The MS-STAT Trial for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Simvastatin is widely used as a cholesterol-lowering drug, but evidence suggests that it may also be useful in MS
1) It appears to reduce the number of areas of inflammation on the MRI scans of people with early MS, and this study will be looking to see if it can help the brain scans of people with secondary progressive MS.
2) It might improve the immune system in MS.
3) It may help to protect the nervous system.
To investigate this further an initial phase 2 trial in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is beginning.
The study will look at the MRI brain scans of people taking Simvastatin and those not taking it. As well as looking at how people are doing in terms of their day- to-day living, immune function and some tests of memory and concentration.
Simvastatin is considered to be very safe with the most common side-effect being muscle ache (though expected to be less than 1 in 100 people).
Whilst randomising into the trial has begun, more people are still needed to take part. 140 people are needed to commit to a two year trial, having three MRI scans during that time.
To take part, you need to be:
• Between 18-65 years old
• Have worsening secondary progressive MS (NOT primary progressive)
• At best, able to walk 500 metres; at worst 20 metres (frame allowed)
• Not on disease-modifying drugs (eg beta interferon)
• Be able to travel to the MRI centres in Sussex or Bucks; and undertake the initial screening visits at Charing Cross Hospital, West London.
If you are interested in taking part please consult your neurologist.
2) It might improve the immune system in MS.
3) It may help to protect the nervous system.
To investigate this further an initial phase 2 trial in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is beginning.
The study will look at the MRI brain scans of people taking Simvastatin and those not taking it. As well as looking at how people are doing in terms of their day- to-day living, immune function and some tests of memory and concentration.
Simvastatin is considered to be very safe with the most common side-effect being muscle ache (though expected to be less than 1 in 100 people).
Whilst randomising into the trial has begun, more people are still needed to take part. 140 people are needed to commit to a two year trial, having three MRI scans during that time.
To take part, you need to be:
• Between 18-65 years old
• Have worsening secondary progressive MS (NOT primary progressive)
• At best, able to walk 500 metres; at worst 20 metres (frame allowed)
• Not on disease-modifying drugs (eg beta interferon)
• Be able to travel to the MRI centres in Sussex or Bucks; and undertake the initial screening visits at Charing Cross Hospital, West London.
If you are interested in taking part please consult your neurologist.
