Jab for common virus could be potential treatment for multiple sclerosis – study

A new trial will test whether an mRNA jab to protect against a common virus found in almost all people with multiple sclerosis (MS) could treat the condition.

Scientists believe that targeting the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which commonly causes glandular fever, could also offer a new treatment pathway for MS.

They also want to establish whether vaccinating the entire population against Epstein-Barr might one day play a role in preventing MS, though more research is needed.

Most people will have contracted EBV by the time they reach adulthood and it is thought to play a role in the development of MS.

Once people are infected with EBV, the virus remains hidden in the body for life but can become active again.

The new early-stage Phase 2 trial will look at how an investigational vaccine for EBV may have an effect on new MS disease activity.

The mRNA jab works by training the immune system to keep the virus suppressed.

It aims to teach the body how to make a specific protein, which the immune system then “remembers” to help the body prevent EBV from activating and spreading to other cells.

The vaccine will be trialled in patients recently diagnosed with MS who have EBV, with 180 people being recruited across the world.

In the UK, up to 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 for the trial and director of the MS and neuroimmunology hub at the University of Edinburgh’s Anne Rowling Clinic, 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 an important role in the development of multiple sclerosis is opening new avenues for treating the 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 be the first country outside the US to open the study, affording more UK patients the choice to participate in the trial.

“That is a vital step which could potentially lead to a significant breakthrough underpinned by Scottish leadership.”

People taking part in the Horizon trial must be aged 18 to 55 and have been diagnosed with MS in the past two years.

The trial will last for around two and a half years.

More 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, exhausting and unpredictable, and existing treatments don’t 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’s great to see how much momentum has built in recent years toward understanding the role of EBV in MS.

“To see this translated into real opportunities for people with MS to take part in clinical trials is fantastic, and we look forward to hearing the results.”