EARLY IFNb-1a and Atorvastatin Combination Therapy of Isolated Clinical Syndrome Suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurologic disease, characterized pathologically by focal areas of inflammation, demyelination, axonal injury and degeneration in the central nervous system. MS follows several different disease courses. Approximately, 90% of patients have a relapsing form of the disease. We propose that atorvastatin (Lipitor) may enhance the immunomodulatory effects of INFb-1a (Rebif) in patients with clinically isolated neurological syndrome suggestive of MS. This combination may be more effective in preventing development of definitive relapsing-remitting MS if administered early in the course of the disease. The study will identify markers of disease activity that are selectively affected by this combination therapy. Identified markers may be used in future clinical trials to predict patient's clinical response and to monitor the response to treatment as a secondary outcome measure.