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Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Disease Overview
MS is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by progressive neuronal loss that manifests clinically as worsening physical disability. The key pathophysiological hallmark of MS is the loss of myelin, a layer of lipids and proteins produced by cells called oligodendrocytes that wrap around the neuron and act like an insulating sheath to facilitate electrical conduction along the nerve. Destruction of myelin by an inflammatory cascade leads to neuronal degeneration. As a result, we believe that there is a substantial unmet need for effective treatments for chronic progressive MS as well as a need for therapies that are more conveniently delivered (e.g., oral agents, less frequently administered injectable drugs).
Population & Market Potential Multiple Sclerosis
According to a 2010 Decision Resources report, in the U.S. and Japan, the prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis was 400,000 patients. Prevalence rates for this and all autoimmune disorders are expected to continue to rise in the next several years.
MS is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by progressive neuronal loss that manifests clinically as worsening physical disability. The key pathophysiological hallmark of MS is the loss of myelin, a layer of lipids and proteins produced by cells called oligodendrocytes that wrap around the neuron and act like an insulating sheath to facilitate electrical conduction along the nerve. Destruction of myelin by an inflammatory cascade leads to neuronal degeneration. As a result, we believe that there is a substantial unmet need for effective treatments for chronic progressive MS as well as a need for therapies that are more conveniently delivered (e.g., oral agents, less frequently administered injectable drugs).
Population & Market Potential Multiple Sclerosis
According to a 2010 Decision Resources report, in the U.S. and Japan, the prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis was 400,000 patients. Prevalence rates for this and all autoimmune disorders are expected to continue to rise in the next several years.