03/02/2011

An international study led by Dr. Xavier Montalban, responsible of the Neuroimmunology Research Group at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and director of CEM-Cat, examines whether the administration of certain lipids has benefits in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Specifically study the most common, the appellant subtype, to provide scientific evidence to popular belief so far argued that the inclusion of specific fats in the diet of the patient improved their symptoms. Currently, research is in phase II and it is expected that test results can be published in late 2011.The responsibles of this international study involving several hospitals in Catalonia and led from VHIR, together with the CEM-Cat, have designed an experimental drug (BGC-0134 or PlenevaTM), which is based on a synthetic fat that optimizes bioavailability of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid of the Omega-6 group that human body does not synthesize by itself and, therefore, can only be obtained if included in the diet. This fatty acid is incorporated into the cell membrane and has been observed that may have some protective function of the myelin sheath, a substance affected by MS. "The aim of this study is to demonstrate that the experimental drug BCG-0134 is able to reduce inflammatory activity, measured with MRI, magnetic resonance, in Multiple Sclerosis with flares and remissions", explains Dr. Montalban. "If the result were positive, he adds, the potential clinical benefit would be confirmed in a phase III trial."