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OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (OHSU)

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Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis

The MS Center of Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University is looking for people with multiple sclerosis to participate in a research study evaluating the effects of Vitamin D on Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).

In this study, patients with RRMS will receive either a standard-dose (600 IU) or high-dose (5,000 IU) of oral vitamin D in addition to an approved therapy for MS, glatiramer acetate (Copaxone).  Participants have an equal chance of being randomized to either group.  We are interested in looking at the effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the rate of MS attacks and the changes on brain MRI.

This study lasts 2 years and requires 11 visits to OHSU.  Participants may qualify if between 18-50 years of age, have RRMS, have not taken Tysabri, Gilenya, or Copaxone within the past 6 months, and are not using more than 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.

For more information about the study, please contact Melissa Tee at 503-494-3549.

Principal Investigator:  Dr. Edward Kim, MD
OHSU IRB # 7691
Approved December 21, 2012

Study of an Anti-Oxidant to Treat Acute Optic Neuritis

The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is looking for people with a confirmed diagnosis of Acute Optic Neuritis (AON) to participate in a 24-week research study. 

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of Lipoic Acid (LA), an oral anti-oxidant, in alleviating permanent optic nerve injury in patients diagnosed with AON. It will also explore how the body absorbs and breaks LA down, and what effects it has on the immune system.  Half (50%) of study subjects will receive placebo.

You may be able to participate in this study if you:

• Are between 18 and 65 years of age
• Have had a confirmed diagnosis of AON for less than 14 days
• Either have or do not have a pre-existing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

You will not be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Are pregnant or breast feeding
• Have diabetes mellitus
• Have visual loss due to another cause
• Have a serious health condition other than AON (e.g. active coronary heart disease, liver disease, significant pulmonary disease).

This study requires seven visits to OHSU. The research study will pay for all costs associated with your participation, including an MRI at the beginning of the study. If you had an abnormal MRI at study entry, you will be offered to have another brain MRI for surveillance at the end of the study. You will be responsible for any expenses that have to do with other aspects of your participation, such as childcare or transportation.

For more information, please call:  Melissa Tee, Study Coordinator, at (503) 494-3549

Principal Investigator:  Dr. Vijayshree Yadav, MD
IRB # 5634
Approved:  Dec. 6, 2012

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THE PORTLAND VA MEDICAL CENTER

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Methylphenidate to Improve Balance and Walking in MS

Researchers at the Portland VA Medical Center are recruiting for a research study to explore the effects of Methylphenidate on balance and walking with Multiple Sclerosis.

To participate you must:

·         Be between the ages of 20-59

·         Have Multiple Sclerosis

·         Have poor balance

·         Be able to walk at least 100m/330 feet (about the length of a football field) with or without a cane or assistive device

·         Have no other current medical conditions known to effect balance and gait (such as lower-extremity joint replacement, peripheral neuropathy, vestibular disorder, alcoholism, stroke, seizures or pregnancy)

Methylphenidate may improve balance and walking deficits in MS by improving concentration and central body integration.  Participating in the study requires that subjects undergo clinical and psychological assessments at the Portland VA Medical Center on four separate occasions over the course of 6 weeks.  Total combined time of all four visits is 9 hours.  This is a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.  Half of the subjects will receive Methylphenidate and half will receive the placebo.  This is a research study and not treatment.

Potential benefits include:  aiding in scientific discovery and gaining a personal understanding of functional deficits.

Subjects will be paid $30 for the first visit and $20 for the second, third and fourth visit for a total of $90.

If you would like further information about this study, please contact Ashley Downs, Research Coordinator, at 503-220-8262 x52016.

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PROVIDENCE MS CENTER

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Pacific Northwest MS Registry

The Registry is an ongoing research project enrolling participants who are 18 years of age or older and have a diagnosis of MS. The goal of this registry is to estimate the number of people living with MS in the Northwest and to develop a database for MS research. Participation in the registry is voluntary. If you participate, you will be asked to answer a few questions about yourself and your diagnosis when you sign up and one to two surveys per year about your MS, the MS treatment you receive, and the impact of MS you experience.

For more information: www.pacificNWms.org or 503-216-1022

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Parallel-Group Study To Evaluate The Efficacy And Safety Of Ocrelizumab In Comparison To Interferon Beta-1a (Rebif®) In Patients With Relapsing MS

Sponsor: Hoffman LaRoche
Site Principal Investigator: Stanley Cohan, MD, PhD
For more information: Chad Parks, CCRP, at 503-216-2736

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A Phase II, Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Abatacept in Adults with Relapsing-Remitting MS

Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Site Principal Investigator: Stanley Cohan, MD, PhD
For more information: Chad Parks, CCRP, at 503-216-2736

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Natalizumab Effects on Parameters of Sleep I Patients with Relapsing forms of MS Experiencing Fatigue or Sleepiness

Sponsor: Richard A. Sater, MD, PhD, Cornerston Neurology
Site Principal Investigator: Kiren Kresa-Reahl, MD
For more information: Lynette Rogers, CCRP, at 503-216-1034

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A Multicenter, Observational, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study of Tysabri in Early Relapsing-Remitting MS in Anti-JCV Antibody Negative Patients

Sponsor: Biogen Idec
Site Principal Investigator: Stanley Cohan, MD, PhD
For more information: Jessica Hearn, CCRP, at 503-216-1017

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A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Natalizumab on Reducing Disability Progression in Subjects with Secondary Progressive MS

Sponsor: Biogen Idec
Site Principal Investigator: Stanley Cohan, MD, PhD
For more information: Jessica Hearn, CCRP, at 503-216-1017

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A Phase 2 Double-Blind, Placebo, Controlled Multi-Center Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Tcelna^TM in Subjects with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Sponsor: Opexa Therapeutics Inc.
Site Principal Investigator: Stanley Cohan, MD, PhD
For more information: Jessica Hearn, CCRP, at 503-216-1017

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Long-Term, Prospective, Observational, Multinational, Parallel-Cohort Study Monitoring Safety in Patients with MS Newly Started with Fingolimod Once Daily or Treated with Another Approved Disease-Modifying Therapy

Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp.
Site Principal Investigator: Stanley Cohan, MD, PhD
For more information: Chad Parks, CCRP, at 503-216-2736