No Beneficial Effect of Bee Venom
in Study Using Animal Model for MS
Medical Update Memo
June 2, 1998
Summary
The first results of a small controlled study into the use of
honey bee venom as a possible therapy for MS have found no beneficial
effects on mice with EAE, the animal model for MS. Researchers
from Allegheny University of the Health Sciences in Philadelphia
reported results at the American Academy of Neurology meeting
on April 30, 1998. The investigators found that honey bee venom
had no beneficial effect against the course of EAE, and some
of the mice treated with bee venom developed a worse course
of the disease compared to those that received placebo. A small
pilot study of the effect of bee venom therapy on people with
MS is scheduled to begin this spring and last for 12 months.
The study at Georgetown Medical Center, Washington, D.C., is
primarily gauging safety and tolerance of the therapy. Bee venom
is not being compared against placebo in this particulary study.
Background
The following information is from the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society (USA), the primary funder of the study at
Allegheny University:
"For several decades, there have been
unsubstantiated claims about the possible benefits of bee stings
and bee venom for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other
diseases. There has never been a controlled clinical trial of
bee venom in any disease. To begin the scientific evaluation
of honey bee venom, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
gave a pilot research grant to Fred D. Lublin, M.D., and colleagues
at Allegheny University of the Health Sciences in Philadelphia.
This grant was supplemented by one from Vespa Laboratories.
These investigators have been conducting experiments with injections
of whole, raw honey bee venom
into laboratory mice with the MS-like disease
EAE (experimental allergic encephalomyelitis). Dr. Lublin reported
results from the initial phase of this ongoing investigation
at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in Minneapolis
on April 30, 1998 (Neurology 1998; 50:A424).
"In a series of small experiments, EAE
was induced in the mice, and then various doses of whole, raw
honey bee venom or saline solution (placebo) were injected subcutaneous,
three times a week. The injected doses of honey bee venom were
approximately equivalent to a range of 4 to 160 bee stings per
injection.
"The investigators then tested the mice
for severity of symptoms, such as hind limb paralysis. They
found no clinical benefit at any dosage level. In addition,
some of the mice treated with bee venom experienced a worse
course of EAE than those that received inactive placebo, but
the numbers of mice in this pilot study were too small to draw
definitive conclusions.
"While there were no apparent benefits
of whole honey bee venom in these studies, honey bee venom is
a mixture of toxins and other biologically active compounds
that may be more active individually. The research team is conducting
additional studies to determine whether any of these individual
compounds may have potential benefit, or demonstrated harm,
in the treatment of EAE. The team is particularly interested
in exploring the effects of the component 'apamin' which has
the potential to affect nerve conduction by blocking potassium
channels on nerve fibres. The team is also investigating the
effects of whole honey bee venom injections and honey bee venom
components on brain and spinal cord inflammation. It is possible
that if a potentially beneficial component of honey bee venom
is found, a treatment could be developed that maximizes any
benefit and minimizes its toxicity.
"Based on his study's suggestion that
honey bee venom could potentially worsen the course of MS-like
disease in mice, Dr. Lublin concludes that additional safety
and efficacy testing should be undertaken before honey bee venom
should be used by persons with MS. It is important to note that
some individuals are highly allergic to bee stings and bee venom.
This allergic reaction can develop suddenly and can have significant
and even life-threatening side effects, including anaphylactic
shock."
A small study looking at the safety and tolerance
of bee venom therapy by people with MS is scheduled to begin
this spring and last for 12 months. Under the direction of Joseph
Bellanti, M.D., Georgetown Medical Center, Washington, D.C.,
approximately eight people with progressive MS will receive
two injections of honey bee venom per week. Participants will
be monitored by monthly evaluations. If this Phase I pilot study
proves promising, the investigators may move on to a Phase II
double blind study, in which bee venom would be tested against
placebo. Funding for the Phase I study is from the Multiple
Sclerosis Association of America.
Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent,
voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend
any specific product or therapy but provides information to
assist individuals in making their own decisions.
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