An old antibiotic would be effective against multiple sclerosis. Tested in early-stage patients, minocycline reduced flare-ups.
New hope for treatment in multiple sclerosis. Canadian researchers have tested the effectiveness of an antibiotic usually indicated in acne. It slows the progression of the disease significantly, conclude the experts from the University of Calgary (Canada) in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.
Minocycline is an old antibiotic indicated in cystitis, acne or even chlamydial infections. But its use could well be extended to multiple sclerosis. This is because the drug reduces the inflammation that occurs during flare-ups.
Less risk of progression
Tested on 142 patients at the early stage of the disease, the treatment has been shown to be effective beyond the researchers’ expectations. One of the volunteers testifies in a press release. Jill, 34, woke up one morning with a tingling sensation in her hand. They quickly spread to half of his body.
In the trial, the Canadian took minocycline for six months, 100 mg twice a day. She is no longer showing symptoms of MS and has stopped her antibiotic treatment. Because this is the interest of these results: not only does the drug reduce inflammatory outbreaks, but it also seems to limit the risk of progression to a progressive form.
At the end of the study, those treated had a 33% risk of progressing to more severe multiple sclerosis. In the placebo group, this probability was evaluated at 61%.
An inexpensive option
“From these data, neurologists will be able to prescribe minocycline to people who experience the first signs of demyelination if the MRI confirms that it is multiple sclerosis”, estimates Dr. Luanne Metz, co -author of these works. Minocycline would then offer a therapeutic option to patients in early stages. The possibilities are scarce at this time.
The other advantage of this alternative is its price. Specific treatment for multiple sclerosis costs 20,000 to 40,000 Canadian dollars per year, or 13,200 to 26,500 euros. The minocyline, it does not require paying 600 dollars per year (400 euros). This antibiotic has, moreover, little tendency to produce side effects.
“Patients will now have another therapeutic option, which does not require injections, biological monitoring or prior agreement with their complementary health”, welcomes Luanne Metz. A saving of time which can prove to be invaluable.
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