Progesterone Derivative to Be Evaluated as Potential Myelin Regenerator in Research Collaboration

Médunik Canada, a member of the Quebec-based Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group, and the nonprofit research organization Population Council recently announced a multiyear collaboration to investigate the use of segesterone acetate for the potential treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The investigational progesterone derivative was developed by the Population Council over two decades ago.

MS is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system errantly attacks and destroys the myelin sheath that protects and insulates nerve cells along the central nervous system. In the absence of MS, remyelination of damaged myelin occurs as a natural biological process. For people with MS, this process is impaired, leading to progressive demyelination that ultimately manifests as the many debilitating symptoms seen with the disease.

Segesterone acetate is a laboratory-made derivative of progesterone, a sex hormone used in many hormonal contraceptives. The investigational progestin was shown to promote remyelination in animal models. The research partners, thus, see segesterone acetate as a potential MS treatment in combination with existing disease-modifying therapies.

“Segesterone acetate’s potential ability to protect and regenerate neurons via neurogenesis, remyelination, and anti-inflammation indicate its potential clinical utility,” Regine Sitruk-Ware, M.D., distinguished scientist from the Population Council said in a press release.

Research is set to begin immediately, with preliminary results for preclinical studies expected in late 2025 or early 2026 and clinical trials to follow.

“This is the first original product research development program for Médunik Canada, so it is a very important evolution for us. We look forward to conducting the necessary pre-clinical work and, if successful, proceeding to a proof-of-concept clinical trial in humans,” commented Rafik Marouf, director of medical affairs at Médunik Canada.

Research funding is provided by Médunik Canada as well as a grant from the U.S. National MS Society Fast Forward program. The Fast Forward program supports preclinical research of new MS treatments.