Fingolimod does not promote remyelination

Fingolimod has been shown to work in animal models of MS, and has been approved as a treatment for relapsing-remitting MS.

There is controversy in the literature regarding the contribution of fingolimod to myelin repair. 

In this study the investigators looked at the effect of fingolimod on myelin repair in two models of demyelination that have a minimal inflammation.

Fingolimod failed to promote remyelination in either animal model. 

These studies suggest that while fingolimod may be effective at modulating inflammation in MS, it is unlikely to affect the process of remyelination.

Epub ahead of printHu et al. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator fingolimod (FTY720) does not promote remyelination in vivo. Mol Cell Neurosci. 2011 Jun 24.

"These results are disappointing as previous studies have suggested that fingolimod may enhance remyelination. Hence the trial of this drug in PPMS."

"Please note that this study was done by scientists working at Biogen-Idec, the company that makes Avonex and Tysabri and who are developing anti-Lingo. Biogen-Idec are therefore competitors of Novartis, the company that makes fingolimod. These results should therefore be reproduced by another group or groups of scientists."

"Science is all about reproducing results; if we all accepted this mantra we would not be in the pickle we've gotten ourselves into with CCSVI."

CoI: Multiple

Extra reading: fingolimod, myelin, CCSVI

Other posts on this blog on fingolimod:

08 Jul 2011
What exactly are you planning on doing to change that Prof G? Having seen the Fingolimod corporate advert extolling its excellence I have to ask that if it is so effective why it is only approved for RRMS patients? ...
03 Jun 2011
What exactly are you planning on doing to change that Prof G? Having seen the Fingolimod corporate advert extolling its excellence I have to ask that if it is so effective why it is only approved for RRMS patients? ...
30 Apr 2011
In addition to its immune effects Fingolimod readily penetrates the CNS and may have direct effects on neural cells. This central mechanism of action distinguishes Fingolimod from other immunosuppressive drugs and may ...
02 May 2011
Fingolimod: brain volume data. As a follow-up to my comment on a previous posting; I predict that if the PPMS trial is positive Fingolimod will be the first drug to be licensed as a neuroprotective therapy in MS. ...
Etc. 

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