Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University have recently developed a compound that stimulates repair of the protective sheath that covers nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The study, published in JCI Insight, involved mice that were genetically engineered to have multiple sclerosis.

The compound known as sobetirome promotes remylenation. At the moment, there are no drugs available today that will re-myelinate the de-myelinated axons and nerve fibers.

Scientists for some time have known that myelin can regrow through exposure to thyroid hormones, however researchers have not pursued thyroid hormone therapies due to unacceptable side effects.

The development of this compound not only allows for myelin repair with minimal side effects, but also a efficient delivery system that can penetrate the blood brain barrier, allowing for penetration into the CNS.

Tom Scanlan, Ph.D., professor of physiology and pharmacology in the OHSU School of Medicine, originally developed the compound two decades ago with a hope to lower cholesterol levels. With little success Scanlan and his colleagues decided to explore different avenues with the compound including in the treatment of ALD and MS.

The researchers found that the treatment in mice not only triggered myelin repair, but they also measured substantial motor improvements in mice treated with the compound. The mice were virtually cured of MS all together.

Although we are years away from clinical trials with this compound in humans, it is great to see a possible cure in the works for a disease that affects nearly 2.3 million people. The positive findings of this recent research means hope for those whose life is hindered by this debilitating disease.

For more information please visit ScienceDaily.

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