MS Update: Biogen Idec Researchers Identify Novel Approach for Promoting Remyelination

July 03, 2011

“Our approach to finding new treatments for this complex disease looks beyond known pathways affected by current MS treatments,” said Sha Mi, Ph.D., distinguished investigator, neurobiology research, Biogen Idec. “Our in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that inhibiting or blocking DR6 function results in robust axonal remyelination. These data provide strong evidence that this targeted approach warrants further research and ultimately may lead to an important new way of treating demyelinating diseases, including MS.”

MS affects each person differently, and more treatment options that target multiple pathways are needed in order to meet the various needs of patients. This study is the first-ever to demonstrate the negative role that DR6 plays in regulating remyelination within the central nervous system. Equally important, the data support the development of DR6 antagonist as a treatment for MS, a neurodegenerative disease that contains both autoimmune and demyelination components. The dual role of DR6 antagonists in promoting remyelination and inhibiting autoimmune activation represents a novel approach for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system diseases that result from demyelination.