Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system by making it a potentially disabling disease. Approximately 2.3 million individuals have this condition worldwide.
In Mexico, MS affects around 11-20 out of 100,000 habitants, this means there are approximately 20,000 people whose life’s quality can be affected by this disease. Neurology experts say the most affected population with MS in Mexico is women of around 20-40 years old.
Little is known of the exact mechanism that drives MS; nowadays it is not entirely understood. However, many researchers suggest that the condition is an autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, the disease can deteriorate or permanently damage the nerves. Symptoms tend to vary depending on the affected nerves and the damage caused.
At present, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are the best strategy to slow the course of MS. The number of available DMTs has increased rapidly in recent years, and there are now 15 of them approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for relapsing forms of MS.
As yet, there is no cure for MS. However, we are at a pivotal moment wherein researchers are making significant progress and breakthrough solutions. A recent strategy consists in testing approaches that protect the nervous system from MS-related damage. These strategies include using therapies that are already approved by the FDA for use in other disorders; an example of this is the Ofatumumab, which is a human monoclonal antibody generally indicated to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (LCC), and now it is being tested in clinical trials as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
At Althian, we are about to start a clinical trial to test if Ofatumumab is safe and beneficial to people with relapsing MS. This will offer patients a new option of treatment and hopefully it will also make a big contribution to science through the discovery of novel drugs for this difficult disease. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information of our recent studies.