A preliminary study suggests the the use of the drug teriflunomide could delay early symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) for people whose MRI scans show signs of the condition, even if they do yet show symptoms.
According to Cision PR Newswire, a preliminary study found that people taking teriflunomide had a 63% lower risk of experiencing the first symptoms of MS when compared to those taking a placebo drug. The study, released April 19, will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 75th Annual Meeting in Boston. Called radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), the condition is diagnosed in people who do not have MS symptoms but who have abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord called lesions, which are similar to those seen in MS.
"Our findings suggest that early intervention with teriflunomide may be beneficial to those diagnosed with radiologically isolated syndrome, the presymptomatic phase of MS," study author Christine Lebrun Frenay told Cision PR Newswire. "However, more research is needed in larger groups of people to confirm our findings. Additionally, it is important that medical professionals are cautious when using MRI expertise to diagnose this condition, selecting only patients at risk of developing MS and not increasing MRI misdiagnoses."
Teriflunomide treatment was used to treat patients with RIS, which is diagnosed in people who do not have MS symptoms, but who have abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord called lesions, similar to those seen in MS.
Lebrun Frenay wrote that more and more people are having brain scans for various reasons, leading to an increase in discovery of RIS. Many people diagnosed with RIS go on to develop MS, and the earlier a person can be treated for MS, the greater the chances of delaying damage to the myelin, the fatty white substance that insulates and protects the nerves. Delaying damage to myelin can reduce the risk of permanent neurologic impairment and debilitating symptoms, she said.
The study was comprised of 89 people with RIS, half of whom were given 14 milligrams of teriflunomide daily, while the other half were given a placebo. Researchers then followed up with participants for up to two years. Eight of those who took teriflunomide developed MS symptoms, compared to 20 people who took the placebo. After adjustments made by researchers, they found people who were taking teriflunomide had a 63% lower risk of experiencing first symptoms than those who took the placebo.
Lebrun Frenay said more research in larger groups is still needed to confirm the study's findings.
