This fall, the Multiple Sclerosis – Secondary Progressive Multi-Arm Randomisation (MS – Smart) Trial hopes to find a possible treatment for advanced MS.
The trial
The trial is taking place in London and Scotland and will test three common drugs to see if they can slow the progression of late-stage MS. The drugs, including Amiloride, Ibudilast and Riluzole, have all been used as treatments for other diseases and have been known to protect the nerves in the brain.
The researchers involved in the MS – Smart Trial are hoping the drugs will reduce the rate of brain loss over a two-year time span by 30 to 40 percent. To measure this, researchers will be conducting brain scans of the 440 enrolled patients at the beginning and end of the study.
What will this mean?
The Future
Late-stage MS results in slow, cumulative and irreversible disability that affects walking, balance, vision, cognition, pain control, and bladder and bowl function. There is no proven treatment as of yet for this disease. Finding a way to slow and ultimately treat late-stage MS will give hope to people who have lived with the disease for years.
Involvement Criteria
1. Have Secondary Progressive MS
2. Between the ages of 25-65
3. Not on a disease modifying treatment (DMT)
4. Able to walk a minimum of 20 meters with crutches or up to 500 meters without assistance
The MS – Smart Trial is being managed by the University of Edinburgh’s clinical trials unit and is being funded by the Medical Research Council and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
To find out more about the trial, visit their website here.