Experimental MS vaccine shows beneficial
changes in immune system
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Medical Update Memo
August 17, 2007
Summary
An experimental vaccine appears to produce
beneficial changes in the immune systems and
brains of those living with multiple sclerosis,
according to a study in Archives of Neurology [Arch
Neurol/Vol 64 (No. 10) published online August
13/2007]
Details
The phase l study was testing primarily for
safety and tolerability. It was carried out
at 4 academic institutions in Canada and the
U.S. Dr. Amit Bar-Or, of the Montreal Neurological
Institute was lead investigator for the study.
The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
crossover study, the purpose of which was primarily
to assess the safety and immune modulation
by BHT-3009 in people with multiple sclerosis.
BHT-3009 is an antigen specific product which
targets T cells implicated in the MS disease
process. It is supplied by Bayhill Therapeutics,
a bio-tech company with a focus on autoimmune
disease, and in particular, multiple sclerosis.
30 people with relapsing remitting or secondary
progressive MS were selected for active disease,
and were treated with intramuscular injections
for a scheduled period of weeks. Three dose
levels of the drug were tested.
BHT-3009 was shown to be safe and well tolerated
in this trial. In addition, BHT-3009 results
suggested evidence of reduced or stabilized
clinical relapses and less disability accumulation,
as well as a reduction in the number and volume
of lesions on brain MRI for those who received
BHT-3009 as compared to those who received
placebo.
Dr. Amit Bar-Or comments that while the results
are promising, the study of this vaccine is
in an early phase, and a larger trial is needed.
A phase ll multi center trial is now underway.
252 people with MS will be recruited from 11
countries in Europe and the U.S. There are
no Canadian sites.
ASK MS Information System Code: 1.4.2.d
Disponible en français.
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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