At the 40th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), Immunic, Inc. presented key data on vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), a nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) activator, demonstrating its potential as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The data, presented through an oral poster and three ePosters, highlighted vidofludimus calcium's ability to reduce neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels, its antiviral effects potentially reducing fatigue, and its neuroprotective capabilities through Nurr1 activation.
In the interim analysis of the Phase 2 CALLIPER trial, vidofludimus calcium showed a 22.4% reduction in serum NfL levels compared to placebo after 24 weeks, with consistent effects across progressive MS subtypes. This suggests a potential for vidofludimus calcium to slow disease progression in progressive MS. Additionally, preclinical data indicated that vidofludimus calcium could enhance neuronal survival and reduce the development of pathogenic peripheral T helper cells, further supporting its therapeutic potential in MS.
Vidofludimus calcium's antiviral properties were also highlighted, with data suggesting its potential to prevent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, which may contribute to fatigue reduction in MS patients. This hypothesis is being further explored in ongoing clinical trials, including the CALLIPER, ENSURE, and RAPID_REVIVE trials.
The presentations at ECTRIMS underscore vidofludimus calcium's dual mechanism of action, combining neuroprotective effects through Nurr1 activation with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for MS treatment. Immunic anticipates releasing top-line data from the CALLIPER trial in April of the following year, which could further validate vidofludimus calcium's efficacy and safety profile.
