Seeking Volunteers from the APBD Community:
Help Advance APBD Biomarker Research Through the Next Phase of the Glycogen MRI Study

August 13, 2026

Nirbhay Yadav, PhD, Associate Professor, at the F.M. Kirby Center, at the Kennedy Krieger Institute is seeking volunteers for an important study aimed at identifying a biomarker for APBD.

Traditional MRIs often reveal structural brain changes in APBD patients. Dr. Yadav is exploring innovative MRI methods that seek to image glycogen itself. If successful, the glycogen images could possibly serve as disease biomarkers.

If you are able to travel to Baltimore to participate in this study, here is more information:

• Location: Kennedy Krieger Institute

• Address: 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 (Johns Hopkins Medical Campus)

• Volunteer Requirements: 5-15 adults diagnosed with APBD are needed to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain or body, including:
  - APBD patients that previously participated in the glycogen MRI study
  - NEW APBD patient participants

This research is being done to optimize a new type of MRI scan that is more sensitive to tissue changes, specifically glycogen levels, compared to current methods. Volunteer participants are required to lay within the MRI scanner for up to 60 minutes. The MRI scan does NOT involve any radiation or injections.

For more information, please email Nirbhay Yadav, PhD at nyadav@jhu.edu.