News: July 2014

A lot of news on the research front in July, which can only be good. It’s a joy, relief as well as hope that one of those research projects or trials might lead to longer periods of remission, and perhaps a return to lesser disability for those with primary and secondary forms of multiple sclerosis. So let’s keep fingers, toes, eye lashes and anything else crossed that can be crossed. A lot of people with severe MS deserve at least that. Remember, 2.3 million people with MS globally is staggering. It doesn’t have to be that way, though.

Research results

1. Human Stem Cells Effectively Treat Multiple Sclerosis in Mice Models
   HCPLive – Embryonic stem cells are a potentially viable treatment option for multiple sclerosis (MS), according to research published online in Stem Cell Reports.
2. Innovative research tool pinpoints potential therapies for multiple sclerosis
   Medical Xpress – Demyelination by MS. The CD68 colored tissue shows several macrophages in the area of the lesion. Original scale 1:100.
3. Melanocortin Receptor Agonist can Treat Multiple Sclerosis
   HCPLive – FRIDAY, July 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Melanocortin receptor type 3 (MC3) has protective properties for joint and periodontal tissues.
4. Researchers discover neuroprotective role of immune cell
   Medical Xpress – A type of immune cell widely believed to exacerbate chronic adult brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS).
5. UCSF scientists identify drugs that could help MS patients
   SFGate – In patients with multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin, the insulation that surrounds the wire-like connections between nerve cells.
6. Scientists 1 step closer to cell therapy for multiple sclerosis patients
   Medical Xpress – In multiple sclerosis, the protective covering of axons, called myelin, becomes damaged and lost.

Clinical trials

1. MS Genzyme Drug Lemtrada Approved in Argentina, Still Under Review in US
   Multiple Sclerosis News Today – Genzyme Lemtrada, a drug produced by Genzyme for the treatment of adult patients suffering from relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
2. Actavis Plans Generic Version of Acorda’s Multiple Sclerosis Drug Ampyra
   Multiple Sclerosis News Today – Acorda Therapeutics recently announced receiving a notice letter from pharmaceutical company Actavis Plc indicating their plans to commercialize Ampyra.
3. SMC Says Yes to Lemtrada(R)a- 1/4 (alemtuzumab) 12mg IV, a New Treatment for Adults with …
   MarketWatch – “Scotland has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world, and the approval of Lemtrada in Scotland is an important step forward.
4. Alkermes Announces Initiation of Phase 1 Clinical Study of ALKS 8700 for Treatment of Multiple …
   MarketWatch – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which interrupts the flow of information.

Medical treatment news

1. Wonder drug that eases multiple sclerosis side effects
   Express.co.uk – Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2003 there have been times when Linda Elsegood has felt her life so hopeless.
2. Medicines containing cannabis set to go on sale
   RTE.ie – The move means sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis will soon be able to legally use Sativex, an oral spray containing cannabis extracts.
3. Medicinal cannabis to be made available by prescription for MS sufferers
   Irish Mirror – Cannabis is to be provided under prescription for sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis, under a new revision to current laws making the drug illegal.
4. Tysabri Protects Against Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis, According To Study
   Multiple Sclerosis News Today – Tysabri According to a study published in JAMA Neurology, multiple sclerosis patients are greatly benefited by Biogen Idec’s Tysabri (natalizumab).
5. NICE green light for Biogen’s oral MS drug
   PMLiVE – UK patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are set to have another oral treatment option following last week’s recommendation for Biogen Idec’s Tecfidera.
6. PLEGRIDY™ (Peginterferon beta-1a) Approved in the European Union for the Treatment of …
   MarketWatch – PLEGRIDY is a subcutaneous injectable therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), in which interferon beta-1a is pegylated.

General news

1. Massage therapy can alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis
   News-Medical.net – An estimated 2.3 million people worldwide live with multiple sclerosis (MS) each day, a debilitating disease that can often cause severe pain.
2. Low Vitamin D is Linked to Severe Acute Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis
   Multiple Sclerosis News Today – vitamin D metabolism For the approximately 15-20% of multiple sclerosis patients with acute optic neuritis (AON), lack of vitamin D.

©Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me, 2011-2014. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.