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multiple sclerosis
The following articles have the tag multiple sclerosis
Patient's death prompts new precautions on drug
The TGA has warned prescribers of new contraindications and precautions necessary for multiple sclerosis drug fingolimod (Gilenya) in the wake of the death of a US patient last year.
FDA warns of cardiac risk with Gilenya
THE TGA is considering further amendments to the PI for multiple sclerosis treatment fingolimod (Gilenya, Novartis) following concerns raised by the US Food and Drug Administration about its cardiac safety.
Breakthrough in solving MS mystery
A MAJOR international study has identified 57 genes associated with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Analysis of DNA samples provided by more than 9500 people with MS found the patients had subtle, inherited differences in their immune function compared to healthy individuals. The study was one of the largest human genetic studies ever undertaken, involving more than 250 researchers from 15 countries including Australia. More than 1000 Australians with MS provided DNA samples which were analysed by a consortium of Australian and New Zealand scientists involved in the study. Until now, scientists were aware ...
Epstein-Barr virus may increase MS risk
PAST infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may increase a person's risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) if they have certain genetic variations, Australian research shows. In a case-control study, researchers led by a team from the Australian National University (ANU) found the presence of EBV antibodies and a history of infectious mononucleosis was related to an increased risk of demyelinating disease, an association consistent with other, previous studies. In addition, the researchers showed specific genetic mutations (HLA-DR15 or HLA-A genotype) increased the risk of a first demyelinating event about 20-fold. ...
Oral MS treatment breakthrough
THE TGA has approved a new daily oral therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to delay progression of physical disability and reduce frequency of relapse. Gilenya (fingolimod) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS and secondary progressive MS with superimposed relapses, its manufacturer Novartis said. Clinical trials in more than 4000 randomised MS patients demonstrated its efficacy in reducing relapses, the risk of disability progression and the number of MRI-detected brain lesions. Gilenya acts by retaining lymphocytes in lymph nodes, preventing them from reaching the central nervous system, where they can attack myelin ...
Doctor behind new push for medicinal marijuana
A DOCTOR at Royal Melbourne Hospital’s neurology department is behind the latest push to use marijuana-based products for medicinal purposes. According to the Herald Sun , the doctor, who remains unnamed, is pushing for a trial of a marijuana-based mouth spray to ease the pain and suffering of patients with multiple sclerosis. It's believed the doctor will soon seek the required permissions from both state and federal governments. The spray, Sativex, is manufactured by British company GW Pharmaceuticals, which specialises in developing cannabis-based prescription medicines. The product is available in Britain, Canada and Spain ...
Multiple sclerosis risk doubles for obese young adults
OBESE adolescents may have a greater risk of future multiple sclerosis (MS), US researchers have found. Analysis of data from the Nurses Health Study and Nurses Health Study II revealed over a combined 40-year follow-up there were 593 cases of MS among 230,000 women. Those who were obese at 18 years of age (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) were more than twice as likely to develop MS, the authors found. Heightened risk of MS remained for those with a large body size at age 20. However, no significant association could be found between childhood or adult ...
Early MS treatment slows disease
PATIENTS with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been given a glimmer of hope after a worldwide trial showed early treatment could delay onset of the disease. A randomised, double-blinded trial undertaken in 16 countries found injections of glatiramer acetate reduced the risk of developing clinically definite MS by 45% compared with placebo. The time for 25% of patients to convert to definite disease was more than doubled – from 336 days in the placebo group to 722 days in the treatment group. Almost 500 patients presenting with a clinically isolated syndrome with unifocal manifestation were randomised to ...