Multiple sclerosis patients may benefit from statins, says study

This study suggests, however, that the beneficial effect might be on vascular function rather than the immune system, he added. "After nearly two decades of research, it is immensely gratifying to see this work progress into the clinic to deliver benefits to patients," he said.MS is an autoimmune disease in which myelin, the fatty insulating material that covers nerve fibres, is destroyed by the body's own defences. Nerves lacking myelin are not able to transmit messages properly, leading to symptoms ranging from mild tingling or numbness to full blown paralysis.Dr Susan Kohlhaas, head of biomedical research at the MS Society, said: "There are no treatments that can stop the condition from worsening in people with progressive MS. Scientists have worked for years to find a potential treatment that could help people, and now, finally, one has been found. This is very exciting news."Further, larger clinical trials are now absolutely crucial to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this treatment, but for now, people with MS should be really encouraged by these results."Statins are out of patent and therefore now very cheap – a month's supply of 20 mg simvastatin costs less than £8, although the treatment for MS would be at a much higher dose.Multiple sclerosisMedical researchHealthDrugsUCL (University College London)Pharmaceuticals industrySarah Boseleytheguardian.com © 2014 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: The Guardian Pharmaceuticals industry News UCL (University College London) Health Medical research Society Drugs Multiple sclerosis UK news Science Source Type: news