Learn More About Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

What are Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that causes many symptoms. The disorder causes the body’s immune system to mount an attack against its tissues. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and most treatment plans focus on managing its symptoms.

Effective treatment often results in long periods of remission. Researchers are currently focused on understanding how the nervous and immune systems interact because complications with the process have been known to result in multiple sclerosis and other conditions. Since there is no cure for MS, most research studies focus on finding novel treatment methods to prolong remission.

Researchers do not know the cause of multiple sclerosis, but they have identified various risk factors, including gender, inherited genes, smoking, infections, and vitamin deficiency. Diagnostics for multiple sclerosis are often difficult because doctors often have to carry out various physical and neurological examinations before arriving at a decisive conclusion.

No single test can confirm the diagnosis, so doctors must use several strategies to decide if their patient has multiple sclerosis. Common tests include MRI scans, spinal fluid analysis, and evoked potential tests. Multiple sclerosis research studies can help doctors find a more effective diagnostic tool to help detect the condition early on.

Why is Multiple Sclerosis Being Studied Through Research Studies?

Although researchers have come a long way in understanding multiple sclerosis, they continue to study how the disease progresses, its underlying causes, and why the immune system attacks its nerve cells. Researchers are also interested in investigating more effective diagnostic tools so that doctors can catch the disorder early and slow its progression before it can lead to more debilitating symptoms.

Some researchers are exploring the role of susceptibility genes linked to an increased risk for MS. Variations in many genes are thought to increase a person’s multiple sclerosis risk. These changes in the HLA-DRB1 gene have the strongest genetic risk factor for developing MS.

It is believed that both genetic and environmental factors cause MS. A more thorough analysis of both factors is needed to understand the underlying factors of MS. There is also growing evidence that a vitamin D deficiency could increase a person’s risk of MS. This is because MS cases appear to have a north-south distribution, which is linked with sun exposure.

More recently, one experimental antibody therapy for MS managed to eliminate symptom flare-ups by 50% compared to conventional treatments. The clinical trial found that the drug ublituximab can provide superior results to standard oral medication for MS, however, it has yet to be approved by the FDA.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis does not currently have a permanent cure. Instead, typical treatment plans are focused on slowing the progression of the disease, reducing relapses, and relieving symptoms. Doctors often medications that the FDA has approved for treating MS. These medications change the immune system.

The medications may be administered orally, via an infusion, or as an injection. There is a large interindividual variability on how long patients must take them and if they can take the medications at home. Commonly prescribed medications include Avonex, Extavia, Copaxone, Kesimpta, and Glatopa. Diagnosing multiple sclerosis is crucial for slowing its progression by using the above medications.

Other drugs, such as corticosteroids, may alleviate some of the worst symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Besides drugs, patients may be asked to undergo alternative therapies such as massage treatment and acupuncture for pain. Stress management is highly effective at boosting mood and relieving symptoms of MS.

Resistance training is also recommended to help maintain musculoskeletal strength and reduce stiffness. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and eating a balanced diet of foods can also go a long way in managing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

What Are Some of the Breakthrough Clinical Trials Involving Multiple Sclerosis?

2014: Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Women with MS - This clinical trial investigated the effects of aquatic exercise on fatigue and the quality of life in women struggling with multiple sclerosis. 37 patients with MS were randomized into an exercise group and a control group. The exercise group performed aquatic exercise for 45 minutes, 3 times every week for 8 weeks. The control group did not receive aquatic exercise and used normal treatments.

The outcome of the study was measured using Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Quality of Life (QoL), and Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLIM) scores. At the end of the trial, aquatic exercise significantly improved the scores of QoL, fatigue severity, and fatigue perception (both physical and psychosocial). However, its effects were not significant for cognitive fatigue perception.

To conclude, the study established that aquatic exercise improved patients' QoL scores and decreased fatigue severity, especially when it came to physical and psychosocial areas. However, it did not improve cognitive fatigue perception.

2019: Efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Patients with MS - This randomized clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation (EFS) and ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) over 12 months in patients with MS with foot drop. Patients Were randomized to receive a custom made AFO or an FES device.

The participants were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals with various endpoints, including Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale 12, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Activities-specific Balance and Confidence Scale, and others. It was found that FES and AFOs had comparable effects on patient walking performance. However, 38% of patients dropped out of the test, creating uncertainty with the results.

2020: Stem Cell Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis - This randomized controlled trial investigated the clinical efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in patients with MS. 48 patients with MS were randomized into three groups and treated intrathecally or intravenously with MSCs or sham injections. After six months, half of the patients were treated with MSCs and the other half with sham injections.

The study duration was 14 months, and no adverse safety problems were detected during treatment. It was found that fewer patients experienced treatment failure in MSC groups compared to those who received sham injections. Stem cell treatment was well tolerated in MS patients, especially those with active disease. Finally, intrathecal administration was more effective than intravenous.

2020: Impact of Exercise on Quality of Life for Patients with MS - This clinical trial investigated the use of exercise therapy on patients with multiple sclerosis. The study compared the effects of balance (BAL), cycling (CYC), exergaming (EXE), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) along with a few other therapies on patient QoL.

It was found that BAL, CYC, and EXE improved QoL scores in a similar manner. EXE and CYC improved walking capacity more than BAL. Only EXE improved balance and gait scores. BAL and EXE improved fall risk patients. In conclusion, it was found that EXE, CYC, and BAL, but not PNF, improved the symptoms of MS and the patient's quality of life. This clinical trial has set a precedent for further research studies on the impact of exercise on MS.

2022: Ublituximab versus Teriflunomide in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis - This clinical trial on patients with MS compares the use of Teriflunomide with ublituximab. 549 participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive ublituximab and oral placebo or oral teriflunomide. The primary outcome of the study was to measure the annualized relapse rate.

It was found that participants who received ublituximab had lower relapse rates and fewer brain lesions than teriflunomide but did not lower the risk of disability.

2022: The Efficacy of Ofatumumab in Patients Recently Diagnosed with MS - This study compared the safety profile and efficacy of ofatumumab with teriflunomide. Patients were randomized into groups that received 20mg of ofatumumab or 14mg of teriflunomide for 30 months. The outcome of the study was measured using confirmed disability worsening (CDW), annualized relapse rate (ARR), adverse events, and progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA.

It was found that ofatumumab reduced ARR by as much as 50% compared to teriflunomide. It also delayed six month CDW by 46% and 6 month PIRA by 56%. The favorable risk profile of ofatumumab warrants further research into the drug and supports its use as a therapy for patients recently diagnosed with MS.

Who Are The Key Institutions and Opinion Leaders On Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial Research?

The Johns Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis Center is the foremost authority on multiple sclerosis research and has conducted many investigations over several years. They receive financial support from many reputable sources, including the National Institutes of Health and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Their researchers primarily focused on studying how the immune and nervous systems interact, and how those interactions lead to multiple sclerosis. The institution has made great progress in the past 15 years in developing novel treatments for MS.

The Benaroya Research Institute is committed to eliminating multiple sclerosis and has helped discover better therapies, treatments, and diagnostics for the condition. Research at the institution includes clinical trials with drugs that selectively modulate the immune system reducing MS symptoms, as well as laboratory research to understand the mechanism of MS and how it develops in patients.

The Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation has become the largest fund in the world that is dedicated strictly to MS research. The foundation collaborates with numerous domestic and overseas specialists in the area. Most of the studies aim to accelerate advances in the understanding of MS and provide opportunities for scientific training for younger researchers.

Over the years, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has invested nearly $190 million since 1948.

Dennis Bourdette, M.D., is the founder of the OHSU Multiple Sclerosis Center, a premier organization that leads research into MS. Their scientists have developed groundbreaking therapies for MS that are currently being tested in patients. The research institute offers clinical trials to study MS at various stages and is currently enrolling participants.

Bourdette received his neurology training at OHSU and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Portland VAMC.