All are diseases in which the immune system goes haywire and begins attacking the body's own tissues. These diseases, like type I diabetes, are called autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis researchers have the most experience using oral tolerization. In MS, the unwanted immune flare-up targets myelin, the protective coating of the nerves. This leads to attacks of weakness, balance and speech difficulties, and blurry vision.
Symptoms get worse over the years as the immune system periodically destroys more myelin.
Five hundred patients are now enrolled in a new MS trial. More is known about the animal model of MS than about the animal model of diabetes. When we found positive results in the MS model, we then tried it in the diabetes model. Doctors can forecast who is likely to get diabetes often years before it strikes. If proven effective, oral insulin can be a preventive measure, not just a therapy.