Simvastatin in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
United Kingdom40 participantsStarted 2019-05-16
Plain-language summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which is a common cause of disability in young people. It is thought to be an autoimmune condition, where the body's immune system begins to attack itself. The cause of MS is unknown but is thought to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors. There are treatments available for early stages of MS, but the later stage known as Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) has no current treatment.
Statins are a safe treatment traditionally used to reduce cholesterol levels. However, statins also have other effects which could reduce the progression of SPMS, such as effects on the immune system and circulation. A recent study (Chataway et al., 2014) showed that treatment with high-dose simvastatin, a type of statin, reduced the progression of SPMS but no effect on the immune system was seen. It is possible that simvastatin does not treat the immune system but improves how the blood and blood vessels in the brain work in this disease.
The purpose of the clinical trial is to test how Simvastatin (80mg/day) may slow down disease progression in people living with SPMS compared to placebo (dummy pill). Participants will receive either Simvastatin or placebo and will be asked to take 2 tablets daily, for up to 17 weeks.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to revised Mc Donald criteria and have entered the secondary progressive stage or a diagnosis of Primary Progressive MS.(Polman et al., 2011, Lublin, 2014) Steady progression rather than relapse must be the major cause of increasing disability in the preceding 2 years. Progression can be evident from either an increase of at least one point on the EDSS or clinical documentation of increasing disability.
. EDSS 4.0 - 6.5 (inclusive).
. Male and Females aged 18 with no upper age limit
. Females of childbearing potential and males with partners who are of childbearing age must be willing to use an effective method of contraception (Double barrier method of birth control or True abstinence) from the time consent is signed until 6 weeks after treatment discontinuation and inform the trial team if pregnancy occurs.
. Females of childbearing potential have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days prior to being registered/randomised. Participants are considered not of child bearing potential if they are surgically sterile (i.e. they have undergone a hysterectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, or bilateral oophorectomy) or they are postmenopausal.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Effect on Cerebral Blood Flow in White Matter, Gray Matter, Deep White Matter, Deep Gray Matter, and Thalamus
. Willing and able to comply with the trial protocol (e.g. can tolerate MRI and fulfils the requirements for MRI, e.g. not fitted with pacemakers or permanent hearing aids) ability to understand and complete questionnaires.
. Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
. Willing to ingest gelatine (placebo will contain this). Participants must therefore be informed sensitive to personal beliefs e.g. faith, diet.
Exclusion criteria
. Unable to give informed consent.
. Those that have experienced a relapse or have been treated with steroids (both i.v. and oral) for multiple sclerosis relapse within 3 months of the screening visit.
. Patient is already taking or is anticipated to be taking a statin or lomitapide for cholesterol control.
. Any medications that unfavourably interact with statins as per Spc recommendations e.g.: fibrates, nicotinic acid, cyclosporin, azole anti-fungal preparations, macrolideantibiotics, protease inhibitors, nefazodone, verapamil, amiodarone, large amounts of grapefruit juice or alcohol abuse within 6 months.
. The use of immunosuppressants (e.g. azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporin) or disease modifying treatments (avonex, rebif, betaferon, glatiramer, dimethyl fumerate, fingolimod) within the previous 6 months.
. The use of mitoxantrone if treated within the last 12 months.
. Patient has received treatment with alemtuzumab.
. Use of other experimental disease modifying treatment (including research in an investigational medicinal product) within 6 months of baseline visit.