Teva Completes Enrollment in Second Oral Laquinimod Phase III MS Clinical Trial

Source: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Jerusalem, Israel and Lund, Sweden, June 25, 2009 – Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) and Active Biotech (NASDAQ OMX NORDIC: ACTI) today announced completion of patient enrollment for the second pivotal Phase III clinical trial, BRAVO, evaluating the novel, oral once-daily immunomodulating compound, laquinimod, for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple… »

In Pursuit of a Happiness Gene

Source: Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine
Tel Aviv University Researches Twins to Find a Biological Door to the Bright Side
The pursuit of happiness characterizes the human condition. But for those suffering from stress, money trouble or chronic illness, a positive outlook on life can be difficult to find. Now, a Tel Aviv University… »

Biogen Idec Announces First Patient Enrolled in the Global Phase III Study of PEGylated Interferon Beta-1a for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Less Frequent Injections would be a Significant Advancement for People Living with MS
Source: Biogen Idec
On June 22, 2009, Biogen Idec announced enrollment of the first patient in a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEGylated interferon beta-1a (BIIB017) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The trial,… »

New Study Finds 1 in 4 Multiple Sclerosis Patients With High Out-of-Pocket Costs

Avoiding medications may adversely affect patient care and increase health care costs
ST. PAUL, Minn. – One in four multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are declining to fill their
prescriptions likely due to high out-of-pocket costs, according to new research conducted by pharmacy benefits manager Prime Therapeutics (Prime). The study found that patients with an out-of-pocket expense greater… »

Intimacy and Multiple Sclerosis—A Four-Point Strategy to Maintain a Satisfying Sex Life

By Tom Scott

In every healthy marriage and relationship, intimacy plays an important role. For those living with a disability, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), maintaining a satisfying sex life can be an arduous task. But there are ways to return to the level of intimacy you once knew.
“I think MS, especially for women who… »

Teriflunomide Oral Drug Trial Recruiting Worldwide

The TOPIC Study is a clinical research study testing the safety and effectiveness of Teriflunomide, an oral investigational medication for those at high risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This study, which is sponsored by Sanofi-Aventis, will also determine whether early treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms associated with MS.>).
Teriflunomide (Terr-eh-floo-no-mide) is derived from… »

Two Gene Locations May Unravel Mystery of MS

An international study conducted by researchers from Australia and New Zealand have uncovered two new gene locations that may reveal insight into the genectic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS), according to Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, director of Neurosciences at the University of Melbourne (www.unimelb.edu.au) who co-cordinated the study with Dr. Justin Rubio of Florey Neurosciences Institutes.”
“The… »

Biogen Reports New PML Case in Tysabri Patient

Biogen Idec. Inc. recently reported the 13th confirmed case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in a patient taking the company’s drug Tysabri. PML is a rare and often fatal viral disease that is characterized by progressive damage or inflammation of the white matter of the brain at multiple locations.
According to reports, the patient with… »

Traveling With Multiple Sclerosis

Your MS symptoms shouldn’t prevent you from planning the perfect vacation. United Spinal Association’s Able to Travel program can alleviate the stress involved in booking an accessible trip.
By Tom Scott

Traveling with a disability such as multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a stressful experience. Some individuals are so intimidated by the prospect of encountering accessibility issues… »

Genzyme Completes Transaction with Bayer HealthCare

Source: Genzyme Press Release
Assumes Primary Responsibility for Alemtuzumab in Multiple Sclerosis; Expands Hematologic Oncology Portfolio
Genzyme Corp. (Nasdaq: GENZ) recently announced that it has completed the transaction with Bayer HealthCare to acquire the worldwide rights to Campath®/MabCampath® (alemtuzumab), giving Genzyme primary responsibility for the development and commercialization of this promising multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutic candidate. Genzyme… »

Conquering the Mountain

Conquering The Mountain. After overcoming her diagnosis and refusing to let MS get the best of her, Dina became the first woman in the world to ski 34,500 vertical feet uphill (also known as skinning) in 24… »

Diabetes Drug Shows Promise Against MS

Source: University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs, Press Release
A drug currently FDA-approved for use in diabetes shows some protective effects in the brains of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine report in a study currently available online in the Journal of… »

Use of Cognitive Aids and Other Assistive Technology by Individuals With MS

This study investigated the use of assistive technology (AT), unmet needs for AT, and examine correlates of use of memory aids and cognitive strategies among individuals with MS. A total of 1,063 community dwelling adults with MS in Washington State were given a self-report survey to assess use of AT as well as depression, fatigue,… »

Late Onset MS

Denise I. Campagnolo MD, MS––Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has typically been considered a disease of young adults. It actually occurs in people of all ages, but affects far fewer children and older adults than people in their 20’s and 30’s. Studies describing MS that is diagnosed after age 50 (late-onset MS;… »

Transplante de células madre en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en el ensayo clínico llamado “HALT”

George H. Kraft, MD, MS––Director, Western MS Center, Alvord Professor of MS Research, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Annette Wundes, MD––Western MS Center, Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Richard Nash, MD––Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.
¿Qué es el transplante de células madre?
El término “transplante de células madre” puede hacer referencia… »

Effect of Co-existing Health Conditions on MS

Ruth Ann Marrie, MD, PhD––University of Manitoba, GF 543, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB

Introduction
Comorbidity, or co-existing health conditions, is common. In 1987, 88.5 million Americans had one or more chronic health conditions which needed medical care or affected activity levels (Hoffman, Rice, & Sung, 1996). Forty-four percent of persons with chronic conditions had more than… »

Stem Cell Therapy for Patients with MS Failing Interferon–A Randomized Study

Location: Northwest University , Chicago, Il.
MS is at onset an immune-mediated demyelinating disease. In most cases, it starts as a relapsing-remitting disease with distinct attacks and no symptoms between flares. Over years or decades, virtually all cases transition into a progressive disease in which insidious and slow neurologic deterioration occurs with or without acute… »

Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With MS in the HALT Trial

An update on Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With MS. From the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Western MS Center at the University of… »

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Early Mobility Impairment in People with MS

A recent press release from Acorda Therapeutics highlights NARCOMS study results on the economic impact of early mobility impairment in people with multiple sclerosis, including:
· MS-related Mobility Impairment Contributes to Reduction in Employment Status and Income Level
· Greatest Changes in Income Level Due to Mobility Loss Occur Early On, as People with MS… »

Multiple Sclerosis in Children

Jean Marie B. Ahorro, MD––The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario Canada; Brenda L. Banwell, MD––Director, Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Clinic The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario Canada
Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) in children is being recognized with increasing frequency. The first descriptions of MS in children were published by Charcot between 1829 and 1849, though… »