CARE-MS DMD trials

[Lulu54]

Hi all,
Some of you are concerned that the cost of treatment will keep you from getting DMD's.  I found this clinical trial prescreener that you may be interested in completing.  clinical trials include the cost of your drugs as well as medical checks.  If expense is an issue you may want to consider this.....www.care-ms.com/patient-prescreener.aspx

From their site:
"The Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif® Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (CARE-MSSM) I and II studies are designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational drug alemtuzumab as compared to the FDA-approved therapy Rebif (interferon beta-1a), in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The studies will look for differences between these drugs on the progression of disability and in the number of relapses (flare-ups) and brain lesions caused by MS. The studies also will compare the side effects of the drugs and monitor for risks during and after treatment. "



My best, Lulu

PS - I took the prescreener and was rejected so don't feel bad if that happens to you....

[patientx]

No, I am not allowed a copy of the MRIs.  They want to keep the study completely blinded.  That's why I'm keeping appointments with my regular neuro.

Some trials, such as the one for Tovaxin, do not allow MRIs outside of the study.

[Lulu54]

Are you allowed a copy of your MRI though?  I can see they would not want you to see the results - that's what helps to make it a controlled study.......... I had not thought of that but it makes sense.

I listed the clinicaltrials.gov site on the HP for websites because it is an excellent resource.  This one though caught my attention because it has the prescreener right there on the web.

Thanks, Lulu

[patientx]

That's good advice.  There are a lot of clinical trials going on, and people who have trouble affording the DMDs may want to check into them The clinicaltrials website is a good source, and it will give locations of the various studies.  For instance, the CombiRX trial is a good one, because there is no placebo arm.

I will state one disclaimer, though.  The medical checks, at least in my experience, are more for the trial sponsor to collect data than for the benefit of the patient.  For instance, I  am not allowed to see the MRI reports.