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.

RESTORE Study (505)

Principal Investigator: Ben Thrower, MD

Study description: The main purpose of this study is to explore when natalizumab's (Tysabri) effects on the immune system are reversed and to what extent disease activity returns when patients with MS undergo a temporary 24-week interruption of therapy. This study will also assess the effects of other MS treatments that may help to control MS symptoms during the temporary interruption of natalizumab. All patients will return to natalizumab therapy after the 24-week period.

To participate you must:

• Have Relapsing MS
• Have not had a relapse in past 12 months
• Must be treated with natalizumab for a minimum of 12 months with no missed doses in the last 3 months prior to randomization

Contact: Email Nell Klein, RN, or call 404-367-1307. 

DECIDE Study (515)

Principal Investigator: Sherrill Loring, MD

Study Description:  The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medication and compare it to Avonex®. 

To participate you must:

• Be 18 to 55 years of age
• Be diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
• Meet relapse criteria

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

SURPASS Study (504)

Principal Investigator: Sherrill Loring, MD

Study Description: This study will evaluate if it is better to stay on your current treatment (Copaxone ® or Rebif ®) even after having a relapse or new brain lesions or to switch to Tysabri. There is no placebo group but you must be willing to take whatever the study places you on which could be Copaxone ®, Rebif ® or Tysabri ®. There is a 50% chance of being placed into the Tysabri ® group.

To participate you must:

•  Have RRMS and have been taking Copaxone ® or Rebif ® for a minimum of 6 months and maximum of 18 months
• Have had a relapse or new brain lesions in the past 12 months while taking either Copaxone ® or Rebif ®
• Have never taken Tysabri before and are willing to switch to Tysabri

Contact: Email Susan Benson, RN  or call 404-350-3099.