Vancomycin for Multiple Sclerosis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing vancomycin, an antibiotic, to see if it can change gut bacteria and help reduce brain inflammation in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The goal is to understand if altering gut bacteria can improve immune function and lessen MS symptoms.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires participants to be treatment naive, meaning you should not be on any current medications for multiple sclerosis. If you are taking antibiotics, pre- or probiotics, or corticosteroids, you must stop using them for a certain period before joining the trial.
Is vancomycin safe for humans?
How does the drug Vancomycin differ from other drugs for multiple sclerosis?
Vancomycin is unique in the context of multiple sclerosis treatment because it is primarily an antibiotic, traditionally used to treat bacterial infections, and its potential use in MS is based on its ability to modulate the immune system. This is different from most MS treatments, which are specifically designed to target the immune system or inflammation directly.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Stephanie K Tankou, MD
Principal Investigator
Icahn School of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-50 with newly diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who haven't received treatment yet. Participants must understand the study and consent to join. Exclusions include recent gastroenteritis, chronic infections like hepatitis or HIV, antibiotic use in the last 90 days, pregnancy/postpartum women, bowel issues/surgery history, recent travel abroad, certain medication uses including immunosuppressants and steroids.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive vancomycin or placebo for 6 weeks to study its effects on gut microbiota and immune function
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in brain volumes and other secondary outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Placebo
- Vancomycin
Vancomycin is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead Sponsor
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Collaborator