Drug shows promise for progressive MS, according to new research from Cleveland Clinic

Research performed by the Cleveland Clinic has shown that the drug ibudilast slowed brain shrinkage in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) by nearly half.

The two-year SPRINT-MS study, results of which have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was conducted at 28 sites and included 255 patients. Overall results demonstrated that ibudilast decreased progression of brain atrophy in progressive MS patients by 48% compared with placebo.

“These findings are significant for patients with progressive MS,” explained Dr Robert Fox, the study’s principal investigator and vice-chair for research in Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute. “Our hope is that the benefit of ibudilast in slowing brain shrinkage will also translate to decreased progression of associated physical disabilities in a future Phase III trial.”

Additionally, the Phase II study showed that advanced imaging is useful in clinical trials for the measurement of therapeutic impact on the health of the brain. This potential application of imaging-based outcome measures may extend beyond progressive MS to other neurodegenerative disorders.

Ibudilast, an oral drug with activity on several biologic pathways with potential relevance to progressive MS, was also found to be safe and well tolerated in the study, paving the way for the next clinical phase.

“Although a larger study is needed to confirm these findings, this promising study brings people with progressive MS, who currently do not have many treatment options, one step closer to a potential therapy,” added Dr Robin Conwit, programme director at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the US government agency National Institutes of Health.

“These results are a promising step toward a potential new therapy for people living with progressive forms of MS, for whom there are few treatment options,” said Bruce Bebo, PhD, executive vice president, Research, National MS Society. “It is gratifying to see our investments in progressive MS starting to pay off.”

The drug has received fast-track designation from the US Food & Drug Administration.