Multiple sclerosis: repair aid for diseased nerves

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MunichIn multiple sclerosis (MS), the body's own immune cells attack the protective insulating layer of the nerve fibers - the myelin layer. Now, for the first time, a means could soon be available that not only inhibits the attacks of the immune cells, but also reverses the destruction. That would be a medical breakthrough.

Researchers led by Diego Cadavid from Biogen have developed a special antibody for this purpose, anti-LINGO-1. It blocks the Lingo-1 molecule in the body. This protein prevents the damaged myelin layer of the nerves from regenerating. In MS patients, for example, the lesions only scarred - the function of the nerves continues to be disturbed. However, if it were possible to switch off the protein molecule with the help of an antibody, the nerves' insulating layer could recover, so the hope is.

Damaged optic nerve

The active ingredient has so far been tested on 82 patients who suffered from inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis). As with multiple sclerosis, the myelin layer of the nerve fibers is also attacked by the immune system in this disease. The result is visual disturbances and pain in the eye. About half of patients develop MS later in life.

Fast forwarding

The scientists examined the effectiveness of anti-LINGO-1 in these patients, as the functionality of the optic nerve can be well examined. To do this, the scientists determined the speed with which electrical signals were transmitted from the retina in the eye to the brain via the optic nerve. Experts refer to this as "Visually Evoked Potential" (VEP). If the myelin layer of the nerve cells is damaged, the nerve can only pass the electrical impulses slowly or eventually no longer at all.

Regenerated nerve fibers

As part of a six-month cure, half of the subjects received a strong cortisone preparation every four weeks a total of six infusions with anti-LINGO-1 - the other half received only a placebo in addition to the steroid.

At the end of the study it was shown that the optic nerves of the patients treated with the active ingredient had recovered significantly better than those of the participants who had received the dummy drug. Compared to the placebo, her VEP had accelerated 41 percent more after eight months.

Even more: In half of the patients who had received anti-LINGO-1, the eye problems had completely disappeared or had significantly improved. In the placebo group, this was only the case for half as many. "This is the first study to show that it is possible to repair damaged myelin layers in the human brain," says study director Cadavid.

First tests with MS patients

The researchers are now also testing anti-LINGO-1 on a group of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. The scientists hope that the active ingredient will also help them to regenerate the damaged nerve cells. (cf)

Source: Press release American Academy of Neurology: Experimental Drug That May Repair Nerve Damage in MS Moves Forward, April 9, 2015

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