Early findings from a Cambridge-led clinical trial suggest that combining a common diabetes drug with an antihistamine could help repair nerve damage in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The CCMR Two trial tested the diabetes drug metformin alongside clemastine, an antihistamine previously shown to boost myelin repair. Researchers found that while the treatment did not improve symptoms over six months, it did speed up electrical signals in the brain, indicating partial remyelination — the repair of protective myelin coatings around nerves.
Lead researcher Dr Nick Cunniffe of the University of Cambridge said: “I feel like we’re at this precipice of a new class of therapies for MS and that’s why this is exciting.”
MS affects nearly 3 million people worldwide and more than 150,000 in the UK, often striking in early adulthood. It occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, leading to vision problems, balance issues, tremors, and eventually disability.
The trial involved 70 people with relapsing MS, half of whom received the drug combination. Signal speed between the eye and brain improved by 1.3 milliseconds compared with placebo — modest progress, but evidence of biological effect.
Emma Gray, director of research at the MS Society, called the results “really positive proof of concept,” adding that clinical benefits would likely require longer treatment.
However, side effects were common, with fatigue linked to clemastine and diarrhoea to metformin. Researchers stressed patients should not self-medicate outside trials.
Experts say remyelination is key to slowing progression and restoring function in MS. Prof Jonah Chan of UCSF, who previously studied clemastine, said: “I’m more convinced than ever that remyelination is the critical path to preventing permanent disability in MS. We need to pursue scientifically validated compounds with urgency.”
While still early, the findings raise hopes of future therapies that not only halt MS progression but also repair damage already done.
