Developing Bugs as Drugs For The Prevention and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Impact of Vancomycin on the Gut Microbiome and Immune Function in Multiple Sclerosis
We are working on developing the FIRST Live Biotherapeutic Products aka “BUGS AS DRUGS” for the prevention and treatment of multiple sclerosis. Our goal is to identify communities of gut-derived bacteria that can be used as drugs to prevent, treat and/or cure multiple sclerosis.
Qualified Participants will be:
- 18 to 50 years old
- Newly Diagnosed, treatment-naive MS, RIS and CIS Patients
Participants will:
- Take antibiotic or placebo for times daily for 30 days
- Complete screening questionnaires
- Provide blood and stool samples
- Perform two self-administered peri-anal swabs
- Undergo four brain MRIs with contrast
Participants will be compensated for their time and the study procedures. Transportation assistance can be provided.
We anticipate that MS patients receiving vancomycin will have increased abundance of gut commensals capable of inducing regulatory T cells that will suppress peripheral and central nervous system inflammation. Identification of gut derived bacteria suppressing neuroinflammation in these patients could lead to the development of the first probiotic for the prevention and treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Interested
Contact Susan Filomena at susan.e.filmena@mssm.edu or call at 212-241-3841, or Nicole Graziano at Nicole.Graziano@mssm.edu or 212-241-3391.
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