Clinical Trials
More clinical trials have been done in relapsing-remitting MS than in any other disease course for a number of reasons, including:
- RRMS is the most common of the four disease courses.
- The treatments that are currently available work to control inflammation, which is a major characteristic of RRMS.
- Investigators believe that the disease-modifying medications are more effective in people with early RRMS than in those with more advanced disease.
- Measuring a decrease in the number of relapses (also called attacks or exacerbations) a person experiences is easier than measuring a reduction in disease progression.
Currently, there are numerous trials ongoing in RRMS. Some evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medications or combinations of medications to modify the disease course or alter immune system function. Others evaluate symptom management medications and dietary supplements.
Click here for a listing of ongoing trials in RRMS.
Nervous System Repair and Protection
Alongside these efforts to modify the disease course, researchers are looking for ways to protect and repair brain tissue that is damaged or lost in MS. The Nervous System Repair and Protection Initiative, funded through the Society’s Promise: 2010 Campaign has brought together four teams of researchers in the U.S. and Europe to study possible mechanisms for preventing damage to brain tissue and restoring function in those individuals who have already experienced significant tissue loss.