Could a short pill course save hand function in advanced MS?

NCT ID NCT04695080

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This UK trial tests whether cladribine tablets, taken for just 8-10 days a year over two years, can slow the loss of hand function in people with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). The study includes 204 participants with significant disability (EDSS 6.5-8.5). Half receive cladribine, half a placebo, and researchers measure hand speed and dexterity after two years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

cladribine tablets (Mavenclad)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a short-course treatment to slow disability and preserve hand function in people with advanced MS.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage trial with only 204 participants. Cladribine is not yet proven for advanced MS, and risks include immune suppression and infection.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1F chronic progressive multiple sclerosis multiple sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

    Newport, NP20 2UB, United Kingdom

  • Anne Rowling Clinic, University of Edinburgh

    Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom

  • Cardiff University Hospital

    Cardiff, CF14 4XW, United Kingdom

  • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

    Leeds, LS1 3EX, United Kingdom

  • Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

    London, SE13 6LH, United Kingdom

  • Luton and Dunstable Hospital

    Luton, LU4 0DZ, United Kingdom

  • Morriston Hospital, Swansea

    Swansea, SA6 6NL, United Kingdom

  • Nottingham University Hospital (Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust)

    Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom

  • Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow

    Glasgow, G51 4TF, United Kingdom

  • Queen's Hospital (Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust)

    London, RM7 0AG, United Kingdom

  • Queens University Belfast (Belfast Health and Social Care Trust)

    Belfast, BT12 6BA, United Kingdom

  • Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

    London, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom

  • Royal London Hospital

    London, E1 1FR, United Kingdom

  • Salford Royal Hospital NHS Trust

    Manchester, M6 8HD, United Kingdom

  • Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    Sheffield, S10 2JF, United Kingdom

  • St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom

  • University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire

    Glasgow, G75 8RG, United Kingdom

  • University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

    Birmingham, B15 2TH, United Kingdom

  • University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

    Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom

  • University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

    Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom

  • University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

    Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6QG, United Kingdom

  • Walton Centre NHS Trust

    Liverpool, L9 7LJ, United Kingdom