Actively Recruiting Research Studies

Active Teens with Multiple Sclerosis (ATOMIC) Physical Activity Study

We developed a physical activity intervention using a mobile app tailored for youth with multiple sclerosis (MS). We propose to test the feasibility of implementing this intervention in youth with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to examine the extent to which the intervention can change physical activity levels in this population. We will also evaluate improvement in regional brain volumes, mood, and quality of life in these youth. Learn more here.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are between 11 and 21 years old;
• have been diagnosed with MS or CIS.

If interested in learning more, please contact Hareem Ilyas (416-813-7654 x 328576).

Metformin in Children with MS Study

We want to see if we can repair damaged myelin in children with MS using a drug called metformin. Previous research has shown that metformin helps repair myelin in mice and may associate with decreased relapses in adults with MS and metabolic syndromes. Learn more here.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are between 10 and 26 years old;
• have been diagnosed with MS.

If interested in learning more, please contact Essy Ogbomo (416-813-7654 x 328190).

Participation, Environment, And Key Clinical and Health Outcomes in Children with Multiple Sclerosis (PEACH)

We are currently conducting and recruiting for a new study looking at the relationship between participation in home, school and community activities, and mental health in children and youth with multiple sclerosis (MS). We hope to use this information to better understand how neuroinflammatory disease can affect a child’s mental health and ability to participate in activities at home, school and in the community. Over the course of the study, we hope to also identify what other factors affect their ability to participate in these activities.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are between 5 and 17 years old;
• have been diagnosed with MS.

If interested in learning more, please contact Paul Yoo (416-813-7654 x 328190).

Ofatumumab & Siponimod Drug Trial

To demonstrate the non-inferiority of ofatumumab and/or siponimod as compared to fingolimod as assessed by annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the target pediatric MS participants treated for up to 2-years

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are between 10 and 18 years old;
• have been diagnosed with MS.

If interested in learning more, please contact Hareem Ilyas (416-813-7654 x 328190).

Physical Activity (PA) Study

The aim of this study is gain a better understanding of various barriers and facilitators of physical activity in youth with MS. Over the course of the study, we hope to examine the relationships between built-environment variables, self-efficacy, goal setting and physical activity behaviours. This study consists of a 15-minute online survey.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• currently ages 18 or under;
• diagnosed with pediatric-onset Multiple Sclerosis

If interested in learning more, please contact Sonika Kumari

Self-management in youth with MS

We are conducting a study on self-management in youth with MS.  In this study you will share in your own words how you manage your life with MS in a 1 hour interview with a researcher. This will take place at SickKids in-person or by video online (Microsoft teams). Please note that there are no direct benefits to you for participating in this study, however participants may be recognized with volunteer hours.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• ages 25 or under;
• diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis OR
• you are a parent of a child with MS

If interested in learning more, please contact Katherine sawicka

OMAS Study

The goal of this study is to investigate eye movement outcomes in relation to brain volume, cognitive function, and disease severity in pediatric OMAS. Learn more here.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are between 6 and 18 years old;
• have been diagnosed with OMAS.

If interested in learning more, please contact Nusaybah Khan (416-813-7654 x 204757).

Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) Gene Expression Study

The goal of this study is to identify key molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune responses in childhood autoimmune encephalitides in order to help identify potential disease biomarkers and develop new targeted therapies. Learn more here.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are under 18 years old;
• have been diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis.

If interested in learning more, please contact Carmen Yea (416-813-7654 x 308828)

Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) in Canadian Children Study

This study is a national collaborative retrospective evaluation of clinical and MRI outcomes of children presenting with non-polio acute onset flaccid paresis (AFP). Learn more here.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are under 18 years old;
• have been diagnosed with AFP in the past 30 days.

If interested in learning more, please contact Carmen Yea (416-813-7654 x 308828).

Eculizumab Drug Trial

To evaluate the efficacy of eculizumab in relapsing pediatric patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are between 2 and 18 years old;
• have been diagnosed with NMOSD

If interested in learning more, please contact Hareem Ilyas (416-813-7654 x 328190).

Neuroinflammatory Patient Registry Study

The purpose of the Registry is to collect information on children with neuroinflammatory disorders for use in research aimed to increase our knowledge of childhood neuroinflammation and to help doctors develop better ways to diagnose and treat children with this rare condition. Learn more here.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• are under 18 years old;
• have been diagnosed with a neuroinflammatory disorder or a suspected neuroinflammatory disorder.

Check back later for new opportunities!

Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) Gene Expression Study

The goal of this study is to identify key molecular and cellular mechanisms of immune responses in childhood autoimmune encephalitides in order to help identify potential disease biomarkers and develop new targeted therapies. Learn more here.

You may be eligible for this study as a healthy control participant if you:

• are under 18 years old;
• have no significant medical history.

If interested in learning more, please contact Carmen Yea (416-813-7654 x 308828) or Olivia Lau (416-813-7654 x 328577).

Check back later for new opportunities!