Provid claimed that this new, highly selective small molecule, PV-267, is designed to block a critical step in the autoimmune process of MS, which leads to the destruction of the body’s protective myelin in the central nervous system and to the ultimate accumulation of disability.
The expanded partnership is expected to enable Provid to enhance knowledge of the immune mechanisms involved in the activity of PV-267, paving the way for future development and clinical studies.
Provid president and CEO Gary Olson said that the partnership between Fast Forward and the company was begun in May 2009 and helped fund important research.
"In these studies, PV-267 was shown to be active in an animal model of MS in transgenic mice that carry the human gene for HLA-DR2, a disease-associated molecule that is involved in the attack of the immune system on myelin, the insulating protein on nerves that are damaged in MS," Olson said.
Fast Forward president Timothy Coetzee said that the results of their initial funding of the PV-267 project are very encouraging, which prompts them to extend their partnership with Provid to continue development of the new approach to treating MS.