Research

Our MS Research

At Tisch MS we have several ongoing research projects. All investigations happening in the Tisch MS Research laboratory focus on learning more about this chronic disease and ways to end it or repair the damage it has caused.  Browse this section to learn more about each project.

Our areas of interest include:

STEM CELL PROGRAM/REGENERATIVE REPAIR

• Our Phase I clinical trial is the only clinical trial of its kind in the United States to test freshly harvested MSC-NP cells administered intrathecally in multiple dosing regimens. Results showed dosing was well tolerated with only minor adverse events, and 15 of 20 subjects demonstrated functional neurological improvement. To make MSC-NPs, autologous stem cells are taken from a patient’s own bone marrow. These are called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The MSCs expanded from the bone marrow are then manipulated in the laboratory to make them into neural progenitor cells, which are MSC-NPs. Our Phase II randomized placebo-controlled study will test the efficacy of intrathecal MSC-NP treatment in patients with progressive MS. This will be a double-blind study of 50 patients, all of whom will eventually receive treatment with MSC-NPs. Construction of the Tisch MS Center's, Regenerative Medicine Laboratory began in the summer of 2017, and it is expected to open winter of 2018. Upon completion of the build-out, we plan to begin enrollment of our Phase II Study.

UNDERSTAND DISEASE PROGRESSION

• A major focus of research at Tisch MS is to investigate the underlying causes of disease progression using novel approaches based on comparative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Our emphasis is on identifying possible therapeutic targets for and novel biomarkers of disease activity in progressive MS patients. To accomplish this, we are studying changes in metabolism, the function of astrocytes, and the role of intrathecal delivery of methotrexate (IT-MTX) in this population. Additionally, we are developing a novel animal model to further understand the trajectory of progressive MS.

DISCOVER THE CAUSE OF MS

• To discover the cause of MS, our researchers are looking into what B-cells in the immune system are attacking. We are attempting to answer questions such as if there is a particular protein in myelin that’s attacked? Is EBV involved in MS? Can we find the trigger of MS, if there is one? It is our hope that looking at MS B-cells and the antibodies they produce, will answer some of these questions and ultimately lead us to the cause of the disease.  

TRANSLATE THE RESEARCH TO PATIENTS

• Biomarkers are specific and sensitive assays that help in better diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, and measurement of treatment responses. Using CSF analysis, we can determine how active the disease is (Fetuin A level), how likely is it to progress (osteopontin), and the level of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation levels). Together with single B-cell analysis, for even the most complex patient cases, we can rationally decide on which treatment is most likely to be effective and how potent or aggressive a therapy is needed.

You can find the latest published research articles and abstracts in the following sections. 

• Publications
• Abstracts