New drug for MS being studied

     Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin, i.e., the insulation of nerve fibers. This is called demyelination which can create disabilities in various areas--loss of vision in an eye, sensory disturbance in a limb, weakness in the legs, for example. Once an attack occurs, the brain can recover and form replacement myelin; in some cases, an attack of demyelination can be self-limited.

     Treatment has been aimed at altering the underlying immune process. For many years, treatment was primarily high doses of steroids, like prednisone, or immuno-suppressive drugs. A more recent approach has been the use of interferon, proteins that suppress immune activity, which involves daily injections; and a few years ago, oral preparations became available.

     The latest is a new preparation identified by its industry name as BG-12. Taken by mouth twice per day, it was shown to reduce lesions by 70-99 percent. Over a two-year period, it reduced the progression to disability by 38 percent. Some side effects, such as cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, decreased over time so that most patients were able to continue the treatment. Some different forms of BG-12 have been used, especially in Europe, to treat psoriasis; thus, there is experience with safe, long-term use of the drug in humans. At this time, it has not been approved by the FDA; and while the results are encouraging, there are a number of unanswered questions.

 For further information, go to The New York Times: http://goo.gl/KNpgh.

--Source: Excerpted from "Hope for Multiple Sclerosis," Guy McKhann, M.D., The Dana Foundation's Brain in the news, September 2012; "Multiple Sclerosis: The Facts," brochure, American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association