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Why did IL-12/IL-23 antibody therapy fail in multiple sclerosis?
Erin E Longbrake1, Michael K Racke
1Medical Scientist Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|March 11, 2009
Summary
Ustekinumab, an antibody targeting interleukin-12/23 (IL-12/23), did not improve multiple sclerosis symptoms in a Phase II trial. Further studies in early-stage patients may be warranted.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and Interleukin-23 (IL-23) are cytokines implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
- Neutralizing antibodies against IL-12/23 showed efficacy in animal models and safety in Phase I human trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab, an anti-IL-12/23p40 antibody, in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Main Methods:
- A Phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, dose-ranging study.
- Involved subcutaneous injections of ustekinumab in patients with RRMS.
Main Results:
- No significant clinical or radiologic improvements were observed in any ustekinumab treatment group compared to placebo.
- The study did not demonstrate efficacy for ustekinumab in this patient population.
Conclusions:
- Ustekinumab failed to show efficacy in a Phase II trial for RRMS, potentially due to the inclusion of patients with advanced disease.
- Future research could explore ustekinumab's potential in a subset of patients with very early-stage MS.
