A new therapeutic agent is being tested for treating optic neuritis — inflammation that damages the optic nerve and is a common presenting feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) — by researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Noveome Biotherapeutics.
According to researchers, the new therapeutic agent — called ST266 — was tested in a mouse model of MS. They found in mice with optic neuritis, early treatment with ST266 prevented damage and dysfunction, marked by significantly reduced loss of optic nerve cells, and suppression of inflammatory cell infiltration into the optic nerve. Additionally, treatment of later-stage optic neuritis in the MS mice showed similar results, reportedly resulting in improved visual function compared to untreated groups.
Scientists also reportedly found when the mice were administered ST266 through their noses, it reached the central nervous system within 30 minutes and was detected at higher concentrations in parts of the eye and optic nerve compared to other areas of the brain. The researchers believe this demonstrates an easier, less painful and less invasive delivery system than injecting medication directly into the eye.
The research was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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