Can biomarkers guide MS treatment? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT03109288

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether changes in spinal fluid biomarkers can predict which drug or drug combination works best for people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants will take one or two of five drugs (cilostazol, leucovorin, pirfenidone, dantrolene, or pioglitazone) for up to 18 months. The goal is to slow disability progression by tailoring treatment to each person's unique disease activity.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Cilostazol, Leucovorin, Pirfenidone, Dantrolene, Pioglitazone

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to personalized combination therapies for progressive MS, slowing disability progression based on individual biomarkers.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial (Phase 1/2) with only 250 participants, so results may not apply to all MS patients. The drugs may cause side effects or fail to show benefit.

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.

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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••