title: Ascomycete derivative to MS therapeutic: S1P receptor modulator FTY720.
abstract: Fingolimod (FTY720) represents the first in a new class of immune-modulators whose target is sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. It was first identified by researchers at Kyoto University and Yoshitomi Pharmaceutical as a chemical derivative of the ascomycete metabolite ISP-1 (myriocin). Unlike its natural product parent, FTY720 does not interfere with sphingolipid biosynthesis. Instead, its best characterized mechanism of action upon in vivo phosphorylation, leading to the active principle FTY720-P, is the rapid and reversible inhibition of lymphocyte egress from peripheral lymph nodes. As a consequence of S1P1 receptor internalization, tissue-damaging T-cells can not recirculate and infiltrate sites of inflammation such as the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, FTY720-P modulation of S1P receptor signaling also enhances endothelial barrier function. Due to its mode of action, FTY720 effectively prevents transplant rejection and is active in various autoimmune disease models. The most striking efficacy is in the multiple sclerosis (MS) model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which has now been confirmed in the clinic. FTY720 demonstrated promising results in Phase II trials and recently entered Phase III in patients with relapsing MS. Emerging evidence suggests that its efficacy in the CNS extends beyond immunomodulation to encompass other aspects of MS pathophysiology, including an influence on the blood-brain-barrier and glial repair mechanisms that could ultimately contribute to restoration of nerve function. FTY720 may represent a potent new therapeutic modality in MS, combined with the benefit of oral administration.
authors.affiliation: Novartis Pharma AG, Lichtstrasse 35, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hiestand
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rausch
authors.forename: Daniela Piani
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: Carolyn A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001203:Ascomycota / Q000737:chemistry*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D000068876:Fingolimod Hydrochloride; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D049349:Receptors, Lysosphingolipid / Q000187:drug effects*; D013110:Sphingosine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D049349:Receptors, Lysosphingolipid; D000068876:Fingolimod Hydrochloride; D013110:Sphingosine