Scientists Elated Over First Successful Human Trial Of DNA-Based MS Vaccine

August 14, 2007 - Topics vaccine, disease, immune, impair, dna, safety, research, disability, depression, blood, diabetes and arthritis


Scientists in Canada are elated over the successful completion of the first human trial of a DNA-based vaccine to combat multiple sclerosis (MS). The vaccine, BHT-3009 works by reducing the damaging immune system attacks which cause the disease.

Researchers from the Montreal Neurological Institute in Canada carried out the trial on 30 patients by injecting three different doses of the vaccine into their muscles over few weeks.

The results, which were reported the journal Archives of Neurology, showed that the vaccine would not cause any unexpected side-effects in the patients. Some differences in MRI scans of the brains of vaccine patients and other blood tests also revealed a lower number of immune system cells targeting the proteins in the nerve fiber sheath.

The scientists also noted a subsequent fall along with levels of antibodies which are also implicated in the disease.

The trial was basically conducted to test the safety of the vaccine, the first to be tested in humans to treat an autoimmune disease such as MS. In a bid to expand the test result on large scale, scientists have now begun a 12-month trial of 290 patients, which, if successful, could pave the way for other diseases such as type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

MS is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system and cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech, severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, problems with balance, overheating, and pain. MS will cause impaired mobility and disability in more severe cases.

http://www.vitabeat.com/scientists-elated-over-first-successful-human-trial-of-dna-based-ms-vaccine/v/6703/