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New target for MS treatment found using old drug
New target for MS treatment found using old drug
11 November 2007
A drug currently used to treat high blood pressure and
heart failure has been found to reduce the symptoms of multiple
sclerosis in mice. The discovery that amiloride can reduce the
degeneration of nerve tissue in mice suggests it could have a
therapeutic potential for people who have MS. However, despite the
positive findings, the researchers warn that clinical trials in
people, to test the drug’s full potential, are crucial before it is
given as a treatment for the disease.
The research led by Professor Lars Fugger of the Medical
Research Council Human Immunology Unit and Department of Clinical
Neurology at Oxford University is published in Nature
Medicine. Professor Fugger said:
‘‘This drug [amiloride] is already
licensed for another purpose. Looking for new ways to use
established drugs is usually cheaper than starting the discovery
process from scratch, we’ve had a really positive
result.’’
The search for therapeutic potential began with studies of the
role of a channel called ASIC1 that creates an opening in the cell
membrane. ASIC1 works by sensing acid levels around the cell and
lets sodium and calcium molecules into cells. This process is an
important part of the process of sensing pain and touch. Using mice
with a condition that mimics some aspects of the human form of
multiple sclerosis the scientists found that the ASIC1 channel also
contributes to degeneration of the axon, the long stem of the
nerve. When the channel remains open, sodium and calcium can flood
into the cell in higher than normal proportions.
Read this
press release in full on the MRC website
Last Update Date : 7/6/2009
