Source MS Society:
Researchers in the US have proclaimed their initial test of ibudilast for MS a success.
This drug is already used as a medicine for stroke and asthma. It’s now being investigated for its potential to protect nerves in MS and other neurological conditions.
As part of the phase 2 clinical trial, 255 people with primary and secondary progressive MS were given a pill with ibudilast or a placebo. This included some people already on the Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) glatiramer acetate and interferon beta.
The study, called SPRINT-MS, found that people taking the drug had a significant reduction in their rate of brain atrophy (shrinkage) compared to those on placebo. This was measured using MRI results.
They also found that the drug was safe and well tolerated by people. Read on.