According to a small phase II trial, the experimental drug 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone (Pirfenidone) may improve symptoms and halt the progression of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), an advanced form of MS.

Researchers assigned 43 patients ages 25 – 60 with SPMS to receive either oral Pirfenidone (800 – 2,400 mg/day) or placebo. Using a neurological rating scale, they measured the progression of the subjects' disease at baseline and at one, three, six, and 12 months.

Patients who received Pirfenidone had significant improvements in their score on the neurological scale. In addition, only 8% of those who took Pirfenidone experienced a clinical relapse of MS, compared to almost 28% of those in the placebo group. Patients in the Pirfenidone group also had a significant improvement in bladder function. Researchers said larger studies to investigate the beneficial effects of Pirfenidone are needed.

Source: Walker, J. E., Giri, S. N., & Margolin, S. B. (2005). A double-blind, randomized, controlled study of oral pirfenidone for treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler, 11(2), 149.