Research
Clinical Support
Lucie Lambert, Assistant
Christina Warden, Research Assistant
If you wish to participate in any of the trials or have general questions please contact our research coordinator at 713-500-7107.
Currently Enrolling Clinical Trials
Combination Therapy
Primary Investigator: J. William Lindsey, M.D.
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 in RRMS. 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.
FTY-720D2309
Primary Investigator: Flavia M. Nelson, M.D.
This two year study is researching 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 Relapsing-Remitting MS patients. Good candidates for this trial are patients who have failed or can’t tolerate available drugs. Patients enrolled on this trial have a 30 % chance of going into the blinded placebo arm.
FTY-720D2306
Primary Investigator: Flavia M. Nelson, M.D.
This two year study scheduled to begin fall 2008 will be researching a new oral agent in Primary Progressive MS patients. Good candidates for this trial are patients who have failed or can’t tolerate available drugs. Patients enrolled on this trial have a 30 % chance of going into the blinded placebo arm.
Currently Enrolling Investigational Studies
ARMS (AT RISK FOR MS)
Primary Investigator: Staley A. Brod, M.D.
Determine if the presence of characteristic MS-like lesion(s) on baseline MRI predisposes to MS in female identical twins discordant (one twin with MS, one twin without MS) for MS and define the proteins predictive of conversion to MS in female identical twins without MS. These data will determine if subclinical imaging and immunological findings predict clinical expression of demyelinating disease in highly susceptible populations.
BIOMARKERS
Primary Investigator: Staley A. Brod, M.D.
MS is a CNS disease in which MR brain activity is 5-10 x more frequent compared to clinical activity. We are recruiting patients with characteristic MS-like brain lesions with or without clinical signs of MS and not on disease modifying drug therapy to study the evolution of MS-like MR lesions over 2 years. We will scan subjects every 2 months for 2 years and collect blood at each visit and spinal fluid when there are changes in the MR scan. We will identify novel blood and spinal fluid proteins that synchronize with repair of brain lesions that may have therapeutic potential.
EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS & MS
Primary Investigator: J. WIlliam Lindsey, M.D.
EBV is a common virus which has been linked to MS in several different studies. Some people think that EBV may be one of the causes of MS. Dr. Lindsey is investigating the connection between EBV and MS and is currently comparing the immune response to EBV in MS and controls. Participants in the study will donate two blood specimens about three months apart. People with definite MS who are not on interferon or glatiramer treatment are eligible to participate.
