Manitoba researchers find potential breakthrough for Multiple Sclerosis treatment

WINNIPEG – A potential new treatment could help restore brain function in people with progressive multiple sclerosis.

Researchers at the University of Manitoba have found that restoring levels of a depleted brain protein called neuregulin-1 (Nrg-1) may help repair damaged brain tissue, slow or halt the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), and reverse losses in mobility and cognitive function.

Head researcher Dr. Soheila Karimi says this breakthrough is significant.

“This is promising in the sense now, based on the findings that we are providing, it seems, Nrg-1 can be potentially provide a treatment strategy that can then ameliorate the progress in this stage of MS,” said Dr. Karimi, who is also a professor in the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba.

The findings have so far been demonstrated in preclinical studies, and researchers have not yet established whether the approach will work in people.