FutureMS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Clinical, laboratory and genomic predictors of disease activity in people with newly diagnosed relapsing onset multiple sclerosis: an observational cohort study.
IRAS ID
169955
Contact name
Siddharthan Chandran
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
FutureMS aims to discover the clinical, laboratory, and genomic factors that predict individual disease activity among people with relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis (MS). This has become an urgent question due to three factors. First, wide variability between individuals in the activity of their disease. Second, a recently established range of licenced treatments that can reduce disease activity - with those of greater efficacy having greater risks. And third – critically – increasing awareness that control early in the disease has longer-term benefits for clinical outcome. In this context, the current 'reactive' treatment approach is clearly sub-optimal. Success in FutureMS will enable doctors and patients to make better informed prospective decisions about individual treatment – ensuring the right person gets the right treatment at the right time.
FutureMS is an observational study over three years. Five hundred people from across Scotland who have recently been diagnosed with relapsing-onset MS will be recruited over two years. Each participant will be seen twice: at baseline and at twelve months. Recruitment will be national, with participants assessed at clinical research facilities in one of the four major Scottish neuroscience ‘hubs’ (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow). Assessment includes clinical measures, questionnaires, and a blood sample. Disease activity will be defined by changes in brain imaging (MRI) metrics between baseline and follow-up. Two measures will be used as separate endpoints: change in the MRI biomarker for focal inflammation (T2 lesions – the surrogate of clinical relapses) and change in the MRI biomarker for neurodegeneration (brain atrophy – the surrogate of clinical progression).
FutureMS will analyse genomic blood samples for common (single nucleotide polymorphism – SNP) variants in the genetic code (DNA) and the level of gene expression (RNA). Full genetic sequencing will not be performed, although blood samples will be stored and permission sought for this to be taken forward in future.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
15/SS/0233
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion