Scientists show that BP drug lisinopril could have value in treating multiple sclerosis

Turning serendipity into science, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine in the USA have found a link, in mice and in human brain tissue, between high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis. Their findings suggest that a safe, inexpensive drug already in wide use for high blood pressure may have therapeutic value in multiple sclerosis, as well.

Commenting on the study, Helen Yates, Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center chief executive said: 'This new piece of research could be very exciting news indeed. If the researchers can progress this work into a human model with similar results to those shown in mice, it could prove to be a very cost effective treatment for MS. The possibility that lisinopril could prevent lesion development is, of course, an even more exciting prospect. Let's hope that the researchers can take this work to the next level soon'

While neurology professor Lawrence Steinman, senior author of the new study, cautioned that extensive clinical trial work is needed to determine if lisinopril, can do in humans what it does in mice, he is excited that "we were able to show that all the targets for lisinopril are there and ready for therapeutic manipulation in the multiple-sclerosis lesions of human patients. Without that, this would be just another intriguing paper about what's possible in the mouse."