Health Conditions

What is on the horizon?

• The National MS Society is currently spending $45 million on clinical trials and has a cumulative investment of over $550 million since its first grants back in 1947. They are pursuing not only better treatments, but are also seeking prevention options and a cure.
• Scientists are currently researching a way to possibly restore function to individuals affected by MS. In November 2006, investigators supported by the National MS Society reported progress in their research to discover a way to repair the nerve tissue that is damaged when a person has MS.
• Some research has linked low Vitamin D levels in the blood to Multiple Sclerosis. However, it is still unclear whether or not low levels of Vitamin D can be considered a causative factor of MS.
• Promising results were published from an early-phase clinical trial of the monoclonal antibody, natalizumab (Tysabri) in relapsing forms of MS. It was approved by the FDA in November of 2004 and removed from the market in February 2005 due to severe adverse events including death. It is currently being reviewed by the FDA for possible re-release if these adverse events are found to be false.
• FTY720 (fingolimod) an oral medication derived from a Chinese herb is currently undergoing clinical trials. Initial trials show a decrease in relapse rates and development of new lesions after six months of treatment. FTY20 decreases activity of specific white blood cells that cause MS. Novartis Pharma is currently developing the drug and enrolling patients in a large, one-year trial.
• Combination therapy (CombiRx) of interferon beta-1a (Avonex) and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) is currently being studied in patients with relapsing/remitting MS. Investigators are studying whether the combination will reduce relapse rates more than either therapy used alone.
• Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H), a potent anti-cancer drug, given by infusion for five days once annually has shown promise at reducing relapse and progression in MS. Alemtuzumab binds to and destroys specific white blood cells responsible for myelin destruction.
• MBP8298 (myelin basic protein) is the protein in myelin that is attacked by the immune system in MS patients. High doses of antigen delivered periodically by the intravenous route are expected to suppress immune responses to the administered substance. MBP8298 is currently undergoing late stage clinical trials for Secondary Progressive MS.
• Small studies found that the cholesterol lowering medication simvastatin (Zocor) safely reduced the number of new brain lesions in people with relapsing-remitting MS. Larger studies are planned to determine the effectiveness of using this medication and other similar drugs.

Much time and effort is being devoted to learning more about MS and to find better treatment options, and someday a cure.