A potential treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), developed by University of Greenwich in association with Kings College, London, has begun clinical trials.

The life sciences company BTG plc, which has licensed the research, is running the trials on a new compound, known as BGC20-0134.

Dr Laurence Harbige and Dr Mike Leach, from the Biomedical & Drug Discovery Research Group in the University of Greenwich School of Science, developed the new treatment following many years of research.

Dr Laurence Harbige explains: "Although the cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, there is strong evidence that it involves the regulation of the immune system through molecules in our bodies called cytokines. In MS, the balance of these cytokines is altered, leading to inflammation in the brain which can result in serious disability."

Dr Mike Leach adds: "This new treatment should encourage the immune system to rebalance itself, by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines while promoting the production of helpful anti-inflammatory ones.................."

For the full report please go to MSRC: MS Research News : Drugs : Further Possible MS Drugs and Treatments

Peptimmune, Inc. a privately held biotechnology company, announced that it has completed its first clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of PI-2301, a novel peptide copolymer for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The Phase I single ascending dose, double blind placebo controlled randomized study involved 56 healthy volunteers who received the drug in eight escalating dose cohorts. All doses were safe and well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events. Pharmacodynamic assays demonstrated evidence of immune exposure consistent with the pharmacologic mechanism of action for PI-2301, and dose related pharmacokinetics were observed. The Company plans to initiate its first repeat dose study in multiple sclerosis patients in Q2/2008.................

For the full report please go to MSRC: MS Research News : Drugs : Further Possible MS Drugs and Treatments