Scientists Probe Strategies to Repair Neuron Damage in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

SCIENTISTS WORKING COLLABORAtively around the world say they are coming closer to developing therapies that may help restore neurologic function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, they caution that such therapies are only beginning to enter early clinical trials and may be years from the clinic. Most existing therapies for MS aim to tamp down aberrant immune function and are especially helpful for some phases of the disease, although patients may still progress to a chronic, more progressive stage of illness. In addition, some newer therapies aim to reduce specific symptoms of the disorder. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration recently approved dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate to treat pseudobulbar affect, a condition marked by uncontrolled emotional outbursts that may develop in patients with MS or certain other neurologic disorders. Now, several groups of scientists and MS organizations have reported that they have developed sufficient evidence from animaland tissue-based studies to begin safety trials of agents that may help to restore some function in patients who have experienced neurologic impairments from MS. Among the key therapies under study are agents that may help remyelinate damaged neurons, including one that is now in human safety trials, and stem cell–based therapies that may help promote endogenous neural repair. In January, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in New York convened a meeting of 4 teams of researchers, representing numerous institutions around the world, to report on their research on restorative strategies for MS. The society has spent $15 million over 5 years to fund efforts by the teams to identify targets for neuropro-