Multiple Sclerosis Research

Combination Therapy

Interferons and glatiramer both reduce disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS. Since these two medications act through different mechanisms, it is possible that combining the two treatments may be more effective. We are currently enrolling in a multi-center NIH funded trial to test whether combined therapy with Copaxone and Avonex is better than monotherapy. The study is blinded, but all patients will be on active treatment. Half of the patients will be on the combination, one-fourth on Copaxone, and one-fourth on Avonex. Patients have to have relapsing-remitting MS, and cannot have been previously treated with interferon or glatiramer. Currently Enrolling.

FTY-720 (Fingolimod)

A new oral agent that blocks migration of the T cells from the lymph node to the blood stream and therefore the brain, significantly reducing number of attacks in RRMS patients. Good candidates are patients who have failed or can’t tolerate available drugs, Patients enrolled on this trial have a 30 % chance of going into the a placebo arm. Currently Enrolling.

 

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There is no charge to your patients, unless a brief pre-screening evaluation is required in our regular clinic.

If you have or know of patients that might wish to participate in any of the clinical trials outlined above, please call Christina Warden at 713-500-7107.

Jerry S. Wolinsky, M.D., Director
Staley A. Brod, M.D.
J. William Lindsey, M.D.
Raymond A. Martin, M.D., F.A.A.N.
Flavia Nelson, M.D.
Mihir Wanchoo, Resarch Assistant
Lucie Lambert, Research Coordinator

The University of Texas Health Science Center
6431 Fannin, Room 7.044
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 713-500-7135
Fax: 713-500-7040

If you wish to make a clinic appointment (non-research) with one of our physicians to be seen in our practice, please contact our clinic scheduler at 832-325-7080. Our clinic is located in the UT Professional Building, 6410 Fannin, Room 1014, Houston, Texas 77030.

Should you encounter problems booking an appointment, please call Linda, our medical assistant, at 832-325-7082, and she will assist you in obtaining a clinic appointment.