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Emerging treatmentsMyelin repair
Registered study in peopleOngoing, but not accepting participantsNo evidence of benefit in people yet

Phase 3 study that can add or remove treatments

OCTOPUS: the first review of metformin and alpha-lipoic acid is planned for September 2026

Worth knowing

The first OCTOPUS review in progressive MS will assess metformin and alpha-lipoic acid. It will look at brain shrinkage on MRI, disability, walking speed and hand function.

What this means for people with MS

This is one of the nearest important milestones in progressive MS. The review may decide which treatment groups continue, but it is not the final Phase 3 result.

What kind of evidence exists?
Official study update
How reliable is this source?
High for trial status • official academic update

Related study or programme: OCTOPUS →

University / investigatorRead the source ↗

Related substantive developments

Myelin repair
Laboratory or animal researchLaboratory or animal programmePromising early finding

Laboratory and animal research

Blocking fibronectin restored remyelination in experimental models

A PNAS study found that a protein called fibronectin can build up in areas where myelin has been lost. This may trap immature cells that could otherwise become myelin-making cells. Blocking fibronectin improved myelin repair and symptoms in two animal models.

Read the update →Peer-reviewed paper
Emerging treatmentsMyelin repair
Planned study in peopleAnnounced or plannedPermission or regulatory step

Planned Phase 2 study

Lucid-MS: the FDA removed its temporary pause, allowing a planned Phase 2 study to move forward

After an earlier temporary pause, the FDA allowed Lucid-MS to move forward. The company plans a Phase 2 study in progressive MS in which participants will be randomly assigned Lucid-21-302 or an inactive placebo, without knowing which one they receive.

Read the update →Official company filing