A Study of the Pharmacokinetics and Immunologic Effects of Lipoic Acid in Multiple Sclerosis

Oregon Health and Science University40 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to learn about an investigational drug known as oral lipoic acid (LA) that may help treat multiple sclerosis. This study will measure how a person's body absorbs and breaks down the drug (pharmacokinetics) and will compare four different forms of the drug from four different manufacturers as well as LA in conjunction with fish oil.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common, often disabling inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Present treatments for MS are only partially effective, available only in injectable forms, have significant side effects and are very costly. Developing more effective and better-tolerated treatments of MS thus remains an important goal for the improvement of the care of MS. Lipoic acid (LA) is an antioxidant that is widely available as a dietary supplement. The primary outcome of this study is to determine the pharmacokinetics of oral LA 1200 mg to see if we can identify factors affecting the bioavailability of LA. We will also study the salivary concentrations of oral LA and its correlation with the serum LA concentrations. We will also study the effects of LA on the immunological markers after four hours of administration.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

oral lipoic acid (LA)DRUG

A single 1200 mg dose of oral LA will be administered.

lipoic acid (LA) with fish oil and LA without fish oilDRUG

Subjects will be randomized to receive either 1 dose of 1200 mg LA with fish oil and then will be crossed-over to receive 1 dose of 1200 LA without fish oil. There will be a 1-week wash out period between the cross over.

R lipoic acidDRUG

A single oral dose of 1200mg R enantiomer LA will be administered.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Definite MS by McDonald's or Poser's criteria * EDSS ≤ 7.5 * Age 18 to 80 Exclusion Criteria: * No clinically significant MS exacerbation within 30 days of the screening * No systemically administered corticosteroids within 30 days of study entry * Patient not pregnant or breast feeding * No LA in previous 2 weeks * Not on anti-coagulants such as heparin, coumadin, or aspirin during study * No other significant health problem (e.g. active coronary heart disease, liver disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus) that might increase risk of patient experiencing adverse events * Inability to give informed consent * Any condition which would make the patient, in the opinion of the investigator, unsuitable for the study

Locations (1)

Oregon Health and Science University Multiple Sclerosis Dept.

Portland, Oregon, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

To determine the pharmacokinetics of orally administered LA 1200 mg. This will assess the variability in bioavailability of LA and the feasibility of conducting a more focused PK assessment in future studies with LA.

Time frame: November 2008

Secondary Outcomes

To study salivary LA concentrations corresponding to the serum levels.

Time frame: November 2008

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.