ChariotMS trial for advanced progressive MS completes recruitment
We're pleased to share that the 200th person with advanced progressive MS has joined the ChariotMS trial. The trial team have now reached their recruitment goal and we expect to have the first results in 2027.
There are currently no disease modifying therapies (DMTs) available for people with MS who use a wheelchair full time, or can only walk short distances using aids like crutches.
ChariotMS is hoping to change that. It’s a phase 2 trial testing whether cladribine can help people with more advanced MS maintain the use of their arms and hands, which is essential for people’s independence and overall quality of life. Cladribine (brand name Mavenclad) is already licensed for highly active relapsing MS.
The trial team has now recruited 200 participants who score between 6.5 and 8.5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). This means some people who have never been eligible for a trial before have been able to take part.
What happens now?
All participants were randomly assigned to take either cladribine or a placebo (dummy drug) that they'll take over the course of 24 months.
To work out whether the drug is effective, the researchers will assess arm and hand function using the nine-hole peg test. They'll also be collecting MRI scans of participants to see whether cladribine shows an effect on lesions in the brain.
We’re hoping to see the first results in 2027.
Why is this so important?
Paul Griffin, 54, from Yorkshire was diagnosed with MS in 1996. He signed up to ChariotMS having lived with MS for over 28 years.
Paul was forced to medically retire in 2005 after his health deteriorated. He says: “From a personal point of view, being on the trial has been a revolution. The specialist trial team have been great and you’re in constant contact. To sit down and have a chat and a full assessment is like having a full medical MOT every 3-6 months. I’ve had my blood pressure taken regularly and MRI scans with latest scanners.”
“I’m realistic enough to know the trial might not work for me because of damage done over last 28 years, but I’ve always been of the mindset that even if it’s too late for me, the next generation of people with MS could benefit. In the early days of my MS I was able to take Rebif which someone would have been on a trial for 20+ years ago, so hopefully I can pay it forward.”
Professor Klaus Schmierer, from Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust, is leading the ChariotMS trial. He says: “Until now, the ability to walk has been key in official measurements of whether or not an MS treatment is effective. This has excluded people who depend on a wheelchair from taking part in trials and, as a result, from accessing effective treatment that will help maintain their hand and arm function.
“Finding ways to maintain people’s hand and arm use is essential to a person’s quality of life. If successful, ChariotMS would be a major step towards a first DMT to protect upper limb function for people with MS who aren't able to use their lower limbs at all, or can only walk short distances with help from aids like crutches.”
Be in a study
There are lots of benefits of taking part in a clinical trial.
You can find out what it's like to take part in a trial and read about trials currently recruiting participants on our clinical trials page.
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