Neurology

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting KPNA1 or its downstream mediator the S1P receptor could help treat anxiety. In a mouse model of anxiety, systemic KPNA1 knockout or intrahippocampal injection of an shRNA targeting KPNA1 decreased anxiety-related behaviors and increased novelty-induced locomotion compared with normal KPNA1 expression or a scrambled shRNA, respectively. Also in the model and in a second mouse model of anxiety, the S1P receptor antagonist Gilenya fingolimod decreased anxiety-related behaviors compared with vehicle. Next steps could include testing KPNA1 and S1P receptor inhibition in large animal models of anxiety.

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp. and Novartis AG market Gilenya for multiple sclerosis (MS) and have the product in Phase III testing for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. ...