Research is alive and well on Long Island. The MS Care Centers are involved in numerous clinical trials to further advances in MS therapies. Here is a sample of what is being done.
The Establishment of a Patient Registry and Initiation of Related Projects of the New York State (MS) Consortium Multi-Centered Database Across New York State.
The purpose of this study is to obtain a more accurate understanding of MS in New York State in terms of the number and kinds of people (age, sex and race) who have MS; where these people are located; usage of the healthcare system, and related costs. They will also be studying family members who have MS, the effect of pregnancy on the disease, occurrence of MS in various races, and the occurrences of other autoimmune disorders (e.g.: Lupus) in MS patients or their relatives.
Eligibility: Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
Contact Eileen Boylan, RN, BSN, MSCN at (516) 663-2668 (Winthrop University Hospital).
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JCV Antibody Program in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Receiving or Considering Treatment with Tysabri: Stratify 2
Tysabri is associated with an increased risk of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) and JCV is the virus that is linked to PML. Biogen Idec, the developer of Tysabri, has deveolped a blood test that measures antibodies to JCV. The purpose of Stratify 2 is to better understand whether antibodies to JCV may be used to predict whether a person is at a higher or lower risk of developing PML.
Eligibility: Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis receiving or considering treatment with Tysabri.
Contact Denise Cheng, RN, BSN, MSCN at (516) 663-4525 (Winthrop University Hospital).
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Clinical, MRI, Neuropsychological and Gene-Environmental Risk Factors in Multiple Sclerosis
To learn if collecting information from people with MS across New York State is feasible and that if the information collected can be useful in helping to determine possible risk factors for disease progression. Aim 1: Role of clinical, MRI and neuropsychological baseline characteristics. Aim 2: Utility of patient reported measures. Aim 3: Role of genetic and environmental interactions. Winthrop is hoping to recruit up to 50 participants. The study is looking for 500 participants from 15 sites across New York State.
Eligibility: MS diagnosis with symptom onset less than or equal to 5 years. Relapsing
Remitting MS and Primary Progressive MS. Also must be enrolled in "The Establishment of a Patient Registry and Initiation of Related Projects of the New York State (MS) Consortium".
Contact Eileen Boylan, RN, BSN, MSCN at (516) 663-2668 (Winthrop University Hospital).
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Primary Progressive MS
Eligibility: Diagnosis of PPMS, age 18-55yrs
For more information regarding this clinical trial please contact Kim Byrnes at kbyrnes@winthrop.org or (516)663-9582 (Winthrop University Hospital).
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COMMAND
The Command Clinical Research Trial is currently evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational oral medication that is similar to a currently approved medication, Baclofen. The study medication is being evaluated to determine whether it is effective at treating spasticity with twice-daily dosing.
Eligibility: If you have spasticity due to MS, you may be eligible.
Contact The Comprehensive MS Care Center at Island Neurological Associates, P.C. at (516) 822-2230 ext 109 Denise, Jane or Tiffany.
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EPOC
A research study is being conducted to learn more about patient’s satisfaction and safety of Fingolimod compared to other MS drugs.
Eligibility: You may be eligible to participate in this study if you: are between the ages of 18 and 65; have been diagnosed with a relapsing form of MS; have taken a drug used to control your MS symptoms for 6 months or longer
Contact The Comprehensive MS Care Center at Island Neurological Associates, P.C. at (516) 822-2230 ext 109 Denise, Jane or Tiffany.
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Five Towns Neuroscience Research: Current Research Trials
222 Rockaway Turnpike, Suite 1
Cedarhurst, NY
If you are interested in one of the following trials, please contact a member of the research team at (516) 239-1800.
Stratify-2 - JCV Antibody Program in patients with relapsing MS.
Opera 1 - A study to evaluate Ocrelizumab in comparison to Rebif in patients with relapsing MS.
To learn more about Clinical Trials, please consult the Research page of this website.