The department of neurology seeks men and women ages 18 – 60 with multiple sclerosis for a research study. The purpose of the study is to find out whether it is better to use highly effective medications early, or if it is better to start with less powerful medications and escalate as needed.
You may be eligible for this study if: you have relapsing-remitting MS, with disease onset within the last 5 years, have had disease activity (relapse or new brain lesion) documented within the last year, you are able to walk independently or with an assistive device, and if you have not ever been on any disease-modifying treatment for MS.
Study involves being randomized to either an ‘early highly effective’ treatment, or an ‘escalation’ approach (any other approved MS medication). There is an equal chance of being in either of these groups. The individual medication you start within each group will be up to you and your neurologist. The study lasts about 36 months and requires a total of 5 visits to the University of Virginia Neurology clinic (after the screening visit). Each visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
Participant’s insurance company will be billed for medication, tests and procedures, with the exception of an MRI of the brain at baseline visit and 6 month visit, which will be paid for by the study.
$50 per completed visit AFTER the screening visit