National MS Society Reports Sweeping Advances Made in MS Research in 2012

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 27, 2012

MS research continued to advance on many fronts in 2012. This year saw:

The National MS Society continues to propel research forward with a comprehensive strategy aimed at stopping MS, restoring function and ending MS forever (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/index.aspx):

In the worlds largest meeting dedicated to MS research, over 7,000 scientists convened in Lyon, France to present findings at ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS). Over 1250 studies covering virtually every aspect of research were presented:

Other important 2012 results toward stopping MS include:

TREATMENT PIPELINE FDA Approves Oral Aubagio (Teriflunomide, Genzyme, a Sanofi company) The once-daily pill was approved as a disease-modifying therapy for relapsing forms of MS. Aubagio is the second oral disease-modifying therapy approved for the treatment of MS, and it became available for prescription in October 2012 in the U.S. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=6864

Two potential therapies are before FDA

Tysabri label updated to include lab test to enhance treatment decisions The test detects antibodies to the JC virus and can help determine a persons risk of developing PML, a severe brain infection that has emerged in some people who have taken Tysabri (natalizumab, Biogen Idec and Elan). The test should enhance the ability of people with MS to weigh risks and benefits of this therapy.

Clinical trials discussed at ECTRIMS 2012 Positive results from trials of statins (cholesterol-reducing medication) and Tysabri in progressive forms of MS, a new approach called AIN457 for treating relapsing MS, and results from phase II and III clinical trials of therapies were among results presented at ECTRIMS focusing on stopping MS. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=7052

Phase II results of ocrelizumab in relapsing MS Experimental ocrelizumab (Genentech), given intravenously, significantly reduced disease activity on MRI scans in a study of 218 people with relapsing-remitting MS. One person died due to brain edema; the relation of this death to the medication is unclear. Additional research, now going on in primary-progressive MS and relapsing-remitting MS, is needed to further determine this therapys safety and benefits. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/research-news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=5659

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National MS Society Reports Sweeping Advances Made in MS Research in 2012