Aimspro®
AIMSPRO is composed of a set of peptides which act to stimulate the release and regulation of a molecular cascade that modulates the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, AIMSPRO has powerful anti-inflammatory properties as it contains cytokines that induce a predominantly TH-2 anti-inflammatory profile in the recipient.
It has become apparent that some of the peptides in AIMSPRO are regulated and bound by specific carrier molecules that may regulate the action and release of their ligand and are probably necessary for the appropriate regulation and pharmacokinetics of the molecular machinery. The carrier molecules also function as a slow release mechanism, releasing bioactive components over several days.
As well as a presumed general anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, a number of “open-label” observations in patients with demyelinating diseases of the central and / or peripheral nervous system led to the hypothesis that AIMSPRO may improve the security of axonal conduction by a modification of voltage gated ion channels. Uncontrolled studies suggest a lowering of sodium channel triggering voltages – the opposite effect to that of local anaesthetics, for example. This remarkable prospect is being tested under double-blind “crossover” conditions in the Whittington Hospital Bladder Function in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis study.
AIMSPRO is delivered by sub-cutaneous injection, the typical regimen being 1.0ml every 4 days. The medication is unlicensed. An Orphan Status Designation has been awarded by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of Krabbe Leukodystrophy.