A Study of the Pharmacokinetics and Immunologic Effects of Lipoic Acid in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common, often disabling inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Present treatments for MS are only partially effective, available only in injectable forms, have significant side effects and are very costly. Developing more effective and better-tolerated treatments of MS thus remains an important goal for the improvement of the care of MS. Lipoic acid (LA) is an antioxidant that is widely available as a dietary supplement.

The primary outcome of this study is to determine the pharmacokinetics of oral LA 1200 mg to see if we can identify factors affecting the bioavailability of LA. We will also study the salivary concentrations of oral LA and its correlation with the serum LA concentrations. We will also study the effects of LA on the immunological markers after four hours of administration.

Inclusion criteria

• Definite MS by McDonald's or Poser's criteria
• EDSS ≤ 7.5
• Age 18 to 80

Exclusion criteria

• No clinically significant MS exacerbation within 30 days of the screening
• No systemically administered corticosteroids within 30 days of study entry
• Patient not pregnant or breast feeding
• No LA in previous 2 weeks
• Not on anti-coagulants such as heparin, coumadin, or aspirin during study
• No other significant health problem (e.g. active coronary heart disease, liver disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus) that might increase risk of patient experiencing adverse events
• Inability to give informed consent
• Any condition which would make the patient, in the opinion of the investigator, unsuitable for the study