New study will explore potential treatment (ibudilast )for progressive MS

At this time, there is a significant gap in available treatment options for people living with progressive MS. The good news is that researchers are paying more attention to this critical area of research. In May, we told you about research being conducted on statins and how the cholesterol-lowering drugs could impact progressive MS. Now, the Rocky Mountain MS Center MS Center at Anschutz Medical Center—along with other national sites—is beginning a new study to test a drug called ibudilast.

This new study will test the safety, tolerability and activity of ibudilast in people with primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Researchers are currently looking for participants to take part in the study. “We have an opportunity, by studying this novel molecule, to add to the growing body of research, and potentially have an impact, on progressive disease,” said Dr. John Corboy.

This study is being conducted at 28 sites across the country through a consortium called NeuroNEXT (The Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials). Participation in the study is not limited to Colorado residents – study sites are located nationwide. NeuroNEXT studies are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and are designed to create increased efficiency in neurological research trials. The University of Colorado Denver is one of 25 NeuroNEXT sites.

More about ibudilastIbudilast is an oral medication that is approved in Japan for post-stroke use and asthma. In a 2010 Dutch study on relapsing forms of MS, ibudilast showed no beneficial effect on newly active lesions and relapses. The preliminary evidence, however, suggested that ibudilast may act in a neuroprotective way. Neuroprotection simply means that it protects neurons that have been damaged, and therefore helps preserve brain function. This is likely because ibuldilast is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, which means it influences inflammation and neurodegeneration.

Study detailsPeople with primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis are eligible for the study only if they are not currently on a disease modifying treatment (DMT), or are currently taking Copaxone, Avonex, Rebif or any other formulation of an Interferon Beta. The study will be stratified by disease status and by current use of a DMT.

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