Research

Current research

Pseudobulbar Affect in patients with MS and ALS
ALS patients frequently experience psuedobulbar affect (PBA), which is a particularly troubling symptom of the disease characterized by uncontrollable laughing or crying. This is a 3 month long study of an investigational drug for pseudobulbar affect. This study includes both patients and caregivers. 

OHSU will be a site for this study. We will be actively recruiting during between January and March 2009.  Recruiting may be extended by the sponsor if necessary. 

Avanir Pharmaceuticals is sponsoring this study.

Past research

We have recently completed two drug trials: the Minocycline trial and the Combina-tion Therapy Selection Trial with Minocycline-creatine or Celecoxib-creatine.  An ar-ticle was published by Dr. Paul Gordon in August 2008 in the medical journal “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis” based on the results of the Combination Therapy Selection Trial. Through neither of these trials yielded promising results, researchers still gained useful insight into ALS they will help investigators identify future ALS re-search. 

Please contact Heather Belding at 503-494-4987 if you or someone you know is interested in participating in research at the ALS Center of Oregon.