Over-the-counter drugs may regrow damaged cells in MS

An artist’s representation of the study.
Scientists found that certain drugs
were able to promote remyelination
in mouse models of multiple sclerosis.
Image courtesy of Case Western
Reserve University;
Illustrator: Megan Kern

MS DIGEST – April 20, 2015 – Two drugs already on the market — an antifungal and a steroid — may potentially treat multiple sclerosis by stimulating myelin growth, according to a study published in Nature today.

Researchers led by Paul J. Tesar, Ph.D., associate professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland discovered that the drugs miconazole (an antifungal) and clobetasol (a steroid), activate stem cells in the brain to stimulate myelin producing cells and repair white matter, which is damaged in multiple sclerosis.