High Dose Biotin as Treatment for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (P3.039)
Citation Manager Formats
Make Comment
See Comments

Abstract
Objective: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of high dose biotin in persons with progressive MS. Background: High doses of biotin are reported to improve neurologic function in a small percentage of persons with progressive MS. We wished to document these potential benefits in a “real world” MS specialty clinic. Design/Methods: Three groups of patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis were evaluated, those with relapses well controlled on disease-modifying therapy yet having progressive disability, patients with secondary progressive MS, no longer on disease-modifying therapy, and patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. High dose, pharmaceutical grade biotin, in 300 mg capsules, was prepared by a compounding pharmacy, One capsule per day was prescribed. Neurologic exams and blood work monitoring for toxicity were obtained at baseline and at three-month intervals on drug. Brain MRIs were obtained at baseline and after one year on biotin. Results: Twenty one patients were treated, eleven with secondary progressive MS, four with primary progressive MS, and six patients with relapsing remitting MS. Ten patients were on various disease-modifying therapies. There were 10 males and 11 females, ranging in age from 41 to 74 years. EDSS scores ranged from 4 to 6.5. To date, no patient experienced an adverse event. Of patients evaluated at three months, one patient’s EDSS improved from 6.5 to 6.0, with resolution of arthritic pain. One patient noted greatly improved energy with a 10[percnt] improvement in 25-foot timed walk. Data on all patients at nine-month and twelve-month exams will be presented. Conclusion: High dose biotin, administered daily to persons with progressive MS is well tolerated and results in improvement of neurologic function is a subset of such individuals.
Disclosure: Dr. Birnbaum received research support from Biogen-Idec and Hoffman-LaRoche. Dr. Stulc has nothing to disclose. Dr. Snyder has nothing to disclose.
Monday, April 18 2016, 8:30 am-7:00 pm
- Copyright © 2016 by AAN Enterprises, Inc.
Disputes & Debates: Rapid online correspondence
NOTE: All authors' disclosures must be entered and current in our database before comments can be posted. Enter and update disclosures at http://submit.neurology.org. Exception: replies to comments concerning an article you originally authored do not require updated disclosures.
- Stay timely. Submit only on articles published within 6 months of issue date.
- Do not be redundant. Read any comments already posted on the article prior to submission.
- 200 words maximum.
- 5 references maximum. Reference 1 must be the article on which you are commenting.
- 5 authors maximum. Exception: replies can include all original authors of the article.
- Submitted comments are subject to editing and editor review prior to posting.
You May Also be Interested in
Related Articles
- No related articles found.