Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 65

Identifying biomarkers of synaptic damage in multiple sclerosis

Official title: Identification of New Biomarkers Useful to Define the Course of Multiple Sclerosis and Study of the Mechanisms That Promote Synaptic Damage

Run by Neuromed IRCCS · NCT03217396 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing blood and spinal fluid samples from people with multiple sclerosis to see if certain markers can help us understand brain changes and how the disease progresses.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorNeuromed IRCCS
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pozzilli, Isernia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 22, 2017
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2026
Study endsSeptember 30, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 28, 2022
Trial IDNCT03217396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are males and females aged 18 to 65 with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and an EDSS score between 0 and 5.5.

Probably not a fit

Patients unable to provide informed consent or those with significant comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study will analyze blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases over a five-year period. The study aims to evaluate levels of various biomarkers, including microRNAs, cytokines, and neuronal damage markers, to understand synaptic alterations associated with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, genotyping studies will be conducted to identify genetic variations that may correlate with clinical parameters and disease progression. Control groups will include healthy subjects and patients with other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the identification of novel biomarkers that improve diagnosis and monitoring of multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in identifying biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, but this specific approach focusing on synaptic damage in multiple sclerosis is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female patients (age between 18 and 65 years)
2. Diagnosis of MS in accordance with McDonald's (2010 rev) criteria,
3. EDSS between 0 and 5.5 (included),
4. Patients able to provide informed consent to participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to provide informed written consent
2. Altered basal blood count
3. Pregnancy or lactation
4. Contraindications for the execution of magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium
5. Significant clinical conditions in addition to SM or other chronic neurodegenerative diseases including latent viral infections

Where it's running

  • IRCCS Neuromed
    Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.