Evaluating the stopping of medications for older adults with multiple sclerosis
Official title: Deprescribing of Disease Modifying Agents in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11078862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether older adults with multiple sclerosis can safely stop taking certain medications that may not help them much anymore, to see if it makes them feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,090 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS029501-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are currently taking Disease Modifying Agents for multiple sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with active disease progression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of stopping Disease Modifying Agents (DMAs) in older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), who often experience limited disease activity as they age. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of discontinuing these medications, which may not provide benefits for this age group and can lead to adverse effects. By analyzing data from a large population, the research seeks to provide insights into whether older adults can safely stop taking DMAs without worsening their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help older adults with MS avoid unnecessary medication side effects and reduce healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: While some smaller studies have suggested benefits of deprescribing DMAs, this research aims to provide comprehensive data on a larger scale, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aparasu, Rajender R — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Aparasu, Rajender R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
A short-term study aims to test MRI biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict MS in patients, using advanced imaging techniques.
-
Mediterranean-style eating and aging in people with multiple sclerosis
This project looks at whether following a Mediterranean-style diet is linked to slower biological aging and less brain shrinkage in people living with multiple sclerosis.
-
Imaging brain energy use in multiple sclerosis with a new imaging method
A new MRI-based method will non-invasively measure how the brain uses glucose and ketones in people with multiple sclerosis.
-
Astrocyte exosomes as aging biomarkers and drivers of MS progression
Researchers are testing a blood-based biomarker from astrocyte-like exosomes to understand why multiple sclerosis gets worse with age and to identify potential targets for treatment.
-
Promoting brain repair in MS with a natural compound that nudges neural stem cells
A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
-
Targeted B cell tolerance therapy for multiple sclerosis using Ace-DEX microparticles
A new therapy using tiny biopolymer particles given through the vein aims to retrain B cells to tolerate the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.