New Possibilities for Brain Repair in MS

While still in its early stages, new research has uncovered a potential treatment to induce myelin repair in the brain, which could be helpful for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The surprising treatment is Clemastine, an over-the-counter antihistamine generally used to treat allergies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Clemastine may be effective in treating symptoms of MS, and what’s next for the research into brain repair in MS.

Why might Clemastine help with brain repair in MS?

While Clemastine has been used for allergies since the 1960s, it has only recently come to light that it may help treat MS. Physician-Scientist Ari Green, MD, and neuroscientist Jonah Chan, Ph.D. identified the drug as a possible therapy for MS. 

Myelin is the protective insulation around nerve fibers, which allows for the quick conduction of impulses. Individuals with MS lose myelin in the brain over time. This can slow the conduction of impulses, leading to symptoms such as weakness, spasms, vision impairment, and cognitive impairment. 

Clemastine work on remyelination by stimulating stem cells in the brain, which then produce more myelin. It also appears to preserve the integrity of myelin.

Results of clinical trials

Through new MRI techniques, the researchers were able to observe the effects of Clemastine on myelin within the brain. After administering the drug to 50 participants, the researchers observed a slight increase in myelin water levels. This indicates myelin repair and shows great promise for the treatment.

Further study will be needed to definitively understand the effects of Clemastine in MS patients and see how it compares with current MS treatments. Clemastine doesn’t come without side effects. As with many antihistamines, it can make patients very drowsy. And taking too much Clemastine comes with many possible side effects and risks such as tremors or even cardiac arrest. As trials progress, researchers will uncover the appropriate dosage for MS patients, whether the treatment is safe over a long period, and whether this drug is as effective for MS patients as current treatments. There is still a way to go, but the results are promising so far. 

These particular trials focus on using Clemastine for MS. However, it may also be useful for treating spinal cord injury and brain injury in premature infants. Time and research will tell us the role of Clemastine in modern medicine.

Conclusion

• MS causes a decrease in myelin in the brain, which leads to many symptoms that affect patients’ quality of life.
• Researchers have observed Clemastine to be effective in remyelination in early clinical trials. 
• More research is needed to get a full picture of the effectiveness and risks.
• These clinical trials show promise, and we look forward to potential advances in MS treatment.