Grant: Proof of Principle Program - Phase II

Treatments for multiple sclerosis need improvement, since current approaches offer incomplete symptom control and do not substantially alter disease outcomes. Most research into multiple sclerosis has focused on the immune system and current treatments are primarily focused on suppressing immunological function to reduce the severity of MS. We wish to develop a new approach to treating MS, which involves interfering with the binding between two proteins. One of these two interacting proteins is a receptor for glutamate, which has been known for a long time to be involved in cell death in many different contexts and diseases. We previously created a tiny protein called a peptide that can block this protein interaction and protect nerve cells from dying in MS in animal models of MS. Our peptide can also prevent the progression of paralysis in conjunction with protecting neurons and other spinal cord cells from damage. Now, we propose to develop a more conventional drug that works in the same way as the peptide, which is difficult to administer to patients. We hope that this new molecule will be a new drug for treating MS that is more effective and has fewer side effects than existing treatments.