The research also yielded the molecular sequence of the antibody which will facilitate production of the antibody in large quantities for further studies. Treatment with the human antibodies proved to be safe in mice.

Currently, there is no new treatment or therapy for humans as a result of this research. It is unknown how long the development of the clinical trials will take or when the clinical trials would begin.

Funding for the first stage of research was provided by the National Institutes of Health, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mayo Foundation and Acorda Therapeutics. Acorda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that develops therapeutic products for spinal cord injury and other central nervous system conditions. Acorda is planning to complete the preclinical work necessary before human clinical trials can be designed. This work includes scaling up manufacturing of the antibody to produce quantities sufficient for human clinical trials, and conducting formal toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies.

Ron Cohen, M.D., Acorda's president and CEO, states, "Acorda is proud of its collaboration with Dr. Rodriguez and Mayo Clinic. The identification of this human monoclonal antibody is a significant step forward in its development as a potential therapy for people with demyelinating conditions, such as multiple sclerosis."

"This type of basic scientific research is needed to advance medicine and our potential to develop new treatments and therapies for humans," says Dr. Rodriguez.

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Contact: Jane Jacobs
newsbureau@mayo.edu
507-284-2387
Mayo Clinic
4-Jun-2000