A therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis developed at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is moving toward clinical application, backed by a EUR 1.1 million funding boost from ForTra gGmbH for Research Transfer, according to university announcements on September 1, 2026.
ForTra Funding Drives GMP Production and Phase I Trials
ForTra gGmbH for Research Transfer, a nonprofit subsidiary of the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, provided EUR 1.1 million to prepare the Mainz drug patch for pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. According to Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the funding will transfer the patch to a German manufacturing firm for optimization under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Compliance with GMP is mandatory before testing the product in humans.
Following production, the Mainz University Medical Center will host a Phase I clinical trial involving healthy volunteers. Professor Claire Jacob noted via university statements that this initial trial will evaluate patch adhesion, general tolerability, and transdermal drug delivery. Preclinical testing of the patch previously received EUR 140,000 from the Mainz Science Foundation.
Targeting HDAC2 and Remyelination With Low-Dose Theophylline
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of the fatty myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, as detailed by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Standard treatments currently focus on suppressing inflammation and stopping new relapses. However, no approved therapies specifically rebuild already damaged myelin, a process known as remyelination.
Did you know? Theophylline has been utilized for decades at higher doses to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. In mouse studies conducted by the Mainz team, researchers found that significantly lower doses of theophylline activate histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), an epigenetically active enzyme that drives myelin repair.
Continuous Transdermal Delivery via Specialized Patches
To maintain the precise low drug concentrations necessary for remyelination, Professor Claire Jacob collaborated with Professor Peter Langguth and his team at JGU’s Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology. According to university disclosures, the resulting transdermal patch delivers small amounts of theophylline continuously through the skin over a span of several days.
Researchers contrast this new regenerative strategy with existing medications that only slow disease progression. Following the planned Phase I safety trials, the research group intends to launch a multicenter Phase II trial involving multiple sclerosis patients across Germany, pending additional financial backing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Mainz drug patch?
According to Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the patch aims to continuously deliver low doses of theophylline through the skin to activate HDAC2 and promote the rebuilding of damaged myelin sheaths in multiple sclerosis patients.
Who is funding the current development phase?
ForTra gGmbH for Research Transfer, a subsidiary of the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, is supporting the project with EUR 1.1 million, building on an earlier EUR 140,000 grant from the Mainz Science Foundation.
Will the Phase I trial involve multiple sclerosis patients?
Subsequent Phase II trials will assess efficacy in patients.
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