Epiphany to initiate multiple sclerosis study program

Epiphany Biosciences, a developer of therapeutic products and diagnostic technologies that treat or help prevent the spread of pathogenic viruses, has reported that it plans to file an investigational new drug with the FDA to study the potential impact of using the antiviral medication valomaciclovir as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

According to Epiphany, valomaciclovir has been shown to possess potent antiviral activity in vitro against a number of herpes-related viruses, including herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes zoster, and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6).

The drug is currently being tested in a Phase IIb study in patients with acute herpes zoster infection (shingles) and in a Phase IIa study in patients with acute infectious mononucleosis.

Brian Murphy, chief medical officer of Epiphany, said: We plan to conduct viral and pharmacokinetic studies prior to the use of valomaciclovir in longer term studies in patients with multiple sclerosis. Valomaciclovir has exhibited a sound safety profile to date with dosages ranging from one gram to three grams daily.

We feel that ultimately, a combination approach, especially one that would involve antiviral pharmacologic pressure on the suspected viral component of the disease, could provide patients with better long-term management, especially if coupled with immunomodulatory agents that may cause transient leucopenia.