The Myelin Repair Foundation Achieves Phase 1 Myelin Repair Clinical Trial
June 14, 2012
MRF-Funded Research Enters Phase 1 Clinical Trial Examining Myelin Regenerative Benefits of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Potential Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
SARATOGA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) today announced the achievement of a myelin repair Phase 1 clinical trial for multiple sclerosis earlier than the foundation's goal set for 2014. By establishing its Accelerated Research Collaboration (ARC) Model to advance myelin repair treatments forward into clinical trial Phase 1 within a decade, the Myelin Repair Foundation achieved this critical milestone ahead of its goal, validating the efficiency of the ARC model to speed drug development.
This Phase 1 clinical trial conducted at Cleveland Clinic will examine the efficacy of a new myelin repair therapeutic pathway with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), based on MRF supported research conducted by MRF Principal Investigator Dr. Robert Miller, Professor of Neurosciences and Vice President for Research & Technology Management at Case Western Reserve University. To date, half of the 24 patients planned for this initial trial have been enrolled.
"Scientists hope that one day their research will reach clinical trials, and I'm thrilled to achieve this milestone in my career," said Dr. Robert Miller. "Without the support of Myelin Repair Foundation funding a critical component of our research that is the basis of this trial, this achievement would not have been possible. Our partnership with the Myelin Repair Foundation has helped identify new pathways to treat disease that reverses damage, ultimately accomplishing so much more than the suppression of MS symptoms."
Funded by the Myelin Repair Foundation, Dr. Miller's team of scientists identified an innovative clinical pathway through mesenchymal stem cell signals that not only protect myelin, which is damaged by the autoimmune reaction in MS, but also facilitates myelin repair. Current MS drugs on the market only focus on the suppression of the immune system to protect myelin from future damage; patients have no treatment options available to repair myelin once damage occurs in MS.
"Our goal to support research that would enter Phase 1 trials within a decade was deemed nearly impossible," said Scott Johnson, president and CEO of the Myelin Repair Foundation. "To think we achieved this ambitious goal even earlier than we planned illustrates the effectiveness of our innovative research model that accelerates promising scientific discoveries into clinical trials. Even with this success, we refuse to rest on our laurels and will continue to progress myelin research into multiple clinical trials. We remain focused on our singular goal: To speed the development of an effective myelin repair treatment to reach patients with multiple sclerosis."
For more information about the clinical trial and enrollment, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
About the Myelin Repair Foundation
The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) (http://www.myelinrepair.org) is a Silicon Valley-based, non-profit research organization focused on accelerating the discovery and development of myelin repair therapeutics for multiple sclerosis. Its Accelerated Research Collaboration™ (ARC™) model is designed to optimize the entire process of medical research, drug development and the delivery of patient treatments.
About Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is one of the country's leading private research institutions. Located in Cleveland, we offer a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. Our leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Our nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 4,200 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate students comprise our student body. Visit case.edu to see how Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the possible.
Contacts
Myelin Repair Foundation
Jennifer Chang, 408-871-2410
Director of Communications
[email protected]