Nutra Pharma's RP1-78M may regulate expression of newly found multiple sclerosis gene

By Angela McDaniels

Seattle, Dec. 19 - Nutra Pharma Corp. said its continuing micro-array studies have identified a new gene involved in the disease process of multiple sclerosis. Although the gene and some of its functions are already known, this is the first evidence of involvement with multiple sclerosis, the company said.

The research also provides evidence that RPI-78M modulates the expression of this gene in laboratory assays. RPI-78M is the lead drug candidate of Nutra Pharma's holding company, ReceptoPharm Inc., and is being studied in preclinical assays for its efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis.

Eno Research and Development Inc. was contracted by Nutra Pharma to analyze samples of immune cells and brain lesion material from multiple sclerosis patients, with and without the addition of RPI-78M. They measured the changes in gene expression that occurred with treatment.

Statistical evaluation of the data revealed more than 60 genes with significant changes in expression as a result of exposure to RPI-78M, the company said. In analyzing the affected genes, at least 30 of them may have a specific role in the progression of the disease and symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

"While RPI-78M alters the regulation of genes known to be involved with multiple sclerosis, we are especially excited by the modulation of this gene previously unassociated with multiple sclerosis at all. Work to further characterize the involvement of this gene in the disease progression of multiple sclerosis is ongoing," Eno president and chief executive officer James Flowers said in a company news release.

"The data from this study suggests that RPI-78M may aid the patient in reversing some of the damage caused by multiple sclerosis. It is notable that if these results were replicated in the patient population it may greatly reduce the severity of the disease."

"We are ... seeking to patent this gene as a potential new target for multiple sclerosis therapies," Nutra Pharma chief executive officer Rik J. Deitsch said in the release. "If we are successful, the patent may provide revenues through partnerships and licensing. These studies, when coupled with the positive results in the animal models, create substantial evidence of the drug's effects against multiple sclerosis."

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues of the central nervous system. It afflicts roughly 400,000 people in the United States and more than 2.5 million worldwide, the company said.

Nutra Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boynton Beach, Fla.

Eno Research and Development is a full-service contract research organization located in Hillsborough, N.C.

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