Testing and comparing multiple drugs at once against the standard treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis treatment
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects more than 130,000 people across the UK. Over time, many people experience progressive MS, where walking and everyday tasks gradually become more difficult. Currently, there are very few treatments available to stop this slow decline. The OCTOPUS trial aims to change that. It tests 'repurposed' drugs—medicines that are already safely used for other health conditions—to see if they can protect nerve cells in progressive MS. Because the trial tests multiple treatments at once, ineffective drugs can be stopped early, and promising new options can be added without delay. Participants continue their usual NHS care while taking either an active trial medication or a dummy pill (placebo). By taking part, volunteers help researchers discover life-changing treatments far more quickly.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, touching the lives of over 130,000 people in the UK. Many people live with progressive forms of the condition, known as primary progressive MS or secondary progressive MS. In progressive MS, symptoms gradually build up and physical disability increases over time, rather than appearing as sudden flare-ups that get better. At present, there are very few treatments on the NHS that can slow down this steady loss of function.
The OCTOPUS study is a major clinical trial designed to find treatments that can slow, or even halt, the progression of disability. Instead of developing entirely new medicines from scratch, the trial tests 'repurposed' drugs. These are medicines already safely prescribed for other medical conditions. Because doctors already understand how these drugs work and what side effects they might cause, testing them for MS is much faster and cheaper.
OCTOPUS uses an innovative 'multi-arm, multi-stage' approach. This means researchers can test several different drugs at the same time against a single comparison group. As the trial progresses, scientists review the results. If a drug is clearly not helping, it is dropped so participants do not take it needlessly. If a drug looks promising, it moves straight to the next phase of testing without the delays of setting up a new study.
Ultimately, this research aims to deliver clearer answers years ahead of standard clinical trials. Finding a successful treatment could help people with progressive MS maintain their independence, mobility, and quality of life for much longer.
Key takeaways
- OCTOPUS is testing existing medicines to see if they can slow down progressive MS.
- The trial tests several drugs at the same time to find answers much faster.
- Open to adults aged 25 to 70 with primary or secondary progressive MS.
- Participants continue regular NHS care plus either a study drug or a placebo.
- Participation is completely voluntary and you can leave at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is open to adults aged between 25 and 70 who have a confirmed diagnosis of either primary progressive MS (PPMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS). To be eligible, your disability must have gradually worsened over the last two years due to progression, rather than temporary relapses.
Doctors measure disability using a standard 10-point scale called the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). To take part, your score needs to be between 4.0 and 8.0. This range covers people who have moderate walking difficulties through to those who require walking aids or a wheelchair for most daily activities.
You must also have satisfactory kidney and liver function, which will be checked with routine blood tests before you join. Because the effects of the trial medicines on an unborn baby are not fully known, anyone taking part who could become pregnant will need to use effective contraception throughout the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 25 and 70 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of primary progressive MS (PPMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS)?
- Has your disability steadily increased over the past two years?
- Is your mobility level between having walking trouble and using a wheelchair (EDSS score 4.0 to 8.0)?
- Are you willing and able to attend hospital appointments for blood tests and MRI scans?
What does participation involve?
If you join OCTOPUS, a computer programme will randomly assign you to a treatment group. You will receive either one of the repurposed trial medicines or a dummy treatment (placebo), alongside your normal NHS care. Neither you nor your study doctor will know which treatment you are taking, which keeps the study fair and unbiased.
The trial is scheduled to run until late 2028. At first, you will visit your local hospital trial centre once a month for health checks. Later, these visits will reduce to once every six months. During visits, the study team will test your walking speed, muscle strength, coordination, eyesight, and memory. You will also have routine blood tests and brain MRI scans to monitor your health and see if the treatments are protecting brain tissue. Some questionnaires about your energy and quality of life can be filled out at home.
If the specific treatment you are taking is stopped early because it is not showing benefit, you may be invited to try a different study medication after a short resting break.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (25)
- Belfast City HospitalApproximateBelfast, Northern Ireland
- AddenbrookesApproximateCambridge, England
- University Hospital of WalesApproximateCardiff, Wales
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS TrustCity onlyCoventry, England
- The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology ClinicCity onlyEdinburgh, Scotland
- Leeds General InfimaryUnverifiedLeeds, England
- Poole HospitalUnverifiedPoole, England
- Royal Hallamshire HospitalUnverifiedSheffield, England
- Southampton General HospitalUnverifiedSouthampton, England
- Morriston HospitalUnverifiedSwansea, Wales
- National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery - Queen SquareUnverifiedLondon, England
- Southmead HospitalUnverifiedBristol, England
Common questions
What is a 'repurposed' medicine?
A repurposed medicine is an existing drug that has already been approved and used safely to treat a different illness, now being tested to see if it can also help progressive MS.
Will I have to stop taking my usual NHS treatments?
No. Everyone in the study continues to receive their standard NHS care and support alongside their allocated trial treatment.
What is a placebo and why is it used?
A placebo is an inactive pill or dummy treatment that looks identical to the real medicine. It ensures that any improvements seen are truly caused by the study drug and not by expectations.
What happens if the drug I am given is stopped early?
If early scans show a drug is not working, that study group will be closed. You will then be offered the chance to take a short break and switch to a different trial drug.
Can I leave the trial if I find it too difficult?
Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason. Your regular doctors will continue to look after your MS care as normal.
How to find out more
Cheryl Pugh
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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