of

• MRI, inc. contrast MRI
• CT
• Molecular imaging

Our research has shown that contrast-enhanced T1- weighted spin-echo MR imaging may serve as a marker for the presence and the severity of this inflammatory process.

A very strong association between the presence of contrast enhancement on T1-weighted MR images and X-ALD progression based on clinical evaluation and MR imaging has been demonstrated.

The trials in cALD that were supported by our team have involved MRI as a patient stratification and disease progression tool, with the the following outcome measurements:

• Loes Score (Percent change from baseline in brain lesions)
• Monitoring of status of gadolinium enhancement
• Lesion volume and morphology
• Qualitative assessment of appearance of Gd enhancing brain lesion on MRI
• Frequency and timing of resolution of Gd enhancement on MRI

Reach out to our expert team, as you are designing and planning your trial.

About IAG, Image Analysis Group

IAG, Image Analysis Group is a strategic partner to bio-pharmaceutical companies developing new treatments to improve patients’ lives. Our dynamic Strategy, Trial Solutions and Bio-Partnering divisions work closely to meet critical needs of biotechnology companies: funding, clinical development, and monetization of their assets. We fuse decades of therapeutic insights, risk-sharing business model and agile culture to accelerate novel drug development. IAG broadly leverages its core imaging expertise, proprietary technology platform DYNAMIKA and capabilities to support an objective early go no/ go decision and drive excellence for tomorrow’s innovative therapeutic agents with speed.

Contact our expert team: imaging.experts @ ia-grp.com