Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

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

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment46 (estimated)
SponsorCairo University
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsrituximab
Locations1 site (Giza, Giza Governorate)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 1, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 2026
Study endsSeptember 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 18, 2026
Trial IDNCT06599307 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

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.