Ponesimod is a drug which works by blocking the signals which allow the body’s immune cells to travel to and damage the nerve cells. By preventing the immune cells from damaging the nerves, it is thought this drug will stop the damage which causes MS ‘relapses’. In clinical trials it has been shown that ponesimod reduces the number of ‘relapses’ in people with MS and reduced the amount of damage to the nerves (measured by brain scans) compared to a placebo.
Drugs
February 2018
Pentetrazol for Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy Type 2
Pentetrazol is a medicinal product that is being developed for the treatment of IH and narcolepsy type 2. Pentetrazol is administered orally and it acts by blocking the effect of a chemical substance called Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). GABA is thought to play a role in promoting sleeping and is believed to be elevated in people with IH. If licensed, Pentetrazol will offer a new treatment option for patients with IH or narcolepsy type 2.