The Generative Brain

Doxycycline prevention in FFI carriers (EudraCT 2010-022233-28)

Italian trial of doxycycline in one fatal familial insomnia family: carriers over 42 years receive doxycycline and non-carrier relatives receive placebo, because participants chose not to learn their genotype. Started 2011 for ten years; results are not published in the sources found.

Status as of 2026-10-16. Please check the study registry for the latest position.

Key facts

  • Status: Completed per EU register; results not located.
  • Design correction: participants chose not to learn their own FFI genotype, so the trial treats 10 carriers with doxycycline and gives placebo to 15 non-carriers from the same family; it is funded by Fondazione Telethon.
  • Dose 100 mg per day (200 mg since June 2019) with assessments every six months; results are not yet published in the sources found (the EU register lists the trial as completed).
  • Mice: doxycycline improved memory and circadian rhythm but did not delay onset or prolong survival.
  • As of 2013 no drug, supplement or lifestyle measure had been shown to delay genetic prion disease.
  • Where: Italy
  • Dates: Started 2011; planned ten years
  • In April 2015 an independent review listed it as the only ongoing prion trial, in a single Italian fatal familial insomnia family.
  • Dose was 100 mg a day, raised to 200 mg from June 2019, with assessments every six months.
  • The mouse evidence was modest: doxycycline improved memory and circadian rhythm but did not delay onset or prolong survival.

Timeline

  1. 2011Trial starts with a planned ten-year duration.
  2. 2015Listed as the only ongoing prion trial.
  3. 2019Dose raised to 200 mg a day.
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