Multiple Sclerosis Research: Anti-TNF makes MS worses

Alnasser Alsukhni R, Jriekh Z, Aboras Y. Adalimumab Induced or Provoked MS in Patient with Autoimmune Uveitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.Case Rep Med. 2016;2016:1423131

Anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNF-α) agents have been widely used in the field of autoimmune diseases and have proved decisive efficacy and relative safety. Data concerning their adverse effects has been lately describing central nervous system (CNS) demyelination process at escalating basis. Case Presentation. A 23-year-old male with autoimmune uveitis and a family history of multiple sclerosis (MS) developed two neurological attacks, after Adalimumab infusion, simultaneously with several cerebral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hence the diagnosis of Adalimumab induced MS was suspected. Conclusion. This case is reported to tell physicians to be cautious when using anti-TNF-α in patients with family history of MS and to reconsider the risk of MS in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Tumor necrosis factor is a cytokine that can kill tumors but it can do other things as well. A chap called sir Marc Feldmann got the patent for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with anti-TNF. He and his clinical colleague Tiny Maini were the first scientists to take an idea to control autoimmunity from the bench into the clinic. His first drug called infliximab made some people a mint. I filed the patent with Sir Marc for use of anti-TNF in treating MS. Marc got Knighted and minted for arthritis studies but as anti-TNF was found to make MS worse this is a dead end and I wont get as much as a jelly baby let alone a mint. Adalimumab is a human anti-TNF and it too can cause demyelinating disease.

This is telling us something about MS. What is it?