Researchers are committed to finding out what causes MS and how to cure it. People living with the disease may hold the key, and without their participation MS research would come to a standstill. Following is a listing of current research studies seeking participants:
Investigators Recruiting for Study of Tysabri in Secondary-Progressive MS
Investigators worldwide are recruiting over 800 people with secondary-progressive MS to determine the effectiveness of natalizumab (Tysabri®, Biogen Idec and Elan) at reducing the progression of disability in this population. The study, also known as the ASCEND study, is sponsored by Biogen Idec.
Participants must be ages 18 through 58, with secondary-progressive MS. There must be documented confirmed evidence of disease progression independent of clinical relapses over the one year before enrollment. The Tysabri pre-infusion safety checklist is being administered to determine contraindications to taking Tysabri. Further enrollment criteria are available from the contact information listed below.
Participants are being randomly assigned to receive either Tysabri 300 mg or placebo intravenously every four weeks for 96 weeks. The primary objective is to determine whether treatment with Tysabri slows accumulation of disability not related to relapses, using a combination of clinical measures. Secondary objectives include determining any effects on walking speed/ability, quality of life, manual dexterity, brain volume, and progression of disability.
To learn more about the enrollment criteria for this study, and to find out if you are eligible to participate, please email neurologyclinicaltrials@biogenidec.com. If you do not have access to email, please ask your physician to contact the study via email.
Physical Activity and Overall Wellness in Adults with MS
Do you have difficulty staying motivated to engage in physical activity on a regular basis because of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis? Are you interested in learning how to manage your symptoms so you can engage in physical activity on a regular basis?
A new research study is testing whether receiving tailored print material will keep people with multiple sclerosis motivated to engage in a home exercise program. If you qualify for the study, you will be given a mini-cycle and Thera-bands to use for the home exercise program and to keep after the study is over. You will also be prescribed a home exercise program that meets your individual needs, free-of-charge. Dr. Matthew Plow from the Cleveland Clinic is leading the study, with funding from the National Institutes of Health. For more information, or to see if you are eligible, please call 216-445-3288.
Job Accommodation Survey
We're looking for adults with disabilities who need job accommodations to take part in an online survey. The first 100 participants completing the survey will have a 1-in-4 chance of winning a $25 gift certificate; the rest of the respondents completing the survey will have a 1-in-4 chance of winning a $10 gift certificate.
Female MS Volunteers Needed
Ohio State University is looking for women with relapsing-remitting MS for a 24 month study to see if there are fewer relapses with the treatment of Copaxone injections plus oral estriol as compared to the treatment of Copaxone injections plus oral placebo. We are looking for:
- Women 18 - 50 years old
- Diagnosed with definite RRMS
- Able to walk without any aids such as cane or walker
- Had at least one relapse within the last 2 years
Patients may have been treated with Copaxone, Avonex, Rebif or Betaseron in the past. You are not eligible for the study if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, smoke, or have other serious medical conditions.
This study is being conducted by Michael Racke, M.D., Professor, Ohio State University, Department of Neurology. If you are interested, contact Lisa Hafer, the study coordinator at 614-293-7877 for further information. This trial is funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the National Institutes of Health. Click here for more information.
Brain Tissue: A tissue bank for MS brain and spinal cord, which includes post-mortem MR imaging
This study will help researchers have a better understanding of the disease and give vital information that may lead to better treatments in the future. Anyone with MS can participate. Enrollment either during life or immediately after death.
For more information, please contact Cindy Schwanger at 216-445-5788.
Genetics Study
This study's goal is to determine what predisposes people to develop MS on a genetic level. The study is open to African American patients with MS and their family members (if possible) and caucasian MS patients and their parents and any other family member or friends with or without MS. Participants will be required to have one blood draw done and complete a questionnaire.
For more information please contact Vinette Zinkand at 216-444-4817.
Optical Coherence Tomography and Diffusion Tensor MRI In Optic Neuritis
The goal of this study is to determine the relationship between retinal changes measured by optical coherence tomography and tissue damage in other brain pathways measured by diffusion tensor MRI following optic neuritis.
The study is open to people with optic neuritis in one eye as a clinical episode of CIS or Relapsking Remitting MS. Optic neuritis event can not be more than 6 months or greater from the time of enrollment. Duration of the study is 2 y ears and participants will be required to have a neurological exam, optical exam and MRI every 6 months.
Fore more information please contact Tammy Skaramagas.
MRI Studies
There are several different MRI imaging studies that will give insight into how MS changes not only the structure of the brain and spinal cord but how they function. Both people with MS and healthy people are needed to volunteer for the MRI studies. Participants will be required to make one visit to the Mellen Center MRI Center for a MRI and neurological test.
For more information please contact Katie Murphy at 216-445-3281.
Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in MS
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation will be seeking participants for a Phase I study investigating Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplantation in terms of its safety and how well it is tolerated in MS patients. Twenty-four patients, ages 18-55, diagnosed with relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive/progressive relapsing MS and meet other strict inclusion and exclusion criteria will be enrolled.
A small amount of bone marrow will be removed from the participant's hip and MSCs will be purified from the marrow. These cells will be grown in a lab until a sufficient cell number is achieved. The cells will then be given back to the patient through an IV. The subjects will be monitored very closely, through physical exams, blood work and brain MRI scans to determine how safe the procedure is and how well it is tolerated.
This evaluation will be undertaken in only a preliminary way as the main focus of the trial is evaluating the safety of the procedure. To get more information on the study, including specific details for the inclusion/exclusion criteria visit the trial database.
After reviewing the site, if you meet the qualifications, please email the project manager, Sarah Planchon Pope or the research nurse, Cynthia Schwanger.
Study of Antibody in Relapsing-Remitting MS
Researchers at 110 sites worldwide (including Akron, OH) are recruiting people with relapsing-remitting MS for a phase II study testing several doses of a human antibody versus inactive placebo. Participants should be between 18 and 64 years of age, diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, and able to walk without aid or rest for at least 200 meters (approximately 1/10 of a mile).
To learn more about the enrollment criteria for this study and to find out if you are eligible to participate, call 877-CTLILLY (877-285-4599) or 317-615-4559, Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm EST. Please reference the following National Clinical Trial Number: NCT00882999.
Hidden Disabilities in College Students with MS
Researchers at the University of Southern Maine are recruiting 200 college students nationwide who identify themselves as having a "hidden disability" - a disability that is not always seen or perceived by others. Participants will complete a survey that includes questions about demographic information as well as about their experiences with disclosing their hidden disabilities in an educational setting. Participants will also be asked about the supports from their educational environment that have helped them.
If you would like to participate, you can request the survey here.
For more information or if you have questions contact Julie Alexandrin or Ilana Lyn Schreiber.
Female Volunteers Needed for Research Study
The Ohio State University is looking for women with relapsing-remitting MS for a 24-month study to see if there are less relapses with the treatment of Copaxone injections plus oral estriol as compared to the treatment of Copaxone injections plus oral placebo. To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:
- female, aged 18-50
- diagnosed with definite RRMS
- able to walk without any aids such as cane or walker
- had at least one relapse within the last 2 years
You are not eligible for the study if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, smoke or have other serious medical conditions. Those treated in the past with Copaxone, Avonex, Rebif or Betaseron will not be excluded.
This study is being conducted by Kathleen Hawker, M.D., Professor at The Ohio State University, Department of Neurology. If you are interested, contact Study Coordinator Lisa Hafer at 614-293-7877 for additional information.
This trial is funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the National Institutes of Health.
Blood and Data Repository
Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis is a Boston based nonprofit whose mission is to cure MS by determining its causes. Blood samples and data are collected from people with MS at various collection sites across the country, including The Ohio State University in Columbus. The collected samples are made available to researchers studying the causes of MS.
You can learn more about Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis here.
Physical Activity and Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis
The Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory at the Department of Psychology will be conducting a study to understand cognition and brain plasticity in multiple sclerosis. The study will involve two sessions: one behavioral and one imaging session. Participants will be compensated for their time. If you are interested in participating in the study or would like more information, please contact ra@clinicalneurosciencelab.com for more information. Alternatively, you can call the lab at 614-292-9568 for more information.
You can learn more about the Clinical Neuroscience Lab at the Ohio State University here.