Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) Clinical Trials

Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia is a heterogeneous group of genetic neurological disorders unified by selective degeneration of the distal axons of corticospinal motor neurons. Over 80 genetic forms are recognized (SPG1-SPG81), each caused by mutations in different genes encoding proteins involved in various cellular processes: axonal transport, mitochondrial function, membrane trafficking, lipid metabolism, and protein degradation. The common pathological feature is degeneration of the longest corticospinal tract axons, affecting the ability to control leg movement.

The most common symptoms of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia include Progressive spasticity and muscle tone increase in legs, Weakness of lower extremities affecting gait and walking, Hyperreflexia and increased deep tendon reflexes, Extensor plantar responses, Progressive loss of ambulation in severe forms, among others. Approximately 1 to 10 per 100,000 people globally depending on type and population; prevalence varies significantly. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis research is increasingly tailored to individual genetic subtypes, recognizing that different mutations require different therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy, exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotides, small molecule therapies targeting specific disease pathways, and drugs addressing secondary mechanisms like neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are all being tested.

As of October 21, 2026, no current FDA drug label names Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia as a condition the drug treats.

Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia is caused by variants in any of many genes, most often SPAST, ATL1, SPG11, KIF1A, REEP1 and CYP7B1. SPAST (SPG4) causes about 40% of autosomal dominant HSP and ATL1 another 10-15%; more than 80 loci are known, so a multigene panel or exome is standard.

It follows autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked depending on gene inheritance. Approximately 1 to 10 per 100,000 people globally depending on type and population; prevalence varies significantly. A multigene panel identifies the cause in most families.

Yes. Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia can be caused by variants in many different genes (SPAST, ATL1, SPG11, KIF1A, REEP1 and CYP7B1 are among the most common), so testing is usually a multigene panel or exome sequencing rather than one gene at a time. SPAST (SPG4) causes about 40% of autosomal dominant HSP and ATL1 another 10-15%; more than 80 loci are known, so a multigene panel or exome is standard.

It follows autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked depending on gene inheritance.

Knowing the exact gene matters: it decides which trials a patient qualifies for and which relatives should be tested. The labs currently offering the test are listed in the Genetic Testing section of this page, pulled live from the NIH Genetic Testing Registry. A genetic counselor can help interpret the result and decide which relatives should be tested.

Eligibility for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.