An Introduction to BG00012
BG00012, also called BG-12 or oral fumarate, is an oral medicine that is in development for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). BG00012 belongs to a class of drugs known as a fumaric acid esters [1,2], which have been used for many years to treat the skin disease psoriasis [3].
BG00012 is thought to work in MS in two ways [2,4]:
- Through anti-inflammatory activity
- Through protective effects within the central nervous system (CNS).
Fumaric acid esters change the balance in the blood of certain types of white blood cells, called helper T cells (or Th cells), and also the chemical messengers (cytokines) that they produce. This results in anti-inflammatory activity [1]. Fumaric acid esters may also protect the neurones of the CNS from the damage caused by MS by acting on the blood–brain barrier, a membrane that protects the brain tissues from substances in the blood [1].
BG00012 is under investigation in clinical research trials as an oral medication for the treatment of MS. BG00012 is currently not approved as a therapy for use in patients with MS.
More About BG00012
- Mechanism of Action of BG00012
- Clinical Development of BG00012 in MS
References
- Lee DH, Linker RA, Gold R. Spotlight on fumarates. Int MS J. 2008;15(1): 12−8.
- Kappos L, Gold R, Miller DH. Efficacy and safety of oral fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb study. Lancet. 2008;372(9648): 1463−72.
- Roll A, Reich K, Böer A. Use of fumaric acid esters in psoriasis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007;73(2): 133−7.
- Feinstein DL, Polak PE, Lisa L, et al. Anti-inflammatory and pro-metabolic effects of BG-12 in glial cells. Abstract P06.184. Presented at: 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), Toronto, Ont., Canada, 10–17 April, 2010. Neurology 2010;74(9, Suppl. 2):A555–556.