Imaging axonal damage and repair in multiple sclerosis

INsIDER: Imaging the Interplay Between Axonal Damage and Repair in Multiple Sclerosis

Observational University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05177523

This study is testing new MRI techniques to see how axons are damaged and repaired in people with multiple sclerosis over two years.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT05177523 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to quantify differences in axonal integrity and organization between active and non-active multiple sclerosis patients over a two-year period. It utilizes advanced MRI techniques, including Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) and Diffusion Kurtosis (DK), to assess the interplay between axonal damage and repair in living patients. The study will also validate imaging parameters against histopathological findings to enhance understanding of disease progression and response to therapies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 diagnosed with either active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or non-active progressive multiple sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those unable to undergo MRI, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies for patients with multiple sclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of advanced MRI techniques in MS research is growing, this specific approach to quantifying axonal damage and repair is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for patients:

* Patients may be diagnosed with:

  1. active RRMS (n=100): Relapsing-remitting course and \> 1 clinical relapse and/or signs of MRI activity (\> 1 Gd enhancing lesion) during the last year before study enrollment.
  2. non-active PMS (n=100): Progressive course (PPMS or SPMS) and no clinical relapses and/or signs of MRI activity during the last year before study enrollment.
* Age 18-80 years old
* No other neurological or psychiatric disorder

Inclusion criteria for healthy controls:

* Age 18-80 years old
* No other neurological or psychiatric disorder

Exclusion Criteria for patients and healthy controls:

* Pregnancy
* Contraindication to MRI (eg, claustrophobia, metallic implants, pacemaker etc).
* Inability to give consent

Where this trial is running

Basel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Multiple SclerosisRelapsing-remitting Multiple SclerosisSecondary-progressive Multiple SclerosisPrimary Progressive Multiple Sclerosisaxonal damageaxonal demyelinationaxonal degenerationaxonal loss
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.