BioNTech, achieves breakthrough in quest for multiple sclerosis vaccine

BioNTech, the German biotechnology company that developed a coronavirus vaccine with U.S. drugmaker Pfizer, has found some success using the same mRNA technique while attempting to treat multiple sclerosis in lab mice.

In a new report published in the medial journal, Science, BioNTech revealed it had encoded MS-specific autoantigens that effectively combated the condition when administered via shot to mice. It also prevented further deterioration in mice showing early symptoms linked to MS. Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating disease, which is not caused by a virus, targets the immune system and attacks the protective covering on nerve cells in the brain and along the spinal chord. It ultimately results in a disruption of signals between those cells and their intended destination in the human body, triggering neurological, sensory, and motor issues. Scientists also noted the vaccine showed no signs of overall immune suppression, an issue linked to current immunosuppressive therapies for MS. https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-covid-pfizer-german-biontech-multiple-sclerosis-20210112-z5huyyfgtfhvvlkwkobxmthrz4-story.html