NCT00404352

Who might be able to join this trial:

• You had your first episode of possible MS symptoms within the last 60 days, lasting at least 24 hours, involving neurological changes (not just tingling sensations, bladder/bowel issues, or thinking problems)
• A brain MRI scan shows at least two inactive (symptom-free) lesions that are 3mm or larger, with at least one being oval-shaped, near the centre of the brain, or in the lower part of the brain
• Your disability score (a standard MS scale) falls between 0 and 5.0 at some point during the screening period
• You are between 18 and 50 years old (inclusive)
• You are willing and able to follow all study procedures
• You have signed a written consent form agreeing to take part
• If you are female, you must not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, and must be using a highly reliable form of contraception (such as implants, injections, combined contraceptive pill, certain coils, abstinence, or a vasectomised partner)

Who may not be able to join:

• You have already been formally diagnosed with MS (using 2005 McDonald criteria)
• Another condition could better explain your symptoms
• You have had complete paralysis across the spinal cord or vision loss in both eyes at the same time
• You have previously used or are currently using any approved MS medication
• You have taken part in another research study or used an experimental treatment within the last 12 weeks
• You have used steroid tablets or injections (including ACTH) within the last 30 days
• Your liver function blood tests are significantly above the normal range (confirm with trial site)
• Your blood counts are too low, including white blood cells, platelets, or haemoglobin (confirm with trial site)
• You currently have an autoimmune condition
• You have a serious physical or mental health condition, including a current or past history of severe depression or thoughts of suicide
• You have a history of seizures that are not well controlled by treatment
• You have a heart condition such as angina, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat
• You have a known allergy to interferon-beta or any ingredients in the study medication
• You have any condition that would prevent you from having an MRI scan
• You have a known allergy to the contrast dye used in MRI scans (gadolinium-DTPA)
• You have previously taken part in this same trial
• You have taken part in any clinical trial within the past 6 months
• You have ever used any immune-modifying or immune-suppressing treatments, including a wide range of specific medications such as interferon, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, or others (confirm full list with trial site)
• You have used any experimental MS treatments before joining, including statins taken specifically to prevent MS
• You have a history of alcohol or drug misuse
• You are unable to tolerate both paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen
• You are unable to give yourself (or have a carer give you) injections under the skin
• You have moderate to severe kidney problems

Important: Always verify eligibility with the trial site directly before applying.