Clinical Trials Program

With a commitment to bring new therapies to our patients, we run a clinical trials program for MS and related diseases.

Currently Enrolling Studies

MOVING MS Study

Our research group has collaborated with Octave Bioscience Inc. in order to implement their Octave Care Platform in a research trial. The MOVING MS study investigates the impact of a Care Platform, complete with medication and symptom tracking, as well as access to a Care Partner, on patient satisfaction and healthcare utilization. Participation in this trial includes access to the Octave Care mobile app, as well as the completion of blood-draws and questionnaires over a 12-month period.

Enrollment Information: This study is currently open for enrollment to MS patients. If you are interested in learning more, contact Daniel Velez

International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study

Our neuroimmunology team is participating in the International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study (iMSMS). The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is yet unclear, but it is evident that it includes a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors. One standout environmental factor is the microbiome, or the genetic material of bacteria inside the GI tract. This study aims to understand how the environment influences MS risk, by studying microbiome of MS patients in comparison to their healthy cohabitants.

Enrollment Information: We are collecting stool and blood samples from MS patients and a genetically unrelated healthy counterpart living in the same household (i.e a spouse, roommate or adoptive parent). This study is open for enrollment. Please contact Jacqueline Shanley.

NACPMS

UCSD has teamed up with UCSF to determine the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) on neurological oxidative stress in patients with primary and secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS/SPMS). Those participating in this study can expect to take either NAC or a placebo for 15 months, monthly check in calls, blood-draws, questionnaires, MRI, and functional testing/assessments.

MSight

The Neuroimmunology department has been working with the engineering department at UCSD to find an accurate way to measure neuronal dysfunction in those with Multiple Sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. This is accomplished by finding those with specific symptomology to undergo a virtual reality eye tracking measurement which is intended to measure eye movement and an EEG/EOG to measure the efferent neuronal firing pattern.

BioAging Study

Our BioAging study investigates the association of biological aging of senescent cells and aging in multiple sclerosis patients. This study aims to identify potential pathways through which relapsing forms of MS advance into progressive forms of MS.

Enrollment Information: This study consists of a single blood-draw, and is now actively recruiting both MS and healthy control participants.

TRAC MS Study

TRAC MS, or The Repository of Advanced Clinical Metrics in MS, is a research study that aims to find out more about the development, diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes of MS and related diseases. This database study will help us see how MS impacts our patient population as a whole, which may lead to a better understanding of MS disease course and treatment.

Enrollment Information: This study is actively recruiting patients with MS or a related disease.

TREAT-MS Study

We are working with Johns Hopkins University and the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to help identify the most efficacious treatment strategies for relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. In the last few decades, we have developed new, stronger and more aggressive therapies to prevent relapse and disability in MS. Since the advent of new therapies, it is important to investigate if new patients benefit from the older, milder therapies or if the risk of relapse and disability are best addressed with stonger therapies early in the disease course.

Enrollment Information: The TREAT-MS study follows volunteer patients for the first few years of their MS therapy, and tracks their disease progression, disability risk and satisfaction.

Closed Studies

NOVA Study

The NOVA study is aimed at assessing the efficacy of Natalizumab (Tysabri) in Multiple Sclerosis patients at an interval of 6 weeks between doses, in contrast with the traditional 4 week interval. The study aims to test if the risk of developing Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, a fatal progressive neurological disease caused by the John Cunningham Virus, is decreased by extending the interval of dosage. We will be following patients for 72 months, tracking their health and disease outcomes.

Enrollment Information: Enrollment for this study has closed.