Multiple Sclerosis
Peptimmune is developing PI-2301, peptide copolymer, for the treatment of MS and is currently conducting phase I studies in MS patients.
Disease overview
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder characterized by immune-mediated inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis the myelin sheaths covering nerve fibers in the brain are attacked and destroyed.
Over 400,000 Americans and over 2.5 million individuals worldwide have MS. There are 20,000 new cases of MS diagnosed each year in the United States.The onset of symptoms usually occurs between 15–40 years of age. Women are affected by MS twice as often as men. The cause is unknown but may have a viral, immunologic, and genetic component.
Symptoms
- Disruption of electrical impulses to and from the brain
- Vary from fairly normal life to devastating
- Progressive disease with possible blindness, paralysis, and premature death
- Disease course is unpredictable
Current treatment
- Immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents can positively affect the course and progression of the disease.
- Many patients show good control of disease activity with these treatments; others continue to experience frequent relapses, active disease on MRI scans, and progression of disability.
- Some approved drugs that help ameliorate the symptoms of MS are often associated with numerous untoward side effects and require frequent injections or infusions.
More information on MS can be found at www.nationalmssociety.org.
