Large-Scale, Multidisciplinary, MS Sample Repository

The MS Repository project launched in 2004 with a pilot trial to collect 50 blood samples and data from people with MS and unaffected controls, store them, and then distribute them to researchers for use in a study. This was successfully completed in 2005 and allowed us to determine most of the hidden costs and procedural details so that we could launch a full-scale effort to collect thousands of samples after the pilot.

In 2006 we launched the first phase of the main study to collect 1000 blood samples and extended the scope to include people with other demyelinating diseases including Transverse Myelitis (TM), Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) or Devic's, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and Optic Neuritis (ON).

We have started with the collection of blood because that is readily accessible, but we will add on the ability to collect cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and request brain and spinal cord tissue from donors after death. The need for a large collection of high-quality samples with adequate associated medical records is one of the biggest impediments to determining the causes of Multiple Sclerosis. The establishment of the MS Repository will address that need.

To aid us in these efforts we continue to assemble top researchers who advise us on priorities, review our plans, and help determine how to most effectively execute them. In formulating our plans for the MS Repository, we have conducted extensive interviews with scientists in multiple fields of research to determine their specific needs for materials.

The MS Repository Overview Documents

• Overview of the MS Repository
• Repository Informed Consent Form
• Repository Study Protocol
• Repository Interview (Pages 48 - 89 are redundant and have been removed)

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