SPMS drug from Peptimmune clears first hurdle

Still too soon to get excited ... but a new drug (PI-2301) from a company called Peptimmune has successfully come through its first MS clinical trial. This short (8-12 week) trial in 50 people with SPMS concluded with evidence of anti-inflammatory activity in blood samples from the participants and no serious safety concerns. PI-2301 is a peptide copolymer, similar to Copaxone. It binds to receptors on immune cells which leads to an expansion of regulatory T cells and a dampening of inflammation. I'm not sure why Peptimmune decided to start with SPMS rather than RRMS, but perhaps it was because there is nothing on the market yet to treat SPMS and so the need is greater. Anyway, it is encouraging to see companies trying to create therapies to help with this phase of the disease. We wish them luck!