Gold Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Promising Results from CNM-Au8 Clinical Trials

Researchers may have discovered a groundbreaking treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the form of an experimental medication called CNM-Au8. Developed by Clene Nanomedicine, this drinkable liquid containing gold nanocrystals has shown promising results during clinical trials due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and improve cellular energy levels while restoring neurological function in patients with MS. The Phase 2 trial included 78 participants who had relapsing multiple sclerosis, and those treated with CNM-Au8 demonstrated profound clinical benefits not achieved in prior trials. This treatment could potentially help individuals experiencing symptoms caused by progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA).
Dr. Robert C Sergott Jr., Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology Service at Wills Eye Hospital, explained that the theory behind this new therapy is to provide an extra boost for mitochondria – parts of cells responsible for supplying them with energy. This could help neurons, axons and other central nervous system (CNS) cells work better in patients who may not have experienced a complete recovery from previous MS attacks or those experiencing PIRA symptoms despite the absence of inflammation.
Gold nanoparticles were initially used to treat rheumatoid arthritis years ago, according to Sergott; however, Clene Nanomedicine has shaved and highly purified them into extremely small particles capable of crossing through blood-brain barriers to reach cells that require an energy boost.
The Phase 2 clinical trial involved two-thirds of the participants receiving CNM-Au8 over a three-year period, while one-third received placebos without their knowledge or that of the neurologist supervising the study. The results showed significant improvements in vision and cognitive abilities for patients treated with gold nanocrystals; additionally, MRI measurements demonstrated enhanced neural pathways, signaling nerve health. Patients who took CNM-Au8 did not report any adverse side effects during the trial period.
With these positive findings from Phase 2 trials now available, researchers are moving forward to conduct further clinical studies in a larger group of patients (Phase 3). Sergott expressed his optimism about this new therapy’s potential benefits for MS sufferers: “We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but there is plenty of information to support trying this [in other diseases].”
Patients treated with CNM-Au8 will still require the standard anti-inflammatory medications. According to Sergott, the therapy has the potential to aid individuals affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; however, for now, Clene Nanomedicine is focusing on MS treatment development.
Damian Kunko of Arlington, Virginia was one of the participants in this trial who had previously tried disease-modifying therapies like Zeposia and Tecfidera but experienced no improvements regarding his heat intolerance symptoms, foot drop/limping problems or vision concerns before CNM-Au8 treatments began. Kunko revealed that he observed notable clinical advancements in multiple aspects after consuming the gold nanocrystals for four months; these included increased walking speed by 14%, jogging abilities without falling down and no cognitive fog issues, among others.
Dr Marc Siegel of NYU Langone Medical Center expressed his appreciation to Gold therapies, remarking that they’re currently being researched in MS and ALS treatments. He added: “And now gold-containing agents are being studied in MS.” Although the current study is relatively small, it appears promising regarding modifying disease progression while improving cognitive function and vision during early stages of MS development. Siegel further emphasized that more research with larger numbers is essential for confirmation of these positive trial outcomes before broader therapeutic roll-outs commence.
Dr James Kuo from Silo Pharma also stated: “What’s even more encouraging about the results are both primary and secondary endpoints showed continued improvement.” Further MRI measurements demonstrated remyelination occurring, which is a biomarker of nerve health. If further clinical data supports these initial findings, MS patients could potentially have access to an oral therapy that does not rely upon immunological modification at larger scale testing trials conclusion based on available clinical reports, as reported by Science Times and other news sources.