ClinicalTrials.gg
RecruitingNCT04047628BEAT-MSUpdated Oct 20, 2026

Best Available Therapy Versus Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Sclerosis (BEAT-MS)

A Phase 3 interventional study of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Best Available Therapy (BAT) in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, sponsored by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Recruiting at 23 sites in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 55 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-20.

Sponsored by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) · Phase 3, Interventional, and Treatment

From the registry’s dates

  • Started Aug 2020; still recruiting 6 years 2 months later.
Updated Oct 20, 2026Primary completion movedStudy completion movedGo to Updates ↓
Phase
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
156
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 55 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This is a multi-center prospective rater-masked (blinded) randomized controlled trial of 156 participants, comparing the treatment strategy of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) to the treatment strategy of Best Available Therapy (BAT) for treatment-resistant relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants will be randomized at a 1 to 1 (1:1) ratio.

All participants will be followed for 72 months after randomization (Day 0, Visit 0).

Read the detailed description

Participant recruitment for this six-year research study focuses on multiple sclerosis (MS) that has remained active despite treatment. This study will compare high dose immunosuppression followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) to best available therapy (BAT) in the treatment of relapsing MS.

MS is a disease caused by one's own immune cells. Normally, immune cells fight infection. In MS, immune cells called T cells, or chemical products made by immune cells, react against the covering or coat (myelin) of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to stripping the coat from certain nerve fibers (demyelination), and this causes neurologic problems. MS can cause loss of vision, weakness or incoordination, loss or changes in sensation, problems with thinking or memory, problems controlling urination, and other disabilities.

Most individuals with MS first have immune attacks (called relapses) followed by periods of stability. Over time, MS can have episodes of new and worsening symptoms, ranging from mild to disabling. This is called relapsing MS. Relapsing MS includes relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). There are medicines (drugs) to decrease relapses, but these are neither considered to be curative nor, to induce prolonged remissions without continuing therapy.

More than a dozen medicines have been approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. These medicines differ in how safe they are and how well they work. Despite availability of an increasing number of effective medicines, some individuals with relapsing MS do not respond to treatment. Research is being conducted to find other treatments.

High dose immunosuppression followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been shown to help relapsing MS in cases where medicines did not work. AHSCT involves collecting stem cells, which are produced in the bone marrow. These stem cells are "mobilized" to leave the bone marrow and move into the blood where they can be collected and stored. Participants will then receive chemotherapy intended to kill immune cells. One's own stored (frozen) stem cells are then given back, through an infusion. This "transplant" of one's stem cells allows the body to form new immune cells in order to restore their immune system. New research suggest that MS might be better controlled with AHSCT than with medicines.

02

Conditions studied

  • Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
  • Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
  • Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Keywords

  • Treatment-Resistant Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT)
  • Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBMCs) Graft
  • Best Available Therapy (BAT)
  • Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT)
  • BAT DMT
03

In context

Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

618 studies on the registry are indexed under Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; 82 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 156 is above the median of 66 across 437 interventional studies indexed under Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting.

Browse Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting studies →

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is the lead sponsor of 2,446 studies on the registry; 179 are open to participants now.

Of its 405 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 302 (75%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 55 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  1. Age 18 to 55 years, inclusive, at the time of the screening Visit -2.
  2. Diagnosis of MS according to the 2017 McDonald Criteria139.
  3. EDSS ≤ 6.0 at the time of randomization (Day 0).
  4. T2 abnormalities on brain MRI that fulfill the 2017 McDonald MRI criteria for dissemination in space139. A detailed MRI report or MRI images must be available for review by the site neurology investigator.
  5. Highly active treatment-resistant relapsing MS, defined as ≥ 2 episodes of disease activity in the 36 months prior to the screening visit (Visit -2). The two disease activity episodes will be a clinical MS relapse or MRI evidence of MS disease activity and must meet all the criteria described below:

    1. At least one episode of disease activity must occur following ≥ 1 month of treatment with one of the following: (i) an oral DMT approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsing MS, or (ii) a monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsing MS, or (iii) rituximab. Qualifying DMTs include: dimethyl fumarate, diroximel fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, cladribine, daclizumab, ponesimod, siponimod, ozanimod, fingolimod, rituximab, ocrelizumab, natalizumab, alemtuzumab, ublituximab, and ofatumumab, and
    2. At least one episode of disease activity must have occurred within the 12 months prior to the screening visit (Visit -2), and
    3. At least one episode of disease activity must be a clinical MS relapse (see item c.i. below). The other episode(s) must occur at least one month before or after the onset of the clinical MS relapse, and must be either another clinical MS relapse or MRI evidence of disease activity (see item c.ii. below):

    i. Clinical MS relapse must be confirmed by a neurologist's assessment and documented contemporaneously in the medical record. If the clinical MS relapse is not documented in the medical record, it must be approved by the study adjudication committee (see Section 3.5), and ii. MRI evidence of disease activity must include ≥ 1 unique active lesion on one or more brain or spinal cord MRIs. Detailed MRI reports or MRI images must be available for review by the site neurology investigator. A unique active lesion is defined as either of the following:

1. A gadolinium-enhancing lesion, or 2. A new non-enhancing T2 lesion compared to a reference scan obtained not more than 36 months prior to the screening visit (Visit -2).

6. Candidacy for treatment with at least one of the following high efficacy BAT DMTs: cladribine, natalizumab, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab and rituximab. Candidacy for treatment for each BAT DMT is defined as meeting all of the following:

  1. No prior disease activity episode, as defined in Inclusion Criterion #5, with the candidate BAT DMT, and
  2. No to the candidate BAT DMT, and
  3. No treatment with the candidate BAT DMT in the 12 months prior to screening.

    7. Completion of COVID-19 vaccination series, according to the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, ≥ 14 days prior to randomization (Day 0).

    8. Positive for VZV antibodies, or completion of at least one dose of the varicella zoster glycoprotein E (gE) Shingrix vaccine at least 4 weeks prior to randomization (Day 0).

    9. Insurance approval for MS treatment with at least one candidate BAT DMT (see Inclusion Criterion #6).

    10. Ability to comply with study procedures and provide , in the opinion of the investigator.

    11. Females of (defined in Section 5.4.3.1) and males with female partners of childbearing potential are required to adhere to the provisions of Section 5.4.3.1.

    12. For participants who use medicinal or recreational marijuana, willingness to substitute MARINOL® if randomized to AHSCT (Section 5.4.2.6).

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Diagnosis of primary progressive MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria.
  2. History of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder or MOG antibody disease.
  3. Prior treatment with an agent within 3 months or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer. Agents authorized by the FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19 are not considered investigational.
  4. Either of the following within one month prior to randomization (Day 0):

    1. Onset of acute MS relapse, or
    2. Treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone 1000 mg/day for 3 days or equivalent.
  5. Initiation of any BAT DMT (see Section 5.2.1) between Visit -2 and randomization (Day 0).
  6. Brain MRI or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination indicating a diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
  7. History of cytopenia consistent with the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
  8. Presence of unexplained cytopenia, polycythemia, thrombocythemia or leukocytosis.
  9. History of sickle cell anemia or other hemoglobinopathy.
  10. Evidence of past or current or infection, including treated hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Hepatitis B surface antibody following hepatitis B immunization is not considered to be evidence of past infection.
  11. Presence or history of mild to severe cirrhosis.
  12. Hepatic disease with the presence of either of the following:

    1. Total ≥ 1.5 times the (ULN) or total bilirubin ≥ 3.0 times the ULN in the presence of Gilbert's syndrome, or
    2. (ALT) or Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) ≥ 2.0 times the ULN.
  13. Positive COVID-19 PCR test, or alternative nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) per institutional standards, within 14 days prior to randomization (Day 0).
  14. Evidence of infection.
  15. Positive QuantiFERON - TB Gold,TB Gold Plus, or T-SPOT®.TB test results. PPD tuberculin test may be substituted for QuantiFERON - TB Gold, TB Gold Plus, or T-SPOT®.TB test.
  16. Active viral, bacterial, endoparasitic, or opportunistic infections.
  17. Active invasive fungal infection.
  18. Hospitalization for treatment of infections or parenteral (IV or IM) antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitic agents within the 30 days prior to randomization (Day 0) unless clearance is obtained from an Infectious Disease specialist.
  19. Receipt of live or within 6 weeks of randomization (Day 0).
  20. Presence or history of cardiac disease including: a. Arrhythmia requiring treatment with any antiarrhythmia therapy, with the exception of low dose beta blocker for intermittent premature ventricular contractions.

    b. Coronary artery disease with a documented diagnosis of either: i. Chronic exertional angina, or ii. Signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure. c. Evidence of heart valve disease, including any of the following: i. Moderate to severe valve stenosis or insufficiency, or ii. Symptomatic mitral valve prolapse, or iii. Presence of prosthetic mitral or aortic valve.

  21. (LVEF) \< 50%.
  22. Impaired renal function defined as \< 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, according to the CKD-EPI formula144.
  23. (FEV1) \< 70% predicted (no bronchodilator).
  24. Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (corrected for ) \< 70% predicted.
  25. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, defined as > 8%.
  26. History of , except adequately treated localized basal cell or squamous skin cancer, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix. Malignancies for which the participant is judged to be cured will be considered on an individual basis by the study adjudication committee (see Section 3.5).
  27. Presence or history of any moderate to severe rheumatologic disease requiring treatment, including but not limited to the following: systemic lupus erythematous, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, polychondritis, sarcoidosis, vasculitis syndromes, or unspecified collagen vascular disease.
  28. Presence of active peptic ulcer disease, defined as endoscopic or radiologic diagnosis of gastric or duodenal ulcer.
  29. Prior history of AHSCT.
  30. Prior history of solid organ transplantation.
  31. Positive pregnancy test or breastfeeding.
  32. Failure to willingly accept or comprehend irreversible sterility as a side effect of therapy.
  33. Psychiatric illness, mental deficiency, or cognitive dysfunction severe enough to interfere with compliance or .
  34. History of to rabbit or Escherichia coli-derived proteins.
  35. Any metallic material or electronic device in the body, or other condition that precludes the participant from undergoing MRI with gadolinium administration, as determined by the site radiologist.
  36. Presence or history of ischemic cerebrovascular disorders, including but not limited to , subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral embolism, or cerebral hemorrhage.
  37. Presence or history of other neurological disorders, including but not limited to CNS or spinal cord tumor; metabolic or infectious cause of myelopathy; genetically-inherited progressive CNS disorder; CNS sarcoidosis; or systemic autoimmune disorders potentially causing progressive neurologic disease or affecting ability to perform the study assessments.
  38. Presence of any medical comorbidity that the investigator determines will significantly increase the risk of treatment mortality.
  39. Presence of any other concomitant medical condition that the investigator deems incompatible with trial participation.
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(22)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Contraindication

A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

Childbearing potential

Able to become pregnant: from the first period until menopause, unless permanently unable to through surgery (removal of the womb, or of both ovaries or both fallopian tubes).

Criteria for people of childbearing potential usually ask for a negative pregnancy test and for contraception during the study and for a time after it.

Contraception

Ways of preventing pregnancy. “Highly effective” methods fail less than 1% of the time a year when used correctly — for example an IUD or an implant.

Criteria usually say which methods count and how long to keep using them after the last dose, sometimes for male participants too. Some studies accept a partner’s vasectomy if it was confirmed successful and that person is the participant’s only sexual partner.

Investigational drug or device

A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.

It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.

Hepatitis B tests

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. These are separate tests: HBsAg positive usually means a current infection (a recent vaccination can briefly cause it too); total anti-HBc (HBcAb) positive means an infection now or in the past; HBV DNA measures how much virus is in the blood.

Some studies accept a past infection if HBV DNA is undetectable, sometimes with antiviral medicine during the study. Check what this study allows.

Hepatitis C tests

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. An HCV antibody test can stay positive after an infection has cleared (and is occasionally positive without one); an HCV RNA test shows whether the virus is there now.

After treatment, hepatitis C counts as cured when HCV RNA is still undetectable 12 weeks or more after the treatment ended. Studies often accept people cured this way.

Bilirubin

A yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down, which the liver clears. A high level can mean a problem with the liver or the bile ducts.

Criteria often allow more for people with Gilbert’s syndrome, a harmless inherited condition that raises bilirubin.

ULN (upper limit of normal)

The top of the normal range for a blood test, as set by the laboratory that runs it. Each lab prints its own range next to your result.

“≤ 2.5 × ULN” means the result can be up to two and a half times that top value.

ALT and AST (liver enzymes)

Two enzymes measured in a routine blood test of the liver. Higher levels can mean the liver is under strain or damaged. SGPT and SGOT are older names for ALT and AST.

Criteria usually give a limit as a multiple of the upper limit of normal (ULN), often higher when cancer has spread to the liver.

HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens the immune system.

Many studies now accept people whose HIV is controlled on treatment, judged by the viral load and the CD4 count. Check the limits this study sets.

Live vaccines

Vaccines made with a weakened form of the germ, such as measles–mumps–rubella (MMR), chickenpox and yellow fever. They can be risky when the immune system is weakened. Flu injections are not live; the nasal flu spray is.

Clinically significant

Judged by the study doctor to matter for your health or for the study. It is a doctor’s decision, so ask the study team if you are unsure whether something counts.

LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction)

The share of blood the heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) pushes out with each beat, measured by an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or a MUGA scan. About 50–70% is normal.

GFR and eGFR (kidney filtering)

GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is how much blood the kidneys filter each minute. It is usually estimated from a blood test — eGFR, by formulas such as CKD-EPI or MDRD — and some studies ask for it to be measured directly instead. Usually given in mL/min/1.73 m².

Check the method, the units and the minimum the study states. A value of 90 or above is in the normal-or-high range, but kidney damage can show in other tests too.

FEV1

From a breathing test (spirometry): how much air you can blow out in the first second. Often given as a percentage of what is expected for your age, height and sex.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low level is anaemia, which can cause tiredness and breathlessness. Measured in g/dL or g/L (9 g/dL is 90 g/L).

HbA1c

A blood test of average blood sugar over the past two to three months, given as a percentage or in mmol/mol. 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or more is the usual threshold for diabetes, normally confirmed by a second test.

Cancer (malignancy)

Malignancy means cancer. Criteria about another or earlier malignancy ask whether you have had a different cancer, usually within a set number of years.

Some are commonly allowed, such as treated skin cancers other than melanoma and early cancers removed completely — check the exceptions this study lists.

Autoimmune disease

A condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.

Immunotherapy studies often leave out active autoimmune disease, and some name exceptions, such as thyroid disease on replacement hormone. Check the exceptions this study lists.

Hypersensitivity

An allergy, or another reaction of the immune system, to a substance. “Hypersensitivity to the study drug” means a known allergic reaction to it — not every side effect a medicine can have.

TIA (transient ischaemic attack)

A “mini-stroke”: temporary stroke-like symptoms caused by reduced blood flow to part of the brain, spinal cord or eye, without signs of a new stroke on a scan.

Stroke symptoms need emergency care at once, even if they go away.

05

Study design

Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
156 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    AHSCT

    AHSCT: Myeloablative and Immunoablative therapy followed by Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Participants will undergo: 1. Mobilization and graft collection: mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) with cyclophosphamide, filgrastim, and dexamethasone. The autologous graft will be collected by leukapheresis and cryopreserved. 2. Conditioning: high dose myeloablative and immunoablative conditioning with a six-day BEAM chemotherapy and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin regimen will be initiated ≥30 days after cyclophosphamide mobilization. 3. Autologous cryopreserved graft infusion: the cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) graft will be thawed and infused the day following completion of the conditioning regimen. Each bag will be thawed and infused according to institutional standards consistent with the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) guidelines. Participants will receive prednisone following graft infusion.

    Procedure: Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

  • Active comparator
    Best Available Therapy (BAT)

    Participants randomized to BAT: Best available therapy will be selected by the Site Investigator from: Cladribine (Mavenclad®), natalizumab (Tysabri®), alemtuzumab (Campath®, Lemtrada®), ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®), ublituximab (BRIUMVI™), rituximab (Rituxan®), or ofatumumab (Arzerra®) (after approval by the FDA for relapsing MS).

    Biological: Best Available Therapy (BAT)

Interventions

  • ProcedureAutologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

    1. PBSC mobilization \& collection regimen per protocol/ institutional standards includes: intravenous cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®), 4 grams/m\^2); intravenous mesna (Mesnex®),a total delivery of 4 grams/m\^2); oral dexamethasone, 10 mg dose, four times daily); subcutaneous filgrastim,10 mcg/kg/day until leukapheresis goal is completed; and CD34+ peripheral blood stem cells collection by leukapheresis. 2. Conditioning per protocol\& institutional standards: * 6-day BEAM (e.g. Carmustine (BCNU), Etoposide (VP-16), Cytarbine (Ara-C), and Melphalan) chemotherapy protocol and, * rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) 2.5 mg/kg/day x2 3. Autologous cryopreserved graft infusion: The target Cluster of Differentiation (CD)34+ cell dose for infusion is 5 x 10\^6 CD34+ cells/kg (minimum 4 x 10\^6 CD34+ cells/kg; maximum 7.5 x 10\^6 CD34+ cells/kg). For 1\&2 above: Ideal body weight (IBW) versus Actual Body Weight (ABW) are applicable.

    Also known as: AHSCT

  • Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) selected by the Site Investigator from the below: * cladribine * natalizumab * alemtuzumab * ocrelizumab, * rituximab, * ofatumumab, or * ublituximab

    Also known as: natalizumab (Tysabri®), alemtuzumab (Campath®, Lemtrada®), ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®), rituximab (Rituxan®), cladribine (Mavenclad®), ofatumumab (Kesimpta®), ublituximab (BRIUMVI™)

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Relapse-Free Survival

    MS relapse-free survival, analyzed as time from treatment randomization until MS relapse or death from any cause.

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 36 Months (3 Years)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Number of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Relapses Per Year

    Annual Relapse Rate (ARR) time calculated as number of confirmed relapses divided by time in study per year.

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  2. The Occurrence of Any Evidence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disease Activity or Death From Any Cause

    The occurrence of any evidence of MS disease activity or death from any cause, analyzed as time-to-event.

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  3. The Occurence of Confirmed Disability Worsening by the Kurtz Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)

    Measured by the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale performed by the masked (blinded) rater. EDSS, defined by: * A decrease in EDSS of ≥ 1.0 step(s) compared to the EDSS at randomization (Day 0) and * Confirmation of disability improvement ≥ 6 months later. The time of confirmed disability worsening measured by EDSS will be the time of first increase in EDSS ≥ 1.0 step(s).

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  4. The Occurrence of Confirmed Disability Improvement by the Kurtz Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)

    Measured by the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale performed by the masked (blinded) rater. Confirmed disability improvement defined by: * A decrease in EDSS of ≥ 1.0 step(s) compared to the EDSS at randomization (Day 0) and * Confirmation of disability improvement ≥ 6 months later. The time of confirmed disability improvement measured by EDSS will be the time of first decrease in EDSS ≥ 1.0 step(s).

    Time frame: Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to Month 72 (6 Years)

  5. Whole Brain Volume Change from Pre-Randomization Visit to the follow-up evaluations

    Method of assessment: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) imaging.

    Time frame: From Visit Pre-R Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  6. Change in Serum Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) Concentration

    Extent of neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentration in serum is a component of the neuronal cytoskeleton and is released into the cerebrospinal fluid and subsequently blood following neuro-axonal damage.

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  7. The Occurrence of Death From Any Cause: All-Cause Mortality

    Any death, regardless of relationship to treatment.

    Time frame: Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to Month 72 (6 Years)

  8. Proportion of Participants who Experience a Serious Adverse Event (SAE)

    An event that results in any of the following outcomes: * Death, * A life-threatening event that places the participant at immediate risk of death, * Inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, * Persistent or significant incapacity or substantial disruption of the ability to conduct normal life functions, or * A congenital anomaly or birth defect. * Note: Important medical events that may not result in death, be life threatening, or require hospitalization may be considered serious when, based upon appropriate medical judgment, they may jeopardize the participant and may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed in this definition. Reference: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Part 312.32(a)

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  9. Proportion of Participants with a Grade 3 or Higher Infection

    In accordance with the criteria set forth in the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events NCI-CTCAE version 5.0, published November 27, 2017.

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  10. Proportion of Participants with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

    The occurrence of PML during the course of participation in this study. A disease of the white matter of the brain, caused by a virus infection, Polyomavirus JC (JC virus), that targets cells that make myelin--the material that insulates nerve cells (neurons).

    Time frame: From Day 0 (Randomization to Treatment) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  11. Time to Neutrophil Engraftment Among Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) Recipients

    Neutrophil engraftment is defined as absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \> 500/µl on two consecutive measurements on different days.

    Time frame: From Day of Graft Infusion (Receipt of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells-PBSC Infusion) Up to 72 Months (6 Years)

  12. Proportion of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) Recipients Who Experience Primary or Secondary Graft Failure

    Graft failure can either be primary (graft never established) or secondary (loss of an established graft). Primary graft failure is the absence of adequate hematopoiesis by Day T28, defined as meeting all of the following conditions: * Bone marrow cellularity \<5%, * Peripheral White Blood Cell Count (WBC) \< 500/µl, * Peripheral Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) \< 100/ µl, and * Platelets \< 10,000/ µl.

    Time frame: From Day of Transplant (Receipt of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells-PBSC Infusion) Up to Day 28 Post Transplant

07

Study locations

19 of 23 sites recruiting
  • Stanford Multiple Sclerosis Center
    Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
    Recruiting
    • Emma Martinez · Contacteam1@stanford.edu · (650) 387-5907
    • Jeffrey Dunn, MD, FAAN · Principal investigator
  • Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine
    Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
    Recruiting
  • Northwestern University
    Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
    Recruiting
    • Matthew Selle · Contactautoimmunesct@nm.org
    • George Georges, MD · Principal investigator
    • Bruce Cohen, MD · Principal investigator
  • University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center
    Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, United States
    Recruiting
    • Irina Radu, MD, MHA · Contactirina.radu@umassmed.edu · 774-441-7754
    • Carolina Ionete, MD, PhD · Principal investigator
  • Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute
    Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
    Recruiting
    • Kelly Tundo · Contactkciach1@hfhs.org
    • Mirela Cerghet, MD · Principal investigator
  • University of Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Center
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
    Active, not recruiting

    Not enrolling at this site — choose another above.

  • Mayo Clinic
    Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
    Recruiting
    • Lisa Roemer · ContactRoemer.Lisa@mayo.edu · 507-293-9754
    • B. Mark Keegan, MD,FRCPC · Principal investigator
  • John L. Trotter Multiple Sclerosis Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
    St Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
    Recruiting
    • Laura Teeter · Contactlteeter@wustl.edu · 314-747-6247
    • Gregory Wu, MD, PhD · Principal investigator
  • Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Siinai
    New York, New York 10029, United States
    Recruiting
    • Sarah Myoung · Contactsarah.myoung@mssm.edu · 212-241-3391
    • Gena Persad · Contact212-241-6604
    • Aaron Miller, MD · Principal investigator
  • Rochester Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Rochester
    Rochester, New York 14620, United States
    Not yet recruiting
    • Andrew D. Goodman, MD · Principal investigator
  • Duke University Medical Center
    Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
    Active, not recruiting

    Not enrolling at this site — choose another above.

  • University of Cincinnati (UC) Waddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, United States
    Recruiting
  • Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic
    Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
    Recruiting
    • Alecia Chase · Contactchasea@ccf.org · 216-780-4935
    • Jeffrey A. Cohen, MD · Principal investigator
  • Multiple Sclerosis Center, Oregon Health & Science University
    Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
    Recruiting
    • Debbie Guess, RN · Contactgriffide@ohsu.edu · 503-494-7651
    • Yadav Vijayshree, MD,MCR,FANA,FAAN · Principal investigator
  • Penn Comprehensive MS Center, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology
    Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
    Recruiting
  • Maxine Mesigner Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, Baylor College of Medicine Medical Center
    Houston, Texas 77030, United States
    Recruiting
    • Tahari Griffin · Contacttgriffin@bcm.edu · 713-798-6097
    • George J. Hutton, MD · Principal investigator
  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
    Recruiting
    • Matthew Baron · Contactukx3sv@uvahealth.org · 434-297-4102
    • Mini Singh, MD · Principal investigator
  • Virginia Commonwealth University Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research Center
    Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
    Recruiting
  • Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
    Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
    Active, not recruiting

    Not enrolling at this site — choose another above.

  • Multiple Sclerosis Center, Swedish Neuroscience Institute
    Seattle, Washington 98122, United States
    Recruiting
  • Multiple Sclerosis Center at Northwest Hospital
    Seattle, Washington 98133, United States
    Recruiting
    • Elisa McGee · Contactemcgee@uw.edu · 206-598-9260
    • Annette Wundes, MD · Principal investigator
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, United States
    Recruiting
    • Pam Dailey · Contactpdailey@mcw.edu · 262-689-1846
    • Ahmed Obeidat, M.D. · Principal investigator
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Nash RA, Hutton GJ, Racke MK, Popat U, Devine SM, Steinmiller KC, Griffith LM, Muraro PA, Openshaw H, Sayre PH, Stuve O, Arnold DL, Wener MH, Georges GE, Wundes A, Kraft GH, Bowen JD. High-dose immunosuppressive therapy and autologous HCT for relapsing-remitting MS. Neurology. 2017 Feb 28;88(9):842-852. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003660. Epub 2017 Feb 1. PubMed 28148635 ↗
  • Nash RA, Hutton GJ, Racke MK, Popat U, Devine SM, Griffith LM, Muraro PA, Openshaw H, Sayre PH, Stuve O, Arnold DL, Spychala ME, McConville KC, Harris KM, Phippard D, Georges GE, Wundes A, Kraft GH, Bowen JD. High-dose immunosuppressive therapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (HALT-MS): a 3-year interim report. JAMA Neurol. 2015 Feb;72(2):159-69. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2014.3780. PubMed 25546364 ↗
  • Cohen JA, Baldassari LE, Atkins HL, Bowen JD, Bredeson C, Carpenter PA, Corboy JR, Freedman MS, Griffith LM, Lowsky R, Majhail NS, Muraro PA, Nash RA, Pasquini MC, Sarantopoulos S, Savani BN, Storek J, Sullivan KM, Georges GE. Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Treatment-Refractory Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Position Statement from the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2019 May;25(5):845-854. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.02.014. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PubMed 30794930 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: Yes — Participant level data access and additional relevant materials will be made available upon completion of the trial.

Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form, Analytic code

Time frame: After completion of the trial, within 24 months status post database lock.

Access criteria: Registration is available for the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) at: https://www.immport.org/registration and submit a rationale for the purpose of requesting study data access. ImmPort is a long-term archive of clinical and mechanistic data, a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (NIAID DAIT)-funded data repository. This archive is in support of the NIH mission to share data with the public. Data shared through ImmPort is provided by NIH-funded programs, other research organizations and individual scientists, ensuring these discoveries will be the foundation of future research.

Data sharing details ↗ · www.immport.org

09

Updates

1 registry update since Sep 25, 2026
Primary completion
Oct 2026→Aug 6, 2030
Oct 20, 2026
Study completion
Oct 2029→Aug 9, 2033
Oct 20, 2026
Show all 1 update
  1. Oct 20, 2026
    Primary completion Oct 2026→Aug 6, 2030
    Study completion Oct 2029→Aug 9, 2033
    + 1 other change: verification date

From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT04047628
Collaborators
Immune Tolerance Network (ITN), Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network, PPD Development, LP, Rho Federal Systems Division, Inc.
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Aug 7, 2019
Start date
Aug 17, 2020
Primary completion
Aug 6, 2030 (estimated)
Completion
Aug 9, 2033 (estimated)
Last update
Oct 20, 2026

Study contacts

Jeffrey A. Cohen, MD
study chair · Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic
George E. Georges, MD
study chair · Northwestern University
Paolo A. Muraro, MD, PhD
study chair · Department of Medicine, Imperial College London

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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No contact was published for this record. The registry link below has the sponsor’s details.

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