Secukinumab shines in small MS trial
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 10:45 am
Multiple sclerosis appears to be joining psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis as potential indications for secukinumab (AIN457), results of a small trial suggested.
The drug, which neutralizes interleukin-17a, significantly lowered MS-type brain lesions and showed a trend toward reduced relapse rates in a 6-month, placebo-controlled trial in 73 patients, said Eva Havrdová, MD, PhD, of Charles University in Prague.
Speaking at a late-breaking abstract session here at the annual meeting of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, Havrdová characterised the results as "proof of concept" that would merit larger and longer trials.
The investigational drug has already shown positive results in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
By binding to IL-17A, it prevents the cytokine from binding to its receptors, which, in turn, inhibits release of a host of other proinflammatory proteins -- hence, the potential to treat a range of autoimmune conditions. However, in multiple sclerosis, IL-17 species have only recently attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target.
With secukinumab already tested for safety and tolerability in other disorders, Havrdová and colleagues -- as well as the drug's developer, Novartis -- decided the time was right for a small efficacy study in relapsing-remitting MS patients.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/2479