Could a Leukemia Drug Cure Multiple Sclerosis?
Thursday December 11, 2008
Alemtuzumab, a drug used to treat leukemia, has been said to stop the advance of multiple sclerosis and even reverse some of the damage, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The drug was used in patients in an early stage of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. What it does is attack the cells in the immune system that cause damage to myelin. The drug was developed to help treat leukemia, but the mechanism also works, in theory, to treat MS. Currently, trials of alemtuzumab are in a phase II clinical stage, meaning that researchers are working to prove the drug is effective. The results look good, but there were side effects and adverse events that must be dealt with before this drug moves into the final phases of testing. The next step is a larger trial to better understand the risks associated with alemtuzumab.
Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody. What it does is attack the cells in the immune system that cause damage to myelin. The drug was developed to help treat leukemia, but the mechanism also works, in theory, to treat MS. Currently, trials of alemtuzumab are in a phase II clinical stage, meaning that researchers are working to prove the drug is effective. The results look good, but there were side effects and adverse events that must be dealt with before this drug moves into the final phases of testing. The next step is a larger trial to better understand the risks associated with alemtuzumab.
Comments
After my recent check-up with the MS Clinic where I live, the Neurologist was excited to extend an “invitation” for me to consider: Phase III will begin this year (2009). I have not yet been randomized into the hi-dose, low-dose, or ReBif (control) groups, but I want to take action on MS and I will join the study. The decision was not as simple as that sounds, but I have confirmed with my doctor that I will join the Alemtumuzab Phase 3 trials.
MW, could you please keep me in touch by email on the study please, i have a family member who has MS and i m hopefull they will find a cure..my email is senuoy@hotmail.com
Thank you
Or better still, MW, perhaps you can keep the world informed about your progress by maintaining a blog?
I have had two major attacks, four years ago and the second one and a half years ago.It has left me with drop foot fatigue the hug feeling sever pins and needles in my left foot and leg.I have given up work due mainly to the fatigue.I have not been prescribed any disease modifying drugs,should i fight for them or not./
Yes, fight for a disease modifying drug. Earlier you start fighting MS the better off you are. Copaxone is good one as no side effects and you get used to the daily shot.Try it and good luck.
Anyone know what the side effects of Alemtuzumab are? I’m on Tysabri and I haven’t really experienced any new symptoms while on it, but I’d love to switch to a drug that doesn’t have the risk of death. Tysabri has that risk but it’s so low I try not to sweat it.