MSC Research

Basic and clinical investigations are performed. The former consists of immunologic and treatment aspects of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, immunological and structural studies of the idiotypic network in demyelinating disease, immunochemical features of myelin basic protein, and the relationship of myelin basic protein-like material and para-cresol sulfate in body fluids (cerebrospinal and urine) of persons with multiple sclerosis during phases (relapseor remission) and different states (stable, relapsing-remitting or progressive) of disease. New programs of research are in the areas of delayed myelinogenesis and in magnetic resonance spectroscopy and demyelinating disease.

The clinical trials related to multiple sclerosis currently in progress or recently concluded include studies of interferon beta agents in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, glatiramer acetate in primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and oral agents or combination treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. An additional two to three multicenter clinical and epidemiological trials are currently being planned for the study of long-term and symptomatic care of patients with multiple sclerosis. An NIH-sponsored General Clinical Research Center is available for approved investigations.