Multiple sclerosis affects about 1 million people in the United States. Treatment now includes more than 20 disease-modifying therapies, ranging from injections to pills to twice-yearly infusions. Many people with relapsing MS now go years without new attacks, and research is shifting attention to progressive forms and to repairing damage already done.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing BTK inhibitors that may reach progressive MS, remyelinating drugs that aim to repair the damaged nerve coating, stem cell transplant for aggressive disease, and new approaches to fatigue and cognitive symptoms. Researchers are also studying the role of Epstein-Barr virus, which appears to trigger MS in many people, and testing higher-potency drugs earlier in disease.
BTK inhibitors
A new class of pills crosses into the brain and may calm MS at a deeper level than current drugs. Trials are testing whether they can slow progressive forms of MS where options have been limited.
Remyelination therapies
Several drugs aim to rebuild the myelin coating damaged by MS. If successful, they could restore function rather than just prevent new attacks.
Stem cell transplant
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is being tested for aggressive MS. Early studies suggest it may reset the immune system and stop disease activity for years in select patients.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on MS type (relapsing or progressive), recent relapse or MRI activity, prior treatments, disability level measured by EDSS score, and time since diagnosis.
What types of trials are currently open
- Disease-modifying trials — Testing new MS medications, often pills or longer-acting infusions, to see if they prevent relapses and slow disability progression better than current drugs.
- Progressive MS trials — Testing drugs aimed at slowing or stopping primary or secondary progressive MS, where treatment options have historically been limited.
- Repair and recovery trials — Testing drugs that aim to repair myelin damage or restore nerve function, potentially reversing existing disability.
- Symptom management trials — Testing treatments for fatigue, walking problems, bladder issues, cognitive symptoms, and spasticity that interfere with daily life.
- Observational studies — Following people with MS over time to learn how the disease progresses, what predicts response to treatment, and how lifestyle factors affect outcomes.
Recently added Multiple Sclerosis trials
A Study to Evaluate the Preliminary Efficacy and Safety of Terfenadine in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of terfenadine when added to standard first-line disease-modifying therapy in adults with multiple sclerosis. The study will also explore whether adding terfenadine may help improve disease-related outcomes. Researchers will compare participants who receive terfenadine plus standard first-line disease-modifying therapy with participants who receive standard first-line disease-modifying therapy alone. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to receive either terfenadine plus standard first-line disease-modifying therapy or standard first-line disease-modifying therapy alone. Take terfenadine 60 mg once daily at bedtime for 1 month if assigned to the terfenadine group. Attend study visits during screening, treatment, and follow-up over 12 months. Have physical examinations, vital sign checks, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, imaging assessments, neurological evaluations, and collection of blood, stool, and cerebrospinal fluid samples at scheduled visits.
Try tailored balance exercises designed for your ability level
Balance training is recommended to improve gait stability and mobility. However, there are currently no clearly defined methods for controlling the intensity (challenge) of balance training. This research project aims to determine whether balance training for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), individually tailored to the level of difficulty and exertion, is feasible and possible within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either they will complete group training focusing on strength, endurance, and balance in addition to their regular therapy program, or they will receive individually tailored balance training. Both groups will undergo an initial assessment followed by seven training sessions, each lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. Before discharge, the initial assessments will be repeated. These assessments include completing questionnaires, performing gait tests, balance tests, and a short cognitive test. Interviews will also be conducted with patients and therapists. These are intended to help better assess the feasibility of the training and to gain more insight into the experiences with the training.
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