February 25, 2014

Researchers seek participants for innovative Down Syndrome clinical trial

The Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) based at the University of Wollongong is currently seeking participants for a clinical study which is looking at the effects of a specific compound on Memory and Cognition in people with Down Syndrome.

This study, called the COMPOSE Study (Cognition and Memory in People with Down Syndrome), will look at the potential of a compound called BTD-001 to improve memory, language, and learning in people with Down syndrome. The Study is currently enrolling participants will be between thirteen and thirty five years inclusive in Wollongong and Sydney in NSW and in sites across Australia.

BTD-001 works on the connections in the brain signaling system, the system that manages information processing for memory and learning. Studies have shown this compound interacts with specific receptors in the brain and can activate non-performing connections, turning them on like red to green traffic lights. Interestingly, in mouse studies, the compound has also been shown to delay brain aging.

All participants will:

- Gain early access to new medicines not otherwise available

- Obtain clinical study medicine at no cost during the study

- Receive extensive medical care and assessment associated with the study

- Contribute to the development of new medicines and new life-enhancing treatments

Principal Investigator Dr Stewart Birt is a Staff Specialist Paediatrician who works at Wollongong Hospital and for the University of Wollongong Graduate, School of Medicine, as a Co-Leader of Paediatrics. He trained at Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia and John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Newcastle Australia.

This is a clinical study based on Stanford University research conducted at the Stanford University Down Syndrome Research Center, and funded in part by the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation, a foundation founded by parents of children with Down syndrome in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Those interested in participating in the study can contact Fiona Roberts, Clinical Trial Coordinator, +61 2 4221 5711.

Media contact: Fiona Roberts, Clinical Trial Coordinator, +61 2 4221 5711 or fionarob@uow.edu.au