HIV drug derivative reverses multiple sclerosis symptoms in mice

An experimental drug derived from approved HIV medications has shown promise in reversing symptoms of multiple sclerosis in mouse models. The compound, named Kamuvudina K-9, was developed by Jayakrishna Ambati at UVA Health.

Unlike current treatments that primarily focus on reducing new flare-ups, the K-9 compound demonstrated the ability to restore lost neurological functions, such as paralysis and vision loss, by preserving nerve fibers and myelin. The treatment also halted the increase of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a blood biomarker indicating nerve damage.

Additionally, an analysis of health insurance data from over 3 million people suggested that the use of HIV medications from which K-9 is derived is associated with a 41% reduction in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.