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Success of immunomodulators in MS shifts discovery focus to neuroprotection



With six immunomodulatory agents in late-stage development for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, this area of the therapeutic space has become highly competitive. Could remyelination therapies that provide neuroprotection be the next frontier?

Close on the heels of the approval last year of the first oral disease-modifying drug for multiple sclerosis (MS), Novartis's fingolimod, six more late-stage contenders — including novel oral agents and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) — are next up. As a result, the landscape for immunomodulatory agents is becoming increasingly crowded.

The latest clinical trial results for these relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) treatment contenders were presented in October at the joint ECTRIMS–ACTRIMS meeting in Amsterdam. A highlight was data for Biogen Idec's BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate), an orally available small molecule (with a relative molecular mass of <150) that is thought to act in part by modulating the activity of the transcription factors nuclear factor-κB and NRF2, which have important roles in inflammation. Results from the Phase III DEFINE trial of the drug showed that the drug met its primary end point, significantly reducing the proportion of patients who relapsed at 2 years. Top-line data from the CONFIRM trial — which included Teva's injectable immunomodulator glatiramer acetate as an active comparator — were reported days after the meeting and provided similarly positive results.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... pageid/683

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The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre

Squiffy's House of Fun - Laughter for Multiple Sclerosis

Yes, there certainly is a $ucce$$ of immunomodulators in MS medications these days. The immune systems of MS patients are being compromised more and more and the data being given by the producers looks better and better. But didn't these same people tell us with their data that the CRAB drugs were the answer to MS?!

Thanks Squiffy.

If that is a success, I wonder what a failure could be...

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Shortest joke: "We may not be able to cure MS but we can manage its symptoms."

Good thing we all have a choice whether to use them or not.