Repairing MS: The Quest to Rebuild Myelin

The quest to repair the damage caused by multiple sclerosis is gaining momentum, with scientists working to restore lost function and slow progression by rebuilding myelin—the protective coating of nerve cells. Within the brain and spinal cord, immature myelin-making cells called OPCs hold promise, but need the right signals to mature into oligodendrocytes and repair MS lesions. Researchers are also studying the role of microglia, the immune cells that clear debris but can turn destructive, with drugs like BTK inhibitors potentially tilting them toward repair.

Early attempts at remyelination drugs such as opicinumab and elezanumab showed promise in animals but ultimately failed in human trials, underscoring the challenge. Still, reasons for optimism are emerging: clemastine, a common antihistamine, showed signs of remyelination in optic neuritis, while PIPE-307—a compound inspired by green mamba snake venom—is in Phase 2 trials. Even novel approaches like gold nanoparticles are being studied to boost oligodendrocyte energy and repair capacity. The path is complex, but progress is accelerating—bringing remyelination therapies closer to becoming a real option for people living with MS.

Episode sponsored by TG Therapeutics

Veronique Miron PhD

Veronique Miron PhD is the John David Eaton Chair in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Barlo MS Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital, and Full Professor in the Department of Immunology at The University of Toronto. Dr. Miron has undertaken research in MS for 20 years, with a focus on understanding how myelin repair is controlled and why it fails in MS. She completed her PhD at McGill University in Montreal, and an MS Canada-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine. She then launched her lab at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and in 2022, relocated with her lab to Toronto.

Robert Glanzman MD

Robert Glanzman MD is a board-certified neurologist with over 20 years of experience in neuroscience-related clinical research. Dr. Glanzman received his medical degree from Wake Forest University, completed his neurology residency at University of Michigan and completed a fellowship in diagnostic nuclear medicine/PET imaging at Duke University. Prior to joining industry in 1999, he held the position of Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at Michigan State University. After joining industry, held increasingly important roles at Pfizer, Novartis and Roche, where he was responsible for the design of the global Phase 3 development program for ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for both relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. More recently, Dr. Glanzman has held leadership positions at several biotechnology companies, and is currently Chief Medical Officer of Find Therapeutics.