An experimental new drug has improved the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis. Source: AAP
NOT long ago, Stephen Mudgway was in terrible pain and slept most of the day, his quality of life ruined by a dreadful form of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Now, thanks to an experimental new treatment, he has energy and is able to get out and about.
"I enjoy life," he says.
Just a few months ago, Mr Mudgway, who has secondary progressive MS, was so fatigued he slept more than 20 hours a day and took six different medicines, including 40mg of codeine on some days.
Now, apart from a weekly dose of the treatment, he pops only one pill a day.
He sleeps for a restful eight hours each night. He can do his buttons, pull up his zip, watch TV, read a book and transfer himself from his wheelchair to his bed.
He has regained the coordination needed to steer his electric wheelchair.
"I can hold a normal conversation and meet new people," he says in a 30-minute telephone interview from his New Zealand nursing home.
The treatment, MIS416, is developed by New Zealand company Innate Immunotherapeutics, which has moved its operations to Australia for placebo-controlled trials on 100 people.
Close to a year ago, Mr Mudgway took part in a small three-month trial, which involved having the bacteria-based medication pumped into his veins once a week.
He and most the other participants experienced rapid improvements to their quality of life.
But these ended when the trial stopped, says Mr Mudgway.
"I went back to how I was. Even worse," he says.
He then waited six months for permission to carry on treatment on compassionate grounds.
There are no approved therapies for secondary progressive MS, says Dr Matthew Miles, CEO of MS Research Australia.
"MS is a complex disease. But we are now convinced there is an auto-immune component. Particularly in the early stages."
The medicine pumped into Mr Mudgway's veins uses two types of bacteria to regulate his immune system and reduce inflammation in his nervous system.
"It gives the body an opportunity to rebalance and repair," says Dr Gillian Webster, who heads the development team.
"There are two layers of benefit. One is fairly immediate, which improves the patient's quality of life. The acute pain goes, the vision improves, muscle strength improves.
"There is also a definite delay in progression."
But it is highly unlikely Mr Mudgway will regain use of his legs, she says. It is not a cure.
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