As the efforts to eradicate the chronic condition caused by Multiple sclerosis continuously takes place after another, a new therapeutic agent has recently been tested in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Consequently, the said experiment has been noted to have produced anti-inflammatory activity and prevented loss of cells in the optic nerve. It was found that the research has been conducted in the laboratory of Kenneth Shindler, MD, PhD, an associate professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology and the results have been published in the journal Scientific Reports.
New Therapeutic Agent Shows Potential As Multiple Sclerosis Cure
In one of their statements reported by News Medical Life Sciences, the researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, with Pittsburgh-based Noveome Biotherapeutics has allegedly discovered that there is a therapeutic potential of the agent, called ST266, for treating optic neuritis, inflammation that damages the optic nerve which is also a common presenting feature of MS. Furthermore, during their study, it turns out that nearly half of patients who were diagnosed with MS experience optic neuritis. The condition was also believed to have the ability to cause mild to moderate permanent loss of vision, but rarely complete blindness.
ST266 And Its Features
Meanwhile, as per News Wise, ST266 is known to be a solution of molecules that apparently stimulates paracrine signaling. It was found that through the said solution, it has become a means in which cells can communicate to each other: One cell is known to have the ability in producing a chemical signal that induces changes in nearby cells.
Ultimately, since the solution has been applied to mice, Shindler said that ST266's ability to preserve vision in the preclinical model and reduce neuronal loss would be a huge advance if it translates to human patients in the future. Additionally, the study findings suggest that ST266 helps promote optic neuron survival by potentially activating multiple pathways, including those that prevent cell death.
