This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Anyone have any thoughts on the (theoretical) cumulative efficacy of combining minocycline and interferon? I found one study suggesting that the combination increases efficacy in EAE, but EAE is such a poor model of MS.

I'm particularly cautious given the recent study showing that combining statins with interferon significantly reduced the efficacy of both medications, with fairly poor results. On the other hand, I'd like to add minocycline, given that I think it probably offers some unique neuroprotective benefits.

Thanks to all.

J Neuroimmunol. 2005 Aug;165(1-2):83-91.

"Effective combination of minocycline and interferon-beta in a model of multiple sclerosis." -- Giuliani F, Fu SA, Metz LM, Yong VW.

The objective of the current study was to investigate whether minocycline improves the effect of an existing multiple sclerosis (MS) medication, interferon-beta, on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. When used at sub-optimal doses, neither medication affected EAE but their combination at these doses led to the significant alleviation of EAE disease severity scores and histological outcomes. In culture, the toxicity of T cells to neurons was alleviated by their prior exposure to minocycline or interferon-beta and their combination further attenuated neuronal death. Collectively, these results suggest the utility of the combination of minocycline and interferon-beta in MS.

I don't know if it will be effective, but the combination is being tested in a phase 2 trial.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/N ... 59?order=8

Actually, Minocycline has been studied in a 40 person trial in Canada. The results actually looked really promising. It was only for two years, but all 40 people were relapse free after two years of taking Minocycline. This wasn't in combo with any other drug, or at least it doesn't say it was on this abstract below.

See link below:

<shortened url>

Brock

Hi margotH and everyone,

I'm not involved in the above study, but I have been treating my MS with Minocycline for the last 6 months. good BBB penetration. I will be going for MRI's in July, and will post the results. I'm expecting good results since I am feeling better than I have in years.

Continue researching Minocycline for treating MS. I think much is being unraveled and more to come in the near future.

the best to you,
tory

[url]100 mg twice daily
start at just bedtime for one week then add the morning dose. If also on interferon I suggest that you liver enzymes be followed initially [/url]

Got confirmation of my scrip for Minocycline. I will start tonight on the protocol I referred to above. I hope this helps save some of my brain/spinal cord. I will certainly be keeping a close eye on any progress or deterioration and post accordingly for those who are interested.

Anyone else have any experience with Minocycline by its self or with a DMD? If so, what have been your results? I know there quite a few that have or are taking it as part of the wheldon protocol, etc... but I'd like to know if anyone is taking it alone outside of the CPN ABX protocols..??

Brock

_________________
History:
Diagnosed 06/05; Nystagmus - Right Eye: MRI Numerous active lesions
MRI 07/06 - No active Lesions
Relapsed 03/07; Right leg, numbness
MRI 03/07 - A LOT more active lesions than the first MRI
Relapsed 05/07; Both Hands, numb; Torso, numb

Hi Brock,

No, I'm not taking Minocycline (nor any CRAB). But, I will no longer take any ABX alone. Even according to this latest, "mainstream" research; ABX in combination v. mono therapy prove more effective. Combo ABX News Story:

http://tinyurl.com/2r4ogp



--Minai

LDN, Doxycycline and Roxithromycin--Wheldon/Stratton Regime since 9/06

Minai,

Thanks for the information. That is good to know. Although I think it depends on what you are trying too accomplish with the ABX. In my case, I am experimenting to see if I can get good results from the Neuroprotective/anti-inflammatory effect of this particular tetracycline. If you are wanting to kill a bacterial infection then following the advice you posted makes sense, but in my case that is not the goal I am trying to acheive, or at least not yet. I will certainly retain this for future reference.

Brock

Sorry to MargotH for hijacking your thread...
-B

_________________
History:
Diagnosed 06/05; Nystagmus - Right Eye: MRI Numerous active lesions
MRI 07/06 - No active Lesions
Relapsed 03/07; Right leg, numbness
MRI 03/07 - A LOT more active lesions than the first MRI
Relapsed 05/07; Both Hands, numb; Torso, numb

Brock,

Glad to hear you started Minocycline. Hope you will post and tell us "how" your feeling.

Feeling yucky is what you should expect, but I'll wait to hear that from you.

Are you considering taking Chlorella each day? more importantly taking a good probiotic daily?

Antibiotics will kill the bad bacteria, and also the good ones.
Theralac, or Florastor are 2 good ones; this is sooo important for your GI tract too. Getting a yeast problem isn't fun!

tory

Brock,

My doc has me on more that just Minocycline, so I can't help with answering your question, but nor am I on the CAP protocol.

Minocycline not only will "save" your brain and spinal cord lesions; in time it will actually "heal" them. This is the reason abx therapy is a sure winner with us MS'ers.

Good Luck