Breakthrough in MS: New Drug Slows Progression, Blood Test Detects Early
A significant breakthrough in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment and early detection has been achieved. Sanofi's drug Tolebrutinib has shown remarkable results in slowing disease progression, while a novel blood test developed by the Medical University of Vienna can detect MS up to five years before symptoms appear.
Tolebrutinib, tested in international phase III studies, demonstrated a 'progression independent of relapse activity' (PIRA) effect, slowing disease progression even in phases without acute inflammatory lesions. It proved as effective as the standard therapy Teriflunomid in reducing disease relapses, and has shown promise in both relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive forms of MS.
The blood test, which looks for autoantibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus protein EBNA-1, can predict an MS diagnosis with high accuracy. If detected multiple times, these autoantibodies significantly increase the risk of MS. This test could revolutionize early detection and prevention strategies for those at increased risk.
If approved, Tolebrutinib and the new blood test could provide two powerful tools against MS. Tolebrutinib could slow disease progression, while the blood test could enable early detection and prevention. Sanofi has submitted a marketing application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Tolebrutinib, bringing hope for imminent approval and new hope for MS patients worldwide.
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