Tiplimotide

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are diseases that cause the body's immune system and natural defenses to attack healthy cells. In the case of MS, the immune system begins attacking myelin, the cells that make up the sheath covering nerves. Without myelin nerves are unable to transmit signals effectively and symptoms occur.
Researchers are interested in testing the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a new therapy (CGP77116) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). CGP77116 is a small protein similar to the protein in myelin. CGP77116 is designed to modify the immune reaction that destroys normal myelin. CGP77116 is an experimental therapy meaning it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, in preliminary studies on animal it has been shown to be effective at modifying the autoimmune reaction associated with the development of MS.
The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and effect of CGP77116 on disease activity in patients with Multiple Sclerosis as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunological studies.
The study is broken into three parts:
I) BASELINE: in the first part of the study patients will undergo 6 MRIs over a 5 month period. During this time, patients will be evaluated based on the presence of MS lesions seen on MRI. Patients whose MS lesions are highly active will be entered into the second part of the study.
II) TREATMENT: in the second part of the study, patients with active MS lesions will begin receiving CGP77116. The drug will be given by injection once a week for one month and then once a month for 8 additional months.
III) FOLLOW-UP: in the third and final part of the study, patients will undergo an MRI every 2 months for 6 months and then every 3 months for 6 additional months. The results of the MRIs will be used to measure the effectiveness of CGP77116.