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Results of a Phase II controlled clinical trial of oral fingolimod (also known as FTY720) have been published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The study found fingolimod significantly reduced MS attack rates and signs of inflammation on MRI scans.
Fingolimod binds to a docking site (sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor, or S1P receptor) on immune cells, including T cells and B cells that have been implicated in causing nervous system damage in MS. The once-a-day pill induces them to remain in lymph nodes, preventing these cells from migrating into the brain and spinal cord. A larger Phase III clinical trial is underway at 125 centres worldwide, including 10 in Canada. Results from the Phase III studies are needed before marketing approval of fingolimod can be obtained. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp is sponsoring the study.
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Source: MS Society of Canada
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