On this special episode of The Raw Nerve podcast, recorded at the 2023 Progress in MS Research Conference in Perth, we take a deep dive into PLATYPUS, Australia’s groundbreaking adaptive clinical trial for progressive MS. Dr Julia Morahan, Head of Research at MS Australia, guides us through a captivating discussion with two of the brilliant minds steering the trial. Prof Simon Broadley from Griffith University, overseeing PLATYPUS and Prof Jeremy Chataway of University College London, Chief Investigator of the UK’s OCTOPUS trial.
PLATYPUS is the Australian extension of a revolutionary trial based in the United Kingdom (UK) called OCTOPUS, which aims to enrol participants in the UK and Australia over the next few years. It is the first-ever multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial for progressive MS. MAMS trials make it possible to test new treatments up to three times faster.
As part of the OCTOPUS trial, PLATYPUS will test multiple treatments with the aim to find one that can slow down, and ultimately stop, the progression of disability in people with primary or secondary progressive MS.Â
The trial aims to be a more efficient kind of clinical trial by using the multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) approach. It will run over a number of years. The trial has two stages and has now progressed to the second stage.Â
PLATYPUS is launching in Analysis Stage 2 of the trial. At this stage, researchers will be looking at clinical data to see whether the treatments can, in fact, slow down the progression of MS. More participants will also be invited to join the trial during this stage.Â
Currently, the trial compares two treatment groups, or “arms”, with one control group. New arms can also be added to the trial in the future to test other new and promising drugs. Â
Initially at least, the treatments tested will be repurposed treatments, meaning they are already in use for other conditions. These treatments will largely be focused on promoting the repair of damaged myelin, and the protection of nerves from damage. Learn more about how researchers are working to stop MS, by clicking here.
More details about the PLATYPUS trial are available on the Participant Information Sheet.
For general information on MS clinical trials, please visit MS Australia’s Trial.Smart modules.
