The purpose of this study is to determine whether raltegravir is effective in preventing progression of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis as determined by gadolinium- enhanced MRI.
There is accumulating research evidence that Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV) and herpes viruses (in particular Epstein-Barr Virus) are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. People with active MS have higher levels of HERVs than people either without MS or who have other neurological conditions. It has been shown that HERVs may produce neurotoxic proteins/antigens associated with MS activity and disease progression. This is the first clinical trial investigating the hypothesis that the antiretroviral drug raltegravir may suppress HERV activity and ameliorate progression of relapsing remitting MS. Raltegravir is an integrase inhibitor which blocks retroviral replication. A recent experimental study suggests that raltegravir may also be active against herpes viruses. Eligible participants (see Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria) will be observed for 3 months having monthly brain Gadolinium enhanced MRIs and blood/urine/saliva sampling (baseline). Then they will be treated with raltegravir (one 400mg pill taken twice a day) for 3 months. During treatment period participants will continue to have monthly MRIs and blood/saliva/urine sampling. Participants will have monthly clinical and neurological examinations and they will complete questionnaires assessing response to treatment. Participants will have screening and study visits at The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel. Monthly MRIs will be performed at the Institute of Neurology at Queens Square, London.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
23
400mg twice daily for 3 months
The Royal London Hospital
London, United Kingdom
The Number of New or Recurrent Gd-enhancing Lesions That Appear on Brain T1-weighted MRI
Demonstrate in subjects with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis a reduction in the number of new or recurrent Gd-enhancing lesions that appear on brain T1-weighted MRI over the period of treatment with raltegravir, compared to baseline. Within patient change in number of lesions was calculated by subtracting the after treatment period (3 months) minus before treatment period (3 months).
Time frame: Baseline and at 6 months
The Cumulative Number of New or Enlarging T2 Weighted Lesions on Brain MRI.
Demonstrate a reduction in the cumulative number of new or enlarging T2 weighted lesions on brain MRI over the period of treatment with Raltegravir compared with baseline. Within-patient changes in lesion count calculated after-before.
Time frame: Baseline and monthly for 6 months
Change in Score on Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC). This a Composite Score Based on the Measurement of Time in Seconds for the Three Separate Measurements.
Explore preliminary clinical responses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subjects treated with Raltegravir, compared with baseline as measured by Patient Reported Outcomes (Questionnaires). The MSFC is a composite score consisting of the standardly derived composite score from 9-hole peg test (9HPT), timed walk and PASAT scores. 9HPT is measured as timed speed to complete the task; higher scores indicate less disability. The 25-foot walk is measured as timed speed; higher scores indicate less disability. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) The PASAT is a measure of cognitive function that assesses auditory information processing speed and flexibility, as well as calculation ability. It is a timed speed test measured in seconds. In the PASAT a lower score indicates less disability.
Time frame: Baseline and monthly until month 6.
Changes in Kurtzke Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) Score
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The Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a method of quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis. The scale has been developed by John F. Kurtzke. The EDSS quantifies disability in eight Functional Systems (FS) and allows neurologists to assign a Functional System Score (FSS) in each of these. 0 = Normal 1-1.5 = No disability, but some abnormal neurological signs 2-2.5 = Minimal disability 3-4.5 = Moderate disability, affecting daily activities, but you can still walk. A lower score indicates less disability. 5-8 = More severe disability, impairing your daily activities and requiring assistance with walking 8.5-9.5 = Very severe disability, restricting you to bed 10 = Death EDSS scores were measured monthly over 6 months and the mean of the measurements for the first three months (baseline) was recorded to use calculate the change from baseline compared with the mean of measurements taken monthly during the second three months (treatment).
Time frame: Baseline and monthly to month 6
Cumulative Number of Gd-T1 Enhancing Lesions
This measure is the number of gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions as determined by MRI taken on the monthly basis during the six months of the study.
Time frame: At Baseline and monthly for 6 months
Percent of Subjects With Scans Free From Enhancing Lesions in Raltegravir Treated Subjects vs. Baseline
This measure is the cumulative percentage of subjects who had scans free from Gd enhancing lesions during the first three months (baseline) compared with the second three months (treatment). These percentages are expressed as a total percentage for the baseline and for the treatment periods.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months