COMBINATION AND TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
This invention is directed towards treatments for multiple sclerosis comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a first agent, such as 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine (2-CdA), that reduces the number of lymphocytes in combination with a second agent, such as an anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody, that blocks the adhesion of monocytes and leukocytes to endothelial cells. The use of 2-CdA combined with an anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody may be more effective than either treatment alone for MS. Furthermore, the combination treatment may allow for a lowering or altering the dose of one or more of the agents in order to limit any adverse effects associated with the individual agents, but maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.
1 . Use of a combination of active agents for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an inflammatory or an autoimmune disorder, said combination of active agents comprising:
(a) An agent which reduces the number of lymphocytes;
(b) An agent which blocks the adhesion of monocytes and leukocytes to endothelial cells.
2 . Use according to claim 1 wherein the agent (a) is 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
3 . Use according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the agent (b) is an anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody.
4 . Use according to claim 3 wherein the anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
5 . Use according to claim 3 wherein the anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody is a chimeric antibody.
6 . Use according to claim 3 wherein the anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody is a human antibody.
7 . Use according to claim 3 wherein the anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody is a humanized antibody.
8 . Use according to claim 3 wherein the anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody is a single chain antibody.
9 . Use according to claim 3 wherein the anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody is a an antibody Fab fragment.
10 . Use according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein said combination comprises a sub-optimal dose of agent (a) and an effective dose of agent (b).
11 . Use according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein said combination comprises an effective dose of agent (a) and a sub-optimal dose of agent (b).
12 . Use according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein said combination comprises a sub-optimal dose of agent (a) and agent (b).
13 . Use according to any of the preceding claims wherein agent (a) and agent (b) are used simultaneously.
14 . Use according to any of the preceding claims wherein agent (a) and agent (b) are used sequentially.
15 . Use according to any of the preceding claims wherein the autoimmune disorder is multiple sclerosis.
16 . A kit comprising (a) 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (b) an anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody and instructions for using said agents to treat multiple sclerosis.
17 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, (b) an anti-alpha-4 integrin antibody; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient thereof.