The results, published in the Archives of Neurology, showed that application of the vaccine BHT-3009 brought benefits to the brain and immune systems of treated patients.
The study, carried out by researchers from the Montreal Neurological Institute on 30 acute MS sufferers, took place over the course of a year.
Following the treatment, there were no adverse effects demonstrated by the patients, who showed a reduction in the type of white blood cells that target myelin proteins, which protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. In MS sufferers, the immune system attacks these proteins.
Additionally, those who were treated also experienced less relapses.
Giant step in MS treatment
The researchers said: "If successful in MS, antigen-specific DNA vaccine can be developed for prevention or treatment of related diseases, such as type 1 diabetes."
Speaking to The Scotsman, Alison Handford, research manager for the MS Society, said: "These are very early but encouraging findings and we welcome the news that researchers are planning another trial, which we hope will yield positive results."
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Date Published: August 14, 2007
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