Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS affects 2.5 million persons globally. Diagnosis after the age of 50 means rapid deterioration and few treatments to slow disease progression. A chronic demyelinating disease, Multiple Sclerosis is marked by progressive loss of neuronal function and arise from attacks of the immune system on myelin sheaths that are responsible for the conduction of neuronal impulses. The pathology of MS is driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, features common to all age-associated neurodegenerative disorders in the CIBS portfolio.

Current MS therapeutics target the immune system to reduce injury to the myelin sheath, but have side effects due to their non-specific modulation of immune function.

We have developed a suite of compounds that target both inflammation and oxidative stress, while simultaneously stimulating the brain’s own regenerative mechanisms.

In pre-clinical studies, our peptides were able to reduce inflammation, lesion size, and clinical symptoms of MS. Building on our legacy of translation with A(1-7) and Nle3-(1-7) that includes the pre-clinical characterization, manufacturing, preclinical safety through Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials, we are expecting to launch a clinical trial for MS in less than one year.

The CIBS team is pioneering the development of patient-specific nucleic-acid aptamers capable of neutralizing pathological antibodies and T-cells in MS. Targeting common initiating mechanisms across diseases showcases how the power of systems-level thinking inherent to our mission is allowing us to broaden the therapeutic horizon of these drugs.