Exploratory Study to Assess Clinical Response to Gilenya® (Fingolimod) in Hispanics With RRMS

Inclusion Criteria

• •Clinically definite multiple sclerosis defined by McDonald Criteria (8) with a score of 0 to 5.5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)(9). Inclusion will also be determined by PI if clinically indicated. Relapsing remitting form of MS.
• •Between 18-65 years of age (This age range is selected so as to capture the vast majority of patients who are seen in the clinics with a confirmed diagnosed of MS. This age range also allows for exclusion of co-morbid conditions that may be associated with aging as well as pediatric cases where their disease characteristics have been shown to be different).
• •Ability to understand and sign the IRB-approved informed consent form prior to the performance of any study-specific procedures and is willing to comply with the required scheduling and assessments of the protocol.
• •Women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at the Screening Visit and must be willing to practice a reliable birth-control method.
• •Patient must be willing to discontinue and remain free from concomitant immunosuppressive or additional immunomodulatory treatment (including IFNβ1a, 1b, natalizumab and GA) for the duration of the study.
• •Willing to answer a series of questions about disease, ancestry, residence history, socioeconomic status and ethnic background.
• •Willing to donate 50cc of blood for genetic admixture and immunological testing on three occasions (O months, 6 months, 12 months).
• •Willing to undergo MRI as standard of care at a 1.5 Tesla magnet strength at least.