Editor's Choice Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis Also Included In: Anxiety / Stress Article Date: 13 Jul 2012 - 9:00 PDT

Current ratings for: Multiple Sclerosis Patients Could `Benefit From Stress Management

3.75 (4 votes)

The study, published online in the medical journal Neurology, involved 121 people with MS.

The researchers assigned 50% of the study participants to receive the stress management program, while the remaining participants were put on a waiting list as a control group.

Over a 5-6 month period, participants assigned to the program had 16 50-minute sessions with a therapist. During each session, patients learned about relaxation, problem-solving skills, improving their social support and increasing positive activities. In addition, patients were given the choice of addition sessions on topics, such as insomnia treatment, fatigue management, pain management, and anxiety reduction. Patients received follow-up for up to six months. Patients in the control group attended a five-hour workshop on stress management.

The researchers found that 77% of participants assigned to the stress management program did not develop new lesions, or brain damage that indicates disease activity, versus 55% of patients assigned to the control group.

David C. Mohr, Ph.D., of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, explained:

Furthermore, the team found that participants receiving training had lower stress levels than patients in the control group, although the positive effects of the program diminished following the treatment period.

Mohr said:

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Multiple Sclerosis Patients Could `Benefit From Stress Management

By Traci Pedersen Associate News Editor Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on July 15, 2012

Patients with multiple sclerosis who receive stress management training experience less new disease activity, according to a study published in Neurology.

Half of the 121 participants in the study received stress management training, which included meeting with a therapist for 16 individual 50-minute sessions over five to six months.

They learned problem-solving skills, relaxation techniques, and how to increase positive activities and enhance social support. They were also given the option to choose extra sessions on topics such as fatigue management, anxiety reduction, pain management and insomnia treatment.

After the treatment ended, the stress management group was followed for another five to six months. The remaining participants were put on a waiting list as a control group. After 10 months, they attended a five-hour workshop on stress management.

During the treatment period, 77 percent of those in the stress management training group had no new lesions, or brain damage that indicates disease activity, compared to 55 percent of those in the control group.

The size of the effect is similar to other recent phase II trials of new drug therapies for MS, said study author David C. Mohr, PhD, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

While its premature to make any specific recommendations about using this type of stress management training to manage MS disease activity, it will be important to conduct more research to identify specifically how this treatment is benefiting people with MS.

Furthermore, questionnaires revealed that those receiving the training had greater reductions in their stress levels than did those in the control group.

Interestingly, the positive effects of the training did not continue after the treatment period.

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Stress Management Prevents Brain Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis

Jude wants to know the latest on MS or Multiple sclerosis. This is very timely since just this week, Jack Osborne was diagnosed with MS at age 26.

The interesting part about someone famous with a medical condition is the fact that it raises awareness of the condition. MS is one of those conditions that you think is not very common in the very young, but in reality, MS affects all age levels. The interesting abnormality with Jack Osborne having the diagnosis is the fact that he is a male. Usually, females are affected more than males.

Multiple sclerosis is the damage of nerve cells by an unknown trigger. The immune system targets the cells as potential "invaders", and attempts to destroy them. Since the body is attacking itself, this is considered an autoimmune problem. MS can be literally called "multiple scars". Since the nerves are like wires in electricity, if you damage the wires, the current does not get to the end organ appropriately. There are also some symptoms or short circuits noticed. The most common symptom is numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation or strength.

Statistics of MS:

400,000 Americans have MS

2.5 million worldwide - not a mandatory report, so it is thought to be under reported.

Women are 2x more affected than men

Caucasians are affected more than any other ethnic group, but all groups can be affected MS is not a fatal disease, but it is chronic MS is not a contagious disease

No age is spared - youngest to be diagnosed 2 years-old, oldest 75 years-old

No cure - yet

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Priority Health: Multiple sclerosis

Public release date: 21-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Melissa Ashman mashman@brain.ubc.ca 604-827-3396 University of British Columbia

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients appear to have a lower cancer risk, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health.

The study, published in the current issue of the journal Brain, is the first to investigate overall cancer risk in MS patients in North America.

"Because the immune system plays important roles in both cancer and MS, we wanted to know whether the risk of cancer is different for people with MS," says Elaine Kingwell, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral fellow in the UBC Faculty of Medicine and Brain Research Centre at UBC and VCH Research Institute. "Not only did MS patients have a lower overall cancer risk, the risk for colorectal cancer in particular was significantly lower."

The researchers compared the diagnoses of cancer in MS patients in British Columbia with those of the general population. While they found that MS patients have a lower risk in general for cancer and in particular for colorectal cancer they found that the risks for brain cancer and bladder cancer were slightly elevated (albeit not significantly). In patients with relapsing-onset MS, the risk for non-melanoma skin cancer was significantly greater.

Further studies will be needed to understand the reasons for this reduced overall cancer risk.

An unexpected finding was that for those who did develop cancer, tumour size tended to be larger at time of diagnosis. More work is needed to determine why some tumours might be caught later in people with MS.

"Because the symptoms of MS can be broad and include feelings of fatigue, it's possible the symptoms of cancer are being masked or overlooked," says Helen Tremlett, the study's senior author and an associate professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. She adds that, regardless of the findings, MS patients and their physicians are encouraged to follow cancer screening guidelines. Her team is planning a follow up study to determine whether death rates due to cancer are altered in MS patients.

###

Link:
Multiple sclerosis patients have lower risk of cancer: UBC-VCH research

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a variety of online support resources for those with MS. Visit MSConnection.org for information.

Photo by Nellie Doneva

Vicki Kerr is surrounded by some of her artwork in her home studio. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002.

Photo by Nellie Doneva

photos by Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Chris Frazier and his daughter Christal Martin have both been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. They like to stay active by going fishing together, and Martin goes hunting with her husband.

The first time she experienced symptoms that ultimately led her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Christal Martin wasn't sure what was happening.

"I was playing basketball and all of a sudden, there were two basketball goals instead of one," recalled Martin, who grew up in Clyde and was diagnosed with the illness when she was 16.

Mundane explanations, such as an inner ear infection, were examined.

But it was her family's particular history Martin's father, Chris Frazier, has MS that led her to the truth.

"If he hadn't (had MS), we never would have even considered that," she said, especially since Martin has the remitting-relapsing form of the disease, which means her symptoms come and go.

More here:
Multiple sclerosis: A painful journey of hope

Kiss Goodbye to Multiple Sclerosis

May 25 June 5 is MS Awareness Week, where we are all encouraged to learn more about the condition and Kiss Goodbye to MS.

Although MS can affects vision, balance and speech, living with MS does not have to mean the loss of independence in the home.

Tunstall Healthcare provides a personal alarm that allows the wearer to activate a call for assistance and puts them in immediate contact with Tunstalls 24 hour response centre, where the necessary assistance can be organised.

Tunstalls personal alarm can also be interfaced with a fall detector to help manage an increased tendency to fall.

Living with MS does not have to mean a loss of independence with help always available at the press of a button.

To find out more about MS and MS Awareness week visit http://www.msqld.org.

About Tunstall Healthcare With over 2.5 million users globally, Tunstall is the market leading provider of telecare and telehealth solutions. Across Australia Tunstalls solutions support older people and those with long term needs to live independently, by effectively managing their health and wellbeing. Tunstall provides technology, expertise and advice to millions of people enabling them to lead independent more fulfilling lives. For more information on how telecare and telehealth can improve quality of life, visit http://www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au.

ENDS

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Kiss Goodbye to Multiple Sclerosis

SARATOGA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) today announced the results of a new peer-reviewed research study published in Nature Neuroscience that demonstrates functional improvement in immune response modulation and myelin repair with factors derived from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Funded by the Myelin Repair Foundation, this research conducted by Case Western Reserve University scientists showed positive results with human mesenchymal stem cells in animal models of MS by not only successfully blocking the autoimmune MS response, but also repairing myelin, demonstrating an innovative potential myelin repair treatment for MS.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the immune system that attacks the myelin, causing exposed nerves or lesions which block brain signals, causing loss of motor skills, coordination and cognitive ability. Compared to the controls, this research study showed fewer and smaller lesions found on the nerves in the MSC treatment group. MSCs were found to block the formation of scar tissue by suppressing the autoimmune response, which would otherwise cause permanent damage to the nerves. Furthermore, the research showed that MSC treatment also repaired myelin, enhancing myelin regeneration of the damaged axon and the rewrapping of the myelin around the axon in animal models of MS. One treatment of MSCs provided long-term protection of the recurring disease.

Led by Myelin Repair Foundation Principal Investigator and Vice President for Research & Technology Management at Case Western Reserve Universitys Dr. Robert Miller, this study documents a new promising pathway for treating multiple sclerosis that blocks the autoimmune response and reverses the myelin damage in animal models of MS. The human MSCs used in this study were culled from adult stem cells derived from the bone marrow.

We are thrilled with the publication of this important research study that examines a new pathway to treat multiple sclerosis, one that reverses the damage of the disease, said Dr. Robert Miller. Since we were just beginning to understand how MSCs provide myelin repair for lesions, with the Myelin Repair Foundations support, we continue to deepen our knowledge of exploring the next generation of MS treatments that stimulate healing, rather than symptom suppression of the disease.

We pride ourselves on supporting best-in-class scientists devoted to find new ways to treat multiple sclerosis, advancing highly innovative research projects that otherwise would not have moved forward, said Scott Johnson, president of the Myelin Repair Foundation. The success of Case Western Reserve Universitys study and recognition in this prestigious journal furthers our goal to identify new pathways to treat multiple sclerosis by supporting a multi-disciplinary team of the best researchers in the field.

About the Myelin Repair Foundation

The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) (http://www.myelinrepair.org) is a Silicon Valley-based, non-profit research organization focused on accelerating the discovery and development of myelin repair therapeutics for multiple sclerosis. Its Accelerated Research Collaboration (ARC) model is designed to optimize the entire process of medical research, drug development and the delivery of patient treatments.

Read more from the original source:
Nature Neuroscience Study Shows Unique Scientific Support for Potential New Myelin Repair Treatment for Multiple ...

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced today the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted the filing of the marketing authorization application (MAA) for once-daily oral teriflunomide for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Acceptance of the MAA starts the EMA’s review process.

“The filing represents another important milestone for teriflunomide and brings us one step closer to offering a new treatment option to patients with relapsing MS,” said Bill Sibold, Senior Vice President, Head of Multiple Sclerosis, Genzyme. “As an oral therapy with a promising clinical profile, teriflunomide is extremely well positioned to provide an alternative therapeutic option to patients who are currently taking injectable therapies. Those injectable therapies make up approximately 80 percent of the MS market today.”

The purpose of the MAA is to secure approval to market and allow prescription of teriflunomide in the European Union based on data from two completed pivotal Phase III trials, TEMSO and TENERE. These trials represent two of five efficacy studies of teriflunomide in MS that are completed or underway, making the clinical program one of the largest and broadest of any MS therapy in development.

An application to market teriflunomide in the United States is under review by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

About Teriflunomide

Teriflunomide is an immunomodulatory, disease-modifying oral drug with anti-inflammatory properties, and is under investigation for the treatment of MS. Teriflunomide blocks the proliferation and functioning of activated T and B lymphocytes – which are thought to be especially damaging in MS – by selectively and reversibly inhibiting a mitochondrial enzyme. Slowly dividing or resting lymphocytes are generally unaffected by teriflunomide, suggesting that the immune system’s response to infection should not be compromised.

Teriflunomide is being studied in a large clinical program that is expected to include more than 5,000 trial participants in 36 countries. Five efficacy clinical trials are either completed or underway with teriflunomide, making the clinical program one of the largest and broadest of any MS agent under development. In addition to the TEMSO and TENERE trials, the Phase III, placebo-controlled trial TOWER is ongoing in people with relapsing forms of MS. Another Phase III study, TOPIC, is underway in early MS or CIS (clinically isolated syndrome). Teriflunomide is also being evaluated as an adjunct therapy to interferon-? in the Phase III TERACLES trial. With up to 10 years of continuous use in a Phase II extension, teriflunomide has the longest clinical experience of any investigational oral MS therapy.

About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company

Genzyme has pioneered the development and delivery of transformative therapies for patients affected by rare and debilitating diseases for over 30 years. We accomplish our goals through world-class research and with the compassion and commitment of our employees. With a focus on rare diseases and multiple sclerosis, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the patients and families we serve. That goal guides and inspires us every day. Genzyme’s portfolio of transformative therapies, which are marketed in countries around the world, represents groundbreaking and life-saving advances in medicine. As a Sanofi company, Genzyme benefits from the reach and resources of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients. Learn more at http://www.genzyme.com.

About Sanofi

Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, rare diseases, consumer healthcare, emerging markets and animal health. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN.PA - News) and in New York (NYSE: SNY - News).

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans” and similar expressions. Although Sanofi’s management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Sanofi, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis, including post marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any such product candidates as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such products candidates, the absence of guarantee that the products candidates if approved will be commercially successful, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives, the Group’s ability to benefit from external growth opportunities as well as those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by Sanofi, including those listed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Sanofi’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010. Other than as required by applicable law, Sanofi does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

Genzyme® is a registered trademark.

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Genzyme Announces EMA Accepts Oral Teriflunomide Marketing Application for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease that affects every individual uniquely, and therefore carries just as unique caregiving responsibilities for their loved ones.

Certainly people newly diagnosed with M.S. or who are in remission have very light needs of caregivers, whether those people are a spouse, adult children, or other family or friends. But if the disease is advanced, the caregiving load can be full-time.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease that affects the body's central nervous system.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has a free downloadable guide for caregivers that provides tips on how to care for themselves, how to manage severe physical symptoms, hiring professional home care and more.

The reality is that caring for someone with M.S. is going to be very different than caring for a loved one with any other progressive illness. "Here we take care of people who have both M.S. and other neurological disorders," said Chris Dunbar, a social worker with the Rocky Mountain M.S. Society, who works at the King Adult Day Center in Denver, Col. Mr. Dunbar explained that M.S. lesions affect the brain in different ways -- there might be a person who is barely mobile speaking in whispers who is still very mentally sharp, sitting across from someone who appears physically able but no longer has good judgment or who has other mental and emotional problems. "It can create quite a challenge to the caregiver, and it will change over time," he said.

Doug Hawk is still able to care for his wife in their Denver home, but he knows that his caregiving responsibilities will expand as her M.S. progresses. "The fatigue factor is amazing," he said. "I do a lot of stuff around the house -- I clean the house, I do all the shopping, all the chores."

His wife Jean noticed her first symptoms in 1998 when her arm consistently hurt, and then one day she simply fell down for no reason. She was diagnosed with M.S. in 1999, and after experiencing some vision problems she decided to let her driver's license lapse. At one point, she needed her husband's help injecting her medication daily and nurses trained him how to give his wife injections.

"I think the most important thing is patience," Mr. Hawk said. "You can get overwhelmed. If she needs something, I do it immediately. Just do what you have to do and don't get upset about it. Take it one step at a time."

That same wisdom goes for altering life plans together. "It took us both about a year to come to grips with it after she was diagnosed," he said. "We had thought when we both retired we would take a lot of car trips together. But now we don't do anything. She is exhausted by the time she gets dressed."

Akrista L'Berg of Ohio, blogs with her husband Cir, about his multiple sclerosis and her role as his caregiver at "Life in Spite of M.S." Mr. L'Berg was diagnosed with M.S. almost 20 years ago, but had to quit working 12 years ago when his symptoms interfered with his work as a salesman.

Read more:
Leann Reynolds: Multiple Sclerosis and Caregiving

WASHINGTON An experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis has caused death, strokes, nerve damage and abdominal bleeding and has no proven benefits for sufferers of the disease, the Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday.

Known as liberation therapy, the treatment targets chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency or CCSVI a narrowing of the veins in the head and neck. It involves inserting balloons or stents into veins to widen them in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of MS.

The FDA received reports in 2011 of a patient who died from bleeding in the brain after undergoing the treatment and another who was left permanently paralyzed by a stroke. Those incidents prompted the formal warning.

Other serious adverse effects from the procedure have been reported in medical journals.

The FDA has not approved any devices for use in liberation therapy, but doctors can offer the procedure to their patients. Doctors and other experts estimate that thousands of Americans have had the treatment, but the exact number is not known, because there is no central registry of patients.

Tim Coetzee, chief researcher for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said the link between the condition and MS was not yet well understood, nor were the potential side effects of liberation therapy.

"We're still determining the risks associated with this," he said.

MS is an autoimmune disease with a wide range of symptoms that include physical disability and chronic pain. Drugs can treat the symptoms, but there is no cure.

Paolo Zamboni, an Italian researcher, first proposed the link between CCSVI and MS in 2009. Zamboni published research showing that poor blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord aggravated nerve damage caused by MS. Surgically widening veins could help blood flow, he argued, alleviating symptoms of the disease.

Zamboni's findings seemed to promise an effective treatment for MS and generated widespread interest among patients and doctors. Subsequent research tempered the enthusiasm, and the potential of liberation therapy is still being investigated.

More here:
FDA warns against multiple sclerosis treatment

15-02-2012 02:18 Dr Klaus Schmierer answers your questions on Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Leave your questions below and watch the second vid.

Visit link:
Progressive MS: The People's Hot Topic - part one - Video

Posted: Friday, February 24, 2012 3:00 am | Updated: 8:05 pm, Tue Feb 21, 2012.

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society reports that most people with the illness have a normal or near-normal life expectancy and that most do not become severely disabled.

There also are medications that have been shown to reduce the number of relapses and “modify” or slow down the underlying course of MS, the society said.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, according to a report from the MS Society.

Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. New treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease, the society said.

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the kind which afflicts Melany McQueeny, a Mount Olive Middle School teacher, is the most common disease course at the time of diagnosis. About 85 percent of people with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS, compared to 10-15 percent with progressive forms.

Relapsing-remitting MS is defined by inflammatory attacks on myelin (the layers of insulating membranes surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system). During the attacks, activated immune cells cause small, localized areas of damage.

MS is different from muscular dystrophy (MD), a group of disorders that cause progressive and irreversible wasting away of muscle tissue. Although muscular dystrophy has some symptoms in common with MS, like weakness and problems with walking,  muscular dystrophy affects the muscles directly while MS affects the central nervous system, the society said.

MS is not contagious and is not directly inherited.

Phil Garber

Originally posted here:
Hope for multiple sclerosis victims

13-09-2011 22:06 MSstation Inc. is Dedicated to Providing Global Awareness, Encouragement and Support for People Affected Directly and Indirectly by Multiple Sclerosis.

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Images of MS... - Video

17-02-2012 13:29 Featuring Dr. Stephen Krieger

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Managing MS Symptoms: Dizziness - Video

BOONE COUNTY – Organizers of the annual Bike MS fundraiser said Saturday they hope to come close to last year’s fundraising total.

Dan Friedman, Director of Marketing and Communication for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Gateway Chapter, said almost 3,000 riders took part in the race this year. He said there were slightly more riders last year, but he estimates the chapter has raised about the same amount of money as they had at this time last year. He said final numbers won’t be available for another month. Last year’s Bike MS raised more than $2 million.

Steven Becker, who has ridden in the event for the past five years, said he likes the fact that three different routes are available for riders with different abilities. He said Saturday morning’s cool, sunny weather was perfect cycling weather.

Thy Huskey, a rehab physician who has multiple sclerosis, said she is always impressed with the bikers’ energy and effort.

“It’s an incredible event,” she said. “The bikers always outdo themselves.”

Huskey specializes in patients recovering from brain injuries such as strokes. She said she considers herself fortunate to have multiple sclerosis because it gives her greater insight into what her patients are dealing with. In addition to her duties as a physician, Huskey teaches at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

This year’s Bike MS continues on Sunday with another set of routes.

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Cyclists Raise Millions for Multiple Sclerosis Research

Source:
http://www.longevitymedicine.tv/feed/

11-03-2009 10:25 Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common neurological conditions among young adults.

Original post:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) - Video

17-06-2011 05:46 Multiple Sclerosis. MS.

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Multiple Sclerosis - Kimberley's Story - Video

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Botox is now being used to treat people with multiple sclerosis coping with incontinence.

Lisa Fine walks with confidence and little pain. Three months ago that was not the case.

“You’re walking somewhere and thinking everything is fine and urine just starts streaming down your leg,” Fine said.

No bladder control is one of the silent symptoms Fine has living with multiple sclerosis: a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system.

That was before she was injected with the popular cosmetic treatment, Botox.

Dr. Marlene Murphy says, “Botox is a neuro toxin. It stops spasms in muscles whether they are in your face, whether they are in your shoulder or neck or leg or your bladder.”

Dr. Murphy is a urologist at the Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mt. Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital in Hartford.

“Basically the way it works, by injecting it into the bladder, it paralyzes a muscle and allows the bladder to hold just like my bladder,” Dr. Murphy said.

Fine is ecstatic with the results.

“I had very little expectations,” Fine said. “It blew it away, it blew it away.”

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Cosmetic treatment benefits MS patients

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http://www.longevitymedicine.tv/feed/

BOONE COUNTY – Organizers of the annual Bike MS fundraiser said Saturday they hope to come close to last year’s fundraising total.

Dan Friedman, Director of Marketing and Communication for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Gateway Chapter, said almost 3,000 riders took part in the race this year. He said there were slightly more riders last year, but he estimates the chapter has raised about the same amount of money as they had at this time last year. He said final numbers won’t be available for another month. Last year’s Bike MS raised more than $2 million.

Steven Becker, who has ridden in the event for the past five years, said he likes the fact that three different routes are available for riders with different abilities. He said Saturday morning’s cool, sunny weather was perfect cycling weather.

Thy Huskey, a rehab physician who has multiple sclerosis, said she is always impressed with the bikers’ energy and effort.

“It’s an incredible event,” she said. “The bikers always outdo themselves.”

Huskey specializes in patients recovering from brain injuries such as strokes. She said she considers herself fortunate to have multiple sclerosis because it gives her greater insight into what her patients are dealing with. In addition to her duties as a physician, Huskey teaches at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

This year’s Bike MS continues on Sunday with another set of routes.

More:
Cyclists Raise Millions for Multiple Sclerosis

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http://www.longevitymedicine.tv/feed/

WESTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Today Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB - News) announced the company has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing approval of BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate), the companys oral therapeutic candidate for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The regulatory submission was based on BG-12s comprehensive development program, in which BG-12 demonstrated significant reductions in MS disease activity coupled with favorable safety and tolerability in the Phase 3 DEFINE and CONFIRM studies.

While there have been important therapeutic advances in MS over the last 15 years, there is still a significant unmet need for new and innovative therapies that target the disease in different ways, said Douglas E. Williams, Ph.D., Biogen Idecs executive vice president of Research and Development. Based on the robust clinical efficacy and safety data seen in our Phase 3 studies, we believe BG-12 has the potential to become an important oral treatment option for MS patients.

Biogen Idec plans to submit a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for BG-12 to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) within the coming days.

The rapid submissions of our BG-12 regulatory packages, which integrated one of the largest placebo-controlled data sets for a filing in MS, reflect our commitment to bringing additional therapies to patients in need as quickly as possible, concluded Dr. Williams. We anticipate hearing from regulatory authorities regarding the status and acceptance of our submissions within the next couple of months.

About BG-12

BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) is an investigational oral therapy in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the most common form of MS. BG-12 is the only currently known investigational compound for the treatment of RRMS that has experimentally demonstrated activation of the Nrf-2 pathway. In 2011, Biogen Idec announced positive data from DEFINE and CONFIRM, two global, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials that evaluated 240 mg of BG-12, administered either twice a day or three times a day, for two years.

AboutBiogen Idec

Through cutting-edge science and medicine,Biogen Idecdiscovers, develops and delivers to patients worldwide innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hemophilia and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 1978,Biogen Idecis the worlds oldest independent biotechnology company. Patients worldwide benefit from its leading multiple sclerosis therapies, and the company generates more than$5 billionin annual revenues. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit http://www.biogenidec.com.

Safe Harbor

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Biogen Idec Submits Application to FDA for Approval of Oral BG-12 to Treat Multiple Sclerosis