Research Programs

Clinical trials are the final step in a long process of research. They allow scientists to test the value of their research to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and disabilities. Each clinical trial is an opportunity to test a promising new invention or treatment.

Clinical trials for people with MS include:

 

Mechanisms of Imbalance and Falls in Multiple Sclerosis

People with MS are known to have poor balance and fall frequently but the mechanisms underlying imbalance and falls, how best to measure imbalance and falls and how imbalance and falls change over time in people with MS are not known. This research study will examine balance, balance control mechanisms, falls and fall prevention strategies in people with MS and will require 3 visits over a 2 year period. People with all types of MS as well as healthy control subjects may be eligible to participate.
If you are interested in learning more, please call Josh Adams at 503-220-8262 ext. 52016. VA
IRB#: 02504

 

John Cunningham Virus (JCV) Antibody Program in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Receiving or Considering Treatment with Tysabri^®: STRATIFY-2

Treatment with Tysabri is associated with an increased risk of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).  John Cunningham (JCV) is the virus that is linked to PML. The purpose of the study is to better understand whether antibodies to the JCV may be used to predict whether a patient is at high or lower risk for developing PML. The study will gather more information about MS subjects who are being treated with Tysabri. Participation in this study includes three clinic visits over a 2 year period. Patients are eligible if they are diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis and are being treated with or considering treatment with Tysabri.
For more information about the study or eligibility, please contact Courtney Zerizef at 503-494-0174 or zerizefc@ohsu.edu.
OHSU IRB #6548

 

Lipoic acid as a treatment for acute optic neuritis:a pilot study

The purpose of this study is to determine if oral lipoic acid can safely help relieve permanent optic nerve injury in patients diagnosed with acute optic neuritis. It will also explore how the body absorbs and breaks down the study drug, and what effects it has on the immune system. Participation in the study will include seven clinic visits over a 6 month period. Patients enrolled in the study will undergo medical and nervous system examinations, multiple blood draws, and 6 weeks of study drug administration. People who are eligible for participation must have been diagnosed with acute optic neuritis within the week prior to their first screening visit.
For more information about the study or eligibility, please contact Courtney Zerizef at 503-494-0174 or zerizefc@ohsu.edu.
OHSU IRB #5634

 

Defining the anti-inflammatory role of lipoic acid in Multiple Sclerosis 

The purpose of this study is to monitor the break-down of Lipoic Acid and determine how that affects the protein molecules that are involved in immune response. The study requires 4 visits to OHSU:  visit 1 is the screening visit to determine eligibility.  About 1 week later, subjects will return to OHSU for visit 2. At visit 2, patients will undergo a baseline blood draw (3.5 tablespoons) before ingestion of LA.  They will then receive a single 1200 mg dose of oral LA and subsequent blood draws at times 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after ingestion of oral LA. Subjects will return for visits 3 and 4 for the 24 and 48 hour timepoints. All subjects will be monitored and given safety labs at each visit. We are accepting MS patients with relapsing remitting MS or secondary progressive MS, as well as healthy controls. Upon completion of the study, subjects will receive $150.00 as compensation for their time.
For more information on enrollment please contact Andrea Kuchler at OHSU 503-494-8595.
OHSU IRB #5659.

 

Neuroprotection with riluzole in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and early relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

This study is designed to see if riluzole (an oral medication) in combination with Avonex is safe and effective in the treatment of early relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). CIS is a single isolated neurologic episode. It is caused by inflammation or loss of nerve-insulating myelin and can sometimes lead to MS.  The study will determine the effect of riluzole on neurologic function, vision tests, and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).
This study is currently active but closed for enrollment.
OHSU IRB #5057

 

TYGRIS:TYSABRI Global Observational Program in Safety

This study is for patients who are being treated with TYSABRI and enrolled in the TOUCH Prescribing Program. The purpose of this study is to collect long-term safety information in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) being treated with Tysabri (natalizumab). The study will determine the incidence and pattern of serious infections, cancers, and other serious adverse events.
This study is currently active but closed to enrollment. 
OHSU IRB#4952