Category Archives: MS Treatment

Dr Iain Comerford, originally from Glasgow, who is working with MS Research Australia on a fellowship at the University of Adelaide, has managed to stop progression of the disease in mice using a new drug. The drug blocks the activity of a molecule known as PI3Kgamma, which is involved in the activation and movement of white blood cells, and protects against the damage to the nervous system associated with MS. Blocking the molecule reduces the release of inflammation-inducing molecules from immune cells and also dramatically decreases the movement of immune cells into the central nervous system. The research has already discovered new ways to treat human inflammatory disorders, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and has now been extended to MS. Dr Comerford, a former Glasgow University student who also trained at the Beatson Institute, said human trials of the drug are already under way in other labs around the world. However, he said it would be at least another five years before any treatment is made available to humans. He said: "It will now be crucial to determine whether targeting these molecules could be a safe and effective way to treat MS in humans. "In the animal model, it … Continue reading →

An extract made from an active ingredient in marijuana may be able to help multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with their muscle stiffness. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. About 400,000 Americans and 2.1 million people worldwide have MS, with 200 more being diagnosed every week in the U.S. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50, and twice as many men have MS than women. While it can develop in all ethnic groups, it is often found in Caucasians of northern European ancestry. Symptoms occur when an immune-system attack targets myelin, the material that protects the nerve fibers of the central nervous system. It destroys the myelin and creates scarred or "sclerotic" tissue. The disease can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis and blindness, among other symptoms. Muscle stiffness also occurs in 90 percent of the cases, according to the study researchers. Play Video Researchers gave 279 patients at 22 MS treatment centers around the U.K. either a tablet that contained tetrahydrocannabinol -- … Continue reading →

By David Moskowitz With Biogen-Idec`s (BIIB) new multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment, BG-12, approaching a decision by the FDA (PDUFA date December 28th), enthusiasm in the medical community is building for this highly effective, safe, and orally administered treatment for the disease. As we noted in a prior article, the chance that BIIB would acquire Elan Corp. (ELN) given the impending launch of BG-12 appears to be slim to none (see PropThink`s prior story here). Importantly, the large medical conference, ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research In Multiple Sclerosis) starts Wednesday, and we are hearing that the noise on BG-12 in the research community and on Wall Street is building significantly, with physicians indicating that most newly diagnosed patients and patients moving to alternative treatments will likely end up on BG-12 therapy given its clear benefits. That`s a big problem for ELN, given that its lead value driver and MS treatment, Tysabri, heavily depends on new patient starts to maintain and grow its sales base. Tysabri sales are currently growing in the 13-15% range, and unlike BG-12`s oral preparation, Tysabri is administered in a hospital or clinic as a one hour IV infusion. In addition, because of the drug`s impact … Continue reading →

WESTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Biogen Idec (BIIB) will have extensive data from the companys leading multiple sclerosis (MS) franchise presented during the 28th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Lyon, France, October 10 13. Fifty-three poster and platform presentations will further showcase Biogen Idecs commitment to advancing the treatment of MS and improving the lives of people living with the disease around the world. For nearly 20 years, Biogen Idec has had a steadfast commitment to the MS community. This began with the approval of AVONEX and then TYSABRI, and continues today with the global regulatory submissions for oral dimethyl fumarate, said Alfred Sandrock, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, development sciences and chief medical officer, Biogen Idec. Our continued dedication to the advancement of MS treatment is evident in our pipeline, which is the deepest in the industry. Though significant advances have been made, we will not rest while there is so much more we can do to improve the lives of those living with MS. Data from the Biogen Idec MS Pipeline Key scientific highlights being presented during ECTRIMS from the companys pipeline will include analyses of pooled data from the Phase … Continue reading →

LYON, France, October 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The MS in the 21st Century initiative has taken a significant step forward with its publication in the Journal of Neurology, a leading journal in the area of neuroscience with a significant impact factor of 3.8. The published article entitled Future MS care: a consensus statement of the MS in the 21st Century Steering Group [http://www.springerlink.com/content/l04084qgw2p647j5 ], details the work of a panel of European and Canadian neurologists and representatives from umbrella organisations, which came together to define how multiple scleroris (MS) treatment and standards of care should look in the 21st Century. The "MS in the 21st Century steering group" also aims to align the broader MS community to minimum standard of care as well as to challenge the current treatment paradigm. Over the course of three meetings, the MS in the 21st Century steering group compiled a Consensus Statement, which it hopes will act as a call to action for healthcare providers and decision makers. The Consensus Statement communicates the groups vision ie full access to personalised treatment, with reimbursement, to achieve freedom from disease, and outlines the seven key areas of development that it believes must be addressed to realise … Continue reading →

CTVNews.ca Staff Published Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 10:44PM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 8:08AM EDT A Canadian study that tracked 80 multiple sclerosis patients who underwent the controversial liberation treatment outside of the country suggests that about half of them saw their symptoms improve after the procedure. Researchers in British Columbia surveyed 80 people over the phone one year after they received the controversial treatment, which involves opening up blocked veins to improve blood flow from the brain. The picture that seems to be coming out is that about half of the patients feel some improvements in MS symptoms. The degree of improvements ranges from mild to significant, Dr. Anthony Traboulsee, medical director of the UBC Hospital MS Clinic, told CTV News. And about half the patients feel exactly the same as before the procedure or worse. About 11 per cent of surveyed patients reported complications around the time they received the liberation treatment. Another 13.8 per cent experienced troubles up to one month afterward. Pain and bleeding were among the complications experienced. One patient suffered a stroke after the procedure while another one reported symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. Nine patients had difficulties related … Continue reading →

JERUSALEM--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) today announced that key data from the Companys multiple sclerosis (MS) franchise will be featured at the 28th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Lyon, France, October 10-13, 2012. Data presentations will provide new insights on COPAXONE (glatiramer acetate injection), the worlds leading relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treatment, and Tevas investigational oral compound laquinimod, as well as results from the ongoing TOP MS and NARCOMS studies. "For more than 20, years Teva has been at the forefront of MS research and development focused on providing effective and safe treatments aimed at meeting the needs of patients living with this complex, often debilitating disease, said Dr. Michael Hayden, President of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The data being presented at ECTRIMS demonstrate our ongoing commitment to enhancing the treatment experience for RRMS patients and advancing science to assist neurologists in making appropriate treatment decisions, especially as the market continues to evolve. In addition to the data being presented at the Congress, Teva will host a satellite symposium, New Concepts in MS Pathology Shed Light on MS Treatment Approaches on Thursday, … Continue reading →

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 5, 2012) - Fresh Start Private Management Inc. ( OTCQB : CEYY ), a leader in alcohol treatment and rehabilitation, is honored to announce that Ms. Lourdes Felix has been appointed the new Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors are happy to appoint Ms. Felix as the new Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Felix will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer from Mr. Jorge Andrade who has been the acting Chief Financial Officer for the Company. Mr. Andrade will remain as the CEO and a member board of directors. Ms. Felix received her accounting degree from University of Phoenix and has been working in the public and private accounting sector since 1991. Mr. Jorge Andrade, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We value her professionalism and deep knowledge of finance and accounting. Her corporate experience and impressive track record are a key part of creating a sophisticated executive team." For more information on CEYY, please visit http://www.freshstartprivate.com About Fresh Start Private Fresh Start Private is an alcohol treatment and rehabilitation company that is on the leading edge of alcohol addiction treatment. Fresh Start Private has developed an implant and treatment program that is highly effective in … Continue reading →

Oct. 3, 2012 -- There is growing evidence that infertility treatments raise relapse rates in women with multiple sclerosis. In a new study, 3 out of 4 women with MS had increased disease activity following assisted reproductive technology (ART) infertility treatments. The study was small, with just 16 infertile MS patients getting the treatments. But a second study with twice as many patients, published just a few months ago, also suggested that infertility treatments can bring on or worsen MS symptoms. Timothy Coetzee, PhD, who is chief research officer for the National MS Society, says it is increasingly clear that hormones -- particularly sex hormones -- play an important role in MS. This research highlights an issue that needs further study, he says. When we manipulate hormones to achieve a pregnancy, there may be a significant impact on MS symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects about 400,000 people in the U.S. and 2.5 million people worldwide. Twice as many women as men are diagnosed.Women are often diagnosed in their childbearing years. Most women with MS are no more likely to suffer from infertility as other women. But fertility can be affected in women treated with certain MS … Continue reading →

ScienceDaily (Oct. 3, 2012) Researchers in Argentina report that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who undergo assisted reproduction technology (ART) infertility treatment are at risk for increased disease activity. Study findings published in Annals of Neurology, a journal of the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society, suggest reproductive hormones contribute to regulation of immune responses in autoimmune diseases such as MS. According to a 2006 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), MS affects 2.5 million individuals worldwide and is more common among women than men. While previous research found that up to 20% of couples in Western countries experience infertility, women with MS typically do not have diminished fertility except in those treated with cyclophosphamide or high-dose corticosteroids. Medical evidence shows sex hormones and those involved in ovulation (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)) play an important role in the development of autoimmune disorders. "When MS and infertility coincide, patients seek ART to achieve pregnancy," explains Dr. Jorge Correale with the Ral Carrea Institute for Neurological Research in Buenos Aires. "Given the role of some reproductive hormones in autoimmune diseases, those with MS receiving infertility treatments are at particular risk of exacerbating their disease." To further understand the impact of infertility … Continue reading →