Join the Local Research Movement!
MS research takes place across the country as thousands of physicians and clinicians strive to find the answers to the mystery that is MS. Within the Mid Florida Region, we are fortunate to have several MS experts participating in MS research. People with MS can take an active role in freeing the world of MS by participating in these studies.
Click here for more information about participating in Clinical Trials.
Participants are needed for the following clinical trials:
Neurological Services of Orlando and Dr. Ronald Aung-Din of Sarasota are conducting a global research study - BRAVO - to explore a once-daily investigational oral drug for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
If you:
• are between 18 and 55 years old
• have a confirmed diagnosis of RRMS
• have had at least one relapse in the last 12 months or two relapses in the last 24 months
• have never been treated with interferon medications (Avonex, Betaseron, Rebif)
Then you may be eligible to participate in the BRAVO study. Over the next 2 years, participants in the BRAVO study will:
• Be randomly assigned to receive either study medication, an approved MS therapy injected once weekly, or a placebo (inactive capsule or sugar pill) at no charge
• Receive study-related physical exams, MS-related assessments, and laboratory services at no charge
• Be monitored by a qualified medical team, from a leading healthcare facility in your area.
For more information, please contact:
Sharon Parrish, ARNP, Research Coordinator
Neurological Services
3849 Oakwater Circle
Orlando, FL 32806
407-240-1762
Dr. Ronald Aung- Din
3501 Cattlemen Rd. Suite A
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-342-9477
Axiom Clinical Research of Florida is currently seeking adults who are living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to participate in two global clinical research studies: CARE-MS 1 for adults aged 18-50 who have not yet begun therapy for MS other than corticosteroid treatment and CARE-MS II, for adults aged 18-55 who have experienced relapses (flare-ups) while on an approved therapy to treat MS.
The CARE-S studies are designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of alemtuzumab, the investigational drug, as compared to Rebif (interferon beta-1a), a current FDA-approved treatment.
For both studies, participants will be randomly assigned to receive treatment with either alemtuzumab or Rebif for two years. No placebo will be given in either study. Participants treated with alemtuzumab will receive intravenous infusions daily for the first five days of the first year and daily for the first three days of the second year. Participants receiving alemtuzumab will be followed in an extension study for safety for at least three years after their last dose. They also may be asked to take part in neurological evaluations to determine if any lasting treatment benefits exist.
Study participants receiving Rebif will be given injections under the skin three times per week throughout both years of the study period. Rebif can be self-administered or administered by a caregiver. At the completion of the two-year study, participants receiving Rebif may be eligible to receive alemtuzumab in an extension study. Alemtuzumab, Rebif, the annual dose of steroids, and study-required procedure are provided at no cost.
For more information, please contact:
Ashley Alvarez
Axiom Clinical Research of Florida
2919 Swann Ave. Suite 105A
Tampa, FL 33609
813-353-9613
The University of South Florida, Department of Neurology, MS Division is currently enrolling for several multiple sclerosis trials including BG00012 and CARE-MS (as described above):
BG00012
The purpose of this study is to find out if taking BG00012 can decrease the number of MS relapses during a certain time period. Other goals of the study are to find out if, over time, taking BG00012 can decrease the number of certain types of brain lesions commonly seen in MS patients and slow down the time it takes for your disease to get worse.
Criteria- 18-55 years old; confirmed diagnosis of MS Baseline EDSS of 0-5; 1 relapse within prior 12 months or one gad enhancing lesion 6 weeks prior; must be willing to practice birth control.
For more information, please contact:
Lise Casady, ARNP
University of South Florida - Department of Neurology
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33612
813-974-8859
Neurology Associates, P.A., in Maitland is currently enrolling for many MS trials including oral therapies. Studies being conducted include BG00012 (as described above) and Novartis-Fingolimod.
For more information, please contact:
Kelley
Neurology Associates, P.A
331 N. Maitland Ave. Suite A-1
Maitland, FL 32751
407-647-5996
Meridien Research in Tampa is currently enrolling for two MS trials.
The Sanofi-Aventis TOWER study (protocol EFC10531) is for people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, and will compare two doses of teriflunomide (HMR1726), an investigational, oral MS medication, and inactive placebo. For the purposes of this study, "relapsing forms of MS" would include individuals who have experienced one MS attack in the past one year or two MS attacks in the past two years.
People eligible for participation include individuals 18-55 years of age with relapsing forms of MS.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 7 mg teriflunomide, 14 mg or placebo once daily for a minimum of 48 weeks. The main goal of the study is to determine whether the study drug reduces the frequency of relapses significantly more than placebo. Other measures of the effectiveness will also be performed, and safety and tolerability will be monitored.
Meridien Research is also participating in a trial with Impax Pharmaceutical on a medication that is used for spasticity. This short study involves six weeks of treatment.
For more information on both studies, please contact:
Pamela Stamas, RN
Meridien Rearch
501 South Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606
813-877-8839