Plant peptide has potential to reduce MS symptoms
A team at MedUni Vienna have shown a plant-derived therapy has the potential to reduce the symptoms of MS.
Research published last week reported a modified plant peptide Kalata B1 reduced symptoms and slowed progression of a laboratory model of MS in mice, called EAE.
Promising peptide
This builds on previous research suggesting the modified peptide could limit the damage seen in MS, similar to other disease modifying treatments (DMTs), by reducing inflammation.
The treatment could also be taken orally rather than as an injection, though higher doses were needed for the oral treatment to be as effective.
Much more research needed
Dr Sorrel Bickley, our Head of Biomedical Research said: “These early studies in mice are encouraging, but much more research is needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of this treatment for people with MS.
“We look forward to seeing the results of future clinical trials.”
A phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety of this treatment in humans is expected to start at the end of 2018.
