2026 年 43 巻 3 号 p. 383-386
Disease–modifying drugs have improved outcomes in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), but treatment options for secondary progressive MS (SPMS) remain limited. SPMS is characterized by chronic inflammation within the central nervous system, distinct from the acute inflammation seen in relapsing–remitting MS. OCH is a novel oral glycolipid immunomodulator developed through academic drug discovery. OCH selectively stimulates invariant natural killer T cells, inducing interleukin–4 production without inflammatory cytokine release. Preclinical studies demonstrated suppression of autoimmune neuroinflammation through modulation of pathogenic T–cell responses. In a placebo–controlled phase II trial in relapsing MS, OCH showed unexpectedly clear efficacy in patients with SPMS, while effects in relapsing–remitting MS were less evident. These findings suggest that OCH may uniquely target chronic neuroinflammation associated with SPMS. OCH represents a promising first–in–class therapeutic candidate for progressive MS and highlights the potential of academia–driven translational drug development.
