Preliminary work suggests that minocycline as add-on therapy may offer improved efficacy of glatiramer acetate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis . Authors suggest further research needed.
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Medical Update Memo
October 13, 2009
Summary
Minocycline is proposed as an add-on therapy to improve the efficacy of glatiramer acetate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The effect of minocycline plus glatiramer acetate was evaluated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Mult Scler. 2009 Sep 23 epub ahead of print
Details
Canadian researchers, lead by Dr. Luanne Metz of Calgary,aimed to investigate the efficacy of combined glatiramer acetate(GA) plus minocycline treatment in people with relapsing-remitting MS, by comparing a group receiving GA plus minocycline with another receiving GA plus placebo. Forty-four participants were randomized to either minocycline 100 mg twice daily or matching placebo for 9 months as add-on therapy. They were assessed at screening and months 1, 3, 6, 8 and 9. Forty participants completed the study.
Compared with glatiramer acetate/placebo, glatiramer acetate/minocycline reduced the total number of T1 gadolinium-enhanced lesions by 63%, the total number of new and enlarging T2 lesions by 65%, and the total T2 disease burden. A higher number of gadolinium-enhanced lesions were present in the glatiramer acetate/minocycline group at baseline; this was incorporated into the analysis of the primary endpoint but makes interpretation of the data more challenging. The risk of relapse tended to be lower in the combination group. Treatment was safe and well tolerated. Authors conclude that results showed a consistent trend favoring combination treatment. As minocycline is a relatively safe oral therapy, The authors conclude that further study of this combination is warranted in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
National Research and Programs
Offert en français.
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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