Multiple Sclerosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Multiple Sclerosis, including details on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prognosis.

FTY720, an immunomodulatory sphingolipid mimetic: translation of a novel mechanism into clinical benefit in multiple sclerosis.

Baumruker T, Billich A, Brinkmann V

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Autoimmunity & Transplantation, Brunner Strasse 59, A-1235 Vienna, Austria. thomas.baumruker@novartis.com

FTY720 (fingolimod; 2-amino-2[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]-1,3-propanediol, Novartis) is the prototype of a new generation of immunomodulators. The drug is the result of extensive chemical derivatisation based on the natural product myriocin, isolated from the ascomycete Isaria sinclairii. FTY720 bears structural similarity to sphingosine, a naturally occurring sphingolipid. As with sphingosine, FTY720 is effectively phosphorylated by sphingosine kinases in vivo and the phosphorylated drug targets G-protein-coupled receptors for sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Gene deletion and reverse pharmacology studies have shown that FTY720 acts at S1P1 receptors on lymphocytes and the endothelium, thereby inhibiting the egress of T- and B cells from secondary lymphoid organs into the blood and their recirculation to inflamed tissues. Animal studies suggest that this novel mechanism translates into effective treatments for several autoimmune diseases and a recently completed Phase II clinical trial highlighted FTY720 as a potential therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Published 16 February 2007 in Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 16(3): 283-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Multiple Sclerosis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.