cs-0777 and Lymphopenia

CS-0777 is a selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 modulator under investigation for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). We conducted an open-label, pilot study in 25 MS patients to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and exploratory efficacy of oral CS-0777 (0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 mg), administered once weekly or every other week for 12 weeks. CS-0777 resulted in a pronounced, dose-dependent decrease in lymphocytes and CD4 T cell subsets, which returned to baseline within 4 weeks after the last dose. Overall, CS-0777 was safe and well-tolerated. These results require confirmation in a double-blind, placebo-controlled and adequately powered phase 2 study in MS.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Amino Alcohols; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Down-Regulation; Humans; Lymphocyte Subsets; Lymphopenia; Lysophospholipids; Multiple Sclerosis; Pilot Projects; Pyrroles; Receptors, Lysosphingolipid; Sphingosine