Today I read about how a fungus, Isaria sinclairii, (pictures) has given rise to a new oral drug, Fingolimod for multiple sclerosis.
Isaria sinclairii is an entomopathogenic fungus which means it is an insect parasite which kills the host insect. It lands on an insect, grows through its outer skin and then takes up residence inside where it continues to grow, completely destroying the insect. It then produces little stalks with a white mass, called conidia, a type of spores, at the top. (Pictures of this and other entomopathogenic fungi including the insect corpses).
Fingolimod is an immunosuppressive drug approved, in 2010 and 2011, for use in USA, Russia, Europe, Australia and Canada. It can slow the progression of disability and reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms in MS. [3, 6] Details of trials, both completed and continuing, side effects and how the drug works can be found at Multiple Sclerosis Trust: Fingolimod.
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