People with MS can take an active role in freeing the world of MS by participating in drug studies. Below are local clinical trials that are currently enrolling participants.
Read answers to Frequently Asked Questions on clinical trials for more information.
The MS Center for Innovations
in Care at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Barry Singer, MD
Alemtuzumab compared to Rebif
Description: 2 year study to compare two doses of Alemtuzumab to Rebif. 67% of patients receive Alemtuzumab in the vein over 3-5 days annually. 33% of patients will be randomized to Rebif injections three times a week. Patients assigned to Alemtuzumab treatment will not have to take Rebif injections or placebo injections.
Participant Criteria: Age 18-50, first MS symptoms within 10 years, 2 or more relapses in past 2 years.
Length: Two years
Sponsor: Genzyme
Contact: Heather Popham, RN, 314-872-7333, hlp0139@bjc.org
Oral Cladribine Added on to Interferon
Description: Blinded study to see whether Oral Cladribine is effective in treating MS and whether it is safe for patients to take Cladribine at the same time as FDA-approved interferons (Rebif, Betaseron or Avonex). Sixty-six percent of patients in this trial will receive Oral Cladribine in addition to interferon injections and the remaining 33% will receive a placebo pill that contains no medicine plus interferon injections.
Participant Criteria: Age 18-65 years old, relapsing forms, and able to walk without assistance using a cane or other device. One relapse in past 48 weeks on Rebif, Betaseron or Avonex.
Length: Two years with optional extension.
Sponsor: EMD Serono
Contact: Heather Popham, RN, 314-872-7333, hlp0139@bjc.org
Saint Louis University
EFC6260: An International, multi-center trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Teriflunomide versus placebo in patients with a first clinical episode suggestive of multiple sclerosis.
Description: This is an investigational drug being used to evaluate the effectiveness and the potential risks of Teriflunomide 7mg and 14mg in patients presenting with their first neurological episode suggestive of MS and who have abnormalities on a brain MRI that shows the risk of developing MS.
Participant Criteria: Participants must present with their first acute neurological event consistent with demyelination.
1) Age 18-155
2) Onset of MS symptoms within 60 days of randomization
Subjects will be excluded if they have been treated for MS, any unstable medical conditions.
Length: 2 years
Clinical Trial Sponsor: Sanofi-Aventis
Contact: Susan Eller, MA, RN, CCRC, 314-977-4867, ellersc@slu.edu
Prediction of Ambulation and Disability in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.
Description: We are interested in discovering why people with MS have trouble walking. This study seeks to better understand the factors that contribute to walking difficulties with MS. You will undergo a detailed assessment of neurological function, walking ability, and how this impacts your life. There are no invasive tests or experimental treatments. Participants may also undergo an optional MRI of the brain and/or spinal cord to determine how lesions relate to walking.
Participant Criteria: 1) 18-65 years of age. 2) Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive) by a neurologist. 3) Some difficulty in walking due to MS, even if it's over long distances. 4) Able to ambulate at least 100 meters (approximately 1 city block) with or without a cane. 5) No relapse in the past 6 months.
Length: 1) two visits (a 2.5 hour visit and a 4 hour visit) over two weeks if no MRI 2) 3 visits if MRI included
Clinical Trial Sponsor: National Institutes of Health
Contact: Joanne Wagner, PT, PhD (314) 977-8532 or jwagne34@slu.edu
Tygris: Tysabri Global Observational Program in Safety
Description: Safety trial for people taking Tysabri infusions - collecting information.
Participant Criteria: MS Patients who have taken Tysabri at least once and no more than 3 times. Call for further criteria details.
Length: Five years
Sponsor: Biogen, Idec.
Contact: Susan Eller, (314) 977-4900 or ellersc@slu.edu
The Clinical Implications of Limb Apraxia and Associated MRI Findings in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate how often limb apraxia and disabilities occur in a group of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Participant Criteria: Age 18-70. Patients must have a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS or Secondary Progressive MS.
Length: One year
Sponsor: Pfizer/Serono
Contact: Susan Eller, (314) 977-4900, or ellersc@slu.edu
Washington University
School of Medicine
Copaxone Plus Estriol
Description: Combination trial of two drugs. Relapses are known to be significantly decreased during pregnancy. Estriol, the major estrogen of pregnancy, is being given in this study to determine if it will decrease relapses in RRMS patients. All patients in this trial will take Copaxone, and will be randomly assigned to receive Estriol tablets or placebo tablets in addition. Women who are presently taking interferons may enroll, but will be asked to stop taking the interferon for the duration of this trial.
Participant Criteria: Women age 18-50 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed with definite RRMS. Able to walk without any aids such as cane or walker. Had a least one relapse within the last 2 years.
Length: Two years
Sponsor: National MS Society
Contact: Debbie Kemp, (314) 362-3839 or leave a message for Dr. Cross at 314-362-3293
West County MS Center
ONWARD - 26593 (Enrollment Open)
Description: A Phase II, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety, tolerability and efficacy study of add-on Cladribine tablet therapy with Rebif new formulation in multiple sclerosis subjects with active disease.
Participant Criteria: Age 18-55, with diagnosis of Relapsing, Remitting MS
Length: 96 weeks
Sponsor: EMD Serono
Contact: Jessica Wankowski, Research Coordinator, 314-251-1230
*Find information on Local MS Centers and the trials they are involved in.
Donate Blood for Research
Dr. Laura Piccio and Dr. Anne Cross
Description: Study to identify genes important in MS development.
Participant Criteria: Any type of MS on any medication, 18 years old or older. Will be asked to sign an Informed Consent form.
Length: Patient donates blood sample one time
Sponsor: None
Contact: Laura Piccio, MD (314) 362-3306 (leave message)
Other Research Opportunities
The Experience of Young Adults Living with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of the young adult who is living with the chronic illness of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. It is designed to foster an understanding of the young adult's concerns related to the experience. This study is a basis for proposing education and support for the young adult after receiving a diagnosis of RRMS.
Participant Criteria: (a) Having had a medical diagnosis by a physician of RRMS for at least six months before enrolling in the study; (b) being between the ages of 20 and 40; and (c) being willing and able to relate their experiences during interviews of 60 to 90 minutes in length.
Length of Trial: 9 months. The volunteer's participation time will be over a period of 1 to 2 months. There will be three interviews with the volunteer in a location of their choice. Each interview will last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Location of Trial: Region of St. Louis, MO; Boone County, MO; Marion County, MO; Monroe County, MO; Ralls County, MO; Lewis County, MO; and Adams County, IL.
Clinical Trial Sponsor: Brenda Beshears, Doctoral Student, MU Sinclair School of Nursing
Contact: Brenda K. Beshears, 573/248-5017, bkb539@mizzou.edu
* This information is provided to you for information only. The research study is not affiliated with the National MS Society.
Genetics Study - UCSF
Description: The UCSF MS Genetics Group is looking for participation of two types of families: single-case and multi-case families.
Participant Criteria: Participants will be asked to:
- Fill out a family information form
- Sign a form to release medical records (people with MS only)
- Read and sign a consent and authorization form
- Donate a blood sample (about five tablespoons)
For more information:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/researchers-need-you/participate-in-ms-genetic-studies/index.aspx
Contact: UCSF MS Genetics Group at 1-866-MS-GENES or 1-866-674-3637; www.neurology.ucsf.edu