Our Center is proud to have been very active in research associated with MS and related disorders. While much has been accomplished in recent years, many questions related to the etiology and treatment of MS remain. New methods to better preserve nervous system integrity by preventing MS attacks and nervous system degeneration and resulting disability progression are essential.
With our research and clinical expertise, it is our hope that MS and related disorders will be controlled, disability greatly improved, and ultimately MS prevented. Until then, our aim is to discover the best ways to diagnose and treat MS and its variants, lessen disability, and improve overall quality of life.
We strive to advance the understanding of MS and its causes, investigate therapies to prevent exacerbations or disease progression, improve the function of those who have experienced MS-related disability, and improve the quality of life the people with MS experience.
Research Participation
Over the past 20 years, our center has been involved in over 20 MS research trials. We have also participated in other non-drug related investigations and reports including studies of gastrointestinal and urological (bladder) dysfunction in MS, and explored 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. Our practice participated in the phase 3 (final phase) research trials for the oral pills fingolimod (Gilenya), dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) and a Phase 3 infusion every six months of ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) all of which received FDA approval.
Current Studies
The PROMOTE Study:
We are currently enrolling participants 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, we are 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. We are 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 our 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
We are enrolling patients 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.
COVID-19 Post-Acute Sequelae Survey
We are examining the prevalence and predictors of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in our population. More commonly referred to as Long COVID, PASC is characterized by the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms after recovery of the initial phase of illness.
Participants may have multiple sclerosis (MS) or any neuroimmunological disorder (NID) and known COVID-19 diagnosis based on laboratory tests and/or suspected symptoms. We are also recruiting control participants who have no MS or NID and/or no known history of COVID-19.
For more information on the study, please contact the study team via email at msstudy2@pitt.edu or telephone at 412-254-4883.