Drugs trial offers hope for MS sufferers

DRUGS for heart disease, depression and motor neurone disease could be the key for a treatment for multiple sclerosis.

A new drug trial based at Oxfords John Radcliffe Hospital will ask 440 MS sufferers to try the alternative therapies to see if they have any effect.

Oxford is one of 14 trial sites across England and Scotland to participate in the MS-SMART trial.

Researchers will test the safety and effectiveness of heart disease drug amiloride, fluoxetine which is used to treat depression, and motor neurone disease treatment riluzole over two years in 440 people with an advanced and untreatable progressive form of MS.

All three drugs have shown the potential to protect nerves from damage, which could ultimately slow or stop the progression of disease.

If it is successful, scientists will start developing drugs that they say could potentially revolutionise the way MS is treated.

Witney MS victim Roger Keable, 67, sufferers from spasticity in his left leg, fatigue, depression and incontinence and said a treatment option would change his life. He said: There is nothing out there right now for people with secondary progressive MS, sometimes it can feel like were the forgotten end of the MS spectrum.

Research into progressive MS is a very positive thing. It would change my life if treatment option became available so I look forward to seeing what happens with this trial.

For more information about the trial, go to ms-smart.org

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Drugs trial offers hope for MS sufferers