NeuroVax

NeuroVax is an experimental vaccine that was originally studied as a possible treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. However, the development programme for NeuroVax was terminated when the company developing this treatment, Orchestra Therapeutics Inc, filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

Immune Response BioPharma now owns the product and the focus has switched to trials in secondary progressive MS and paediatric MS.

These proposed studies have been repeatedly delayed it is not clear when they might be complete as the Clinical Trial website has not been updated for some time. All the trials are scheduled to take place in San Diego, California in the United States. There are no UK trial sites.

How does NeuroVax work?

NeuroVax contains a combination of three protein fragments (peptides) which appear on the surface of T-cells involved in the immune response in MS. Studies suggested that treatment with NeuroVax stimulates production of certain regulatory T-cells, which in turn decrease the levels of other T-cells which attack myelin.

How is NeuroVax given?

NeuroVax is injected into the muscle every four weeks.

Planned studies

A novel therapeutic TCR peptide vaccine for SPMS to slow disease progression

This phase IIb study plans to recruit 150 participants with secondary progressive MS who will receive either NeuroVax or placebo. Disability will be monitored (EDSS) over the 48 week study period.

Estimated start date: March 2020
Estimated completion date: March 2022
Further details of this study

Please note the trial website has not been updated since March 2020, therefore the current status of this trial is unclear.

A novel therapeutic TCR peptide vaccine for SPMS

This phase II study plans to recruit 200 participants with secondary progressive MS who will receive either NeuroVax or placebo. The main measure of this study will be the number of new active lesions seen on MRI scans.

Estimated start date: February 2020
Estimated completion date: February 2023
Further details of this study

Please note the trial website has not been updated since March 2020, therefore the current status of this trial is unclear.

NeuroVax for paediatric MS

This phase I study plans to recruit 12 participants (aged 5-17) with paediatric MS who will receive either NeuroVax or placebo to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in paediatric MS. The trial is not yet recruiting.

Estimated start date: December 2020
Estimated completion date: December 2024
Further details of this study

Find out more

References: Vandenbark AA, et al.
Therapeutic vaccination with a trivalent T-cell receptor (TCR) peptide vaccine restores deficient FoxP3 expression and TCR recognition in subjects with multiple sclerosis.
Immunology 2008;123(1):66-78.
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On this page

Find treatments for MS symptoms

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be managed by medication, input from therapists or rehabilitation specialists and/or the development of self-management strategies.

Drug development process

The development of new drugs is a long and difficult process. Overall, it may take 10-15 years for a new compound to get from the test tube to the medicine cabinet. Find out about the different stages involved in making a new medicine.