RRMS Trial Studies Enrolling Now

Here is notice of MS trials. This is verbatim from Brenna's message:

New MS Clinical Trial Enrolling

My name is Brenna Fitzgerald and I’m writing to you from Fleishman-Hillard, a communications company, contracted to create awareness regarding two clinical research studies in multiple sclerosis. As your blog chronicles your journey with multiple sclerosis, I wanted to let you and your readers know about two global clinical research studies that are seeking adults with relapsing-remitting MS.

The Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif^® Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (CARE­MS^SM) I and II studies are designed to determine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational drug alemtuzumab as compared to the FDA-approved therapy Rebif (interferon beta-1a), in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The studies will look for differences between these drugs on the progression of disability and in the number of relapses (flare-ups) and brain lesions caused by MS. The studies also will compare the side effects of the drugs and monitor for risks during and after treatment.

Current therapies require frequent, long-term administration. When compared with no treatment, they have been shown to reduce the number of relapses, slow the formation of MS associated lesions in the brain, and impact progression of disability. A need still exists for more effective therapies to further slow the progression of disability.

Studies measuring investigational treatments against standards of care are advancing knowledge of these drugs on the disabling effects of MS, which may impact the patient's quality of life. Every patient in the CARE-MS studies will receive active treatment; there is no placebo. Participation in the CARE-MS trials may offer participants the opportunity to help advance research in the treatment of MS while taking a role in their healthcare.

Alemtuzumab, Rebif, the annual dose of steroids, and study-required procedures are provided at no cost.

To be eligible to participate in the studies, volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 50 (CARE-MS I) or 18 and 55 (CARE-MS II) and meet specific criteria, including having a diagnosis of RRMS and first experiencing MS symptoms within the last 5 years (CARE-MS I) or 10 years (CARE-MS II).

For more information about the studies, please call 1-503-432-4725 or toll-free 1-888-404–MS-CARE (United States only) or visit www.CARE-MS.com. There, you will find additional information about the studies and an online prescreener, which will allow people with RRMS to determine if they meet initial eligibility requirements.

If you find this information useful, I hope you will consider sharing it with your readers and posting 1-888-404–MS-CARE and a link to www.CARE-MS.com on your blog.

Vicki, thanks for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me at brenna.fitzgerald@fleishman.com if you have any questions or would like to discuss the studies.

Best regards,

Brenna Fitzgerald

brenna.fitzgerald@fleishman.com

Genzyme Corporation is the sponsor of these studies. Bayer Schering Pharma contributed to the funding of the studies.

Genzyme^® is a registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved. CARE-MS^SM is a servicemark of Genzyme Corporation, Ó2008. Rebif^® is a registered trademark of EMD Serono, Inc.

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