Susan Emrich

The Intranasal Insulin research study primarily aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of intranasal insulin in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The secondary objective is to evaluate if intranasal insulin improves memory and learning in people with MS, as assessed by various neuropsychological tests. This research study is being done because cognitive impairment is common in and devastating to people with MS. MS-related cognitive impairment is associated with lowered quality of life, loss of employment, impaired social relationships, compromised driving safety, and reduced adherence to treatment. Insulin is critical with helping to control brain function and metabolism and has been shown to improve  memory and learning in subjects with neurological diseases.

We are looking to recruit at least 105 subjects that have a diagnosis of MS and are experiencing  difficulty with thinking and memory (as assessed by a standardized test). In order to be eligible, participants must be adults between the age of 18 and 70 and not have had any relapses in the past 3 months. Participants must be untreated or on the same MS therapy for at least 6 months, with no anticipated change in the next year. Participants should have no drug or alcohol abuse and no cigarette use in the past 3 months. Those with certain other health conditions, including diabetes, or taking certain medications will be excluded for the sake of safety. Subjects that meet eligibility will be enrolled into a randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial of either intranasal insulin or a placebo. We hope the results of this research study will provide new insights on how to improve cognitive function in patients with MS.

For more information on the Intranasal Insulin study, please contact the study coordinator, Ama Avornu, (aampadu1@jhmi.edu) or by calling 410-955-1819.