Health
‘Liquid gold’ could bring new hope to multiple sclerosis patients, study suggests: ‘Profound benefit’
Researchers may have hit “gold” when it comes to the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
An experimental medication called CNM-Au8 — a drinkable liquid with gold nanocrystals — has shown promising results in clinical trials in terms of improvements in MS symptoms.
The “catalytically active” liquid, developed by Clene Nanomedicine in North East, Maryland, can cross the blood-brain barrier to help improve cellular energy and restore neurological function, according to researchers.
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Doctors at the University of Sydney presented the Phase 2 clinical trial findings at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting earlier in April 2024.
The clinical trials included 78 patients who had relapsing multiple sclerosis.
An experimental medication called CNM-Au8 — a drinkable liquid with gold nanocrystals — has shown promising results in clinical trials for improving MS symptoms. (Clene Nanomedicine)
The gold liquid suspension was found to have a “profound clinical benefit,” with the patients experiencing physical improvements not achieved in prior trials.
A need for new MS drugs
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, brain, spinal cord and optic nerve.
In people with MS, white cells called lymphocytes infiltrate the central nervous system and trigger inflammation.
That often causes them to feel off balance or lose their vision, according to Dr. Robert C. Sergott, chief of the neuro-ophthalmology service at Wills Eye Hospital and professor of ophthalmology, neurology and neurosurgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia.
The MS medications that are currently available work by addressing inflammation — but there is a subset of patients that continue to experience symptoms even without inflammation, he said. This is a condition called progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA).
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“This is a non-inflammatory component of the disease, where patients would worsen in vision and cognitive abilities,” Sergott, who was involved in the clinical trial for CNM-Au8, told Fox News Digital.
Researchers suspected that something to do with mitochondria — parts of cells that are responsible for supplying those cells with energy — was causing these patients’ symptoms.
“The theory was that if we could give the mitochondria an extra boost, the neurons, axons and other cells in the central nervous system may work better,” said Sergott.
The “catalytically active” liquid can cross the blood-brain barrier to help improve cellular energy and restore neurological function, according to researchers. (Clene Nanomedicine)
“In other words, maybe these cells aren’t dead, but they’re hibernating.”
Gold nanoparticles were originally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis many years ago, according to Sergott.
“Clene innovated a novel electrochemical method to make gold particles and [got] them to a very highly purified nanoparticle state — into very small particles, so they can get through the blood-brain barrier to the cells that need it to work better.”
‘Significant result’
Among the 78 participants in the randomized clinical trial performed in Australia, two-thirds of them received the gold treatment and the other third received a placebo over a three-year period.
“We had hoped to enroll more patients, but COVID intervened,” Sergott said.
Neither the patients nor the neurologist overseeing the trial knew who was receiving the actual medicine.
“We’re very encouraged and ready to take the next step. It’s going to help a lot of people.”
“Patients saw a clinical improvement in the function of their vision and their cognitive ability,” Sergott reported.
Doctors also noted an improvement in the electrophysiology, he said — “the patients’ MRIs looked better, which is a special measure.”
“The theory was that if we could give the mitochondria an extra boost, the neurons, axons and other cells in the central nervous system may work better,” a doctor said. (iStock)
The patients who received the medicine had no decline in retinal thickness, but those on the placebo did see a decline, he said.
“This was a very significant result, and gives us a lot of hope that we may be able to help patients who have deficits from MS and have had progression independent of relapse activity — or maybe they had an attack and didn’t get complete recovery from it,” Sergott said.
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None of the trial participants reported any adverse side effects, he said.
“The safety profile is excellent,” Sergott told Fox News Digital. “I can’t say this doesn’t have any side effects — but no patients discontinued the trial because of a side effect that was significant.”
None of the trial participants reported any adverse side effects from the gold treatment, the researchers said. (iStock)
With the successful Phase 2 trials complete, researchers are now looking ahead to Phase 3 trials.
“We’re very encouraged and we’re ready to take the next step,” said Sergott. “It’s really going to help a lot of people.”
Patients taking CNM-Au8 would still need to continue with the standard regimen of anti-inflammatory medications, the doctor noted.
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Looking ahead, there is the potential for the “liquid gold” medication to help treat symptoms of other neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, according to Sergott — but the focus is on MS for now.
“We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but there is plenty of information to support trying this in other diseases.”
Patient shares his experience
Damian Kunko of Arlington, Virginia, was one of the MS patients who participated in the trial. He had previously taken disease-modifying therapies that included Zeposia and Tecfidera.
“These drugs reduced the risk of relapse, but had no effect on progressive symptom worsening,” Kunko told Fox News Digital.
Damian Kunko of Arlington, Virginia, was one of the MS patients who participated in the trial. (Clene Nanomedicine)
Kunko’s primary symptoms included heat intolerance, foot drop/limping, numbness, balance issues, double vision and minor decline of cognitive function and energy.
After four months of taking CNM-Au8, Kunko found that his walking speed was 14% faster.
“I was also able to do short 5-10-yard jogs without falling, which was impossible prior to taking [the drug],” he said.
“The best ‘side effect’ was knowing that this drug will fix my MS issues.”
“I also experienced improved visual acuity, less severe double vision, zero cognitive fog issues and increased energy levels.”
Later in the trial, Kunko was able to withstand high heat and humidity for several hours and did not experience any double vision, foot drop, excessive numbness or fatigue issues.
“It was nice to be able to go up and down stairs without having to hold the railing,” he said.
Clinical improvements were seen in both the visual system and on patients’ MRI scans, according to doctors. (iStock)
The patient said he did not experience any negative side effects or adverse reactions.
“The best ‘side effect’ was knowing that this drug will fix my MS issues,” Kunko said.
“I am very disappointed that this therapy is not yet commercially available for those who need to restore function and alleviate MS symptoms,” he added.
Doctors weigh in
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the drug’s development but commented on the potential of gold therapies.
“Gold-containing analogies have long been treatments for rheumatoid arthritis — what is known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs,” he told Fox News Digital.
“And now gold-containing agents are being studied in MS and ALS.”
While the latest study is small, Siegel said, it “looks promising in terms of modifying disease and improving thinking and vision, which can be affected in the early stages of MS.”
He added, “More research with larger numbers needs to be done to be conclusive.”
“Gold-containing analogies have long been treatments for rheumatoid arthritis — what is known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (Clene Nanomedicine)
Dr. James Kuo, vice president of R&D at Silo Pharma in New Jersey, was also not involved in the drug’s development but said the trial results are “encouraging.”
“These new long-term results from the Phase 2 clinical trial support the therapeutic hypothesis that CNM-Au8 is remyelinating nerve cells in MS patients,” Kuo told Fox News Digital.
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“What is further encouraging is that both the primary and secondary endpoints showed continued improvement,” he added. “There was physiological enhancement in the visual neural pathway, a biomarker of nerve health. Further MRI measurements support remyelination occurring.”
“If further clinical data supports these initial findings, MS patients could well have a new, well-tolerated oral therapy that is not based upon immune system modulation.”
Ensuring proper dosing, monitoring patients for potential side effects and following proper follow-up protocols are “essential aspects” of bringing this therapy into clinical practice, a doctor said. (iStock)
Dr. Sameea Husain Wilson, director of movement disorder neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida, said that CNM-Au8 offers hope for patients and their families.
“It shows promise in the possibility of slowing disease progression, improving symptoms and enhancing quality of life,” he told Fox News Digital in a statement.
Wilson noted, however, that it is important to “approach the drug development cautiously and be aware of potential risks.”
“The complexity of neurodegenerative diseases necessitates a comprehensive understanding of individual patient profiles,” he said.
“It’s essential to recognize that not all patients may respond uniformly to treatment, and factors such as disease stage, comorbidities and genetic predispositions may influence outcomes.”
Ensuring proper dosing, monitoring patients for potential side effects and following proper follow-up protocols are “essential aspects” of bringing this therapy into clinical practice, Wilson added.
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The release of an updated food pyramid this week has sparked mixed reactions from doctors and dietitians.
One of the most noteworthy shifts in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans — announced by HHS officials during a Jan. 7 press conference at the White House — is a greater emphasis on “high-quality proteins,” including red meat and eggs, as well as full-fat dairy.
The new guidelines focus on “real, whole, nutrient-dense foods,” and a dramatic reduction in highly processed foods, added sugars, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.
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“Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said during the press conference. “We are ending the war on saturated fats.”
Nick Norwitz, a Harvard- and Oxford-trained researcher known for his work in metabolic health, shared his reaction to the new guidelines.
The release of an updated food pyramid this week has sparked mixed reactions from doctors and dietitians. (realfood.gov)
Despite how the new pyramid is presented, he noted, the actual guidelines for saturated fat consumption haven’t changed, as they still state that, “in general, saturated fat consumption should not exceed 10% of total daily calories.”
The intake of unprocessed whole foods rich in saturated fat, especially dairy fat, tends to be associated with improved health outcomes, according to Norwitz.
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“Full-fat dairy — especially cheese, for example — tends to be associated with lower BMI, reduced rates of diabetes and even reduced dementia risk,” he told Fox News Digital. “There are, of course, nuances — but ‘ending the war’ on saturated fat seems reasonable.”
Risks vary, experts say
Experts cautioned about the potential health risks of exceeding the recommended intake of saturated fat, including higher rates of LDL “bad” cholesterol, which is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“The recommendation to limit saturated fat to 10% of total calories is based on the research showing that higher rates increase LDL cholesterol and associated risks for cardiovascular disease,” Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietitian and expert from the Atlanta metropolitan area, told Fox News Digital.
One of the most noteworthy shifts in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a greater emphasis on “high-quality proteins” — including red meat and eggs — as well as full-fat dairy. (iStock)
Nutrition should be personalized and is dependent on multiple factors, she said, including age, gender, activity level and genetic risk factors.
“The total saturated fat an individual might safely consume is influenced by their size and total calorie needs, as well as potentially genetic differences,” Coleman Collins said.
Norwitz agreed, adding that “the specific food source and interaction with the unique host and their broader dietary context should take the spotlight.”
Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a double board-certified doctor of internal medicine and obesity medicine in Los Angeles, pointed out that not everyone has the same “tolerance” for saturated fats.
“If increasing saturated fat leads to a meaningful rise in LDL cholesterol or ApoB (Apolipoprotein B, a protein found on the surface of certain cholesterol-carrying particles in the blood), that intake level is excessive for that individual, regardless of improvements in weight or glucose metrics,” she said.
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“This personalized approach becomes increasingly important in midlife and beyond, when cardiovascular disease becomes the dominant driver of morbidity and mortality and when tolerance for cumulative atherogenic (artery-clogging) exposure is lower.”
For those who need to reduce LDL cholesterol or have a higher cardiovascular risk, the American Heart Association recommends an even lower amount of saturated fats — less than 6% of total daily calories.
Experts cautioned about the potential health risks of exceeding the recommended intake of saturated fat, including higher rates of LDL “bad” cholesterol. (iStock)
Gidwani also cautioned that diets emphasizing saturated fat could crowd out fiber and unsaturated fats, “both of which play independent roles in cholesterol clearance, insulin sensitivity, gut health and inflammation.”
“Saturated fat-heavy patterns are also calorie-dense, which can quietly undermine long-term weight management if intake is not carefully regulated,” she added.
Not all saturated fats are equal, experts say
The effects of saturated fat depend on what specific foods are being consumed, according to experts.
“I would recommend choosing minimally processed or unprocessed forms of foods,” said Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina. “For example, in place of a hot dog — which has additives, nitrites, sodium and fillers — consuming a chicken thigh would be a much better choice.”
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Gidwani reiterated that the amount of processing plays a big role.
“Processed meats are consistently associated with worse cardiometabolic outcomes and represent the clearest category to limit,” she said. “The risk here is not only saturated fat, but also sodium load, preservatives and the broader dietary pattern they tend to accompany.”
“Full-fat dairy — especially cheese, for example — tends to be associated with lower BMI, reduced rates of diabetes and even reduced dementia risk,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Unprocessed red meat, the doctor said, can fit into an overall healthy diet in smaller amounts, particularly when consumed alongside fiber-rich plants and minimally processed foods.
“However, from a longevity perspective, it should be viewed as optional rather than foundational, especially for individuals with elevated cardiovascular risk,” she added.
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When it comes to dairy, Gidwani noted that fermented options are “metabolically more favorable” than butter or cream.
“However, saturated fat from dairy is still not necessary to prioritize for metabolic health or longevity,” she said. “Excessive reliance on dairy fat can displace healthier fat sources without offering clear long-term benefit.”
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Overall, the doctor recommends unsaturated fat sources, including extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado and omega-3-rich fish, as primary dietary fats.
“These consistently support lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity and vascular health,” Gidwani said. “Saturated fat can exist within a balanced diet, but it should remain secondary rather than emphasized.”
Why the big picture matters
Saturated fat is just one piece of a much wider nutrition puzzle, the experts agreed.
Unprocessed red meat can fit into an overall healthy diet in smaller amounts, particularly when consumed alongside fiber-rich plants and minimally processed foods, one expert said. (iStock)
“Our heart health is not determined by one type of fat or one type of cholesterol, but the sum of many parts — our entire diet, our exercise habits, our stress and so much more,” Freirich said.
She recommends consulting a registered dietitian for guidance on unique dietary needs based on age, gender, activity level and medical history.
“Our heart health is not determined by one type of fat or one type of cholesterol, but the sum of many parts — our entire diet, our exercise habits, our stress and so much more,” said an expert. (iStock)
New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, author of “2-Day Diabetes Diet,” added that the message should be to focus more on overall patterns.
That means “plenty of fiber-rich plants, lean protein at every meal (including those that also contain fiber, such as nuts and seeds) and a reduction in overall intake of added sugars.”
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“That change will drive true health improvements,” she said.
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Missing out on adequate sleep could be taking years off your life.
New research from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), published in the journal Sleep Advances, found that poor sleep may shorten life expectancy more than other lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and loneliness.
The researchers analyzed nationwide CDC survey data, identifying trends associated with average life expectancy by county, according to a press release.
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The study found that lack of adequate sleep led to higher mortality risk in every U.S. state and was the top behavioral driver compared to other factors, only behind smoking.
Senior study author Andrew McHill, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory in the OHSU School of Nursing, noted in a statement that he did not expect sleep to be “so strongly correlated” to life expectancy.
Poor sleep is directly correlated with shorter life expectancy, the study reveals. (iStock)
“We’ve always thought sleep is important, but this research really drives that point home: People really should strive to get seven to nine hours of sleep, if at all possible,” he said.
“This research shows that we need to prioritize sleep at least as much as we do [in] what we eat or how we exercise.”
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In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and owner of Amen Clinics in California, emphasized how important sleep is for brain function and longevity.
Researchers suggest people should prioritize sleep just as much as diet and exercise. (iStock)
“Sleep is so important,” he said. “When you sleep, your brain cleans and washes itself. And if you don’t sleep seven to nine hours at night, your brain looks older than you are — there’s less blood flow, and it increases inflammation in the brain.”
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“Your brain doesn’t have enough time to get rid of the toxins that build up during the day.”
Lack of adequate sleep can lead to poor decisions and foster toxic cycles, the doctor warned.
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“If your brain has less activity in the front part, not only are you tired, but you’re also hungrier, and you’re more likely to not make the best decisions,” he said.
“Which, of course, will stress you out, and then you won’t sleep well the next night.”
A doctor suggests being “purposeful” about going to bed and waking up each day. (iStock)
One small change to promote longevity and brain health is to try getting to bed 15 minutes earlier, Amen suggested.
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“Really be purposeful about not being distracted by Netflix or your phone,” he said.
“And when you get up in the morning, say to yourself, ‘Today is going to be a great day.’ The more positive you are, the better your brain.”
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