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Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 2:32 am
by Muu
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

trial length

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:37 am
by gwa
muu,

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

gwa

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 7:03 am
by bromley
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

phase of trial

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 7:26 am
by gwa
Is lamotrigine in phase II or phase III clinical trial?

gwa

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:32 am
by bromley
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

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:11 pm
by Lyon
oo

Cupid

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:28 pm
by gwa
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. :D

gwa

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:57 pm
by Lyon
oo

CNS Immune Privilege

Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:34 pm
by Shayk
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
CNS autoimmunity and neurodegeneration were presumed automatic consequences of immune cell encounter with CNS antigens. Recent data have dramatically altered this viewpoint by revealing that the CNS is neither isolated nor passive in its interactions with the immune system....
This newer view of CNS immune privilege is opening the door for therapies designed to harness autoreactive lymphocyte responses and also implies (i) that CNS autoimmune diseases (i.e. multiple sclerosis) may result as much from neuronal and/or glial dysfunction as from immune system dysfunctions and (ii) that the severe neuronal and glial dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative disorders (i.e. Alzheimer's disease) likely alters CNS-specific regulation of lymphocyte responses affecting the utility of immune-based therapies (i.e. vaccines).
Remember--I'm not in the auto-immune camp. :wink:

Sharon

Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:39 am
by Lyon
oo

Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 6:19 pm
by Shayk
Bob

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

Sharon

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:11 am
by Muu
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