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Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-RemittingPhase 4DELIVER-MSNCT03535298

Determining the Effectiveness of earLy Intensive Versus Escalation Approaches for RRMS

A Phase 4 study testing Early Highly Effective Therapies Group and Escalation Therapies Group in people with Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting, run by The Cleveland Clinic at 30 sites in 2 countries.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

The DELIVER-MS study seeks to answer the question: Does early treatment with highly effective DMT improve the prognosis for people with MS? This is an area of significant controversy and no data currently exist to guide treatment choices for patients and clinicians. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 60 years
Conditions the study is for
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting
What is being tested?
Early Highly Effective Therapies Group and Escalation Therapies Group
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
800 participants
Where
30 sitesin 2 countries
Study dates
3 Jan 2019to 30 Jul 2027
Phase
Phase 4
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 60 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Men and women aged 18 to 60 years.
  • Established diagnosis of MS, as defined by the 2017 revision of McDonald Diagnostic Criteria (99).
  • RRMS disease course as defined by the 2013 revisions of the MS clinical course definition (4).
  • Participants must have evidence of active disease based on: one or more MS relapses within the last 18 months prior to screening visit or radiological evidence of MS activity (≥2 new T2 lesions within the last 12 months from screening [compared to a previous recent MRI within 18 months of screening] or ≥1 GdE demonstrated on brain or spinal cord MRI performed within the last 12 months of screening).
  • Participants must be ambulatory with disease onset ≤ 5 years and treatment-naïve (i.e., no MS DMT at any time in the past).
  • Participants must be eligible to receive at least one form of DMT within each treatment arm.
  • EDSS at Baseline visit ≤ 6.5

Who cannot join

  • Participants with contraindications to all forms of DMT in either of the treatment arms.
  • Participants must never have received any of the following medications: natalizumab, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, rituximab, ofatumumab, cladribine, siponimod, interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, pegylated interferon beta-1a, glatiramer acetate, fingolimod, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, daclizumab, mitoxantrone, diroximel fumarate, ozanimod, monomethyl fumarate, ponesimod.
  • Participants must have not received any of the following medications, for reasons other than MS, in the last 12 months: cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, methotrexate, leflunomide, laquinimod, atacicept, other monoclonal antibodies.
  • Participants with clinically relevant medical or surgical conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, would put the subject at risk by participating in the study
  • Participants unable to provide informed consent.
  • Contraindication or inability to undergo MRI with Gd due to metal or metal implants, allergy to Gd contrast, claustrophobia, pain, spasticity, or excessive movement related to tremor.
  • Unwillingness or inability to comply with the requirements of this protocol including the presence of any condition (physical, mental, or social) that, in the opinion of the PI, is likely to affect the participant's ability to comply with the study protocol.

Trial locations and contacts

30 sites in 2 countries.

30 sites in 2 countries

United States15 sites
  • University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus

    Aurora, Colorado, 80045

  • UT-Austin

    Austin, Texas, 78712

  • University of Buffalo

    Buffalo, New York, 14202

  • University of Virginia

    Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903

  • University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195

  • Ohio Health

    Columbus, Ohio, 43214

  • Baylor College of Medicine, Houston

    Houston, Texas, 77030

  • UTHealth-Houston

    Houston, Texas, 77030

  • Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

    Las Vegas, Nevada, 89106

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53705

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond, Virginia, 23284

  • Mayo Clinic

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55902

  • University Rochester Medical Center

    Rochester, New York, 14642

Other trials in United States

United Kingdom15 sites
  • Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board, University Hospital of Wales

    Cardiff, Wales, CF14 4XW

  • University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

    Coventry, England, CV2 2DX

  • Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

    Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 4SA

  • The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds General Infirmary

    Leeds, England, LS1 3EX

  • University Hospitals Leicester

    Leicester, England, LE1 5WW

  • Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital

    London, England, W6 8RF

  • University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College Hospital

    London, England, WC1N 3BG

  • Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Hospital

    Manchester, England, M6 8HD

  • Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board Headquarters, Royal Gwent Hospital

    Newport, Wales, NP19 0BH

  • Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre

    Nottingham, NG7 2UH

  • Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital

    Oxford, England, OX3 9DU

  • University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford Hospital

    Plymouth, England, PL6 8DH

  • Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

    Sheffield, England, S5 7AT

  • University Hospitals of North Midlands

    Stoke, England, ST4 6QG

  • Swansea Bay University Local Health Board, Morriston Hospital

    Swansea, Wales, SA6 6NL

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: Determining the Effectiveness of earLy Intensive Versus Escalation Approaches for the Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

The DELIVER-MS study seeks to answer the question: Does early treatment with highly effective DMT improve the prognosis for people with MS? This is an area of significant controversy and no data currently exist to guide treatment choices for patients and clinicians. The study results will help guide overall treatment philosophy and will be applicable not only to a wide range of existing therapies but also to new therapies, meeting a significant unmet need in patient decision making and aiding the decision for medication approval by third parties.

Read the detailed description

DELIVER-MS is a multi-center pragmatic comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial with additional-parallel observational cohort. It aims to enroll up to 400 individuals newly diagnosed with RRMS and randomize them 1:1 to Early Highly Effective (EHT) or Escalation (ESC) treatment paradigms, based on the use of different disease modifying therapies (DMT) as first-line therapy. EHT approach to DMT is defined as use of one of five monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab) as first-line therapy. ESC approach is defined as initiating any other approved MS DMT as first-line therapy, then escalating to a more effective therapy upon disease activity. Once randomized, the Neurologist and Participant decide which DMT within the arm is most appropriate. After the initial DMT is initiated, if a DMT change is needed, the second-line therapy may be chosen from either arm, regardless of randomization. The randomization only applies to the initial DMT choice.

Up to 400 individuals who do are not amenable to randomization or who agree to randomization but are not approved for coverage for a medication in the arm to which they were randomized will enter the Observational Arm. In the Observational Arm, the DMT chosen is from any approved DMT for MS and is chosen by the Neurologist and participant.

All study procedures throughout are identical between the randomized and observation alarm, except for the randomization.

The primary objective for the initial 36 months of the study is normalized whole brain volume loss, measured using MRI from baseline to Month 36. The primary objective for the long term extension of the study (Months 48-108) is the EDSS+, a composite measure of clinical disability based on the EDSS and MSFC.

The study is performed primarily in tertiary MS Centers in the US and UK.

Being tested
Early Highly Effective Therapies Group, Escalation Therapies Group
Medical subject headings
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Early Highly Effective Therapies GroupDrug

    Also called Lemtrada (alemtuzumab), Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), Tysabri (natalizumab), Rituxan (rituximab)

    Highly Effective MS Therapy group of medications

  • Escalation Therapies GroupDrug

    Also called Betaseron (beta interferon), Copaxone (glatiramer acetate), Aubagio (teriflunomide), Extavia (beta interferon)

    Escalation MS Therapy group of medications

Study groups in NCT03535298
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
EHT: Early Highly-effectiveExperimentalParticipants randomized to the "EHT: Early Highly-effective" arm will receive one of the highly effective MS therapies (Ocrevus, Lemtrada, Tysabri, Rituximab, Kesimpta) as their initial disease modifying treatment. Interventions: one of the highly effective MS therapies The randomization affects only the INITIAL treatment received. Once that treatment has been initiated, any subsequent changes are made according to standard clinical practice, regardless of randomization group.
Receives: Drug: Early Highly Effective Therapies Group
ESC: EscalationExperimentalParticipants randomized to the "ESC: Escalation" arm will receive any other approved MS therapy (not one of the EHT group) as their initial disease modifying treatment. Interventions: one of the MS therapies NOT in the highly effective group The randomization affects only the INITIAL treatment received. Once that treatment has been initiated, any subsequent changes are made according to standard clinical practice, regardless of randomization group.
Receives: Drug: Escalation Therapies Group
OBS: ObservationalNo interventionParticipants will not be restricted to a group of MS therapies. Participants enter this arm if they are not comfortable with randomization, are not eligible to receive any of the options in a randomized arm, or are not able to secure insurance coverage for any therapy in a randomized arm.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Brain volume loss, baseline to month 36

    To determine whether an EHT approach to DMT, defined as use of one of four monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, rituximab, or ocrelizumab) as first-line therapy, is more effective than an escalation of treatment approach in reducing normalized whole brain volume loss measured using MRI in PwRRMS from Baseline to Month 36.

    Measured: Baseline to 36 months

  2. EDSS+, month 48 to month 108

    To determine whether an EHT approach to DMT, defined as use of one of six monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab) as first-line therapy, is more effective than an escalation of treatment approach in reducing time to reach a multidimensional composite comprised of EDSS+ worsening. EDSS+ worsening will be defined as worsening on ⩾ 1 of the 3 components: EDSS, 9HPT, or T25FW, which is confirmed at another visit after 12 months. EDSS worsening will be defined as a ⩾1.0-point increase from a baseline score of ⩽5.5 or a ⩾0.5-point increase from a baseline score of ⩾6.0. T25FW and 9HPT worsening will be defined as ⩾20% worsening from baseline.

    Measured: 48 months to 108 months

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Brain volume loss, month 6 to month 36

    To determine whether an EHT approach to DMT, defined as use of one of four monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, natalizumab, rituximab, or ocrelizumab) as first-line therapy, is more effective than an escalation of treatment approach in reducing normalized whole brain volume loss measured using MRI in PwRRMS from Month 6 to Month 36.

    Measured: Month 6 to month 36

  2. Proportion of participants with progression

    Proportion of participants with a multidimensional composite comprised of EDSS progression (>1.5 points for those with EDSS of 0 at Baseline, ≥1.0 for those with EDSS of 0.5-5.0 at Baseline, and >0.5 points for those with EDSS above 5.0 at Baseline), 20% change in MSFC-4 subcomponents (T25FW, 9HPT), 10% in SDMT or, 1 line change in LCLA confirmed over 12 months.

    Measured: Baseline to 36 months

  3. Change in MSIS-29, baseline to 36 months

    Change in MSIS-29 responses from participants

    Measured: Baseline to 36 months

  4. Change in Neuro-QOL, baseline to 36 months

    11 subscales, each is scored separately, there is no composite score

    Physical Domains:

    Upper Extremity Function (Fine Motor, ADL):

    Higher scores indicate: Better Functioning

    Lower Extremity Function (Mobility):

    Higher scores indicate: Better Functioning

    Fatigue:

    Higher scores indicate: Worse Functioning

    Sleep Disturbance:

    Higher scores indicate: Worse Functioning

    Mental Domains:

    Cognition Function:

    Higher scores indicate: Better Functioning

    Stigma:

    Higher scores indicate: Worse Functioning

    Anxiety:

    Higher scores indicate: Worse Functioning

    Depression:

    Higher scores indicate: Worse Functioning

    Positive Affect and Well -being:

    Higher scores indicate: Better Functioning

    Social Domains:

    Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities:

    Higher scores indicate: Better Functioning

    Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities:

    Higher scores indicate: Better Functioning

    Measured: Baseline to 36 months

  5. Time to reach SPMS, month 48 to month 108

    To determine the efficacy of an EHT approach as compared to an escalation approach as reflected by the following:

    • Time to reach secondary progressive MS (SPMS) as defined by worsening on the EDSS (3 strata definition for EDSS worsening plus EDSS score of ≥4 and pyramidal score ≥2), confirmed at 12 months, over 108 months
    • Proportion of participants with a 20% or greater change in T25FW at 108 months.
    • Proportion of participants with a 20% or greater change in 9HPT at 108 months.
    • Proportion of participants with a 20% or greater change in the SDMT at 108 months.

    Measured: 48 months to 108 months

  6. Efficacy difference between EHT and ESC, month 48 to month 108

    To determine the efficacy of an EHT approach as compared to an escalation approach as reflected in the following patient-reported outcomes:

    • The change in participant-perceived symptoms as measured by the MSIS-29.
    • The change in participant quality of life as measured by Neuro-QOL.

    Measured: 48 months to 108 months

  7. Safety difference between EHT and ESC, month 48 to month 108

    To determine the safety of an EHT approach as compared to an escalation approach as reflected in the following:

    • Proportion of participants with SAEs
    • Rate of SAEs
    • Proportion of participants with DMT discontinuation due to safety or tolerability concerns
    • Cumulative on-therapy TSQM Response scores

    Measured: 48 months to 108 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 May 2018
  2. Study start3 Jan 2019
  3. Primary completion30 Jul 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jul 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
800 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03535298
Sponsor's protocol ID
CCF 18-326/23-453
Acronym
DELIVER-MS
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
14 May 2018
Last updated
31 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Tallantyre EC, Planchon SM, Howard H, Mays J, Frowd N, Cohen JA, Coles A, Hersh CM, Miller DM, Dever M, Gray EH, LaRocca NG, Nakamura K, Bale C, Covey-Crump G, Alvarez E, Arun T, Brownlee WJ, Craner M, Freeman L, Frost N, Goldman MD, Gupta RK, Harding KE, Hobart J, Hutton GJ, Hyland MH, Kalra S, Kannan M, Kantarci O, Lashley D, Lily O, Mahad D, Nicholas JA, Nicholas R, Paling D, Pearson OR, Rice CM, Samudralwar R, Schmalstieg WF, Singh M, Zune The E, Weinstock-Guttman B, Zabeti A, Love TE, Gunzler DD, Liu Y, Gerry S, Evangelou N, Ontaneda D. Disease-modifying treatment preferences and decision-making in a multiple sclerosis randomized and observational clinical trial (DELIVER-MS). Mult Scler. 2026 Jun;32(7):722-736. doi: 10.1177/13524585261449988. Epub 2026 May 31.

    PubMed 42218617

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 4 study testing Early Highly Effective Therapies Group and Escalation Therapies Group in people with Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting, run by The Cleveland Clinic at 30 sites in 2 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 31 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 30 sites in United States, United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Brain volume loss, baseline to month 36 (time frame: Baseline to 36 months). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03535298, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 31 Aug 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.

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