Shepherd Center - A Catastrophic Care Hospital

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, please contact the research coordinator listed for that particular clinical trial or complete the participation form to the right.

The participation form will be forwarded to the program coordinator and you will be contacted by the appropriate person.

A longitudinal, case-control study to collect medical and epidemiological data and blood samples for research into the causes of multiple sclerosis and selected demyelinating diseases protocol ACP-001 (378)

Principal Investigator: Ben Thrower, MD

Study Description: The purpose of this study is to establish a collection of blood samples and associated data from approximately 10,000 people, some of whom have experienced at least one CNS demyelinating event characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Transverse Myelitis (TM), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) or Optic Neuritis (ON), their blood relatives (those who have and have not experienced at least one CNS demyelinating event), and unrelated subjects who have not been experienced at least one CNS demyelinating event and who are suitable controls. The samples and data will be made available to scientists who are involved in the study of MS, TM, ADEM, NMO, and/or ON, and in particular, studies involved in determining the causes of these diseases.

Contact: Email Elizabeth Iski or call 404-350-3116.

EPOC Study

Principal Investigator: Sherrill Loring, MD

Study Description: The main purpose of this study is to learn about relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients’ satisfaction with fingolimod compared to other approved MS drugs. The study will also learn about the safety and side effects of fingolimod.

To participate you must:

·         Be 18-65 years of age

·         Be diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

·         Must have been taking your current disease modifying treatment for at least 6 months.

Contact: Email Carlyn R. Kappy, RD, LD, CCRP or call 404-367-1375

Acorda DER-401

Principal Investigator:  Ben W. Thrower, MD 

Study Description: The primary purpose of this study is to see if 5 mg dalfampridine taken twice a day is safe and effective, as compared to the 10 mg dose, in improving walking in people with MS. The effectiveness will also be tested by comparing dalfampridine to the effects of placebo.

To participate you must:

• Be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
• Be 18 to 70 years of age.

Contact: Email Michelle Tidwell, RN or call 404-367-1317