TRIOMS: Treatment of multiple sclerosis with pig whipworm eggs

Study Description:
Recent data suggest that an asymptomatic worm infection by the pig whipworm can reduce disease activity of autoimmune disorders. We wanted to investigate this approach in the TRIOMS study in patients with relapsing-remitting MS or Clinically Isolated syndrome (CIS). One group of study participants have regularly taken in a liquid containing purified pig whipworm eggs for one year. The other group has received an identically appearing placebo liquid. Efficacy for the main part was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previous data suggest a very good tolerability of the eggs.

Patients with relapsing-remitting MS or CIS, who do not tolerate standard treatments with interferons or glatirameracetate, or in which these are not effective could participate in this study. Participants were seen regularly in our study outpatient clinic.

Principle Investigators: Dr. Berit Rosche (Departement of Neurology) in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Friedemann Paul (WG Clinical Neuroimmunology, NCRC, ECRC)

Registration: This study is registered in the database clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01413243).

Course of the study: 09/2012 - 03/2016

Publication:
Yordanova, I. A., F. Ebner, A. R. Schulz, S. Steinfelder, B. Rosche, A. Bolze, F. Paul, H. E. Mei, and S. Hartmann. "The Worm-Specific Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Receiving Controlled Trichuris Suis Ova Immunotherapy." Life (Basel) 11, no. 2 (Jan 29 2021). Link.