Minocycline

A board to discuss future MS therapies in early stage (Phase I or II) trials.
Post Reply
User avatar
bromley
Family Elder
Posts: 1898
Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:00 pm

Minocycline

Post by bromley »

Minocycline seems to have been investigated as a possible therapy for MS and other neuological diseases for ages. In May 2004, it showed some promising results - as an immuno-modifying treatment, and it has also been suggested that it has neuro-protective properties. It is currently being trialled with Copaxone. The following research suggests how it may work

Ian

http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?j566561445&w=464753
User avatar
flipflopper
Family Elder
Posts: 187
Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:00 pm
Contact:

Post by flipflopper »

This is a very interesting article. Thanks for posting it!
User avatar
Shayk
Family Elder
Posts: 786
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:00 pm
Contact:

More on Minocycline

Post by Shayk »

Thanks Ian! The article notes:
the team determined that the drug blocks the action of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a protein that can trigger inflammation and cell death.
Given that that’s the action of minocycline in inflammation, here’s an abstract which indicates inhibiting that protein (PARP-1) protects oligodendrocytes (those myelin making cells)
Activation of kainate receptors sensitizes oligodendrocytes to complement attack
Glutamate excitotoxicity and complement attack have both been implicated separately in the generation of tissue damage in multiple sclerosis and in its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Treatment with the antioxidant Trolox and inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, but not of caspases, protected oligodendrocytes against damage induced by complement. These findings indicate that glutamate sensitization of oligodendrocytes to complement attack may contribute to white matter damage in acute and chronic neurological disorders.
A bit more info on the neuroprotection potential afforded by minocycline.
Minocycline attenuates nitric oxide-mediated neuronal and axonal destruction in vitro
The NO donor significantly increased neuronal death and minocycline was protective under these conditions. Furthermore NO-induced reductions in axonal length were significantly attenuated by minocycline……

in addition to anti-inflammatory properties, minocycline has direct protective effects on neurons and provides further evidence for its use in disorders of the CNS.
Minocycline is looking real good IMO.

Sharon
User avatar
bromley
Family Elder
Posts: 1898
Joined: Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:00 pm

Post by bromley »

I asked good neuro about minocycline and why it has been studied for so many years yet never makes it as a therapy.

Interestingly, he said it was being trialled in Denmark. I'll try to find out more.

Ian
Post Reply

Return to “Drug Pipeline”