Tovaxin
Other names:
In development for: Relapsing/remitting MS
Status: Phase II
Last updated: April 2008
How does it work?
Tovaxin is an autologous T-cell vaccine, which means it is prepared from a sample of the patient's own cells. Myelin-reactive T-cells are extracted from the blood and irradiated to produce a vaccine. When the vaccine is injected, the body sees these modified T-cells as being foreign and attacks them, priming the immune system to attack non-irradiated, myelin-reactive T-cells as well.
How is it given?
The prepared vaccine is injected under the skin.
Clinical studies
In a small prelminary study, Tovaxin showed promise, reducing relapses by 90%.
A phase II study is now underway with initial results expected towards the end of 2008.
