The Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis

Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical Trials Open for Enrollment

Opportunities are available for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis to participate in several new clinical trials at the University of Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis. These studies are either currently enrolling or will be enrolling shortly. The studies vary in design, duration, criteria for eligibility, number of MRI scans, and other details. The following is a very brief summary of each study.

You may obtain further information by calling Kerry Naunton, R.N., 410-328-1885 or Elizabeth Wheeler, R.N., 410-328-7602 at the MS Center.

The MS Genetic Susceptibility Project is a study with its primary goal to identify the underlying genetic causes of multiple sclerosis. Subjects will be asked to come to the clinic for one visit which will include a blood draw as well as an exam by the doctor. This study is looking for not only patients with MS, but also for family members of people with MS.

Investigator: Walter Royal, M.D.

Eligibility: Participants must have either been diagnosed with MS or be a family member of someone with MS and be willing to have blood drawn.
The Biogen 109MS302 trial is a trial to evaluate the use of an oral drug, BG00012, in patients that have relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. In a phase 2 trial BG00012 the drug was shown to significantly reduce gadolinium enhancing lesions on MRI's. The study is a 2 year study where patients will be randomized into one of four treatment groups. Two of the groups will receive BG00012, one group will receive placebo or non-active pills and the fourth group will receive the currently FDA approved dose of Copaxone as a control group.

Investigator: Robert Shin, M.D.

Eligibility: Patients must be 18-55 years old, with relapsing remitting MS who have had 1 relapse within the past year. They must not currently be on any injectable therapies and have never been on Copaxone before.

This page was last updated on: April 30, 2009.

For more information about the Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis,
please call 410-328-5605.