Athlete’s foot cream could also treat multiple sclerosis

Conclusion This laboratory and mouse study has identified two drugs currently used for skin conditions – miconazole and clobetasol – that showed promise for treatment of conditions caused by myelin damage, such as MS. If a drug is already licensed for another condition in humans, this can make progress to human trials quicker if it is going to be given at a similar dose and in the same way. However, as the researchers point out, these two drugs are licensed for use on the skin – not to be taken orally or injected into the system. This means more work will be needed to ensure the drugs are safe enough to be used in this way in humans. The drugs' chemical structures may need to be modified to make them work efficiently and reduce side effects. Existing MS treatments act by dampening down the immune system, which attacks the myelin, so drugs that act in a different way, by repairing the myelin damage, could bring additional benefit. As yet, research into these drugs for MS is at an early stage, but many people will await with interest to see whether this early promise translates into better treatments. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines Athlete's foot drug may be MS therapy. BBC News, April 20 2015 Creams used to treat athlete's foot and eczema 'could REVERSE multiple sclerosis'. Mail Online, April 21 2015 Common athlete's foot cream 'could reverse multiple sclerosis'...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Medication Source Type: news