← Back to Search

Antioxidant

Lipoic Acid for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (LAPMS Trial)

Phase 2
Waitlist Available
Led By Rebecca I. Spain, MD MSPH
Research Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Diagnosis of progressive MS as defined by the study
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.0 - 6.5: ambulatory for at least 20 meters without rest and use of bilateral aids (canes, crutches, walker) or better
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up change in timed 25 foot walk from baseline to year 2
Awards & highlights

LAPMS Trial Summary

This trial will test if lipoic acid can help MS patients by preserving mobility and protecting the brain.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for people with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis who can walk at least 20 meters without rest, even if they need walking aids. They must be able to consent and follow the study's procedures in English. It's not for those with other major diseases, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, insulin-dependent diabetics, recent steroid users, or participants in a prior lipoic acid trial.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study aims to see if lipoic acid helps maintain mobility and brain health in progressive MS patients compared to a placebo. Participants will randomly receive either lipoic acid or an inactive substance (placebo) to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
While specific side effects are not listed here, generally supplements like lipoic acid could cause skin rashes, stomach issues, changes in blood sugar levels among others. Placebos typically have no active ingredients but can still lead to perceived side effects.

LAPMS Trial Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
My MS is getting worse as defined by the study.
Select...
I can walk at least 20 meters without resting, with or without walking aids.

LAPMS Trial Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~change in timed 25 foot walk from baseline to year 2
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change in timed 25 foot walk from baseline to year 2 for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Mobility: Timed 25 Foot Walk
Secondary outcome measures
Brain Atrophy by MRI
Mobility: 2-minute timed walk
Mobility: Fall count
Other outcome measures
Safety: laboratory safety monitoring, adverse event monitoring

LAPMS Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Arm 1: Lipoic AcidExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
59 subjects receive oral lipoic acid 1200mg daily
Group II: Arm 2: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention
59 subjects receive placebo daily
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Lipoic acid
2010
Completed Phase 4
~110

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

VA Office of Research and DevelopmentLead Sponsor
1,620 Previous Clinical Trials
3,323,291 Total Patients Enrolled
15 Trials studying Multiple Sclerosis
1,083 Patients Enrolled for Multiple Sclerosis
Rebecca I. Spain, MD MSPHPrincipal InvestigatorVA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

Media Library

Lipoic acid (Antioxidant) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03161028 — Phase 2
Multiple Sclerosis Research Study Groups: Arm 1: Lipoic Acid, Arm 2: Placebo
Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial 2023: Lipoic acid Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03161028 — Phase 2
Lipoic acid (Antioxidant) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03161028 — Phase 2
Multiple Sclerosis Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT03161028 — Phase 2
~17 spots leftby Jun 2025