Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: 8453 (an altered form of DHEA) - question?

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Multiple Sclerosis


Hello there,

I thought I would pass this onto everyone.

A potentially new drug has shown promise against a MS-like disease in mice (called EAE). The drug, called 8453, is an altered form of the molecule DHEA (DHEA has been used experimentally to treat the autoimmune disease lupus).

Jeffrey Greenstein, MD (Temple University, Philadelphia) reported that 8453 reduced the severity of EAE and, at high doses, lessened inflammation in the spinal cord.

I am continuing to have a very good experience using DHEA as I reported in an earlier posting.

Dr. Greenstein has reported that DHEA at very high levels can cause liver problems in mice. He feels that 8453 is safer.

Those of you who are unsure about trying DHEA may want to look into 8453 and Dr. Greenstein's work.

As an aside, it upsets me that scientists/doctors ARE NOT looking at DHEA directly in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. No severe negative side effects have been reported in humans, and DHEA remains a very cheap treatment option ($4.59 a bottle during my last visit to the health food store--with no prescription). The FDA deregulated DHEA in 1994.

I don't like writing this, but in my opinion, DHEA is not being looked at as a possible treatment for MS because doctors and drug companies can't patent the molecule (ie. make money from it). They can, however, patent 8453.

Today scientists know more (albeit small) about the biochemistry of DHEA than they know about the biochemistry of the interferon drugs (Betaseron and Avonex), yet MD's never seem very concerned about this fact.

Something to think about?

Sincerely,
Dr. Curtis

Dear Dr. Curtis,
thank you for the information. You are correct about the drug company, patent and research. Let's hope that the postive results prompt more studies especially in human so that one day we have a cure for this dreaded disease.

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