Drugs to calm harmful brain immune cells in multiple sclerosis
Development of Drugs that Modify CNS Innate Immunity for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10992089
Researchers are making new drugs that block a protein called EphB3 to try to reduce damaging astrocyte and microglia activity in people with progressive multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10992089 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is developing new versions of a lead compound (A-38) that blocks EphB3, a protein that appears to drive harmful astrocyte and microglia behavior in MS. They will synthesize up to 150 analogs and use lab assays to see which molecules reduce astrocyte pathogenic activities. Promising candidates will be tested for target blocking, potency, and properties that affect safety and crossing the blood-brain barrier. Compounds that pass these preclinical checks would be advanced toward animal studies and, eventually, early human trials for progressive MS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with progressive multiple sclerosis, particularly those with ongoing neurodegeneration despite current treatments, would be the most likely future candidates for these therapies.
Not a fit: People with well-controlled relapsing-remitting MS or whose disease is driven mainly by peripheral immune mechanisms may not benefit from this astrocyte/microglia-targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could slow or prevent nerve damage in progressive multiple sclerosis by reducing harmful activity of brain support cells.
How similar studies have performed: Modulating microglia and astrocytes is an emerging area, and targeting EphB3 is a novel strategy that has promising preclinical signals but is largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: QUINTANA, FRANCISCO J. — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: QUINTANA, FRANCISCO J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.