Clinical Studies
Validating the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for the Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
This is a longitudinal study sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. We are investigating whether a short paper and pencil test can determine changes in memory and thinking in individuals with Parkinson's disease. This study requires two visits per year for three years.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
1. Are at least 65 years old
2. Have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
3. Have color vision
4. Have a friend or family member who can answer questions about you.
Neuromuscular:
Phase II Study of CK2017357 in ALS - CK-2017357 is being investigated as a potential new therapy for the improvement of muscle weakness and muscle fatigue in patients with ALS. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the safety of CK-2017357 and how well it is tolerated in patients with ALS.
Methotrexate Study for Patients with Myasthenia Gravis - Methotrexate is an investigational product for use in the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MG but has been approved by the FDA for treatment of other diseases such as lupus and cancer. The purpose of this study is to find out if methotrexate is an effective therapy for MG and if it will allow subjects with MG to use less prednisone. This study is closed to enrollment.
Finding the Optimum Regimen for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (FOR DMD) - The Finding the Optimum Regimen for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (FOR DMD) study will compare three ways of giving corticosteroids to boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to determine which of the three ways increases muscle strength the most and which causes the fewest side effects. Using the results of this study, the investigators aim to provide patients and families with clearer information about the best way to take these drugs.
Mexiletine in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (SALS) (MX-ALS-001) - The purpose of this research is to find out if mexiletine is safe and effective in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In this trial, participants will be taking either 300 milligrams per day of mexiletine, 900 milligrams per day of mexiletine or placebo (non-active study drug). The safety and efficacy of these doses will be compared to see if one dose is better than the other.
For any questions concerning the above studies, please contact Beth Stephens, M.A., CCRC, at 717-531-0003, ext. 283395 or hstephens1@hmc.psu.edu.
Multiple Sclerosis:
ALLEGRO 301 Extension: This clinical trial, closed to enrollment, involves the use of Laquinimod as an experimental drug currently being investigated as an oral treatment for multiple sclerosis.
STRATIFY-2: This clinical trial, closed to enrollment, involves a yearly blood draw to identify the JCV antibody, which is present in over 50% of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this trial is to better understand whether antibodies to JCV may be used to predict whether a patient is at higher or lower risk for developing PML. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a brain infection associated in some patients receiving Natalizumab (Tysabri®) therapy.
DER-401: Dalfampridine is an approved FDA drug sold under the trade name, Ampyra®. The 10 mg dose taken twice a day, has been shown to improve walking speed in some people with MS. The purpose of this double-blind clinical trial is to show that a dose of 5 mg twice a day is just as safe and just as effective as the 10 mg dose. This clinical trial is closed to enrollment.
For more information on any of these Multiple Sclerosis trials, please contact Brenda Geiger, RN, BSN, CCRC, at 717-531-7591.