Ocrelizumab for progressive MS trail results
Genentech have announced positive results from a phase III study of ocrelizumab in primary progressive MS. The ORATORIO trial was looking for reductions in progression, as measured by EDSS, sustained for 12 weeks. Little detail in the press release, but top line results will be presented at the ECTRIMS conference in October.
PharmiWeb
Ocrelizumab - drugs in development (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 27, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Olympic hopeful with MS
Kadeena Cox from Leeds, who was diagnosed with MS last year, is hoping to take part in next year's Olympics, either as a sprinter or as a cyclist.
Yorkshire Evening Post
Exercises for people with MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 24, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Potential PML vaccine being developed
Researchers say that they are developing a vaccine that helps the immune system fight the virus that causes PML - a serious brain infection that can be a side effect of some disease modifying drugs. The approach has so far only been studied in a handful of humans.
University of Zurich
PML (Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 23, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Measuring progression in trials
Research using the international MSBase registry suggests that trials that are using disease progression as an outcome measure should be longer. About a quarter of people assessed as having a permanent increase in disability on the EDSS scale after three months were found to have improved in the subsequent 10 years.
News Medical
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 22, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
NICE social care guidelines published
In its first guideline for social care says carer visits to older or disabled people living at home should be at least 30 minutes and that people should see the same carer(s) and not different ones each time. It also recommends more training for carers and better coordination with health services. NICE recognises that meetings these guidelines will cost more.
NICE
BBC
Guardian (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 22, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
New progressive MS research grants
The Progressive MS Alliance has awarded 11 more research grants for studies around the world, including a study of mitochondria at the University of Edinburgh. In its role in connecting similar projects around the world, a study targeting microglia in progressive MS at Imperial College in London has been matched with a team working in Paris.
National MS Society (USA)
Progressive MS - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 21, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Disease modifying drugs
A Cochrane review of disease modifying drugs for relapsing MS found that the best at reducing relapse in the first two years of treatment were alemtuzumab, mitoxantrone, natalizumab and fingolimod. The best at reducing the build up of disability in the same period were mitoxantrone, alemtuzumab, and natalizumab. The review criticises the lack of long-term evidence for efficacy and side effects.
MS News Today
Disease modifying drugs for relapsing MS - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 21, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
What affects quality of life in MS?
Czech research into factors that have a negative effect on quality of life for people with MS identified the label of MS, cognitive symptoms, sexual dysfunction and family problems. The researchers also point out the failings in the scales used to measure quality of life.
MS News Today
Cognition and cognitive symptoms - A to Z of MS
Sexual issues - A to Z of MS
Living with progressive MS in the family - Open Door article (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 20, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
MS Brain Health Symposium - pre-ECTRIMS - 6 October 2015 - Barcelona
This interactive symposium will discuss the evidence base for such an
approach in MS, and the potential impact on health and
economic outcomes. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 17, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Allied Health Professionals voice rising concern over therapeutic services for people with long-term neurological conditions
Today the MS Trust publishes a joint report highlighting Allied Health Professionals' (AHPs) views on the pressures and challenges facing neuro-specialist therapy services in today's NHS. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 15, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Effects of benefit changes
An MS Society survey suggests that half of people applying for ESA and a third having interviews for PIP said their health was damaged as a result. The results also showed people cutting down on spending on food, transport and socialising with one in 10 saying they spent less on their healthcare.
Guardian
Scotsman
Benefits - A to Z of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 13, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Southport Golf Day
Long-term MS Trust supporter Rick Halsall is holding a Golf Day on Friday 25 September in aid of the MS Trust. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 10, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Cladribine comeback
Based on "new data and additional analyses of the compound's benefit-risk profile", Merck is planning to submit cladribine to the EMA for licensing. The development of the drug was stopped in 2011 following potential cancer risks.
Merck press release
Reuters
Cladribine - A to A of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 10, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Good luck to our Great North Runners
Good luck to our team of 50 MS Trust runners taking part in the Great North Run on Sunday. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 10, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
Melatonin and seasonal fluctuations
American research suggests that the seasonal fluctuation in symptoms (fewer relapses in autumn and winter) may be due to the protective effects of melatonin, which is produced by the body when not exposed to sunlight.
Science News
Havard Gazette
Relapses - A to A of MS (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust - September 9, 2015 Category: Neurology Source Type: news
