Rituximab's effects on cognitive and hand functions in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Official title: The Effect of Rituximab on Cognitive and Hand Functions in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Cairo University · NCT06599307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if the medication rituximab can help improve thinking and hand skills in people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis who have significant disabilities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | rituximab |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza, Giza Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06599307 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 6.5 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have received other disease-modifying therapies for SPMS or have had a clinical relapse in the last three months 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 clinical trial investigates whether rituximab can enhance cognitive and hand functions in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) who have significant disability. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either rituximab or a placebo, and their cognitive abilities, hand functions, quality of life, and disability status will be assessed over a year using standardized tests. The study aims to determine if rituximab can lead to measurable improvements in these areas compared to the placebo group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve cognitive and hand functions for patients suffering from secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on rituximab for other conditions, this specific approach for cognitive and hand function improvement in SPMS is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis by Lorscheider et al's criteria (disability progression by 1 EDSS step in patients with EDSS ≤ 5.5 or 0.5 EDSS step in patients with EDSS ≥ 6 in the absence of a relapse, a minimum EDSS score of 4 and pyramidal functional system (FS) score of 2 and confirmed progression over ≥3 months, including confirmation within the leading FS). 2. Baseline EDSS ≥ 6.5. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients received disease modifying therapy for SPMS other than rituximab. 2. Clinical relapse in the last 3 months before recruitment. 3. Patients with documented hypersensitivity or contraindication to rituximab. 4. Patients with concomitant neurologic conditions that may affect cognitive or hand functions.
Where it's running
-
Kasr Alainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit (KAMSU), Cairo University hospitals.
Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amgad Mahmoud Elmeligy, MSc Neurology
- Email: amgad.elmeligy92@outlook.com
- Phone: 00201005393868
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.