Two major studies funded by the International Progressive MS Alliance have identified promising drug candidates for treating progressive multiple sclerosis, offering new hope for this challenging form of the disease.
New Hope for Progressive MS
Two major studies funded by the International Progressive MS Alliance have identified promising drug candidates—bavisant and nimodipine—for treating progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings offer new hope for a form of the disease that currently has limited treatment options.
Published in Science Translational Medicine and Brain, the studies represent early-stage breakthroughs that could lead to future clinical trials and a deeper understanding of MS progression.
The Bavisant Breakthrough
In a landmark screening effort, researchers analyzed over 1,500 known drugs using computer modeling. This process identified 32 candidates capable of promoting both myelin repair and nerve cell protection.
- Bavisant, originally developed for sleep disorders, emerged as a leading candidate.
- Laboratory models using human cells showed that bavisant improved myelin repair and reduced nerve damage.
- The drug is now considered a strong candidate for future clinical trials in progressive MS.
The Nimodipine Discovery
A parallel study revealed that brief periods of low oxygen during inflammation cause long-term grey matter loss and progressive disability in MS models. This finding points to a new mechanism driving the disease.
- Researchers found that administering nimodipine—a drug that improves blood flow—reduced both immediate symptoms and long-term damage.
- Increasing oxygen supply also showed protective effects, suggesting multiple pathways to intervene.
Leadership Update
Professor Tomas Kalincik, an MS neurologist and researcher at the University of Melbourne, will join the Alliance's Scientific Steering Committee in 2026, representing Australia.
Why This Matters
"These early-stage studies provide potential new treatment avenues for progressive MS," offering insights into how inflammation and low oxygen contribute to disability progression.
While both studies are still in the early stages, the identification of bavisant as a candidate for future clinical trials and the new understanding of oxygen's role in MS progression mark significant steps forward for patients living with this condition.