RTL therapy for multiple sclerosis: a Phase I clinical study.

A human recombinant T cell receptor ligand (RTL1000) consisting of DR2 α1 and ß1 domains linked covalently to MOG-35-55 peptide can reverse clinical and histological signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and was evaluated for safety in a Phase 1 randomized, placebo-controlled, escalating dose study in 34 subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS). RTL1000 was safe and well tolerated at a dose of ≤60 mg that is well within the effective dose range for EAE and did not cause worsening of MS disease at doses ≤200 mg. RTL1000 represents a novel approach for the treatment of MS that promises potent immunoregulation and CNS repair without global immunosuppression.