Cladribine
Other names: Leustat
In development for: Relapsing/remitting MS
Status: Phase III
Last updated: April 2008
How does it work?
Cladribine is currently licensed to treat certain forms of leukaemia and appears to interfere with the behaviour and proliferation of cells of the immune system.
How is it given?
As a cancer treatment, cladribine is an intravenous infusion.
In the current trials as a treatment for relapsing/remitting MS, cladribine is taken orally as tablets.
Clinical studies
Although previous trials of injectable cladribine in people with MS have not shown a change in relapse rate or progression of disability, new trials of oral cladribine are underway.
Cladribine is being evaluated in a phase III study, known as CLARITY (CLAdRIbine Tablets treating MS orallY).
Cladribine is being developed by Merck Serono.
Side effects and contraindications
Side effects of injectable cladribine have included infections and bone marrow suppression with reduced platelet counts, also fatigue, nausea, rash, headache and decreased appetite.
References
Brousil JA et al
Cladribine: an investigational immunomodulatory agent for multiple sclerosis.
Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2006;40(10):1814-21
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