Nutra Pharma Corp’s continuing microarray studies have identified a new gene involved in the disease process of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the gene and some of its functions are already known, this is the first evidence of involvement with the disease state of MS. The research also provides evidence that RPI-78M modulates the expression of this gene in laboratory assays.

RPI-78M is the lead drug candidate of Nutra Pharma's holding, ReceptoPharm Inc. and is being studied in preclinical assays for its efficacy in treating MS.

Eno Research and Development Inc. (ERDI) was contracted by Nutra Pharma to analyse samples of immune cells and brain lesion material from MS patients, with and without the addition of RPI-78M. They measured the changes in gene expression that occurred with treatment. Statistical evaluation of the data revealed more than sixty genes with significant changes in expression as a result of exposure to RPI-78M. In analysing the affected genes, at least thirty of them may have a specific role in the progression of the disease and symptoms of MS.

"While RPI-78M alters the regulation of genes known to be involved with MS, we are especially excited by the modulation of this gene previously unassociated with MS at all. Work to further characterie the involvement of this gene in the disease progression of MS is ongoing," commented James Flowers, president and chief scientific officer of ERDI.

"The data from this study suggests that RPI-78M may aid the patient in reversing some of the damage caused by MS. It is notable that if these results were replicated in the patient population it may greatly reduce the severity of the disease," Flowers concluded.

There are currently four drugs on the market for the treatment of the disease. A fifth drug, Tysabri, was voluntarily pulled from the marketplace in February by the drug's manufacturers, Biogen-Idec and Elan.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system, the body's principal defense against foreign substances such as bacteria, mistakenly attacks normal tissues of the central nervous system. It afflicts approximately 400,000 people in the United States and more than 2.5 million worldwide.

Nutra Pharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the acquisition, licensing and commercialization of pharmaceutical products and technologies for the management of neurological disorders, cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases.

Eno Research and Development, Inc. (ERDI) is a full-service contract research organisation located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, near Research Triangle Park. ERDI offers a wide range of pre-clinical development services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, animal health and nutraceutical companies.