Neurological Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis

Clinical Trials Latest News

New Trial of Cannabis as MS Treatment - [07/21/08]

Summary: A full cohort has been recruited to the CUPID (Cannabinoid Use in Progressive Inflammatory brain Disease) study which looks to determine whether or not tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. If the compound is effective it will be the first that can actually slow the disease, rather than simply ease specific symptoms.

Comment: The CUPID trial was created to follow up a shorter trial which suggested the link between THC and multiple sclerosis. The trial is scheduled to last three years with data, analysis, and results available by spring or early summer, 2012.

Read article - Science Daily. July 21, 2008.

Clinical Trail Resource for Those with MS - [06/12/08]

Summary: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has announced the release of their annual list of clinical trails for 2008. The list includes ongoing trials, those being planned, and those recently completely. Information for the list was compiled through investigators, published literatures, and public presentations.

Comment: This year's list includes 136 trials, with highlights such as: 11 large-scale studies involving more than 1000 people with MS – up from 3 in 2002, 37 oral drugs under study for treating MS or its symptoms (5 in larger, phase 3 trials), and novel strategies for progressive disease, including cannabis extract for neuroprotection, and results of a study on low-dose naltrexone.

Read article - National Multiple Sclerosis Society. June 12, 2008.

Should Volunteers in Studies Receive the Study Results - [06/06/08]

Summary: Many Americans voluntarily participate in clinical trials, from taking health surveys, to allowing analysis of their DNA, or even testing new medicines. Now some researchers are questioning whether they should share the results of the test with the volunteers, and if they should share the overall results, or just the results of the single volunteer.

Comment: There are many sides to the issue, including the ethics, privacy issues, and the financial problems of preparing the results for each individual person. Researchers are unsure, but may possibly study the outcomes of sharing results. They believe that there is a possibility for the NIH and local Institutional Review Boards to require communication plans as a part of each study.

Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com June 6, 2008

Trials to Begin to Test Investigational Pill for MS - [04/29/08]

Summary: There are currently no oral medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, Saint Louis University is one of many sites preparing to test a new investigational pill to treat multiple sclerosis. The pill has been specifically created to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, the form which 85% of newly diagnosed patients have. This form of the disease is characterized by periodic attacks or flare-ups (relapses), followed by months or even years of little to no signs of the disease (remission).

Comment: For the study, SLU researchers are looking for patients with relapsing-remitting MS between the ages of 18 and 55. Among other criteria, patients must not have taken any immuno-suppressive drugs within the last six months. Women must not be pregnant or breast feeding, and those of child-bearing age must be on at least two forms of birth control. People wanting more information or to find out whether they qualify to participate in the study should call 314-977-4900.

Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com. April 29,2008.