Now
to the attack on the brain and
spinal cord in MS. Axxam has
access to a large collection of
chemical compounds which may
include potent Kv1.3 blockers.
The company is screening this
extensive collection to identify
them. If the initial research is
successful, Kv1.3 blockers will
be further developed as potential
therapies for MS.
This first-of-its-kind partnership between Fast Forward and
the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation ensures Axxam’s
continued efforts to find new
treatments for both diseases.
A drug to thwart MS progression?
In 2009, Fast Forward formed
a five-year, $19 million strate-
gic alliance with EMD Serono/
Merck KGaA. A joint steering
committee of Fast Forward staff
and EMD Serono/Merck KGaA
specialists decides what areas
to focus on each year, then a
request for proposals goes out to
researchers and the committee
decides who gets funding.
One of the currently funded
projects involves a molecule
called MIS416, developed by
Innate Therapeutics. MIS416 is
derived from naturally occurring
bacteria that trigger signaling
pathways within the immune
system. Laboratory experiments
indicate that this compound may
have multiple actions relative to
halting MS progression.
Since late 2008, MIS416 has
been used “on a compassionate
basis” to treat six people with
severe primary-progressive MS in
New Zealand. Use of an unapproved, experimental medicine
is permitted in New Zealand
under certain circumstances.
The clinical experience of these
six people hints that certain
symptoms, such as mobility
problems or numbness, are being
helped. Larger, controlled stud-
ies are needed to validate these
findings. So, with funding from
the Fast Forward/EMD Serono
partnership, Innate Therapeu-
tics is currently conducting a
small phase 2 study in 24 people
with primary-progressive or
secondary-progressive MS. The
primary goal is to assess safety.
However investigators will also
be looking at several clin-
ical measures to gauge
possible treatment-
related benefits.
Under the terms
of this collaboration,
EMD Serono/Merck
KGaA has the option
to license the programs
when projects are
completed.
Shaping research on
progressive MS
Fast Forward seeks to create a
collaborative environment in
MS research among scientists,
clinicians, and industry. The
Fast Forward team has set its
sights on the challenge of
shaping a research agenda for
stopping MS progression.
In 2010 the Society and
Fast Forward convened a
think tank on progressive
MS. The participants mapped
out next steps for increasing
understanding of the factors
underlying MS progression
and for increasing the number
and quality of clinical trials in
progressive MS.
Three major areas of need
were identified: incorporating
new disease classification and
definitions; validating imaging
modalities and biomarkers in
progressive disease; and implementing clinical trial designs
and outcome benchmarks
appropriate to progressive forms
of MS.
Earlier this year, Fast Forward
held another meeting with
leaders from the international
MS community to determine
how to move on these priorities.
An idea being discussed is
formation of a public-private
partnership to drive this
forward.
Fast Forward is pursuing
many promising avenues in its
effort to find ways to stop MS,
restore lost function and end MS
forever. Visit fastforward.org.
