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OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (OHSU)

Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis

The MS Center of Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University is looking for people with multiple sclerosis to participate in a research study evaluating the effects of Vitamin D on Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).

In this study, patients with RRMS will receive either a standard-dose (600 IU) or high-dose (5,000 IU) of oral vitamin D in addition to an approved therapy for MS, glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). Participants have an equal chance of being randomized to either group. We are interested in looking at the effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the rate of MS attacks and the changes on brain MRI.

This study lasts 2 years and requires 11 visits to OHSU. Participants may qualify if between 18-50 years of age, have RRMS, have not taken Tysabri, Gilenya, or Copaxone within the past 6 months, and are not using more than 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.

For more information about the study, please contact Melissa Tee at 503-494-3549.

Principal Investigator:  Dr. Edward Kim, MD
OHSU IRB # 7691
Approved December 21, 2012

Study of an Anti-Oxidant to Treat Acute Optic Neuritis

The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is looking for people with a confirmed diagnosis of Acute Optic Neuritis (AON) to participate in a 24-week research study.

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of Lipoic Acid (LA), an oral anti-oxidant, in alleviating permanent optic nerve injury in patients diagnosed with AON. It will also explore how the body absorbs and breaks LA down, and what effects it has on the immune system. Half (50%) of study subjects will receive placebo.

You may be able to participate in this study if you:

• Are between 18 and 65 years of age
• Have had a confirmed diagnosis of AON for less than 14 days
• Either have or do not have a pre-existing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

You will not be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Are pregnant or breast feeding
• Have diabetes mellitus
• Have visual loss due to another cause
• Have a serious health condition other than AON (e.g. active coronary heart disease, liver disease, significant pulmonary disease).

This study requires seven visits to OHSU. The research study will pay for all costs associated with your participation, including an MRI at the beginning of the study. If you had an abnormal MRI at study entry, you will be offered to have another brain MRI for surveillance at the end of the study. You will be responsible for any expenses that have to do with other aspects of your participation, such as childcare or transportation.

For more information, please call:  Melissa Tee, Study Coordinator, at (503) 494-3549

Principal Investigator:  Dr. Vijayshree Yadav, MD
IRB # 5634
Approved:  Dec. 6, 2012

Multiple Sclerosis and Balance Study

The MS Center at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is currently recruiting people for research on dalfampridine (Ampyra©) and imbalance in people with Multiple Sclerosis. To participate you must:

• Be 20-59 years old
• Have multiple sclerosis
• Have poor balance|
• Be able to walk at least 100m with or without a cane or other assistive device
• Have no other current medical conditions known to affect balance and gait, e.g. lower-extremity joint replacement, peripheral neuropathy, vestibular disorder, alcoholism, stroke, seizures, or be pregnant.
• Not have impaired renal function

Participation in the study requires that subjects undergo clinical and physiological assessments at OHSU on four separate occasions over the course of 12 weeks. This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Half of the subjects will receive dalfampridine and half will receive placebo.

This is a research study and not treatment. Subjects will be paid $30 for each visit.

If you would like further information about this study please contact: Dr. Michelle Cameron or Melissa Tee at 503-494-3549.

Natalizumab for Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

The MS Center at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is looking for people with multiple sclerosis to participate in a research study to evaluate the effects of natalizumab (Tysabri) on Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS). The purpose of this study is to see if the study drug is effective in slowing the progression of disability in SPMS.

Participants may qualify if between 18-58 years of age, have SPMS, and able to walk independently or with assistance.

Study participants are randomly assigned to receive either natalizumab or the placebo. All participants will receive an intravenous (IV) infusion every 4 weeks.

For more information about the study contact Melissa Tee at 503-494-3549.

Principal Investigator:  Dr. Vijayshree Yadav, MD
OHSU IRB # 7557
Approved:  Feb. 1, 2012

THE PORTLAND VA MEDICAL CENTER

Take Control of MS

Researchers at Portland VA Medical Center invite you to participate in a research study that compares two different group education programs for people with MS. The purpose is to see which program is better at helping improve quality of life and MS symptoms. Both programs are from the National MS Society.

If you qualify, participation includes 10 study visits over an 11 month period:

• 1 baseline visit
• 6 two-hour group class sessions
• 3 data collection visits

You will be compensated for your time and travel. If you are travelling within a 30-mile radius, you will be compensated up to $300. If you are travelling outside a 30-mile radius, you will be compensated up to $550.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Heriza at 503-220-8262 ext. 54594.

Principal Investigator:  Dennis Bourdette, MD at Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239

Lipoic Acid for Neuroprotection in Secondary Progressive MS

The Portland VA Medical Center is looking for people with MS to participate in a study using lipoic acid. The purpose of this study is to learn if the antioxidant lipoic acid can help in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).

To be eligible for participation you must be between 40-70 years of age, have SPMS, and be able to get MRI scans.

People who take part in the study cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding, have uncontrolled diabetes or take insulin, have any condition other than MS that gradually worsens walking (if still walking), or have taken IV or oral steroids in the past 60 days.

The principal investigator for this study is Rebecca Spain, MD.

For more information about the study contact Elizabeth Heriza at 503-220-8262 x54594 or Elizabeth.Heriza@va.gov.

PROVIDENCE MS CENTER