Ibudilast decreases progression of brain atrophy in progressive multiple sclerosis

According to new research led by scientists at the Cleveland Clinic (OH, USA), a promising drug – ibudilast – has been revealed to slow down brain shrinkage in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Progressive MS is associated with gradual worsening of symptoms and increasing disability. While there are more than a dozen approved treatments for relapsing–remitting MS, none of these therapies have consistently demonstrated efficacy in slowing disability progression in patients with the progressive form, particularly those without evidence for active inflammation. Ibudilast is an oral drug with activity on several biologic pathways with potential relevance to progressive MS. In 1989,...