RESEARCH WE LEAD
Studies developed and led from Southampton, typically related to our strengths in inflammation and blood-brain barrier biology.
Below are the Southampton Clinical and Experimental Neurology Team's research studies related to multiple sclerosis.
Studies developed and led from Southampton, typically related to our strengths in inflammation and blood-brain barrier biology.
Studies where we are a collaborating centre, enabling local patients to participate in nationwide studies.
EQUANIMS (Enabling Quantification of Neurovascular Integrity in Multiple Sclerosis) study
A prospective observational study using advanced MRI methods to predict treatment response in multiple sclerosis.
Funded by IMIV, University of Bournemouth.
Kappa light chains in Multiple Sclerosis (KLIMS) study
Establishing the role of kappa light chains in the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis.
Funded by Binding Site (Thermofisher).
Haemolysis in Neurological Disease (HIND) study
A programme of observational study exploring the role of systemic haemolysis in neurological conditions. In pilot studies, we have found that red bloods cells are affected by inflammation such that their cell membrane become stiffer (less deformable); this lack of flexibility impedes microcirculation and leads to their lysis, releasing free haemoglobin which is toxic to nerve cells. We are currently seeking funds to study this in more detail in multiple sclerosis.
Pilot studies funded by the University of Southampton, Wessex Medical Research and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Heat sensitivity in multiple sclerosis
A study of heat sensitivity in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls.
Funded by the University of Southampton and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Systemic Infections and Blood-Brain Barrier permeability In Multiple Sclerosis (SIBIMS) study
An observational MRI study using methodology validated by ourselves to explore the effects of systemic infections on blood-brain barrier permeability in progressive MS.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Medical Research Council.
Systemic Infections in Multiple Sclerosis (SIMS) study
An observational study to explore the relationship between systemic inflammatory events and disease progression in progressive MS.
Funded by the MS Society.
Spinal Degenerative Disease in Multiple Sclerosis (SIDDIMS)
A cross-sectional case-control study examining the hypothesis that cervical spinal degenerative disease has a higher than expected prevalence in multiple sclerosis.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
SFX-01 as a novel treatment for multiple sclerosis
Testing SFX-01, a stable form of sulforaphane, in a preclinical model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We have demonstrated that SFX-01 reduces residual disability.
Funded by Evgen.
Urinary neopterin to detect subclinical inflammatory activity
Developing high quality methodology to measure urinary neopterin - see our method here.
Funded by the MS Society.
Prognosis in Multiple Sclerosis (PIMS) study
A UK nationwide study exploring issues surrounding long-term prognosis amongst people with multiple sclerosis and their clinicians.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
A higher-sensitivity assay for oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis
Optimizing detection of oligoclonal bands when conventional testing is negative.
Funded by the Association of British Neurologists.
Continuous ambulatory monitoring as an alternative to the EDSS
Developing an alternative method of monitoring disability progression, especially during stages in MS when the EDSS does not change much.
Funded by Wessex Medical Research.
Serum markers predicting response to dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis
To help plan future management by increasing vigilance in people less likely to respond.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
Patient reported EDSS (PREDSS) tools for clinical deployment
Enabling patient-reported EDSS measurement in a busy NHS setting.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
Developing an algorithm for cytospin assessment of inflammatory activity in cerebrospinal fluid
Improving the diagnosis and reporting of inflammation in spinal fluid.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
Neurology and Oncology: Immunology and Interactions
Understanding the inflammatory basis of neurological disease, including links with cancer.
Funded by the Wellcome Trust, the Academy of Medical Sciences and Cancer Research UK.
Zonulin and the blood-brain barrier
Investigating the potential effect of zonulin on blood-brain barrier permeability.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
Zonulin measurement: new methodology
Developing high quality methodology to measure zonulin.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
Regional variation in blood-brain barrier permeability
Exploring the neuroanatomy of human blood-brain barrier permeability using dynamic-contrast enhanced imaging to measure blood-brain barrier permeability.
Funded by the University of Southampton and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The effect of systemic inflammation on intrathecal IgG synthesis
This may be a mechanism underlying exacerbation of brain inflammation during systemic inflammation.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
The effect of systemic haemolysis on the brain
A laboratory and UK Biobank study to investigate a possible role for haemolysis in systemic inflammation and brain iron deposition.
Funded by the MS Society and the University of Southampton.
Dehydration in multiple sclerosis
A laboratory and UK Biobank study to examine the extent to which people with MS dehydrate themselves to control their urinary symptoms.
Funded by the MS Society and the University of Southampton.
Eosinophilia during natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis
Studying the incidence, risk factors and temporal kinetics of eosinophilia, to evaluate the need for repeated blood tests in our clinical service.
Funded by the University of Southampton.
OCTOPUS: Optimal Clinical Trials Platform for Multiple Sclerosis
The OCTOPUS trial is a multi-arm multi-stage trial during which successive potential treatments for progressive forms of multiple sclerosis are trialled using a single placebo group, moving seamlessly from Phase II to Phase III. Southampton has been selected as one of four national Hub sites for this trial, with the aim of recruiting higher number of individuals, disseminating information, enhancing retention and adding value to the research.
Funded by the MS Society (UK) and the Medical Research Council.
StarMS: Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation versus Alemtuzumab in Relapsing Remitting MS
The StarMS trial is parallel-group rater-blinded randomised controlled trial to determine whether autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has superior clinical efficacy to alemtuzumab with an acceptable safety profile over a two year follow up period, in patients with rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis refractory to first-line treatment.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
MS-STAT2
The MS-STAT2 study is designed to test the effectiveness of repurposed simvastatin in a phase 3 double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial (1:1) in patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), to determine if the rate of disability progression can be slowed over a three year period.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the MS Society (UK), the National MS Society (US), the NHS and UK universities.
A Multicenter, Global, Observational Study to Collect Information on Safety and to Document the Drug Utilization of Tecfidera™ (Dimethyl Fumarate) When Used in Routine Medical Practice in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (ESTEEM)
An international post-marketing observational study to assess the long-term safety of treatment with dimethyl fumarate.
Funded by Biogen.
MS Register
The MS Register is a living resource of people with MS, linking regular patient-reported outcome measures with clinical data.
Funded by the MS Society.