Genes and Environment in MS (GEMS) is a longitudinal cohort study investigating how genetics and environment can lead to the onset of Multiple Sclerosis. We are recruiting first-degree relatives (siblings, parents, and children) of people who have been diagnosed with MS. This study involves the collection of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain,…
MS Genetics aims to better understand the genetic component of demyelinating diseases by doing genetic testing on blood samples of participants. This study involves a one-time blood draw and completion of questionnaires spread out over a couple of years in hopes to better understand the genes that makes one predisposed to Multiple Sclerosis and various…
The Snapshot study aims to understand brain and spinal cord aging in healthy individuals and individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). We aim to identify new tools that will help us to achieve successful brain aging in the general population and in people with an underlying autoimmune disease. A critical aspect of this study is that we are looking for…
We are particularly interested in the diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome called Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Minimal Change Disease (MCD), and Membranous Nephropathy (MN). By collecting health information and laboratory samples, our goal is to learn more about diseases and find better ways to prevent and treat people with diseases.…
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences between immune profiles of individuals remaining on Ocrelizumab/Rituximab versus those transitioning to diroximel fumarate at two years. Baseline visits for subjects transitioning to diroximel fumarate (DRF) will take place 6 months after last Ocrelizumab (OCR) or Rituximab (RTX) dose, prior to…
We are currently recruiting individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), first-degree family members of persons with MS, and healthy individuals to take part in our research on the effects of probiotics. Our goal is to better understand how the health of the gut microbiome influences the immune system.
The CureGN Bone Study is a prospective study that is assessing the effects of 4-types of kidney disease on the skeleton. In order for us to determine the true effect of kidney disease on bone, we need to determine what healthy bone looks for patients who have the same age, race, sex, and body mass index as the patients with kidney disease. We are looking…
This study will be used to evaluate the immunologic effects of Prebiotics (soluble fiber required by beneficial bacteria), in comparison to Probiotics (beneficial bacteria), in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS).
ASPIRE is a clinical trial to investigate aspirin as a treatment to improve exercise performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who experience overheating during exercise. Persons with multiple sclerosis benefit from exercise, but many avoid it because of exhaustion and overheating. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) tests aspirin as a method to…
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a disease in which your kidneys allow an excess amount of protein in your urine. Too much protein in the urine (also called proteinuria) is a medical condition called nephrotic syndrome. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the study drug, Acthar, in adult patients…
The purpose of this study is to see if ocrelizumab (study drug) will stabilize, or potentiallyimprove the signs and symptoms of your MS. Ocrelizumab is a type of drug called amonoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies act like your bodys immune system andattach to certain cells in order to attack germs and other illnesses in your body.Ocrelizumab attaches…
The purpose of this study is to collect blood samples from women who are pregnant with a fetus that has been confirmed by prenatal microarray testing to have a chromosomal abnormality, such as a microdeletion (missing chromosomes) or microduplication (extra chromosomes). The sponsor of this study, Sequenom Laboratories, will use these samples to develop and…
This research is being done to learn whether organ transplantation from HIV-positive deceased donors is as safe and effective in HIV-positive recipients as transplants from HIV-negative deceased donors. People with end-stage organ disease and HIV infection, and who qualify for organ transplantation, may join this study.
A sign of your kidney disease is the presence of too much protein in your urine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the investigational study drug abatacept can decrease the amount of protein in your urine and improve your kidney disease beyond the treatment you have received or are already receiving. Abatacept is being used in an investigational…
The MK-8228-002 Study is studying the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication for preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in adults with kidney transplants. The MK-8228-002 Study is evaluating an investigational medication (known as MK-8228) versus valganciclovir (VGCV). VGCV is an antiviral medication and is the current standard of care…
The purpose of this study is to assess the most adequate dose of Acthar Gel (ACTH) in patients withIgA nephropathy. Acthar Gel (ACTH) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for routine clinical use in the treatment of patients with proteinuria and patients withidiopathic nephrotic syndrome such as IgAN.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The goal is to learn whether the investigational medication may change the amount of protein in the urine and decrease proteinuria.
Kidney disease patients have a variety of severe bone disorders that result in rapid bone loss and fractures. We are doing this research study to determine relationships between bone quality determined from bone imaging and bone biopsy and by non-invasive measures from blood and skin. We are trying to identify non-invasive markers of bone quality in kidney…
This study is for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a study drug called tolvaptan. Tolvaptan continues to be studied in this trial as a possible treatment for ADPKD. ADPKD is a disease that causes kidney cysts (cyst are like fluid-filled balloons), worsening kidney…
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) can occur when patients with pre-existing kidney problems undergo procedures that use iodinated contrast media, such as cardiac catheterizations. RenalGuard Therapy was developed to enable the patient to clear the contrast out of their kidney before it can do significant damage. This study aims to enroll patients with…
The purpose of this research study is to understand the way Alport Syndrome affects patients kidneys over time. Alport syndrome is a genetic condition that causes damage to your kidneys over time. Currently there is not much information on the disease. Information about how the body is affected by the disease will be collected, along with medical and family…