Phase IV Double-Blind Randomized Study to Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Interferon Beta-1a (Avonex) Plus Simvastatin (Zocor) Combination Therapy in Clinically Isolated Syndrome Suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis Over a One Year Period
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Sponsor
- University of North Carolina
- Enrollment
- 30
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Relapse rates, Time to first relapse,Number of new T2 lesions, Number of new Gd-enhancing lesions
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 18 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a combination therapy interferon beta-1a(Avonex) plus simvastatin (Zocor) vs. interferon beta-1a plus placebo in patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis.
Detailed Description
Interferon beta-1a (IFNB-1a), a FDA approved therapy for relapsing-remitting (RR) MS has several mechanisms of action. It lowers proinflammatory cytokine production and inhibits antigen presentation by class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule. It also reduces metalloproteinase activity, which all lead to decreased migration of T-lymphocytes into the central nervous system (CNS), and subsequent inhibition of inflammatory lesion formation. We propose that combination therapy during early stages of the disease with second immunomodulatory agent that targets different steps in the pathogenesis of the disease may add to the effectiveness of IFNB-1a. IFNB-1a administered intramuscularly at 30 mg per week is particularly suitable for combination therapy due to its proven efficacy in Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS),favorable safety profile and low frequency of neutralizing antibodies (NABs) against IFNB-1a in comparison to other forms of IFNB-1a. Recent studies have reported a significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of statins, cholesterol-lowering agents. Statins disrupt cellular membrane lipid rafts, which inhibit the clustering of T-cell receptor (TCR), co-stimulatory, and adhesion molecules, required for optimal T-cell activation. Along with inhibiting T-cell activation, statins decrease IFNB inducible MHC class II expression, suppressing an effective antigen presentation. They block migration of activated mononuclear cells from peripheral circulation into the CNS by blocking LFA-1 adhesion molecule and by reducing metalloproteinase type 9 secretion. While their anti-inflammatory effects at tolerable oral doses may not justify their use as monotherapy for RR MS, their pleiotropic mechanisms of action showed synergistic effects with IFNB-1a in studies in vitro. We propose that simvastatin may enhance the immunomodulatory effects of INFB-1a in patients with CIS suggestive of MS and that this combination may even more effectively prevent further disease activity if administered early in the course of the disease.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Subject has a diagnosis of CIS suggestive of MS involving optic nerve (unilateral optic neuritis), spinal cord (incomplete transverse myelitis), brain stem or cerebellum syndrome confirmed by ophthalmologic or neurological examinations. (Onset of CIS symptoms must occur within twelve months of randomization).
- •At baseline, subject will be between the ages of 18 and 60, inclusive.
- •Subject has a baseline EDSS score between 0.0 and 5.5, inclusive.
- •MRI findings on the brain scan should reveal at least three out the four following findings: one Gd-enhancing lesion or nine T2 hyperintense lesions; or at least one infratentorial lesion; or at least one juxtacortical lesion and or at least three periventricular lesions.
- •Subject has signed informed consent and HIPAA forms.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Subject has a diagnosis of CD RRMS according to Poser criteria, definitive MS according McDonald criteria, secondary progressive, or primary progressive MS.
- •Subject has been treated with statins in the previous three months. Subject has history of severe side effects related to statin therapy.
- •Subject has had a clinically significant infectious illness (e.g., cellulitis, abscess, pneumonia, septicemia) within 30 days prior to randomization.
- •Subject has a history of, or abnormal laboratory results indicative of, any significant cardiac, endocrinologic, hematologic, hepatic, immunologic, metabolic, urologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, psychiatric, renal, and/or other major disease.
- •Subject has a history of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions or known drug hypersensitivity.
- •Subject has an abnormal screening blood test, performed at the screening visit, exceeding any of the limits defined below:
- •alanine transaminase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) \> 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (1.5x ULN)
- •total white blood cell count \< 2,300/mm\^3
- •CPK level \> 2 x ULN on two consecutive occasions tested at least one week apart.
- •Platelets less than 150,00/mm3
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Relapse rates, Time to first relapse,Number of new T2 lesions, Number of new Gd-enhancing lesions
The primary objective of this study is to determine whether combination therapy with IFNb-1a plus simvastatin, when compared to IFNb-1a plus placebo decreases or delays additional clinical or MRI activity.
We will use the following outcome measures: