Clinical Studies

The WashU Medicine John L. Trotter MS Center is committed to offering research opportunities targeting some of the greatest unmet needs and unanswered questions:

  • What are the causes of multiple sclerosis?
  • Why do some get progressive multiple sclerosis?
  • When will we get better treatments to prevent progression and repair the nervous system?
  • How can we select the best treatment for an individual with multiple sclerosis?
  • How can we better treat the troubling symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
  • Can we prevent multiple sclerosis in someone at risk to develop it?
  • Can we cure multiple sclerosis in someone who already has it?

Frequently asked questions

How can individuals with MS contribute to research?

We need your help to answer the greatest questions of multiple sclerosis. Our team is committed to make this disease more manageable until we have a cure. Your involvement brings us one step closer to the answers.

Individuals with MS can enroll in a clinical trial to help in the testing of new drugs or interventions for MS which help in managing your symptoms and/or the progression of your disease.

What are the different types of clinical research?

Investigator-initiated clinical studies are ideas, questions and protocols that are developed by physicians and scientists at the John L. Trotter MS Center. Some study protocol examples might include blood donation, questionnaires, clinical assessments or MRIs. They can be as short as several minutes or may have a number of visits over months or years.

Industry-sponsored clinical trials are sponsored by the pharmaceutical manufacturer for regulatory/FDA approval of new therapies. Based upon whether the study is early or late, they are classified as Phase I, II, III and IV. You will be assigned a study coordinator, who is your contact person if you have any questions or problems.

How do I find out which clinical trials are enrolling patients and if I qualify?

If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, here are the steps you can take:

  1. Contact from clinical trial team:
    • The principal investigator, who is a neurologist specializing in MS (multiple sclerosis), or our research nurse may contact you to discuss your interest in participating.
    • They will ask you a few questions to determine if you meet the clinical trial’s inclusion criteria.
    • We collaborate to ensure that the study is suitable for you, that you are comfortable with participating and that all your questions have been addressed.
  2. Visit the recruiting webpage:
    • Check the Department of Neurology Clinical Trial recruiting webpage to see which trials are currently enrolling participants.
    • If you find a trial you’re interested in, contact the research coordinator listed on the website: Neurology Clinical Trials
  3. Ask Your healthcare provider:
    • Consult your healthcare provider for a referral to an MS clinical trial site in your community.
    • If you are seeing a neurologist or MS specialist outside the John L. Trotter MS Center, you can often continue your treatment with that provider while participating in a clinical trial.

By following these steps, you can find suitable clinical trials and determine if you qualify for participation.

What to expect if I participate in a clinical trial? 

Participating in a clinical trial involves several key aspects that you should be aware of:

  1. Role of clinical research coordinators (CRCs):
    • CRCs work closely with principal investigators, typically neurologists, to support and manage daily clinical trial activities.
    • They play a crucial role in the study, which may include scheduling your MRIs, administering standardized tests, arranging your study visits and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
    • A strong working relationship often develops between the CRC and the study participant over the course of the trial, which can last several years.
  2. Duration and types of clinical trials:
    • Clinical trials can vary significantly in length, from several minutes to several years, depending on the type of trial.
    • For instance, interventional studies test interventions like potential drugs, medical devices, or new procedures.
  3. Reimbursement and costs:
    • Most clinical trials offer reimbursement for your time and travel.
    • Trials involving treatments typically provide necessary medications, follow-up visits, labs, and MRIs (if required by the study) at no cost to you.
  4. Consent and participation:
    • All studies require your informed consent.
    • The study coordinator and doctor will review the consent form with you, ensuring you understand the risks, benefits, alternatives, visit schedule, procedures, financial reimbursements, and potential impact on your health insurance.
    • You and your support persons will have the opportunity to ask questions.
    • Your participation in the study is entirely voluntary.

By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed decision about whether to participate in a clinical trial.

Visit the National MS Society’s website for helpful information on participating in a clinical trial including: benefits and risks, clinical trial basics, participants are protected when participating in clinical trials and how to participate in multiple sclerosis clinical studies.

Active trials