7月12日消息-环球医学据悉，国防部（DOD）已授予SRI国际公司为期一年的拨款，以研发治疗多发性硬化症（MS）的新疗法。MS是一种自身免疫性神经系统疾病，在美国有40万MS患者，而全球有超过两百万患者。MS可损害视力和运动，但目前还没有治愈这种疾病的方法。

国防部的国会直属医学研究项目的资助金用来支持研发以miR-326为治疗靶点的口服药物，miR-326为最近发现的能够刺激产生免疫系统介体即Th17细胞的分子。多发性硬化症患者有高水平的miR-326，Th17细胞被认为在造成MS和其他自身免疫性疾病中发挥了关键作用。新疗法旨在抑制miR-326从而阻止Th17细胞产生。

对患者而言，新型的口服药物会比现有治疗更方便。现有的MS治疗，往往需要患者为了肌肉注射或静脉注射药物而频繁到医院就诊。新的药物也可以帮助对现有治疗药物无反应或有明显副作用的患者。

“我们非常需要新型的、更方便、更有效的治疗多发性硬化症的治疗方法，” Jennifer Lam博士说。Jennifer Lam博士是一名SRI生物科学部的科学家，并为此项目的带头人。“我们的研究是为了研发一种新型的口服药物并深入了解MS的发病机制”。（环球医学）
 

原文

SRI International receives DoD grant to develop novel therapy for MS

The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded SRI International a one-year grant to develop a novel therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune nervous system disease that affects about 400,000 people in the United States and more than two million people worldwide. There is currently no cure for this disorder, which can impair vision and movement.

The grant, funded through DoD's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, will support the development of an oral drug that targets miR-326, a molecule recently found to stimulate the production of immune system mediators known as T-helper 17 (Th17) cells. Patients with MS have high levels of miR-326, and Th17 is thought to play a critical role in causing MS and other autoimmune diseases. The new therapy will inhibit miR-326 and block the production of Th17 cells.

The novel, orally administered drug will be more convenient for patients than currently available treatments. MS treatments today often require frequent hospital visits for injections or intravenous infusions. The new drug could also help patients who do not respond to existing medications, or who experience significant side effects as a result of taking them.

"New and more convenient and effective therapeutics for multiple sclerosis are greatly needed," said Jennifer Lam, Ph.D., a research scientist in SRI's Biosciences Division who is spearheading the project. "Our research is directed toward the development of a novel oral therapeutic as well as a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to MS."

      相关链接：http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120711/SRI-International-receives-DoD-grant-to-develop-novel-therapy-for-MS.aspx

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