The Multiple Sclerosis Care Center at the University of Pittsburgh is proud to be an extremely active participant in research associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and related disorders. While there have been many accomplishments in the last several years, many questions related to the etiology and treatment of MS still remain. The MS Care Center is dedicated to preserving nervous system integrity by preventing MS attacks and nervous system degeneration that result in disability progression. The team investigates therapies that prevent exacerbations or disease progression, improve the function of those who have experienced disability related to MS, and improve the overall quality of life.
With extensive research and clinical expertise, the team at the MS Care Center aim to control, see disability greatly improve, and ultimately prevent MS and other related disorders. Until that time comes, the aim of their research is to discover the best ways to diagnose and treat MS and its variants, lessen disability, and improve the overall quality of life.
Over the past twenty years, the University of Pittsburgh Multiple Sclerosis Care Center has been involved in over twenty MS research trials. They have participated in other non-drug related investigations and reports including studies of gastrointestinal and urological dysfunction in MS, as well as exploring issues in bariatric surgery for people with MS.
Patients may be offered the opportunity to participate in studies ranging from symptomatic research to pharmaceutical clinical trials. The MS Center has participated in the Phase 3 (final phase) research trials for the oral pill fingolimod (Gilenya), dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera0, and a Phase 3 infusion every six months of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) all of which resulted in FDA approval.
Current Studies
The PROMOTE Study
Patients are currently being enrolled in a long-term observational research study to understand how individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neuroimmunological disorders (NID) differ from one another. Specifically, the team is investigating the multitude of factors that may influence individual variations in disease onset, disease course and treatment response among people with MS and NID. Participants can have an established diagnosis of MS (or NID), a first central nervous system demyelinating episode with confirmatory MRI scans, or abnormal MRI scans characteristic of MS but no clinical symptoms of the disease. The team is also enrolling control participants who can be cohabitants (sharing the same living environment but not related), other family members, or members of the general population. Our goal is to translate research findings into individualized guidance for patient monitoring and management.
If you are interested, please review the informational consent form, or reach out to the research study team. If you would like to participate in this research study, please contact us for formal enrollment by emailing msstudy2@pitt.edu or calling 412-254-4883.
Additional Studies:
The Prebiotic Treatment Trial in MS
Patients are currently being enrolled in a mechanistic clinical trial investigating the effect of Prebiotic supplements on the gut microbiome and immune system of people with multiple sclerosis.
Minimum requirements for eligibility include:
- A diagnosis of Relapsing type of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
- Receipt of at least one cycle of anti-CD20 B-cell depletion therapy (eg, rituximab or ocrelizumab) by the first study visit
For more information on eligibility criteria, study duration, and compensation, please contact the study team via email at mstrials@pitt.edu or telephone at 412-254-4883.
International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study
We are enrolling multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their cohabitants (non-blood-related individuals sharing a living environment with the patient) in an international study assessing the relationship between gut bacteria, genetics, environment, and neurological outcomes.
Minimum requirements for eligibility include:
- A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
- Living with a non-blood related individual for minimum 6 months (preferred)
- No other autoimmune or gastrointestinal diseases
For more information on eligibility criteria, study activities, and compensation, please contact the study team via email at msstudy2@pitt.edu or telephone at 412-254-4883.
