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 and research for more information.
Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport
START Study:
This study is an observational study that involves newly diagnosed MS patients. The patients must have no prior MS treatment, and they must have been diagnosed within the last 12 months. The study personnel at LSUHSC Shreveport will work with insurance or other assistance programs to provide open-labelBetaseron to qualified participants. This study is currently enrolling.
ROBUST Study:
This is a one-year observational study measuring the quality of life for MS patients on open-label Betaseron. To be eligible the study subject should not have been on Betaseron or in any other MS-related studies in the three months prior to the study. The participants will be required to fill out online questionnaires regularly throughout the study duration.
BG12 Study:
Involves BG0012 oral drug; 2 year study comparing BG0012 to Copaxone and involves a placebo. Patients cannot previously have been on Copaxone.
CONFIRM Study:
This study involves a new oral medication to treat Multiple Sclerosis. Patients will be randomly divided into four groups: Low and high doses of the investigational drug, openlabel Copaxone, and placebo. Participants must have has at least one MS relapse in the prior 12 months.
CAMMS Study:
This study actually has two arms and is for both new MS patients and MS patients who are not doing well on their current form of treatment. The studies compare an investigational drug called alemtuzumab to Rebif which is an approved MS therapy. Alemtuzumab is approved and sold under the brand names Campath and MabCampath to treat some types of leukemia but it is now being investigated as an MS therapy. Alemtuzumab is administered for five days by IV infusion at the beginning of the study, then the study participant is followed closely for a year when three more days of IV drug are administered. Rebif is a three-times-a-week selfadministered subcutaneous injection.
Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans
EPSTEIN-BAR VIRUS in MS Study
Eligibility
- If you are 18-60 years old and have multiple sclerosis you may be eligible
- Persons with ANY FORM of MS (including secondary progressive)are eligible.
- ONLY ONE OFFICE VISIT required.
- Study may help in the delvelopment of new treatments for MS.
- If interested, contact the study team at, msclinic@lsuhsc.edu or 504-568-4092.
Study approved by LSUHSC Review Board
IRB#: 7171: Pl: Dr. Bridget Bagert
BRAVO Study
(Clinical Trial) sponsored by Teva Neuroscience.
Looking for volunteers for an investigational oral drug to treat RRMS
Eligibility:
- Between 18 – 55 yrs old
- Confirmed diagnosis of RRMS
- Have had at least one relapse in the last 12 months, or two relapses in the last 24 months
- Never been treated with interferon medications (such as Avonex, Betaseron, or Rebif)
- As a participant, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the study medication, an approved MS therapy injected once weekly, or a placebo (inactive capsule or sugar pill). You will also be asked to:
- Attend 12 study visits during a 2 year period
- Take the study medication once daily or once weekly for 2 years
- Have blood tests, MS-related assessments, MRI’s, and study related physical and lab services at no charge.
- Visit www.Tevaclinicaltrials.com or call 1-800-840-5601 for more information.
Online Survey
An Online Survey for People with Physical Disabilities
Physical Activity Promotion for Health and Wellness
Dr. Maria Kosma of LSU and Dr. Rebecca Ellis of Georgia State
University are conducting a survey to study the physical activity levels,
intentions, attitudes, beliefs, and quality of life of people with physical
disabilities. The results will reveal barriers toward physical activity and
strategies to overcome them.
People over 18 years of age who have multiple sclerosis, spinal cord
injury, cerebral palsy, amputations, muscular dystrophy, or any other
type of physical disability are being asked to take part in this quick and
easy online survey. Participants must have internet access.
If interested in this study, please access the following Web site:
www.disability-health.info
Maria Kosma, Ph.D.
Louisiana State University
College of Education
Department of Kinesiology
(225) 578-8016
Rebecca Ellis, Ph.D.
Georgia State University
Department of
Kinesiology & Health
(404) 413-8370