The Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Texas Neurology, Dallas, Texas is now exploring new treatment options with novel compounds that may involve neuro-protection.

A number of studies have been carried out to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies for past 15 -20 years.

“One of our major efforts at Texas Neurology has been clinical trials and we  are looking at individualized  or personalized medicine choices through detailed genomic analysis of MS patients,” Dr Theodore Phillips, medical director, The Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Texas Neurology, Dallas, told Pharmabiz.

Pharma majors including Pfizer, Serono, Schering, Teva and Biogen have been on an aggressive mode to develop drugs to treat MS.

“There are multiple branded therapies available for treatment including, interferon beta and glatiramer acetate. In addition a targeted monoclonal antibody like natalizumab is approved for patients with high disease activity or who are failing the first line therapy. However there may be other unapproved therapies used in the immunosuppressive class,” stated Dr Phillips who was in Bangalore recently to have an Indian understanding MS and how specialists in India handled and treated the condition.

“There are new discoveries about the nature of Multiple Sclerosis every month. Many companies are exploring different ways to advance the treatment, though we still do not have the cure yet. Some of the unmet needs for patients may be fulfilled in the next 5-10 years through oral therapies that are easy to take and are also safe. Key to success will be finding ways of intelligently combining the therapies with different mechanism of action to hold the MS progression and preserve quality of life,” said Dr Phillip.

In fact characteristics that differentiate the first line therapies are efficacy, frequency of administration , immunogenicity and mechanism of action. Novelty in MS treatments is a function of mechanism of action and the route of administration, he stated.

Incidence of MS is estimated to be around 2.5 million globally. The  unpredictable disease is reported to have familial and genetic risk factors, which may be related to the body’s immune system. Women are affected more often than males and the disease often sets in between 25 -30 years age group, with the exact cause is still unknown.

“The growing incidence is a challenge for neuro specialists who need to  establish a solid diagnosis which combines the clinical presentation and via imaging technology. The next big hurdle is convincing the patient of the necessity of early and if necessary aggressive therapy because quick intervention could make a lifelong difference. Since the patient is a major factor, it is important that they come to terms with a life time degenerative disease and need to cooperate with specialists for the treatment, informed Dr Phillip.