NCT05359653 · University of California, San Francisco
Assessing Changes in Multi-parametric MRI in MS Patients Taking Clemastine Fumarate as a Myelin Repair Therapy
(ReVIVE)
What this study is about
The clinical trial is intended to assess for clinical evidence of Clemastine Fumarate as a myelin repair therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory injury-causing demyelination as measured by multi-parametric MRI assessments. No reparative therapies exist for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
View original scientific description
The clinical trial is intended to assess for clinical evidence of Clemastine Fumarate as a myelin repair therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory injury-causing demyelination as measured by multi-parametric MRI assessments. No reparative therapies exist for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Clemastine fumarate was identified along with a series of other antimuscarinic medications as a potential remyelinating agent using the micropillar screen (BIMA) developed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Following in vivo validation, an FDA IND exemption was granted to investigate clemastine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the context of chronic optic neuropathy. That pilot study was recently completed and is the first randomized control trial documenting efficacy for a putative remyelinating agent for the treatment of MS. The preselected primary efficacy endpoint (visual evoked potential) was met and a strong trend to benefit was seen for the principal secondary endpoint assessing function (low contrast visual acuity). That trial number was 13-11577. This study seeks to follow up on that study and examine clemastine fumarate's protective and reparative effects in the context of chronic demyelinating brain lesions as imaged by multi-parametric MRI assessments. The investigators will be assessing the effects of clemastine fumarate as a remyelinating therapy and assessing its effect on MRI metrics of chronic lesions found in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In addition to using conventional multi-parametric MRI assessments, this study will also evaluate a new MRI technique called Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE) MRI to assess the effects of clemastine fumarate as a remyelinating therapy of chronic lesions found in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and compare it to the other assessments.
Interventions
DRUG
Clemastine Fumarate
8 mg Clemastine tablet. Clemastine fumarate was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies) in 1977 and was approved for over-the-counter marketing in 1992. Clemastine is not FDA approved as a remyelinating therapy
DRUG
Placebo
Matched sugar tablet
Primary outcome measures
Corpus Callosum Myelin Water Fraction
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at increasing the myelin water fraction (MWF) (measured in %) from magnetic resonance imaging of the corpus callosum.
Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum Myelin Water Fraction at 3 Months
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at increasing the myelin water fraction (MWF) (measured in %) from magnetic resonance imaging of the corpus callosum. Change = (3-month % - Baseline %)
Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum Myelin Water Fraction at 6 Months
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at increasing the myelin water fraction (MWF) (measured in %) from magnetic resonance imaging of the corpus callosum. Change = (6-month % - Baseline %)
Corpus Callosum T1 Relaxation Time
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at shortening the T1 relaxation time (measured in seconds) within the corpus callosum using T1 mapping protocols in an MRI.
Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum T1 Relaxation Time at 3 Months
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at shortening the T1 relaxation time (measured in seconds) within the corpus callosum using T1 mapping protocols in an MRI. Change = (3-month time - Baseline time)
Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum T1 Relaxation Time at 6 Months
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at shortening the T1 relaxation time (measured in seconds) within the corpus callosum using T1 mapping protocols in an MRI. Change = (6-month time - Baseline time)
Corpus Callosum UTE Fraction
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline visit.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at increasing the ultrashort echo time (UTE) fraction (measured in %) derived from magnetic resonance imaging of the corpus callosum.
Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum UTE Fraction at 3 Months
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 3-month visits.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at increasing the ultrashort echo time (UTE) fraction (measured in %) derived from magnetic resonance imaging of the corpus callosum. Change = (3-month % - Baseline %)
Change from Baseline in Corpus Callosum UTE Fraction at 6 Months
Time frame: This will be assessed at the baseline and 6-month visits.
The efficacy of clemastine relative to placebo at increasing the ultrashort echo time (UTE) fraction (measured in %) derived from magnetic resonance imaging of the corpus callosum. Change = (6-month % - Baseline %)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Written informed consent must be obtained prior to any assessment being performed.
- Patients diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and a disease duration of \< 15 years
- Male or female patients aged 18-55 years (inclusive)
- Use of appropriate contraception during period of trial (women). Before entry women must be:
- Post-menopausal for at least 1 year OR
- Surgically sterile (have had a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy, tubal ligation, male partner vasectomy or otherwise incapable of pregnancy) OR
- Practicing a highly effective method of birth control if sexually active, including hormonal prescription oral contraceptives, contraceptive injections, contraceptive patch, intrauterine device, double barrier method (e.g., condoms, diaphragm or cervical cap with spermicidal foam, cream or gel), or male partner sterilization consistent with local regulations regarding use of birth control methods for patients participating in clinical trials, for the duration of their participation in the study OR
- Not heterosexually active (patients who are not heterosexually active at screening must agree to utilize a highly effective method of birth control if they become heterosexually active during their participation in the study) OR
- Practicing true abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the subject) Period abstinence (e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post ovulation methods) is not an acceptable method.
Exclusion criteria
- Radiologic identification of marked brain atrophy relative to patients age based on recent MRI and interpretation of expert neuroradiologist or PI
- New lesion in most recent MRI (within 3 months)
- Hypersensitivity to clemastine or other arylalkylamine antihistamines, or any of the excipients.
- Treatment with corticosteroids within 30 days prior to screening.
- Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥ 4.5
- History of significant cardiac conduction block.
- History of cancer.
- Suicidal ideation or behavior in 6 months prior to baseline.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
- Involved with other study protocols simultaneously without prior approval.
- Concomitant use of any other putative remyelinating therapy as determined by the investigator.
- Prior treatment with total lymphoid irradiation, T cell or T cell receptor vaccination.
- Prior treatment with alemtuzumab, mitoxantrone, or cyclophosphamide.
- Serum creatinine \> 1.5 mg/dL; aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), or alkaline phosphatase \> 2 times the upper limit of normal. (Reported within 72 hours)
- History of drug or alcohol abuse within the past year.
- Untreated B12 deficiency (as determined by B12 serological assessments and metabolites including methylmalonic acid \[MMA\] and homocysteine) or untreated hypothyroidism.
- Clinically significant cardiac, metabolic, hematologic, hepatic, immunologic, urologic, endocrinologic, neurologic, pulmonary, psychiatric, dermatologic, allergic, renal, or other major diseases that in the PI's judgment may affect the interpretation of study results or patient safety.
- History of or presence of clinically significant medical illness or laboratory abnormality that, in the opinion of the investigator would preclude participation in the study
- Inability to participate in MRI, including extreme claustrophobia.
- Any dental braces or permanent or undetachable metals in the jaw or face.
Where
- San Francisco, California
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations