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Health

Anti-inflammatory nasal spray helps treat multiple sclerosis in mice

A nasal spray containing an anti-inflammatory molecule reduces the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis in animals, although the treatment might come with risks in people

By Grace Wade

14 March 2024

A prescription nasal spray

A nasal spray has shown promise relieving MS symptoms in mice

Grace Cary/Getty Images

An anti-inflammatory nasal spray reduces the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms in mice, suggesting it may potentially treat the condition in humans, too.

Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system inadvertently damages myelin, which is the protective covering of nerves. This leads to vision problems, difficulty walking and other symptoms.

Most people with MS experience flare-ups during which myelin is damaged and symptoms worsen, followed by periods of recovery where myelin regenerates. This is known as relapsing-remitting…

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