Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
In treating acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), the critical goal is to implement vigorous immunomodulation that curbs the acute neuroinflammatory phase, yet to do so without imposing excessive long-term immunosuppression upon the patient. Drawing upon extensive experience in developing therapies, Protheragen is uniquely equipped to offer custom solutions and thorough support, guiding you seamlessly from initial ADEM research through to successful market entry.
Overview of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an uncommon, immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, mainly seen in children but occasionally diagnosed in adults as well. The disease presents suddenly, with patients developing encephalopathy that may manifest as altered mental status, irritability, or coma, together with multifocal neurological signs. These can include ataxia, hemiparesis, optic neuritis, and seizures. The reported yearly incidence in the pediatric population is roughly 0.4 to 0.8 cases for every 100,000 children.
Fig.1 Spectrum of acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS). (Paolilo R B, et al., 2020)
Pathogenesis of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
The pathogenesis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is mainly attributable to an aberrant immune response provoked by certain infections (such as measles and Epstein-Barr virus), as well as by selected vaccinations. In these instances, structural similarities between microbial or vaccine-derived antigens and CNS proteins, principally MBP, PLP, and MOG, facilitate the activation of autoreactive CD4+ T cells and the generation of myelin-targeted antibodies. The clinical sequelae include perivenular inflammation and subsequent demyelination and edema within both the brain and the spinal cord, with anti-MOG antibodies providing a pathogenic signature in a definable minority of cases. The neuroinflammatory process is clinically expressed as an acute encephalopathic state compounded by multifocal neurological deficits.
Fig.2 Typical magnetic resonance imaging features of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). (Paolilo R B, et al., 2020)
Therapeutic Development for Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
| Drug Names | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Methylprednisolone | Broad immunosuppression via glucocorticoid receptor activation and T-cell apoptosis induction | Glucocorticoid receptor, NF-κB pathway, inflammatory cytokines | Approved |
| Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) | Immunomodulation via antibody neutralization, Fc receptor blockade, and complement inhibition | Fcγ receptors, autoantibodies, complement proteins | Approved |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
Protheragen is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic development services for rare neuroinflammatory diseases, with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) at the forefront of our mission. Our team leverages sophisticated disease models to dissect the underlying mechanisms of ADEM, while our latest blood-brain barrier (BBB) models enable precise optimization of drug delivery and therapeutic potency. By integrating these in vitro and in vivo platforms, we are committed to shortening the timeline for producing reliable diagnostic assays and novel, patient-specific ADEM therapies.
Therapeutic Development Services
By Mechanism of Action
Disease Model Development Services
In Vitro Model Development
- Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) Model: Acute demyelinating disease is induced in animals by immunization with myelin protein products.
- EBV Infection Model
- Measles Peptide Induced Model
At Protheragen, we are committed to validating and optimizing therapies for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) through preclinical studies including pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicology to ensure their successful regulatory approval. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact usfor more details and quotation information of related services.
Reference
- Paolilo R B, Deiva K, Neuteboom R, et al. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: current perspectives[J]. Children, 2020, 7(11): 210.