News & Press Releases

Immediate Release: July 25, 2023

SOLVING MS ANNOUNCES FUNDING
FOR GROUNDBREAKING HARVARD EBV CLINICAL TRIAL

Solving MS, a patient-led nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and finding effective treatments that have restorative effects and neuroprotection for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is proud to announce its collaboration with Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroimmunology & Neuroinfectious Disease in funding a groundbreaking clinical trial (NCT05957913) focused on utilizing TDF (Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate) to possibly reduce EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) viral load in the saliva and blood test results in Multiple Sclerosis patients.

Thomas F. Harrison, Daniel T. Wright, SammyJo Wilkinson, Karen Menendez and William N. DeVore, the Solving MS team, agreed that "Members of our MS Research Study group have been following all of the EBV in MS research Harvard has been leading. We were delighted that donations from people with MS could help move this research forward by funding this trial.”

The clinical trial launched earlier last month and hopes to answer the question of whether antiretrovirals should be further investigated as there have been case studies showing MS disease activity stopped for years on these medications. This may also yield an effective trial design that could be used for other therapies that aim to treat EBV in MS.

The clinical trial will be led by Dr. Michael Levy and Dr. Natalia Druso at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Levy, neurologist and lead investigator of the clinical trial at Harvard Medical School, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Solving MS on this vital research endeavor. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to uncover insights that could lead to significant advancements in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This collaboration has the potential to transform the lives of individuals affected by this disease."

Multiple sclerosis is a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Through landmark Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Stanford University School of Medicine studies, it has been shown that EBV is a leading cause of Multiple Sclerosis that applies to the majority of patients.

We believe that through innovative research and collaboration, tangible progress can be made in the fight against EBV as a cause of Multiple Sclerosis. By supporting this groundbreaking clinical trial, Solving MS remains committed to improving the lives of MS patients and bringing us closer to a future free from the burden of this chronic condition.

Solving MS is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and finding effective treatments for multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2023, Solving MS brings together scientists, healthcare professionals, and individuals affected by MS to collaborate on groundbreaking research projects and innovative initiatives. The organization strives to improve the quality of life for people living with MS and ultimately find a cure for this complex neurological disorder.

Solving MS also publishes the MS Research Database, a pipeline format for MS trials. Linked to specific therapies are Research Profiles that provide an ongoing log of trial progress, news reports and published outcomes.

For further information on Solving MS, please visit www.solvingms.org

Contact: Karen Menendez
[email protected]