Axonal protection achieved in a model of MS using lamotrigine.
Submitted by art on Mon, 2007-02-05 07:07.
While animal models of MS are generally bad, neuroprotection seems more likely to translate. These researchers found evidence in mice that the drug lamotrigine might confer some protection to neurons. Neuroprotection is the new area of investigation for MS drugs and in my opinion is more hopeful than anti-inflammatories.
lamotrigine
Art,
Lamotrigine is being trialled in the UK for SPMS patients. The trial is assessing whether the drug slows down / stops the slow shirnkage of the brain caused be loss of myelin, neurons, axons. The trial is being funded by the UK MS Society. It's a two-year trial which started in early 2006. Other neuro-protective agents are also being tested. As you say, neuro-protection should benefit all of us as axonal loss is the main cause of irreversible disability.