Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord and can lead to damage in the central nervous system. It is believed that there are three million people with multiple sclerosis, worldwide. Drug cocktails are used to control the debilitating symptoms of MS, but a cure is still to come. In this article, we’ll examine the latest developments in MS research and the challenges that scientists still face.
Some doctors say the best hope for treatment is early diagnosis and then stopping the progression. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies involved in multiple sclerosis research are trying to develop medications that slow the progression of the disease and delay the onset of symptoms. It’s important to remember that developing safe treatments for multiple sclerosis has been difficult for scientists. Tysabri was pulled from the market in 2005 after three patients in clinical trials contracted a rare brain infection and two patients died. The Food and Drug Administration allowed the drug to enter the market again in 2006 under a restricted distribution system.
MRI multiple sclerosis monitoring is proving to be invaluable. Scientists are now able to see and follow the development of MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord. This is a tremendous aid in the assessment of new therapies and can speed up the process of evaluating new treatments. There are a number of treatments under investigation that may curtail attacks or improve the function of damaged nerve fibers. Over a dozen clinical trials testing potential therapies are underway, and additional new treatments are being devised and tested in animal models.
In multiple sclerosis news, the bio pharmaceutical company MediciNova Inc. has announced data from a double-blind analysis of the first year of treatment from its two-year Phase II clinical trial of MN-166 in multiple sclerosis. The second year of the Phase II clinical trial is on-going with results expected in April 2008. The analysis showed that MN-166 decreased the formation of brain lesions that are believed to indicate the death of nerves in the brain on MRI in MS patients. Treatment with a 30 mg/day dosing regimen of MN-166 showed a trend toward reduced risk of new lesion evolution to persistent black holes when compared to a placebo. This means that when diagnosed early, patients can stave off the symptoms of MS.
Multiple sclerosis research has provided MS sufferers with some relief, but we still need to find a cure. Scientists must further examine genetic and environmental factors to discover a cause of the disease. The best way that you can help is by making financial contributions to MS societies to fund research. Your dollars will help to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.
