New remedy for multiple sclerosis MS

Bochum physicians accidentally discover new MS medication

08/28/2014

For a few months, a new drug for multiple sclerosis (MS) has been approved in Germany, which is already being used by more than half of MS patients. The curious thing: The drug was originally discovered in the Catholic Clinic Bochum, but so far only provided therapy success and millions of sales outside Germany.

In Germany alone, 11,000 patients are being treated with Tecfidera
Since February of this year is the new oral drug „Tecfidera“ against multiple sclerosis Europe-wide admitted, which also as „fumaric acid“ is known. With decisive success, because in Germany alone now 11,000 patients are treated with the new drug, a total of 200,000 people suffering from the disease. But the history of the drug has rarity value, because the drug was originally discovered in Germany despite the late approval. It is „the craziest story I've ever experienced“, said Prof. Peter Altmeyer (69), Medical Director of the Catholic Hospital, opposite the „WAZ“. According to this, Altmeyer had already discovered the positive effect of fumaric acid on the course of MS in the late 1990s, while working in the Dermatology Clinic at the St. Josef Hospital of the Catholic Clinic Bochum.

Positive effect of fumaric acid discovered by treatment of psoriasis
At that time, Prof. Altmeyer had treated an MS patient who additionally had psoriasis on the skin disease. Against this the patient got a means, which so-called „fumarate“ , an active ingredient that is considered to be well-acting and well tolerated in moderate and severe psoriasis. These are the salts of fumaric acid (also „trans-ethylene dicarboxylic acid“), a naturally occurring organic chemical substance found in various plants, lichens and fungi. As Altmeyer further reports, the patient had been treated in the neighboring neurological clinic due to his MS - which was a surprising one „Serendipity“ Because the neurological specialists found that the course of MS was significantly slowed down, apparently triggered by the fumarate.

US biotechnology company „Biogen“ secures the rights
Finally, in 2012, a study by the Neurological Clinic at St. Josef Hospital confirmed that the salts of fumaric acid have an anti-inflammatory effect and can protect the nerve cells. „In patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, dimethyl fumarate significantly reduced the proportion of patients relapsing compared to placebo, as well as the annual relapse rate, the rate of progressive disability, and the number of lesions on MRI“, said the head of the study and director of the Neurological Clinic, Prof. Ralf Gold in the journal „The New England Journal of Medicine“. „The immune system is virtually reprogrammed. The relapses of MS disease are reduced by up to 50 percent“, Prof. Ralf Gold continues to explain to WAZ. Results, which in the professional world like a „bomb“ and the US biotech company „Biogen Idec Inc“ to secure their rights early on.

Explorers are proud of theirs „pioneering work“
It was approved in March 2013 in the US, since February 2014, MS patients can now get the drug in Europe, which could mean a new hope for the 200,000 people affected in the fight against the chronic inflammatory disease. In the US, 40,000 patients are now taking the tablets, which has given the pharmaceutical group sales in the billions - to the chagrin of Altmeyer: „Our mistake was not having filed a patent in time.“ This would make the clinic in Bochum no profit from the „random product“ beat, but still remain the personal success: „Our pioneering work makes us proud“, Altmeyer continues.