Featured Research Study to identify genetic, environmental and immune factors that many increase a person's risk of developing MS

Featured Project Genes and Environment in Multiple Sclerosis (GEMS)


Mission
The Genes and Environment in Multiple Sclerosis (GEMS) Research Study is dedicated to identifying genetic, environmental and immune factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing MS.

Description
This research study will ultimately enroll 5000 subjects who are at risk of developing MS. This increased risk is correlated with having a first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with MS or with having taken certain Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) agents. Obtaining information about who is at risk for MS will be beneficial in the future in identifying effective ways to screen or prevent this disease.

Who can participate?
People between the ages of 18-50 that are either:
- First Degree Relatives (parent, child, sibling) of a patient with MS, or
- Diagnosed with MS or other demyelinating disease by a neurologist and has at least one first degree relative with MS.
-Have taken or are currently taking one of the following anti-TNF therapies:
~ Adalimumab (Humira)
~ Infliximab (Remicade)
~ Etanercept (Enbrel)
~ Certolizumab (Cimzia)
~ Golimumab (Simponi)

Do you have to live in Boston to participate?
- No, we are recruiting first degree relatives from all parts of the United States as we do most of our recruitment through mail, phone, and email.

Contact us for more information
For more information, please visit our facebook page or email us at bwhmsstudy@partners.org