In rare disease research, central nervous system (CNS) issues are very common, making up some 50% of all rare diseases on record. However, the field is extremely heterogeneous. Take autoimmune demyelinating diseases, for example. While they do all impact organ-specific immunity, that’s really the limit of their commonality. Each rare autoimmune demyelinating issue has a unique pathology with its own functional consequences. For example, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is fundamentally different from rare MS variants and requires a different approach to diagnosis and disease management.
In this article, we will examine the rare CNS research landscape, exploring the clinical trial pipeline across phases and mechanisms using research from Citeline. We will conclude by outlining Precision for Medicine’s past and current experience in the space.
Understanding the rare CNS clinical trial landscape
The complexity and diversity of rare CNS cases worldwide drive an ongoing quest for more effective treatments. Here, we explore the dynamic and evolving trial landscape of rare CNS research, highlighting key trends and statistics from Citeline’s comprehensive database.
Rare CNS Clinical Trials by Status
With 5,750 registered trials for rare CNS, approximately 24% (1,364) are in the planned or ongoing stages, indicating a significant commitment to advancing treatment.
Trials by Status
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Rare CNS Trials by Start Date
Reviewing the start dates for rare CNS trials reveals a clear trend of escalating research activities year-over-year.
Planned & Ongoing Rare CNS Trials by Start Date
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Rare CNS Trials by Country
The United States leads with 485 planned and ongoing rare CNS trials, followed by China and Canada respectively, showcasing a global effort in research.
Planned & Ongoing Rare CNS Trials by Site Country
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Rare CNS Trials by Indication
The distribution of rare CNS trials across indications is varied, but Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy are particular areas of focus right now.
Top Planned & Ongoing Rare CNS Trials by Indication
Disease |
Count |
CNS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis |
187 |
CNS: Pain (neuropathic) |
157 |
CNS: Muscular Dystrophy |
140 |
CNS: Epilepsy |
126 |
CNS: Movement Disorders |
89 |
CNS: Myasthenia Gravis |
86 |
CNS: Pain (nociceptive) |
85 |
CNS: Spinal Muscular Atrophies |
67 |
CNS: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) |
63 |
CNS: Dementia (non-Alzheimer's) |
58 |
CNS: Huntington's Disease |
43 |
CNS: Ataxia |
40 |
CNS: Tuberous Sclerosis |
33 |
CNS: Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) |
30 |
CNS: Narcolepsy |
30 |
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Rare CNS Trials by Phase
Most planned and ongoing rare CNS studies are well-distributed across phases.
Planned & Ongoing Rare CNS Trials by Phase
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Precision's expertise in rare CNS research
Precision for Medicine has established a profound footprint in rare CNS research, orchestrating 27 trials that explore groundbreaking therapies.
Rare CNS Trial Starts
Amidst the challenges of rare CNS research, Precision for Medicine has successfully initiated 13 trials since 2019, striving to transform the clinical landscape.
Precision for Medicine's Rare CNS Trials by Start Date
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Precision's Reach in Rare CNS Research
Precision for Medicine’s rare CNS clinical trial experience extends globally, with trials conducted in 18 countries, including key sites in the United States, Australia, and Europe.
Precision for Medicine's Rare CNS Trials by Site Country
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Trials by Phase
Our strategic emphasis on development and innovation is evident, with 15 early phase rare CNS trials, prioritizing rapid progression through these critical Phase 1, 1-2, and 2 research.
Precision for Medicine's Rare CNS Trials by Phase
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Precision's Experience by Indication
Precision for Medicine’s trials in rare CNS cover various indications across a wide range of pathologies.
Precision’s Rare CNS Trials by Indication
Disease |
Count |
CNS: Rett Syndrome |
5 |
CNS: Ataxia |
4 |
CNS: Muscular Dystrophy |
4 |
CNS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis |
2 |
CNS: Fragile X Syndrome |
2 |
CNS: Movement Disorders |
2 |
CNS: Pain (neuropathic) |
2 |
CNS: Pain (nociceptive) |
2 |
CNS: Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) |
2 |
CNS: Wilson's disease |
2 |
Citeline Trialtrove® – 30JUN2024
Understanding the Precision difference
Overall, the rare CNS clinical trials environment reflects extensive global participation and a diverse phase distribution. Precision for Medicine is a proud partner to sponsors working in rare CNS research. Our expertise, capabilities and and experience make us a reliable partner to patients, caregivers, sponsors and sites.
Learn about our unique approach to rare disease research.