ARDSLEY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) will present new research data on AMPYRA (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg at the 5th Cooperative Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS), being held in Orlando, FL, May 29 June 1. AMPYRA is an FDA-approved therapy indicated to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. The results of the STEADY study being presented at CMSC expand our understanding of how AMPYRA may improve various dimensions of walking in people with MS and guide us towards endpoints for future studies, said Adrian Rabinowicz, M.D., FAAN, Acordas Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. We are sponsoring a range of studies aimed at exploring the use of AMPYRA within MS even as we look to potentially expand its use into post-stroke deficits and continue to develop other drugs in our pipeline such as rHIgM22 in MS, GGF2 in heart failure, and Diazepam Nasal Spray for treatment of certain epileptic seizures. Data being presented on AMPYRA at the CMSC annual meeting include: More detailed information on scientific sessions … Continue reading →

Justice Minister Judith Collins is being accused of "rorting the process" when she appointed National MP Jackie Blue as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner. Labour's Grant Robertson says the position was advertised and the closing date for expressions of interest closed on October 13 last year. The paper trail shows Ms Collins received a list of those who had applied on November 1, and Ms Blue's name wasn't on it. Her expression of interest was sent to the ministry on November 11, and a new list of candidates was sent to Ms Collins. "This appointment wasn't fair. Other candidates were not treated the same as Jackie Blue," Mr Robertson said on Tuesday. He questioned Ms Collins in parliament, and the minister said she received an informal expression of interest from Ms Blue on September 20. Ms Collins says she sent Ms Blue's formal expression of interest to the ministry herself on November 11. "Expressions of interest for a ministerial appointment close when the minister is satisfied they can make the right recommendation," she said. Mr Robertson says there's no evidence in the paper trail of an informal expression of interest on September 20. "In fact Ms Collins originally said in answer … Continue reading →

As the Wild's most experienced goaltender signed to a contract for next season, Josh Harding is strictly focused this summer on getting ready for next season. (Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports) Harding, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis late last summer, worked to get into shape to start this season on Minnesota's roster. A midseason change in medication forced him to the injured reserve list for nearly three months. All the time missed, as Harding and the doctors worked on finding the right treatment so he can keep playing, was all so he didn't have to worry about his illness any longer. As the Wild's most experienced goaltender signed to a contract for next season, Harding is focused this summer on getting ready for next season, not fighting MS. "That's why I missed time this year and the playoffs," Harding said after the season ended. "It obviously was a big curve ball thrown at myself. It took a lot of learning to cope with it and get the medications right. It did take a while; (I'm) definitely happy with where I am right now and we'll be even more dialed in next year." Harding, who turns 29 in June, has been Niklas Backstrom's … Continue reading →

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Opexa Therapeutics, Inc. (OPXA), a biotechnology company developing TcelnaTM, a patient specific T-cell immunotherapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), today announced it will visit the NASDAQ MarketSite to ring the Closing Bell on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at 4:00 pm EDT. In honor of World MS Day, Opexa's President and Chief Executive Officer, Neil K. Warma, joined by other members of the Opexa team, will ring the Closing Bell. We are very pleased to be invited to ring the Closing Bell on the eve of World MS Day, commented Mr. Warma. World MS Day will be celebrated this year on May 29th and was developed in 2009 by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) to raise global awareness of MS and how it affects more than 2 million people worldwide. At Opexa, we are committed to the MS community and to the development of TcelnaTM, a novel immunotherapy for the treatment of Secondary Progressive MS. In addition, we are pleased to be associated with the NASDAQ Stock Market as it is through them that we gain access to those investors who support research and development in novel therapies for medical disorders with high unmet … Continue reading →

ROCKLAND, Mass. and NEW YORK, May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- EMD Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc. announced today that the MS LifeLines call center earned re-certification for customer service excellence in providing support services to the multiple sclerosis (MS) community through the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Call Center Certification ProgramSM. This is the second consecutive year J.D. Power and Associates has recognized MS LifeLines with this certification after a thorough audit of customer satisfaction practices over several months in 2012. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130528/SF20043LOGO) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121220/SF32295LOGO-b) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121220/SF32295LOGO-a) For more than a decade, MS Lifelines has been committed to connecting with the MS community, listening to its needs and delivering individualized support to people living with MS, their families and their caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "MS LifeLines has shown a commitment to providing outstanding customer service, and are to be congratulated for earning their second consecutive certification," said Mark Miller, Senior Director, J.D. Power and Associates. "Our research indicated that in particular, customers were very pleased with the level of courtesy and concern provided by MS LifeLines representatives, which is so critical when helping people cope with health-related issues." … Continue reading →