The 2p blood pressure pill that 'holds multiple sclerosis at bay'

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The 2p blood pressure pill that 'holds multiple sclerosis at bay'

By Fiona MacraeLast updated at 8:36 AM on 18th August 2009

Lisonopril: Could hold key to battling MSA cheap blood pressure drug could hold the key to combating multiple sclerosis. An MS expert has shown that the tablets taken by millions to lower blood pressure can also ease the symptoms – and even reverse paralysis. Lawrence Steinman made the link when he researched the Lisinopril pills he was prescribed for high blood pressure. Drugs currently used to treat MS, in which the immune system turns on the body, are of limited effectiveness and do not work for everyone. Some cost up to £15,000 a year. Lisinopril, in contrast, costs as little as 2p per pill. It is one of a group of drugs called ACE-inhibitors that lowers blood pressure by blocking a chemical that is key in the narrowing of blood vessels. Research by Dr Steinman indicated that the chemical, called angiotensinconverting enzyme, also played a role in the inflammation responsible for much of the damage caused by MS. Dr Steinman, of Stanford University in the U.S., showed that samples of brain tissue from MS patients had high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme. He then gave Lisinopril to mice before giving them a chemical that normally causes an MS-like illness in mice. The creatures remained healthy, suggesting the blood pressure drug was holding MS at bay. Strikingly, when he gave Lisinopril to mice after giving them the MS-causing chemical, paralysis was reversed, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports. Tests showed that Lisinopril boosted production of immune cells called regulatory T cells. These protect against autoimmune diseases such as MS by dampening down the rogue immune response that damages the body. Dr Steinman called for Lisinopril to be tested on patients. He cautioned though that drugs that work in mice don’t necessarily work in humans. Dr Kohlhaas, of the MS Society, said: ‘Drugs that dampen down an overactive immune system have been shown to be of some benefit to people with MS and intriguingly it seems Lisinopril may have this effect. ‘It remains to be seen whether Lisinopril can play a role in preventing the onset or slowing the progression of MS. The only way to judge this is through larger clinical studies in humans.’

Comments (13)

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I have taken this medication out here in Los Angeles for the past 10 years. I get it on prescription with my insurance but I do not think it is cheap if I had to buy direct from the pharmacy. I have never had any side effects at all. My bp is perfect now.

- gillians, glendale california usa, 19/8/2009 00:26

I'd really like to know what studies showed that an autoimmune disease needs suppression of the immune system - as suggested by Dr Kohlhaas. My understanding is that it's more complicated than that - that it's more "out of kilter" and needs to be regulated.

- Margaret, Rochechouart, France, 18/8/2009 19:05

Lisinopril sounds like something worth trying. I have high blood pressure and MS and have been given another drug but wish I had been given this as it would seem from the comments its worth a try.

- 1265, Renfrewshire, 18/8/2009 19:01

Why just slow it down when you can probably halt it. It i interesting to see the MS society actually supporting a cheap and safe therapy for MS, it is also strange that they are so selective - LDN is known to be very effective for MS, as I am living proof along wioth a larger number of people in the UK who use it - many of whom I know too. But it is good to see that the movement to use low cost generic drugs instead of the often lethal hi tech agents we are offered, is gathering pace. Lets get LDN available as a frobnt line, "first do no harm" therapy on the NHS, because it does no harm!

- A Barnett, Llanelli, 18/8/2009 17:54

I agree with the above comments re LDN. why is the ms society not praising this drugs cheapness and effectiveness? Thousands of peple with autoimmune illnesses take this, including myself. There are virtually no side effects- the ones there are, are only very initially and very mild. This has Bern used for over 20 years and has altered the course of ms for many people. There really needs to be investigations into why this drug isn't available as a first liner nhs treatment. Panorama should investigate this