Multiple Sclerosis clinical trials at UC Davis

The purpose of this study is to collect long-term safety, tolerability, effectiveness and health outcomes data in eligible subjects who have participated in a Novartis ofatumumab clinical MS study. Vaccination sub-study The purpose of this research sub-study is to find out the effects of ofatumumab on the development of antibody responses to selected vaccines and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) neo-antigen in subjects with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). COVID-19 sub-study: The purpose of this research sub-study is to explore the immune response following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination in a subset of subjects on long-term ofatumumab 20 mg sc. Note: Novartis is not supplying the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Under normal conditions our immune system protects us against infections and tumors. The immune system does this by recognizing that the infecting organism or the tumor is foreign to the body and attacking it. One way the immune system attacks a foreign target is by making proteins called antibodies that bind to the target. Sometimes, for reasons we poorly understand, the immune system wrongly identifies part of our own body as being foreign and attacks it. This can result in disease such as some forms of diabetes and thyroid disease, as well as some neurological diseases. In this study, one tablespoon of blood will be removed from each subject and tested to see if the immune system is making antibodies against components of the nerves and muscles. We also hope to learn if these antibodies contribute to the development or worsening of illnesses of the nervous system. Only one blood draw is required, but subjects may be asked to give up to 8 additional blood samples to see if the level of antibodies changes over time. Any additional blood draws would be performed at regularly scheduled clinic visits. There would be at least 3 months between blood draws over a period of up to 3 years, if requested by the physician. Depending on your diagnosis, the physician may also request the collection of mouth (buccal) cells. This takes about one minute and is painless. The cells are collected by swishing a swab around your mouth. This cheek swab would be done with each blood draw. Please note that this study is conducted ONLY at UC Davis and that all participants must be seen in our clinic located in Sacramento, CA. Results of the testing performed in this study are not given to the participants. This study is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition.