{
  "abstract": "Introduction The OCTOPUS trial is the first multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS), currently open across 15 UK sites. Current treatment arms include R/S alpha-lipoic acid and metformin, compared against placebo, with all arms receiving standard care.Objectives/Aims Summarised recruitment and screening progress, and participant demographics to date.Methods Eligible participants are aged 25-70 years with EDSS 4.0-8.0. Recruitment involves online registration, telephone and in-person screening. Stage 1 achieved its recruitment target of 375 participants (125 per arm). Stage 2, opened November 2024, requires 475 additional participants per arm to evaluate progression via composite scores (EDSS, 9HPT, T25FW).Results As of January 2025, 388 participants have been randomised. Recruitment is ongoing at 15 sites and the OCTOPUS team are working to open a further 15 UK sites and sites in Australia. Randomised participants are 59.3% female, with a mean age of 56.8 years, and baseline EDSS is ≥6.0 in 81.3%.Conclusion While Stage 1 recruitment was successfully achieved, the success of Stage 2 will depend heavily on the availability of additional sites across the UK. Expanding site coverage will enhance participant accessibility and ensure the trial meets recruitment targets within the timeline.Sean.apapmangion@nhs.net",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "MRC Clinical Trials Unit, UCL"
      ],
      "name": "The OCTOPUS Trial Investigators"
    }
  ],
  "title": "150 The optimal clinical trials platform for progressive multiple sclerosis (OCTOPUS trial) – stage 2 sites & recruitment",
  "uid": "bd4474f5-3035-54f7-aad7-faf0c1af3350"
}