← 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
Must not have
Unable to follow directions in English as standardized scales are not all validated in other languages
A self-reported medical or neurological problem other than MS that is a cause of progressive or fluctuating gait dysfunction
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up change in timed 25 foot walk from baseline to year 2

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.
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.
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.

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.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
Select...
I can follow directions in English.
Select...
I have a health condition besides MS that affects my ability to walk.
Select...
I have used strong painkillers exceeding a certain dose for over 3 months in the past 2 years.
Select...
I need insulin for my diabetes or my diabetes is not controlled by pills.
Select...
I have been on scheduled steroids, either IV or oral, in the last year.

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

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

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
~230

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

VA Office of Research and DevelopmentLead Sponsor
1,658 Previous Clinical Trials
3,361,533 Total Patients Enrolled
15 Trials studying Multiple Sclerosis
1,089 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
~16 spots leftby Nov 2025
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Back to top