This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hello there. I have SPMS and am on the Lamotrigine trail at the National Hospital in London. As the trial is double blind, neither the medics monitoring me or I know whether I'm taking a placebo or the real thing. The trial is investigating the neuroprotective qualities of Lamotrigine more commonly used for people with epilepsy. My understanding (this is where I start to flounder folks !) is that the drug inhibits the passing of sodium through channels where myelin has been damaged and in doing so prevents any further damage or deterioration that could otherwise be caused by too much sodium crossing these barriers. Dr G is my neuro and recommended me for the trial but the supervising consultant for the trial is actually Dr Raj Kapoor (although the monitoring is undertaken by research fellows).
Muu

muu,

How long will this trial last? Is the purpose of the drug to stop progression in SPMS patients?

gwa

GWA,

The trial lasts for two years - from start of this year. The aim is to stop the axons degnerating which should prevent / radically slow down axonal degeneration and the related disability.

Ian

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/research/ms ... o2005.html

Is lamotrigine in phase II or phase III clinical trial?

gwa

I think it's Phase II, but given that it is already used for epilepsy, if it shows effectiveness in this trial I'm sure neuros could prescribe it.

Ian

oo

Bob,

Interesting link. The CUPID trial would be great to get into because the med should not kill or otherwise maim us and it looks like it actually works.

The fact that it is a pill is a definite plus too. It should also be cheap by current ABC drug standards.

gwa

oo

Hi Bob

I agree with gwa the lamotrogine trial sounds interesting. It's so nice to have a trial of something that may be neuroprotective to axons.

Now, after people have read your "must read" link, about the immune system, T Cells, etc.....here's another "must read" IMO.

CNS Immune Privilege: Hiding in Plain Sight

Remember--I'm not in the auto-immune camp.

Sharon

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Bob

I quite agree with you. The more alternatives explored the better. And, without a doubt we all want a cure.

Sharon

Yes, Ian is correct. The trial is 2 years long. I started on it in June 06 altho I believe the first participants started v late in 2005. I'm not up to speed on how the medical profession in the US treat SPMS but here in the Uk there are no drugs prescribed by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence!) for this stage of the disease. Lets hope the trial comes up with the goods.
Muu