
Pilot-Study of Thalidomide in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)Neuroinflammation has recently emerged as a significant contributor to motor neuron damage. ALS tissue is characterized by inflammatory changes that are observed in both sporadic and familial ALS and in the ALS superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transgenic mouse model. They include an accumulation of large numbers of activated microglia and astrocytes. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-), are robustly upregulated in ALS. The receptor for tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-R1) is elevated at late presymptomatic as well as symptomatic phases of disease. TNF acts as a principal driver for neuroinflammation in ALS, while several co-stimulating cytokines and chemokines act to potentiate the TNF effects [4-6]. We propose an investigational therapy of ALS with oral administration of thalidomide. The rationale for this study is based on the anti-inflammatory properties of thalidomide through the modulation of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF. The primary aim of the trial is to determine whether treatment with thalidomide is safe and well tolerated in conjunction with riluzole and whether patients with ALS can tolerate daily doses of up to 400 mg. The trial is designed as feasibility study in planning for a larger phase IIb/III trial of efficacy.

How Side Effects of Avonex Are Affected by Gradually Increasing to Full Dose vs Starting at Full...
Relapsing Remitting Multiple SclerosisThis study is to find out if starting at low dose Avonex and slowly increasing to full dose will improve flu like symptoms as a side effect of Avonex treatment.

Cannabis for Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThe purpose of this study is to learn if the use of inhaled cannabis (marijuana) and oral cannabinoid (dronabinol, Marinol or THC, which is an active ingredient of marijuana) is safe and effective in reducing the symptoms of spasticity and tremor in patients with secondary-progressive or primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Trial of Analgesia With Lidocaine or Extended-release Oxycodone for Neuropathic Pain Treatment in...
Neuropathic PainChronic Pain1 moreThis study will determine whether treatment with an extended-release opioid or topical lidocaine is effective in relieving distal symmetric lower extremity burning pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). If treatment with topical lidocaine is efficacious, it will have important implications for understanding this chronic pain syndrome, which is widely assumed to be caused by central nervous system pathology.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Therapy for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis is disease believed to be due to immune cells, cells which normally protect the body, but are now attacking the tissue in the brain and possibly the spinal cord. The likelihood of progression of this disease is high. This study is designed to examine whether treating patients with high dose cyclophosphamide and CAMPATH-1H (drugs which reduce the function of the immune system) followed by return of previously collected blood stem cells will stop the progression of your multiple sclerosis. Stem cells are undeveloped cells that have the capacity to grow into mature blood cells, which normally circulate in the blood stream. The purpose of the cyclophosphamide and CAMPATH-1H is to destroy the cells in your immune system which are thought to be causing your disease. The purpose of the stem cell infusion is to restore the body's blood production, which will be severely impaired by the high dose chemotherapy and to produce a normal immune system that will no longer attack the body.

The Efficacy and Safety of Escitalopram for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis
DepressionMultiple SclerosisEmotionally labile, depressed participants with multiple sclerosis treated with escitalopram will have a greater reduction in emotional lability scores and in their psychological distress scores than those who are randomized to receive placebo.

Study Evaluating Mitoxantrone in Multiple Sclerosis
Secondary Progressive Multiple SclerosisThe purpose of this study is to show the dose-response relationship of three doses of mitoxantrone with regard to efficacy in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and to show the safety and tolerability of mitoxantrone in these patients.

Nanocrystalline Gold to Treat Remyelination Failure in Chronic Optic Neuropathy In Multiple Sclerosis...
Relapsing Remitting Multiple SclerosisOptic Neuropathy2 moreThe objective of this trial is to assess the efficacy and safety of CNM-Au8 as a remyelinating treatment for vision-impairing MS lesions in participants who have chronic vision impairment as a result of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. The primary endpoint is to assess the efficacy and safety of CNM-Au8 as a remyelinating therapy in patients with stable RMS. The secondary endpoint is Change in Functional Composite Responder Analysis Score from Baseline to Week 24.

Upper Extremity Function in Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Advanced Disability Treated With Ocrevus...
Multiple SclerosisPathologic Processes6 moreThe investigators are measuring the effectiveness of Ocrevus™ in helping patients with hand or arm weakness, especially if posed by a more advanced MS patient than those included in the clinical trials.

Tolerability and Efficacy of L-Serine in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)The purpose of this study is to determine the tolerability of L-Serine oral doses for ALS patients and assess preliminary indications of efficacy