NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Clinical trial to test the safety and potential of stem cells for the treatment of MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? A type of stem cell called mesenchymal stem cells are thought to have the ability to repair and limit damage to nerve fibres of the brain and spinal cord in people with MS._x000D_ _x000D_ As part of a three year project, researchers plan to conduct a small trial involving 13 participants to test whether this is true._x000D_ _x000D_ Imperial College will be one of 15-20 worldwide trial centres expected to participate in the international trial, involving up to 150 people with MS._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ The primary aim of this international trial is to establish whether the use of mesenchymal stem cells is considered safe. This trial will also go some way to test the therapeutic potential of these cells as a treatment for MS and establish whether it warrants further investigation.


Research activity codes: 5.2 CELLULAR AND GENE THERAPIES
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Understanding genetic variation in multiple sclerosis
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? Researchers already know that MS is more common in the relatives of people with MS, and that this is because they share DNA._x000D_ _x000D_ A particular gene called CD86 is linked to the switching on of white blood cells, which make up part of the immune system. This study will look the levels and functions of the CD86 gene in 200 people._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ A drug called Abatacept is known to act on the CD86 gene and blocks it from switching on white blood cells. This drug has been shown to help people with Rheumatoid Arthritis and is now being looked at for treating MS. This study hopes to provide researchers with further information about which people with MS might respond best to this treatment by looking at their levels of the CD86 gene.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Studying how mitochondria function in MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? _x000D_ Recent findings from this group show that some of the symptoms of MS may be due to a shortage of energy in brain cells._x000D_ _x000D_ The aim of this project is to:_x000D_ _x000D_ Understand how the brain cells become short of energy _x000D_ Develop therapies to protect against energy shortage. Such therapies should preserve function and protect against permanent damage to brain cells. _x000D_ Mitochondria are the structures inside cells that act as the powerhouse, producing energy for the cell to use. Professor Smithâ€™s team will look in detail at the mitochondria in brain cells to see how they react to the damage caused by MS._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ Researchers have already got their first clues about how the mitochondria might be damaged. Once researchers understand more, they can test therapies that protect mitochondria.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Childhood MS - families' experiences and support needs
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? There are an increasing number of children and young people being diagnosed with MS, but we know little about their experiences of living with MS, and whether the support they receive is sufficient and appropriate._x000D_ _x000D_ Dr Susan Kirk will lead this two year project which aims to:_x000D_ _x000D_ - better understand the experiences and needs of young people with MS and their parents or carers _x000D_ - assess if the services and support young people with MS receive are appropriate and sufficient _x000D_ - identify how these services could be improved _x000D_ _x000D_ The researchers will conduct interviews with young people with MS, their parents or carers, and with health professionals to gather their views and experiences of living with MS and supporting people living with MS._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ The results of this study will be used to develop recommendations about how to provide acceptable and appropriate support for young people with MS and their parents or carers.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: The development of a telephone based therapy for people affected by primary and secondary progressive MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? Mindfulness based interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing stress, depression and anxiety, improving quality of life and decreasing physical symptoms for a range of conditions. Previous research has shown that a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is beneficial for people with relapsing remitting MS._x000D_ _x000D_ Professor Moss-Morris will lead this project to develop and pilot a MBCT to reduce stress and improve quality of life and mood for people with primary progressive and secondary progressive MS._x000D_ _x000D_ The researchers will:_x000D_ _x000D_ - Revise a telephone based MBCT, which has previously been used in people affected by epilepsy, so that it is suitable for people with progressive MS. _x000D_ - Pilot the revised MBCT in 48 people with primary progressive MS or secondary progressive MS to test its suitability. _x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ If the results of this study are positive a larger clinical trial will be conducted involving more people with MS.


Research activity codes: 6.6 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Mechanisms and roles of microglial priming and activation in MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? _x000D_ In people with MS, relatively minor health problems such as urine or chest infections can trigger relapses and speed up the progression of the condition._x000D_ _x000D_ Scientists think this is caused by a type of brain cell called â€˜microgliaâ€™ which becomes â€˜primedâ€™ in people with MS. Priming makes microglia attack and damage neurones, axons and myelin, causing peopleâ€™s MS to worsen._x000D_ _x000D_ No one knows why microglia become primed in people with MS. This project will look at the effects of priming and experiment with ways to reverse priming and the effect this has on MS._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ The researchers predict that these studies will set the scene for the development of new therapies that target triggers of microglia priming reducing the number of relapses and slowing the progression of MS.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: A new therapy for new relapses?
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? It is thought that some of the symptoms of MS may be due to a shortage of energy in the nerve cells in the brain and that this is caused by a lack of oxygen._x000D_ _x000D_ This research group have found that providing oxygen-enriched air to laboratory models of MS can reverse symptoms. The purpose of this project is to gain more information about the best timing of when to give the oxygen, the best concentration of oxygen to use, and, importantly, whether oxygen therapy is safe._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ If this project is successful, the researchers plan for the findings to form the basis for a clinical trial of oxygen therapy for people with MS. It could indicate a new, safe treatment that would be easy for people to administer at home.


Research activity codes: 5.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Adjusting to MS: are group therapies more effective?
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? We know that adjusting to MS can lead to changes in mood such as depression or anxiety. Many different therapies have been shown to improve mood in people with MS and some research suggests that group therapies are more effective at doing this._x000D_ _x000D_ Professor Lincoln is leading a three year study to see if a group therapy to treat low mood in people with MS is better than an individual therapy._x000D_ _x000D_ The researchers will:_x000D_ _x000D_ - interview ten people with MS who have already received a group therapy to improve low mood to gather their experiences _x000D_ - send questionnaires to 200 people with MS to gather information on their attitudes to being part of a group, how MS effects them and how they are adjusting to their MS in general _x000D_ - compare an individual therapy to a group therapy to treat low mood in 30 people with MS _x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ This project builds on previous research funded by the MS Society which showed that a group therapy improved low mood in people with MS. This project will help us to better understand why this group therapy was effective and could lead to better therapies and treatments to help people adjust to having MS.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Measuring tremor in MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? Up to 75 per cent of people with MS will experience tremor at some time. Tremor can affect people in different ways. For some it may be mild and have little impact, for others it can be more severe and impact on everyday tasks such as eating and drinking._x000D_ _x000D_ Currently, tremor is most commonly measured in a clinical setting, such as a hospital, in combination with questionnaires and simple tests. However, without knowing how much tremor impacts on peopleâ€™s daily lives we can not be sure how well treatments work in the real world. To understand this we need more accurate ways of measuring tremor in peopleâ€™s day-to-day lives._x000D_ _x000D_ Dr Stansfield will lead a three year project to develop a new way of measuring tremor in daily life. He will use a movement recorder â€“ a small box worn on the wrist â€“ to measure how often tremor happens and how severe the tremor is. This will then be compared against current techniques to check that it works accurately._x000D_ _x000D_ If this new technique is shown to be accurate it will be used to measure how effective dynamic Lycra compression garments â€“ a current treatment for tremor in MS â€“ are in managing tremor in daily life._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ Tremor can be exhausting and in some cases can have a significant impact on daily activities. There are currently treatments available for tremor however without an accurate way of measuring tremor it is hard to know how effective they are in peopleâ€™s day-to-day lives._x000D_ _x000D_ This research will lead to a more accurate way of measuring tremor in MS which we hope will ultimately lead to better treatments.


Research activity codes: 6.3 MEDICAL DEVICES
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Using NeuroPage to help with memory problems
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? We know that memory problems can affect up to 60 per cent of people with MS. MS most commonly affects remembering recent events and remembering to do things. NeuroPage is a device which sends text messages to a pager or mobile phone at pre-arranged times to remind people to do certain things â€“ for example to take medication. Previous research has shown that NeuroPage has helped people with brain injuries to manage their memory problems. Professor Lincoln will lead this three year project to explore if NeuroPage can reduce the impact of everyday memory problems in people with MS._x000D_ _x000D_ 40 people with MS who experience memory problems will be recruited to the study; half of the people will use the NeuroPage service and the other half will receive social text messages which offer encouragement but not memory support to see which is more effective. A review of other research into MS and memory will be conducted and some of the participants will be interviewed to gather their opinions on using the NeuroPage service._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ Previous research into memory problems and MS has been inconclusive. The results of this project could improve this and provide a simple treatment to support people with MS to manage their memory problems better.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Textured soles, balance and walking
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? _x000D_ Many people with MS will experience problems with balance and walking at some point which can make daily activities difficult and could lead to falls. This project builds on previous research funded by the MS Society which showed that wearing textured insoles in shoes for a short time improved walking. Dr Dixon will lead this three year project to explore what effect wearing textured insoles in the longer term has on balance and walking ability in people with MS._x000D_ _x000D_ 90 people with MS who experience problems with balance and walking will be divided into three groups, each group will receive one of the following to wear for three months:_x000D_ _x000D_ - textured insoles _x000D_ - smooth insoles or _x000D_ - no insoles _x000D_ _x000D_ The researchers will look for any changes in balance, walking ability and daily function to see if there are any differences in the three groups and if textured insoles have a long term impact for people with MS. _x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ Balance and walking ability can have a huge impact on peoplesâ€™ lives, improving this is crucial to help people with MS remain healthy and independent. This project could lead to an effective â€“ low cost â€“ treatment for people with MS who experience balance and walking problems.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Exploring the onset of secondary progressive MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? Currently we donâ€™t have any accurate way of knowing which people with relapsing remitting MS are most likely to go on to develop secondary progressive MS. Dr Scalfari will be leading this two year project to improve our understanding of this._x000D_ _x000D_ The London Ontario MS database is a natural history database which collects lots of information about people with MS â€“ for example type of MS or treatments taken â€“ over a long period of time, often many decades. In this project this database will be explored to look for any common factors in people who go on to develop secondary progressive and when this might occur. _x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ If successful, this research could highlight similarities or predictive factors for secondary progressive MS. It is hoped that this work will also be used in clinical trials to highlight people who are most likely to respond to a treatment.


Research activity codes: 4.2 EVALUATION OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES;4.4 POPULATION SCREENING
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Profiling of autoantibody responses
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? The current treatments available to people with MS that reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord are limited, as a lot of people do not respond to them._x000D_ _x000D_ This is because it is believed that myelin damage is caused by a number of different factors, some of which cannot be prevented using current treatments. This research group from Glasgow University have shown that one of these factors may be a type of protein present in their immune system known as â€˜autoantibodiesâ€™. These autoantibodies could target and destroy myelin making cells. This project will aim to identify and characterise these autoantibodies and try to develop a test to identify people with MS who have them._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ There are treatments for other conditions that limit the damage caused by autoantibodies which could be effective for people with MS. Understanding the role of these autoantibodies and developing a test to identify people with MS who have them is an essential step towards the possibility of being able to select the most effective treatment for someoneâ€™s MS at an individual level.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Understanding the role of brain inflammation in progressive MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? The progressive stage of MS cannot be treated at the moment, which is partly due to our lack of understanding about how progression develops. Recent research carried out by Prof. Reynolds and his team suggests that there may be a chronic inflammation of the lining of the brain, called the meninges, that leads to damage to the brain tissue underneath. This damage results in a slow loss of nerve cells over many years. Their results show that the faster the rate of progression, the more inflammation in the meninges and that more nerve cells are lost. This theory now needs to be tested in laboratory model of MS so that we can understand how this happens. How will it help people with MS? The results of this study should give us a better insight into the nature of the molecules that damage nerve cells in MS and will help the development of new potential therapies to treat the progressive stage of MS.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Understanding the causes of hypoxia in MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What's the project about?_x000D_ _x000D_ A major feature of MS is inflammation in specific areas of the brain. Prof Kenneth Smith and his team have found that these areas suffer from an oxygen shortage, called hypoxia, which can be severe enough to cause symptoms and damage to the cells that produce myelin, resulting in demyelination. At the moment it is not known what causes hypoxia. As this uncertainty slows down the search for treatments to correct the hypoxia, this research project hopes to clarify this and identify the causes of hypoxia in laboratory models of MS. _x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ Once the cause of this hypoxia has been identified, researchers will be able to look to try and develop treatment strategies can either prevent or alleviate the symptoms and damage caused by hypoxia in MS.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Why does remyelination fail in MS? Investigating the role of FGF-9
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? There is lots of research being carried out trying to stimulate remyelination in the brain and spinal cord to try to restore function and prevent progression of disability in MS â€“ but we still do not understand why remyelination fails in the first place._x000D_ _x000D_ FGF-9 is an important protein that has a key role in the development of the nervous system, but it has also been shown to reduce myelination. This means that FGF-9 is an important new target for treatments designed to promote myelin repair. This project, lead by Chris Linington and his team from the University of Glasgow, aims to identify the way that FGF9 reduces remyelination in the nervous system, which will allow us to work out whether blocking the effects of FGF9 might be beneficial for people with MS._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ Understanding how FGF9 reduces remyelination in MS is an essential first step towards developing potential treatments that might block or reverse this effect, which could help people with MS to spontaneously repair the myelin of damaged nerves in MS.


Research activity codes: 1.1 NORMAL BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONING;2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Slowing progression in secondary progressive MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? There are currently no treatments that can slow or halt the progression of disability in MS. To change this, the MS Society set up the UK MS Clinical Trials Network (CTN) that helped develop a groundbreaking phase II clinical trial called MS-SMART. This unique three year trial will test the safety and effectiveness of three different drugs against a placebo in 440 people with secondary progressive MS. Testing three drugs in one trial is cost-effective as it is quicker than running individual trials. The three drugs being tested are already used for other conditions but have been shown to be potentially neuroprotective. By testing drugs that are already in clinical use means we have good safety information on these drugs which should speed up the development process._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ We hope this trial will lead to new treatments that can slow or stop progression in people with MS.


Research activity codes: 6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: Exploring the role of â€˜autoantibodiesâ€™ in childhood MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? Some people with MS donâ€™t respond to currently available treatments that reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. This is because itâ€™s believed that myelin damage can be caused by a number of different factors, some of which cannot be prevented using current treatments. Professor Liningtonâ€™s research group has shown that one of these factors may be a type of protein present in their immune system known as â€˜autoantibodiesâ€™. These autoantibodies could target and destroy myelin making cells. This group of researchers is already undertaking an MS Society funded project aiming to characterise these autoantibodies, so they can develop a test to identify people with MS who have them. Researchers will now look at whether autoantibodies play a role in childhood MS, exploring whether autoantibodies are linked to the severity and progression of MS in children._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ There are no specific therapies that have been validated in children with MS. This research will determine whether treatments to remove autoantibodies are likely to be helpful in treating children with MS, and will develop a technique for determining which children are likely to benefit from such treatments.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL
Title: A new treatment for bladder symptoms in MS
Funder: Multiple Sclerosis Society

Abstract: What is the project about? _x000D_Many people with MS experience lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recent evidence has suggested that UTIs might be responsible for the overactive bladder symptoms that many people with MS experience, and may even play a role in the progression of disability. So they are important to treat. Current treatments for UTIs involve taking antibiotics orally. This means that the antibiotics donâ€™t only treat the UTI but they spread throughout the entire body and can cause unnecessary side effects. This project involves the development and early testing of a new technology where antibiotics are stored in slow-release microcapsules which are injected directly into the bladder. This treatment will specifically treat the infected bladder cells and also eliminate the side effects caused by antibiotics spreading throughout the body._x000D_ _x000D_ How will it help people with MS?_x000D_ _x000D_ Up to 75 per cent of people with MS experience bladder problems. This project may one day lead to a more effective method of treating bladder symptoms in MS with fewer unwanted side effects.


Research activity codes: 5.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: NEUROLOGICAL