Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to the degeneration of the myelin sheath which protects the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. Multiple Sclerosis is difficult to diagnose and up to now no in-vitro diagnostic test is established to confirm the disease or any sub-types (clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS)). The average time between first clinical symptoms and confirmed diagnosis is > 3 years. Treatment of MS using immune modulating drugs slows disease progression and reduces disabling symptoms. Earlier treatment is therefore highly desirable for both reduction of patient suffering and reduction of lifelong disease costs.

UNIArray^® technology identifies novel auto-antigen candidates

Protagen AG and Clinicum Lüdenscheid, Department of Neuroimmunology, have successfully identified novel auto-antigen candidates by comparative screening of well characterized MS serum samples versus a control group of healthy serum samples using the proprietary UNIArray^TM technology. We are currently assessing the feasibility of detecting MS specific auto-antibodies in serum as a new diagnostic approach to improve on the predictive value of MRI screening, and to determine which patients require rigorous clinical follow-up (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid analysis). The validation program is designed as a multi-centre trial conducted together with Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis (USA) and Technical University Munich, Dep. of Polyclinic (Europe).