Remote Ischemic Conditioning for Multiple Sclerosis

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Calgary

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Progressive MS remains the most difficult therapeutic challenge. Remyelination is a promising therapeutic strategy but an effective pharmacologic intervention remains elusive. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a non-pharmacologic intervention that has been studied in the context of stroke, where transient limb ischemia leads to neuroprotection. However, RIC has not yet been studied in MS. The investigators hypothesized that repeating RIC over several days may induce molecular/cellular changes in the CNS that promote remyelination. Since RIC is safe, tolerable and ready for clinical translation (recent stroke trials have shown promise), the investigators will run a clinical study to test RIC in people with primary progressive MS. The purpose of this clinical trial is to determine if RIC in a dose of 4 cycles daily can prevent worsening of walking ability in people PPMS. The trial is funded through MS Canada as well as a private donation to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute MS Translational Clinical Trials Research Program and the University of Calgary. There is no sponsorship from the pharmaceutical industry.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants must meet certain health conditions and cannot have factors that would exclude them from safely participating in the study.

Inclusion Criteria

My condition is diagnosed as Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

It takes me more than 5.5 seconds to walk 25 feet.

Written informed consent obtained

+2 more

Exclusion Criteria

I plan to start Baclofen or Tizanidine during the study.

Patients with known allergy to gadolinium MRI contrast agent

I have a known liver condition.

+10 more

Participant Groups

The trial is testing Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC), a non-drug treatment involving repeated cycles of transient limb ischemia. The goal is to see if it can prevent worsening walking ability in PPMS patients by promoting remyelination in the nervous system.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: RICExperimental Treatment1 Intervention