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[MSUK]

Trial of first oral neuroprotective drug for MS without immunosuppressive effects starts




The biotechnological companies Advancell and Neurotec Pharma, both based in Barcelona Science Park (PCB), Spain, have announced the initiation of a clinical Phase IIa study with NT-KO-003, an innovative oral therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). NT-KO-003 was codeveloped by both companies and its mechanism of action is completely different from the drugs currently used to treat this disease.

The clinical trial, called NeuroAdvan, will be conducted in 105 patients from 11 hospitals in Spain (4 of them in Catalonia) and 3 in Germany, and will be led by Dr Pablo Villoslada, director of Neuroimmunology at IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the MRI Analysis and Research Center in Neuroimaging and Multiple Sclerosis (CARM) at the Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, led by Dr. Alex Rovira, and also with advice from Dr. Rafael Arroyo at the San Carlos Cinical Hospital, Madrid, Spainm and Dr. Xavier Montalban from Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Spain. Results from the study are expected in late 2012.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1397

[HarryZ]

Interesting to say the least!

In the past, drugs that provide an anti-inflammatory effect and are used for long periods of time (ie: steroids) have been considered immunomodulators. The article didn't elaborate on just how or what mechanism provide the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective results. Also found it interesting that the government in Spain is providing a lot of the funding as opposed to some big pharma company.

Needless to say, this will bear following over the next couple of years.

Harry