International Research Team Secures $800,000 to Advance First Potentially Regenerative Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Key Insights
An international research team led by CAMH has received nearly $800,000 in funding to advance a novel multiple sclerosis (search) therapy that targets excitotoxicity (search) to halt disease progression and repair nerve damage.
The experimental compound has demonstrated the ability to restore motor skills and repair myelin in animal models, even when administered after symptoms appeared.
The therapy could mark Canada's first regenerative treatment for MS (search), offering hope to restore previously lost functions in patients with the neurodegenerative disease.
An international research team spearheaded by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has secured nearly $800,000 US in funding to advance a groundbreaking multiple sclerosis (search) therapy that could become the first treatment capable of both halting disease progression and repairing existing nerve damage. The funding comes from Brain Canada (search), the National MS Society (search)'s Fast Forward program, and Health Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund.
The novel therapeutic approach targets excitotoxicity (search), a destructive process that damages nerve cells in MS (search) patients. Unlike current treatments that only slow disease activity, this experimental compound encourages the body to rebuild myelin and improve nerve recovery without interfering with normal brain function.
Promising Preclinical Results
In animal models of MS (search), the compound has demonstrated remarkable efficacy, successfully restoring motor skills and repairing myelin even when administered after symptoms had already appeared. This represents a significant advancement over existing therapies, which cannot reverse damage that has already occurred.
"Our compound could transform MS (search) treatment, not just slowing the disease, but helping people regain what they've lost," said Dr. Fang Liu, Senior Scientist at CAMH and professor in the department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, who serves as the principal investigator.
Addressing a Global Health Challenge
Multiple sclerosis (search) affects approximately 2.8 million people worldwide, with Canada having one of the highest rates globally at an estimated 90,000 people living with the disease. Scotland also faces a disproportionate burden, with around 18,000 MS (search) patients representing one of the world's highest rates.
In MS (search), the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers (search), disrupting communication between the brain and body. This leads to symptoms including fatigue, vision problems, and mobility challenges as myelin is progressively lost.
Advancing Toward Clinical Trials
The research collaboration between Dr. Liu and Dr. Iain Greig, Reader in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen, is now entering the final stages of preclinical testing to prepare for human clinical trials. Dr. Greig, who has been involved in the drug discovery program since its inception in 2014, emphasized the therapy's unique potential.
"The potential of this therapy is enormous, not only could it stop MS (search) progression, but it could actually help repair damaged nerves and restore some functions already lost for people living with MS, something never achieved previously," Dr. Greig stated.
Commercial Development and Future Prospects
CAMH and the University of Aberdeen have secured patent protection for this research and are actively seeking industry partners to advance the work toward clinical trials. If successful, this would mark Canada's first regenerative treatment for MS (search) and potentially benefit patients with other neurodegenerative diseases (search).
"CAMH is proud to be leading this groundbreaking work alongside our partners and contributors," said Dr. Aristotle Voineskos, CAMH Senior Vice President, Research and Science. "By supporting the commercialization of discoveries like this, we can accelerate the translation of research into real-world treatments and deliver new hope to people living with multiple sclerosis (search) and other neurodegenerative diseases (search)."
The National MS Society (search) has expressed optimism about the research direction. "We are pleased to see research advance on a pathway toward stopping MS (search) progression in its tracks and restoring function to people with progressive MS," said Dr. Walter Kostich, Associate Vice President, Translational Research at the National MS Society.
This project builds on previous funding from multiple sources, including a CAMH Discovery Fund Accelerator grant, a CIHR POP II grant, an operating grant from the MS (search) Society of Canada, and funding from the National MS Society (search)'s Fast Forward commercial research program.