Opicinumab

Opicinumab is an experimental monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is developed by Biogen, a multinational biotechnology company based in the United States.

Mechanism of Action

Opicinumab works by promoting remyelination, the process of restoring the myelin sheath around nerve fibers that is damaged in MS. It targets LINGO-1, a protein that inhibits the growth and repair of nerve cells. By blocking LINGO-1, opicinumab may help to repair damaged nerves and improve neurological function.

Clinical Trials

Opicinumab has been tested in several clinical trials. The Phase 2 trial, known as SYNERGY, aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug in people with relapsing forms of MS. However, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint, which was a composite measure of physical and cognitive function. Despite this, some positive trends were observed in certain subgroups of patients, leading to further investigation in the ongoing Phase 2b trial, AFFINITY.

Potential Impact

If successful, opicinumab could represent a significant advancement in the treatment of MS. Currently, most MS treatments focus on managing symptoms and reducing inflammation, but do not directly repair the damage to the myelin sheath. A therapy that promotes remyelination could potentially slow or even reverse the progression of the disease.

See Also

• Monoclonal antibody
• Multiple sclerosis
• Biogen
• Clinical trial
• Remyelination