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Learning More About MS

Wellness and MS
 
Issue: #5January 2012

 MS Research Update     

 

Update on currently available therapies:

  • Tysabri (natalizumab) - the FDA has approved the use of a blood test to help identify patients who may be at risk of developing PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy). PML is a rare brain infection caused by reactivation of the JC virus among immunosuppressed individuals. The newly approved test detects antibodies to JC virus, and can determine (with 97.5% certainty) whether a person has been exposed to this virus or not. Patients with no prior exposure to JC virus are believed to have very low risk of developing PML. For those who have been exposed to the JC virus, the risk of PML varies depending on the duration of treatment with Tysabri and whether or not they were treated with immunosuppresants before.
  • Gilenya (fingolimod) - the FDA has completed a review of one patient who died last year within 24 hours of receiving Gilenya, who had a pre-existing cardiovascular conditionand. Upon review, the FDA determined that no change in our current monitoring is required.

Update on new MS therapies:

  • Two new pills for MS are slowly making their way through regulatory process. Teriflunomide was submitted to the FDA in October 2011 and EMA (European Medicines Agency) last week, and their response is expected possibly later this year. BG-12 application to the FDA is expected to be submitted in the first quarter of 2012.
  • The FDA has issued guidelines on development of biosimilar medications (aka generics). Because injectable MS medications such as interferons are very large molecules, their processing in the body is quite different from small molecules (like aspirin), further hampering efforts to create generic versions. It is hoped that this will help lower the cost of MS therapies.
 

MS Center Highlight

  

MS Walk - Join our team!

 

The Swedish MS Center is proud to participate in the annual MS Walk organized by the National MS Society. This year, the MS Walk will take place on April 15, 2012 at the Alaska Airlines Arena at UW. In preparation for the Walk, the MS Center will have a "Strike for MS" bowling fundraising event on Saturday, March 24th from 1-3pm at Roxy's Bowling Lanes in West Seattle (2823 SW Roxbury St, Seattle, WA 98126). All patients and their family and friends are welcome to join us at the event. Tickets are $12 per person and include unlimited games and free shoe rental. We will also have raffle prizes during the event. If you would like to attend the event or would like to donate any items for the raffle prize for the event, contact Reiko Aramaki or Janice Huertas.

If you cannot attend, but would still like to contribute to our Swedish MS Walk Team fundraising effort, please sign up here

 

MS Center Research

     

Secondary Progressive MS:

A phase III trial of Tysabri (natalizumab) for patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is underway. To be eligible, patients must be younger than 59 and not have received Tysabri in the past. 

 

Pain in MS: The PRIME trial randomizes patients with neuropathic pain to take dextromethorphan/quinidine (currently FDA approved for the use of pseudobulbar palsy in MS) as a means to reduce their pain on a 10 point pain scale as the primary outcome measure.

 

B cell studies: The MS Center is involved in several studies of two new agents that are directed against B cells. The OPERA study is a phase 3 investigation of ocrelizumab compared to interferon in patients with relapsing MS. Another study, the GEN414 study, is a phase 2 investigation of ofatumumab in patients with relapsing MS. It will investigate the effects of the medication on MRI.

 

 

Primary progressive MS:

Ocrelizumab will be tested in patients with primary progressive MS in a trial (details here) that is expected to open to enrollment at Swedish MS center in the near future.

 

Patients interested in any of our research studies can contact the main clinic number at (206) 320-2200 and ask to speak with one of our research coordinators.

 

Construction Progress on Swedish MS Center   

 

Construction continues on the new MS Center, on schedule, with opening planned in April 2012.

You can support the new center by making a gift to help people living with MS in the Puget Sound region. To support the expanded MS Center, contact Kate Purcell, Director, Major Gifts; Direct line: 206-386-3194; Email: [email protected]

 

Multiple Sclerosis News Digest

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Secondary Progressive MS: A team of physicians and scientists from Cambridge, UK, has demonstrated some benefit of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on regenerating damaged optic nerves Link for more information

 

Rehabilitation Technique Improves Memory and Increases Brain Activity in People with MSIn a small, controlled study, learning and memory improved in people with MS with a technique that uses stories and imagery to cement learning. For the first time, this improvement was shown to be accompanied by biological changes in the brain indicating increased activation of areas related to memory and learning.Link for more information

 

Multiple Sclerosis Center Events

Eastern Washington Clinic Days: The clinic has designated days especially for patients visiting from Eastern Washington. This makes it easier to share the trip with friends or carpool.

 

Annual Swedish MS Center Art Show: The third annual MS Center Art Show is planned for May/June 2012. Artists, start planning your artwork for the event!

 

MS Roadshow visits Olympia: The MS Center, in conjunction with the National MS Society, will present the MS Roadshow on 2/25/12 from 12:45 to 5:00PM at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia. Link for details