RxPG News : Demyelinating Diseases

Testosterone may help men with multiple sclerosis

Mon, 14 May 2007 20:43:17 PST

A small pilot study suggests that testosterone treatment is safe, well tolerated and may reduce symptoms, slow brain degeneration and increase muscle mass in men with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, the most common form of the disease, according to a report in the May issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Age of onset but not severity of Multiple Sclerosis inherited from parents

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:32:39 PST

When more than one member of a family is affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), their ages at disease onset are likely to be similar, but disease severity may not be. These new findings have important implications for counseling patients, according to a study published in the January 30, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Cause of nerve fiber damage in multiple sclerosis identified

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 02:38:00 PST

Researchers have identified how the bodys own immune system contributes to the nerve fiber damage caused by multiple sclerosis, a finding that can potentially aid earlier diagnosis and improved treatment for this chronic disease.

Fampridine may hold promise for treating Multiple Sclerosis

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 18:50:00 PST

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) today announced positive results from its Phase 3 clinical trial of Fampridine-SR on walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

CNS can send out signals to invite autoimmune attacks

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 23:49:00 PST

It may sound like a case of blame the victim, but researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that cells in the central nervous system can sometimes send out signals that invite hostile immune system attacks. In mice the researchers studied, this invitation resulted in damage to the protective covering of nerves, causing a disease resembling multiple sclerosis.

Natalizumab Re-approved for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 00:10:00 PST

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for the reintroduction of Natalizumab as a monotherapy treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to slow the progression of disability and reduce the frequency of clinical relapses. The approval for reintroduction was granted based on the review of Natalizumab clinical trial data; revised labelling with enhanced safety warnings; and a risk management plan, called TOUCH Prescribing Program, designed to inform physicians and patients of the benefits and risks of Natalizumab treatment and minimize potential risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The reintroduction of Natalizumab offers new hope as an important therapeutic choice for patients living with this disabling disease.

Efficacy in relapse rate reduction beyond five years shown for interferon beta 1b in Multiple Sclerosis

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 14:51:00 PST

Berlex announced today that Betaseron® (interferon beta 1b) remained consistently safe, effective and well tolerated over the long term, according to results of the Betaseron 16-Year Long-Term Follow-up (16-Year LTF) Study presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. This is the longest follow-up study for any disease modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Systematic Review Questions Accuracy of MRI in Multiple Sclerosis

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:21:00 PST

The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not sufficient to rule in or rule out a diagnosis of MS with a high degree of certainty, finds a study published online by the BMJ today.

Statins could prove useful in treating MS

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 13:56:00 PST

Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco and Stanford University Medical Center are reporting compelling new evidence that the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin could prove an effective therapy for preventing the progression of, and reversing the severity of, multiple sclerosis (MS). In the March 16 on-line edition of The Journal of Clinical Investigation, they report the results of a study that looked at the use of the drug (marketed as Lipitor) in combination with Glatiramer acetate (marketed as Copaxone), a drug already approved for treating MS. The findings demonstrate, they say, that the drugs worked synergistically, preventing or diminishing paralysis in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model disease that closely resembles multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis causes a variety of neurological symptoms including loss of motor control, visual loss or imbalance. A primary symptom is temporary, recurring paralysis in the limbs, as occurs in the mice.

12.5 kda cystatin may generate first simple test for multiple sclerosis

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 16:54:00 PST

Johns Hopkins scientists report the discovery of a protein found only in cerebrospinal fluid that they say might be useful in identifying a subgroup of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or identifying those at risk for the debilitating autoimmune disorder.

Fatal flaw in natalizumab, multiple sclerosis drug, trial

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 12:46:00 PST

The drug in question is natalizumab. In November 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fast-tracked its approval for use in multiple sclerosis patients following promising results seen early in two clinical trials. But within months of the approval, some patients taking the drug had developed a rare infection - progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML - and Smith and one other patient had died.

Azathioprine reduces new brain inflammatory lesions in MS

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 17:22:00 PST

A medication that reduces relapse rates in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) appears to be effective in reducing new brain inflammatory lesions and is well tolerated, according to a study in the December issue of the Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The drug is azathioprine, an immunosuppressive agent that is well tolerated, easy to administer and monitor, and has been used for many years in the treatment of transplant rejections and autoimmune diseases. Azathioprine reduces relapse rates in MS patients, but its effects on the frequency and accumulation of new brain inflammatory lesions has not been studied in MS, according to background information in the article. MS is a disease of the central nervous system, marked by numbness, weakness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control.

Multiple sclerosis diagnostic guidelines (McDonald criteria) updated

Thu, 10 Nov 2005 13:22:00 PST

An international panel of neurologists has updated the current guidelines for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS), strengthening the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The guidelines, published online November 10, 2005 in the Annals of Neurology, update the "McDonald criteria," created five years ago and named after the chair of the previous panel, Prof W. Ian McDonald of the Institute of Neurology in London.

Key Role Of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) In Multiple Sclerosis

Thu, 20 Oct 2005 16:09:00 PST

A new study suggests that a substance made by immune cells plays a key role in the progression of a disease in animals that closely mimics multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings further suggest that blocking the molecule, known as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) might prevent the progression of the disease.

Chromosome six gene screen confirms MS suspects

Thu, 22 Sep 2005 05:05:00 PST

A cluster of genes on chromosome six is the only one that plays a significant role in multiple sclerosis (MS), according to the most complete genetic study to date in the disorder, presented at the 130th annual meeting of the American Neurological Association in San Diego.

Aquaporin-4 implicated in a form of multiple sclerosis

Thu, 22 Sep 2005 04:59:00 PST

Researchers have identified a molecular suspect in a disorder similar to multiple sclerosis (MS) that attacks the optic nerve and spinal cord, according to a report presented at the 130th annual meeting of the American Neurological Association in San Diego. The protein, called aquaporin-4, is a channel protein that allows water to move in and out of cells.

Interferon Does Not Affect Duration Of "Black Hole" Lesions In Multiple Sclerosis

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 13:57:00 PST

Although treatment with interferon appears to reduce the formation of new areas of damage in the brains of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), including lesions that appear as highly contrasted images, called black holes, on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatment does not appear to affect the duration of these damaged regions, according to a new study posted online today by the Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The study will be published in the November print edition of the journal.

Oral Contraceptives Associated With Reduced Risk Of Multiple Sclerosis

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 13:48:00 PST

Over a three-year period, the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) was reduced in women taking oral contraceptives, according to a study in the September issue of the Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Fampridine-SR in Phase 3 Trial for Multiple Sclerosis Under FDA Guidance

Wed, 04 May 2005 21:56:00 PST

Acorda Therapeutics announced today that it has reached an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a Special Protocol Assessment for a pivotal, Phase 3 clinical trial of Fampridine-SR in multiple sclerosis (MS). A Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) is a process in which the FDA provides evaluation and guidance on clinical trial protocols for Phase 3 studies.

Cigarette Smoking linked with Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 02:20:00 PST

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) recently discovered that cigarette smoking may contribute to the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting that quitting smoking could limit or delay central nervous system deterioration. This is the first time that a modifiable risk factor for MS progression has been identified, providing a new strategy for patients hoping to control neurological damage from the disease. Study results appear in the March 9, 2005 issue of Brain.

Naltrexone for HIV/AIDS, Cancer, and Autoimmune Diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis?

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 11:10:00 PST

A very low dose of the FDA-approved drug naltrexone has been discovered to be an effective up-regulator of the immune system. The new therapy, called low dose naltrexone (LDN), has shown remarkable effects on an array of illnesses including HIV/AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as MS. The first conference concerning LDN will be held on June 11th at the New York Academy of Sciences in Manhattan. Recent clinical trials of LDN will be discussed.

AVP-923 will Help Control the Inappropriate Emotions Associated with Multiple Sclerosis

Fri, 15 Apr 2005 11:05:00 PST

Now people with multiple sclerosis (MS) can have a better control over their emotions,thanks to the latest research that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology 57th Annual Meeting in Miami Beach, Fla., April 9 16, 2005.

Leptin's Role in Multiple Sclerosis

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 06:45:00 PST

According to Giuseppe Matarese et al., increased levels of the cytokine-like hormone leptin in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) inversely correlates with the frequency of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (TRegs).

RPI-78M Decreases Progression of Multiple Sclerosis by Altering Gene Expression

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 16:24:00 PST

RPI-78M is the lead drug candidate of Nutra Pharma's minority holding, ReceptoPharm, Inc. and is being studied in preclinical assays for its efficacy in treating MS. ERDI measured the effect of RPI-78M on gene expression using cDNA microarray technology to identify any potentially unique changes in gene expression that may be caused by the therapy.