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An unprecedented new trial has been designed to test whether an mRNA jab designed to target the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could provide a new treatment route for multiple sclerosis (MS).
Scientists are exploring this pathway because EBV, which is commonly known to cause glandular fever, is present in almost all individuals with MS and is believed to play a key role in the development of the condition.
In most people, the virus, which is infected by adulthood, remains dormant in the body throughout life, but can reactivate.
This early-stage Phase 2 trial will specifically examine how the investigational vaccine affects the new MS disease activity.
The mRNA technology works by training the immune system to maintain suppression of the virus.
In addition to treatment, researchers are also considering whether widespread vaccination against EBV could eventually contribute to preventing MS, although further study is needed.
Its purpose is to teach the body to make a specific protein, which the immune system “remembers” to help prevent EBV from becoming active and spreading to other cells.
The vaccine will be tested on patients with EBV who have recently developed MS, recruiting 180 people worldwide.
In the UK, 10 sites will take part in the New Horizon trial, which is led by the University of Edinburgh and sponsored by pharmaceutical firm Moderna.
Professor David Hunt, national chief investigator of the trial and director of the MS and Neuroimmunology Hub at the Anne Rowling Clinic at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This is an important and innovative trial to treat multiple sclerosis by targeting EBV infection using a vaccine.
“Currently, almost all of our disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis work by suppressing the body’s immune system.
“The discovery that EBV plays a key role in the development of multiple sclerosis is opening new avenues for treating this condition.”
Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) for the Scottish Government, said: “The partnership between the University of Edinburgh, the National Institute of Health and Care Research and NHS Research Scotland has enabled the UK to become the first country outside the US to launch the study, giving more UK patients the option to take part in the trial.
“This is an important step forward that could potentially lead to a significant breakthrough, supported by the Scottish leadership.”
People taking part in the HORIZON trial must be aged 18 to 55 and have been diagnosed with MS within the past two years.
The trial will last for about two and a half years.
Further information is available from the NIHR Be Part of Research website: bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/join.
Dr Emma Gray, director of research at the MS Society, said: “MS can be debilitating, tiring and unpredictable, and current treatments do not work for everyone.
“Using mRNA vaccine technology to target a common virus is an exciting and innovative approach to developing new treatment options – and it is great to see how much momentum has been built in recent years towards understanding the role of EBV in MS.
“It is fantastic to see this translate into real opportunities for people with MS to participate in clinical trials, and we look forward to hearing the results.”