Neuroprotective effect of novel N-arylpiperazine heteroaryl sulphonamides in an accurate model of the early demyelinating lesion in multiple sclerosis

Novel arylalkylpiperazines sulphonamides with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties were recently invented at the University of Hertfordshire. Apart from good in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective efficacy, these small molecules (mw 450-500) have favorable PK/PD characteristics and are brain penetrant. Due to their physico-chemical characteristics, they are druggable. It is proposed to test the efficacy of these compounds in an accurate demyelinating model of MS (developed at UCL) that mimics the type of demyelination that occurs in early lesions. Subsequently, we will test the drugs over the longer term to explore their value in preventing slow degeneration. We will test the efficacy of these compounds in preventing demyelination, determined by (immuno)histological examination of the lesion. Halting the initiation and the progression of the disease, by arylalkylpiperazines sulphonamides would be strongly indicative of the therapeutic potential of these novel chemical entities.