More MS news articles for April 2003

SAM Inhibitor/MS

http://rdu.news14.com/content/health_report/?ArID=26673&SecID=247

4/3/2003 5:25 AM
By: Medstar.com

A drug that helps stop destructive cells from breaching the blood-brain barrier is reducing new brain lesions for Multiple Sclerosis patients by 93 percent. Antegren is part of a new class of drugs called Selective Adhesion Molecule Inhibitors, or SAM Inhibitors. The drug prevents immune cells from passing through capillaries in the brain. By stopping these cells, the brain and a protective sheath for nerves, are protected from the invading cells. Antegren is administered in weekly IV infusions. It’s also being explored for treatment of Crohn’s disease.