Principal investigator: Kjell-Morten Myhr

Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in the brain of patients with MS, and may play a particularly important role in the neurodegenerative processes underlying progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS). This mitochondrial dysfunction is predicted to compromise neuronal metabolism and survival, including ATP deficiency and decreased rate of mitochondrial NADH oxidation, leading to depletion of neuronal NAD, one of the most essential molecules for bioenergetic conversion and signalling in human cells. We propose that increase of neuronal NAD levels may improve mitochondrial function and rescue neuronal dysfunction and death in PMS. We therefore aim to investigate if oral nicotinamide riboside (NR), a NAD precursor, can improve neuronal NAD deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with PMS.

The objectives are to study if oral nicotinamide riboside (NR) reduce disability progression in PMS, and thus is a novel therapy for this devastating MS disease course.

Currently, the study protocol is under preparation for submission to the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics Western Norway, and the Norwegian Medicines Agency Q-1, 2020, and estimated study start; Q2-3, 2021.