But until now no one has done a scientific study to see if it really works. The experiment has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It's possible that you can give small amounts, as what we call maintenance therapy. Patients in the study won't get stung. Instead they'll receive two injections of the venom per week.
Doses escalate over time.
It's not clear how or if the venom works. But doctors say it contains enzymes that could help control immune reactions gone haywire in MS patients. The disease affects the central nervous system and can cause speech defects and loss of muscular coordination. There are dangers. Patients will have to be monitored carefully to prevent a potentially fatal reaction to the venom.