Acne medication may delay progress of
multiple sclerosis
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Medical Update Memo
April 2, 2008
Summary
A common acne medication that has been available
for over 30 years has the potential to delay the
progress of multiple sclerosis and if proven effective,
will offer an inexpensive option for the treatment
of early MS.
Details
Clinical researchers in Calgary and 13 other Canadian
centres will be taking an in-depth look at an oral
therapy known as minocycline after initial studies
have shown promising results. A new $4 million
multi-centre clinical trial involving 200 participants
from across Canada is being funded through the
MS Society’s related MS Scientific Research
Foundation.
Minocycline works by inhibiting the activities
of an enzyme and immune cells that are keys to
initiating MS attacks. It has been used in acne
treatment for its anti-bacterial effects but studies
have shown its anti-inflammatory properties could
be important factors in slowing down MS. Previous
clinical tests of minocycline have shown an 84
per cent reduction of MS lesion activity on MRI.
These insights were discovered through pioneering
research funded by the MS Society of Canada and
led by Dr. V. Wee Yong at the University of Calgary
(U of C). Drs. Metz and Yong lead the MS program
at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at U of C where
many of the early studies on minocycline took place.
The
study will be randomized and double-blind by design.
Investigators will compare 100 mg of oral
minocycline twice daily to placebo over a period
of two years. Enrolment will begin in early 2008
and 14 MS clinics are involved including institutions
in Calgary, Vancouver, Burnaby, Edmonton, Red
Deer, Saskatoon, London, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa,
Montreal,
Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Halifax.
Researchers note that minocycline would not necessarily
replace current therapies, but might delay the
timeframe in which they would be required.
For
more information please see www.mssociety.ca/en/releases/nr_20071025.htm
ASK MS Information System Code: 1.4.dd
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Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health
agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy,
but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.
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