Australian researchers have identified four existing antiviral medications that show promise in treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS), potentially opening a new frontier in MS treatment. These drugs, already approved for other conditions, could be “repurposed” to target the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which has been strongly linked to the development of MS.
The selected medications – famciclovir, tenofovir alafenamide, maribavir and spironolactone – were chosen through a rigorous evaluation process involving both scientific experts and people living with MS. These drugs were selected based on their safety profile, tolerability, and evidence of effectiveness against EBV.
This development is particularly significant given that recent research has shown EBV infection appears to be a necessary step in developing MS. While EBV affects approximately 90% of adults globally, it is almost universal in people with MS, suggesting a crucial role in the disease’s development.
Two major clinical trials, STOP-MS and FIRMS-EBV, are scheduled to begin recruitment in Australia during the first half of 2025. These trials, funded by the Australian Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund and supported by MS Australia, will investigate whether these antiviral medications can effectively suppress EBV infection and help manage MS progression and fatigue.