Published in PNAS: An international study involving the University of Queensland researchers has demonstrated that a new plant-derived drug can block the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The new drug T20K is based on a compound present in the traditional medicinal plant Oldenlandia affinis, and has been successful in an animal model of MS.
The drug belongs to a new class of synthesised peptides called cyclotides. They are present in a range of common plants, and are considered ideal 'template' molecules for a variety of new drugs.
In general they are biologically very stable compounds. Therefore it is expected that patients will be able to take T20K orally.
This would be a significant advantage over existing treatments, which require frequent injections.
According to Dr Christian Gruber, who is affiliated with both the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Queensland, Phase I clinical trials could begin as early as 2018.
The drug has been licenced to start-up company Cyxone - a Swedish company founded in 2015 to develop cyclotide drugs for autimmune and other diseases.
