DNA vaccine hope for multiple sclerosis
By Rachel Liddle, 15 August 2007
A DNA vaccine is showing promise as an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), say North American scientists.
Findings from a study of 30 patients with MS showed that intramuscular injections of the vaccine were well-tolerated and led to beneficial changes to the immune system.
The cause of MS is unknown, but pathology is thought to involve immune attack of myelin sheaths surrounding neurons.
The latest study involved a DNA vaccine that encodes the full-length of the myelin basic protein.
Patients with relapsing–remitting or secondary progressive MS were randomly assigned to receive the vaccine, named BHT-3009, or placebo. Intramuscular injections were given at one, three, five and nine weeks.
After 13 weeks, patients given placebo were given four injections of BHT-3009.
Regular assessments, including MRI assessment, were carried out from the beginning of the study until 50-week follow-up.
The researchers found the vaccine had favourable trends on MRI, with a trend towards decreased number and volume of brain lesions in those given BHT-3009, compared with placebo.
rachel.liddle@haymarket.com
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