Testing whether Interleukin-2 could be a potential treatment for MND.
Principal Investigator: Prof Gilbert Bensimon
Lead Institution: CHU de Nimes
MND Association Funding: £406,662*
Funding dates: February 2019 - September 2024
*Supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation, J P Moulton Charitable
Foundation, the Batchworth Trust and the John Young Charitable Settlement.
About the project
The Modifying Immune Response and Outcomes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (MIROCALS) study aimed to investigate Interleukin-2 as a potential treatment for MND. Interleukin-2 has been used for many years to treat cancer. However, at low doses it is much safer but still effective against a number of immune diseases. Because the immune system is thought to be involved in causing damage in MND, the researchers believe it may be beneficial in treating MND too.
What could this mean for MND research?
These results provide encouraging evidence, from a randomised placebo-controlled drug trial, in support of immune system modification and neuroinflammation as viable targets for altering MND disease progression. At present IL-2 is not available for the treatment of MND as it has not been approved for use, however the MIROCALS consortium are prioritising discussions with drug regulatory authorities on next steps for the treatment.
Resources
Project code: 80-940-794
