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Wednesday
Exploratory analysis of predictors of patient adherence to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a in MS: TRACER study: STUDY
Sunday
Tecfidera (Dimethyl fumarate) treatment alters circulating T helper cell subsets in MS: STUDY
End-of-Year Task: Renewing Your DMT Prescription for 2016
By Kim Dolce—December 8, 2015
December is upon us, and besides being the holiday season, ‘tis also the season to renew our prescriptions for disease-modifying therapies and reapply for co-pay assistance.
Read more »
Labels: Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Gilenya, Rebif
Development of interferon beta-neutralising antibodies in MS—a systematic review and meta-analysis: STUDY
Adherence and cost in MS patients treated with IM IFN beta-1a: impact of the CARE patient management program: STUDY
Saturday
1200 People With Relapsing MS Needed For RPC1063, Avonex Clinical Trials
Clinical investigators worldwide are beginning to recruit 1,200 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis for a study assessing the effectiveness of two different doses of RPC1063 (Receptos, Inc.), an experimental oral therapy, and Avonex® (interferon beta-1a, Biogen Inc.) in order to reduce relapse rate in patients. This study, called the Sunbeam Study, is being funded by Receptos, Inc.
Read more »
Labels: Clinical Trials
Wednesday
FREE MS RESEARCH UPDATE: a comprehensive overview of research findings on all of the FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies, as well as many experimental treatments
This year's expanded MS Research Update incorporates new information about the approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), as well as numerous experimental drugs currently under investigation for the long-term treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Highlights and recent research results are provided for each drug. Please note that symptom-management drugs are not included in this report.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF OR ORDER A FREE COPY
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Gilenya, Lemtrada, Rebif, Rituxan-Rituximab, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
Oral Gilenya (Fingolimod) or Intramuscular Interferon for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: STUDY
Saturday
Acceptance of the Extracare Program by Beta Interferon-Treated Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Results of the Explore Study: STUDY
This Could Be Game-Changing News in the Battle Against Multiple Sclerosis
For a disease that affects more than 400,000 people in the United States and approximately 2.5 million around the globe, multiple sclerosis is arguably not getting its fair share of attention from drug developers and researchers. According to the National Institutes of Health, which has an annual budget near $40 billion, only $115 million is expected to be spent on MS research in 2015.
Read more »
Labels: Aubagio, Daclizumab, Gilenya, Stem Cell, TECFIDERA
Sunday
Requirement Allopathic treatments for Multiple Sclerosis.
Some treatments are designed to shorten the length of flare-ups or exacerbations. Still other medications are made use of to relive symptoms of MS either short-term or long term.
Multiple sclerosis market is arguably one of the most competitive in pharma
The multiple sclerosis market is arguably one of the most competitive in pharma, shaped in part by a handful of products (Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone and Rebif) that are both effective, very well established and which deliver broadly comparable efficacy. In more recent years, an ´oral revolution´ has advanced the therapeutic optionality for MS patients, but simultaneously left room for further improvements.
Read more »
Labels: Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif
Viragen Announces That OVA(TM) System Results are Published in Leading U.S. Scientific Journal Viragen, Inc.
Viragen Announces That OVA(TM) System Results are Published in Leading U.S. Scientific Journal
Viragen, Inc.
(Amex: VRA; VRA.U; VRA.WS) and its collaborative partners in the field of
avian transgenics, Roslin Institute and Oxford Biomedica Plc (LSE: OXB),
today announced that the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of
the United States of America (PNAS), a leading scientific journal, has
published an article profiling the OVA(TM) System's ability to express two
therapeutic proteins in the whites of eggs of transgenic hens. The OVA(TM)
System is being developed as a novel, large-scale biomanufacturing
alternative capable of cost-effectively expressing many types of
therapeutic proteins.
The article, entitled, "Oviduct-specific expression of two therapeutic
proteins in transgenic hens," reports on the production of two protein drug
candidates: a humanized monoclonal antibody being developed by Viragen for
advanced malignant melanoma; and interferon beta-1a, which is currently
marketed under two competing brand names for the treatment of Multiple
Sclerosis (MS), as Avonex(R)* (Biogen Idec) and Rebif(R)** (Serono).
Article Summary:
Recent advances in avian transgenesis have led to the possibility of
utilizing the laying hen as a production platform for the large-scale
synthesis of pharmaceutical proteins. Ovalbumin constitutes more than half
of the protein in the white of a laid egg, and expression of the ovalbumin
gene is restricted to the tubular gland cells of the oviduct. Here we
describe the use of lentiviral vectors to deliver transgene constructs
comprising regulatory sequences from the ovalbumin gene designed to direct
synthesis of associated therapeutic proteins to the oviduct. We report the
generation of transgenic hens that synthesize functional recombinant
pharmaceutical protein in a tightly regulated tissue-specific manner,
without any evidence of transgene silencing after germ-line transmission.
MORE
Viragen, Inc.
(Amex: VRA; VRA.U; VRA.WS) and its collaborative partners in the field of
avian transgenics, Roslin Institute and Oxford Biomedica Plc (LSE: OXB),
today announced that the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of
the United States of America (PNAS), a leading scientific journal, has
published an article profiling the OVA(TM) System's ability to express two
therapeutic proteins in the whites of eggs of transgenic hens. The OVA(TM)
System is being developed as a novel, large-scale biomanufacturing
alternative capable of cost-effectively expressing many types of
therapeutic proteins.
The article, entitled, "Oviduct-specific expression of two therapeutic
proteins in transgenic hens," reports on the production of two protein drug
candidates: a humanized monoclonal antibody being developed by Viragen for
advanced malignant melanoma; and interferon beta-1a, which is currently
marketed under two competing brand names for the treatment of Multiple
Sclerosis (MS), as Avonex(R)* (Biogen Idec) and Rebif(R)** (Serono).
Article Summary:
Recent advances in avian transgenesis have led to the possibility of
utilizing the laying hen as a production platform for the large-scale
synthesis of pharmaceutical proteins. Ovalbumin constitutes more than half
of the protein in the white of a laid egg, and expression of the ovalbumin
gene is restricted to the tubular gland cells of the oviduct. Here we
describe the use of lentiviral vectors to deliver transgene constructs
comprising regulatory sequences from the ovalbumin gene designed to direct
synthesis of associated therapeutic proteins to the oviduct. We report the
generation of transgenic hens that synthesize functional recombinant
pharmaceutical protein in a tightly regulated tissue-specific manner,
without any evidence of transgene silencing after germ-line transmission.
MORE
Labels: Rebif
Biogen Idec inc Earnings Were Great. Here's Why the Stock Tumbled Anyway
There's nothing like the disclosure of a side effect to ruin a perfectly good earnings report. Despite meeting analyst expectations on revenue, and beating on the earnings-per-share side, Biogen Idec traded down more than 10% at one point today after announcing that a patient taking its oral multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera contracted progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML.
Read more »
Labels: Biogen, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), TECFIDERA, Tysabri
Plegridy approved by FDA for multiple sclerosis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Plegridy as the new multiple sclerosis treatment by Biogen Idec.
Read more »
Labels: Plegridy, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
Plans to introduce pen injection for Multiple Sclerosis patients back on track
Procedures to introduce pen injections for patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) should be concluded shortly, and will be distributed to patients once the previous formulation is exhausted, The Malta Independent is informed.
Read more »
Multiple sclerosis: What you need to know about the disease
Plans to introduce pen injection for Multiple Sclerosis patients back on track
Procedures to introduce pen injections for patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) should be concluded shortly, and will be distributed to patients once the previous formulation is exhausted, The Malta Independent is informed.
Read more »
Treatment Plan Should Include Education, Nutrition and Appropriate Medication
There is as yet no cure for MS. Many patients do well with no therapy at all, especially since many medications have serious side effects and some carry significant risks. However, three forms of beta interferon (Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif) have now been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.
Click here to read more
Can Biogen Idec Take Wing With Tecfidera?
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Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:BIIB) generates most of its revenue from drugs for MS (multiple sclerosis), but also receives substantial sums from other disease indications. It recently has gained approval for its hemophilia therapies. Biogen has a high trailing P/E ratio, (38, at $342 per share) consistent with investors expecting continued EPS growth.
Read more »
Labels: Rituxan, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
FDA Approves Multiple Sclerosis Drug Plegridy
On Friday, health regulators at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new multiple sclerosis drug called Plegridy. The drug, created by Biogen Idec, is a long-acting multiple sclerosis formula that will likely replace the company’s Avonex treatment. Plegridy is meant to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and reduce relapse rates.
Read more »
MSNZ welcomes consultation period for Tysabri and Gilenya
NOVARTIS WILL PAY TO GET MSers TO USE GILENYA
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Novartis will pay out-of-pocket costs for non-Medicare patients who use Gilenya! PLUS: Novartis will also help patients navigate testing and monitoring recommended by the FDA, paying as much as $600 per patient for that expense.
Read more »
Labels: Avonex, Copaxone, Gilenya, Rebif
Gilyena gets a thumbs-up in Europe to go along with U.S. approval
Biogen unveils study results confirming effectiveness of new MS treatment Plegridy
Kate Dawson, VP of Medical
Affairs at Biogen
Biogen presented follow-up data from the second year of patients taking Plegridy, a once-a-month or once-every-other-week injected drug awaiting an approval decision in the U.S. as well as Europe. In the study, Plegridy was shown to continue helping patients manage relapses versus a placebo.
U.S. regulators accepted Biogen’s application for approval of Plegridy last July, and recently extended its deadline to approve the drug by three months. A decision is expected in coming months.
Read more »
Affairs at Biogen
U.S. regulators accepted Biogen’s application for approval of Plegridy last July, and recently extended its deadline to approve the drug by three months. A decision is expected in coming months.
Read more »
GOOD NEWS ON TEVA'S NEW MS TREATMENT LAQUINIMOD (NERVENTRA)
Biotech Gets A Lift On Popular Drug, Strong Pipeline
The success of Biogen Idec's oral multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment Tecfidera has been well documented in recent quarters, but the company is far from a one-hit wonder.
Read more »
Labels: Biogen, Rituxan, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
HERE'S MY TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE THE TERRIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF AVONEX & OTHER INTERFERONS
Toni Perry, Guest Columnist, MSnewsChannel.com
I think we are the unknown hero's of multiple sclerosis. I myself was dx'd in 2000 at 27 years of age. I was put on avonex immediately. Many stop this therapy because of the side effects we all know that interferons cause. I can say that I have lost 24 hours a week to avonex. I run a fever and have extra fatigue and often extra pain and depression on what I call my medicine day. I've found there are ways to help myself. Take ibuprofen before my shot which my husband gives just before bed. I try to sleep through the fluish feelings. I take ibuprofen when I wake and it helps more than any thing I've been prescribed. I have not had a flare for many years and I will stay on avonex
Read more »
Labels: 100 MOST POPULAR, Avonex
Wow! It's no wonder MS is seen as a Cash Cow: THESE MS DRUGS BROUGHT IN THE MOST MONEY LAST YEAR
Teva soaring out in front on a single product and it is no surprise that the Generics pack are waiting in the rear ready for the copaxone patents to expire starting May 2014. However Biogen are backing the most winners with a staggering $5.8 billion worth of business. #2 Avonex Biogen Idec $3.0 billion
#3 Gilenya Novartis $1.9 billion
#4 Tysabri Biogen Idec $1.7 billion
#5 Betaseron Bayer $1.1 billion
#6 Tecfidera Biogen Idec $0.9 billion
#7 Rebif EMD serono $0.6 billion
#8 Ampyra Biogen Idec $0.3 billion
#9 Aubagio Sanofi $0.2 billion
#10 Extavia Novartis $0.2 billion
Read more »
Labels: 20 Best Stories & Studies, Ampyra, Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Rebif, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
Brain Volume Changes in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Avonex
The reductions in brain volume often seen in patients with chronic relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis may be reduced by treatment according to Michael G. Dwyer, PhD, assistant professor of neurology in the Department of Neurology at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and the technical imaging director of the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Buffalo, NY
Click here to read
Click here to read
Labels: Avonex
Data Show Declining Use of Injectables as Oral Multiple Sclerosis Therapies Gain Traction
My secret to pain free Avonex shots plus my secret to coping with Avonex side effects
Yvonne Decelis, Columnist, MSnewsChannel.com
I have been on Avonex since 1998. I have found that the way (for me) to make the shots as "pain free" as I can is to use something like Prilocaine/Lidocaine cream (or Emla) to numb the top layer of skin out.
Here's how I cope with the side effects of Avonex
I really hope this helps you...
Read more »
Labels: 100 MOST POPULAR, Avonex
Yvonne Decelis, Columnist: Today is day 5 on the "full dose" (240mg) I THINK MY MEMORY IS SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT! The numbness & pain my hands has subsided quite a bit, my "migraine headache" this morning went away very quickly
The numbness and pain my hands has subsided quite a bit, my "migraine headache" this morning went away very quickly and I THINK my memory is showing signs of improvement (feeling "cautiously optimistic").
Read more »
Labels: TECFIDERA
Biogen profit rises as Tecfidera shines
IS AVONEX GOOD OR BAD FOR PREGNANT MSers?
IS AVONEX GOOD OR BAD FOR PREGNANT MSers? HERE'S A NEW STUDY
BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Apr 7;2014. pii: bcr2013201273. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-201273.
Interferon β-1a therapy for multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: an unresolved issue
Abstract
On the basis of evidence from clinical trials, contraindications to the use of interferon (INF) are pregnancy, epilepsy and depression. Management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy is a difficult issue because of pregnancy-related complications and fear of congenital anomalies due to exposure to disease-modifying therapy. In different series, INF therapy was withdrawn before or after variable periods of exposure. This case illustrates a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who was treated with a weekly regimen of intramuscular INF-β 1a (Avonex). She had received this treatment throughout her pregnancy without any further exacerbations of symptoms or any untoward pregnancy-related complications. In contrast to different series, our patient had the longest exposure to INF-β during pregnancy.
BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Apr 7;2014. pii: bcr2013201273. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-201273.
Interferon β-1a therapy for multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: an unresolved issue
Abstract
On the basis of evidence from clinical trials, contraindications to the use of interferon (INF) are pregnancy, epilepsy and depression. Management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy is a difficult issue because of pregnancy-related complications and fear of congenital anomalies due to exposure to disease-modifying therapy. In different series, INF therapy was withdrawn before or after variable periods of exposure. This case illustrates a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who was treated with a weekly regimen of intramuscular INF-β 1a (Avonex). She had received this treatment throughout her pregnancy without any further exacerbations of symptoms or any untoward pregnancy-related complications. In contrast to different series, our patient had the longest exposure to INF-β during pregnancy.
Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by PUBMED
ote: Materials may be edited for content and length
IMPORTANT UPDATE: "American specialists should also be aware of this worrisome but rare adverse effect, said MS expert Aaron Miller, MD, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NYC"
 |
| Aaron Miller, MD, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York City |
In a Letter to the Editor published in the March 27 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, David Hunt, PhD, from Edinburgh University, and colleagues reported on 4 such cases that were diagnosed in South Scotland during an 18-month period. Regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom received 6 additional spontaneous reports of disorders related to TMA and the same formulation of interferon beta, which was introduced in Europe in September 2007, the letter notes.
The authors call for specialists to be on the lookout for signals of this rare adverse effect of interferon beta in their patients with MS.
Read more »
Biogen Idec to Present New Clinical Data from Its Neurology Portfolio of Drugs at AAN Annual Meeting
Interferon β-1a therapy for multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: an unresolved issue
Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy: Current Considerations
Can new versions of Copaxone, Avonex drive market share retention?
HOW MS MEDICATIONS DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER
Read more »
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
Heather Tetzlaff Smith, Columnist, MSnewsChannel.com
 |
| Heather Tetzlaff Smith |
“I have MS.” How many times have I said those words? How many different ways have I felt when I said it? And yet…I rarely say it anymore
It was sometime near the middle of October, 1998 when I received a call FROM the neurologist’s office. Earlier that year I had become clumsy and was tripping over nothing and running into doorways as I entered and exited a room. A visit to my family doctor led to a referral to a neurologist which then led
Read more »
Labels: Avonex
biogens-winning-strategy? Biogen's share of that market was about 1/3 in recent years: With Tecfidera's launch & success the company is now able to increase that share
Tecfidera Captures the Largest U.S. Neurologist-Reported Patient Share Among Oral Disease-Modifying Multiple Sclerosis Therapies Ten Months Post-Launch
Biogen Idec: A Biotech Pioneer With A Stellar Future
BREAKING NEWS: FDA delays decision on Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug Plegridy
Biogen Idec Inc said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration extended the review process for the company's multiple sclerosis drug by three months to evaluate the application. Biogen, which was expecting to launch the drug, Plegridy, by mid-2014, said the FDA did not ask for additional studies.
Plegridy, is an injectable drug designed to reduce the dosing schedule of standard interferon drugs such as Biogen's own Avonex, which are typically dosed at least once a week. Interferon is hard to tolerate as it leads to flu-like symptoms, prompting patients to delay or discontinue treatment. Analysts say the market for such interferon-based treatments will shrink over the next decade as newer generation products enter the fray. More
Labels: Avonex
Tecfidera Is Off to a Quick Start
Saturday
Synthetic Biologics Announces Issuance of U.S. Patent patents for MS and other autoimmune diseases covering the uses of its oral estriol candidate, Trimesta
Yvonne Decelis, Columnist, MSnewsChannel.com
 |
| Yvonne Decelis |
Insurance refusing to cover my Tecfidera
Hi there. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Yvonne Decelis and I have relapsing remitting MS.
Back in July of 2013 I went off of Avonex, my MS disease modifying drug (DMD) that I had been on since 1998. I chose to switch to Tecfidera and as soon as it was available in the US I told my Neurologist to put me on it. Unfortunately, due to my insurance (Medicare Part D plan - Humana which I plan to change soon) refusing to cover it, I was off my DMD for 5 weeks. This unintended “medication vacation” made me quite a bit worse off physically. My fatigue became much more pronounced and I needed more sleep than I had in over a decade. It took me a long time to get over the med "break" and I never really fully recuperated.
Read more »Hi there. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Yvonne Decelis and I have relapsing remitting MS.
Back in July of 2013 I went off of Avonex, my MS disease modifying drug (DMD) that I had been on since 1998. I chose to switch to Tecfidera and as soon as it was available in the US I told my Neurologist to put me on it. Unfortunately, due to my insurance (Medicare Part D plan - Humana which I plan to change soon) refusing to cover it, I was off my DMD for 5 weeks. This unintended “medication vacation” made me quite a bit worse off physically. My fatigue became much more pronounced and I needed more sleep than I had in over a decade. It took me a long time to get over the med "break" and I never really fully recuperated.
Labels: TECFIDERA
Biogen Idec finished 2013 on a high note, with its highly touted oral multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera producing nearly $400 million in sales during the fourth quarter
Another big beast joins the MS Drug fray: ofatumumab phase 2 trial results
"MS used to be a orphan disease. Interferon-beta-1a (Avonex) was licensed by the FDA under the orphan drug legislation. What is an orphan disease? Orphan diseases are rare diseases that only affect a small percentage of the population. Orphan drug acts were put in place to incentivise drug companies to take the risk and develop drugs for these diseases. MS is no longer an orphan disease; sales of DMTs for MS are close to $15billion a year. In the beginning the Pharma companies in the MS space were relatively small, but as the market expanded the big beasts started to arrive; Novartis, Sanofi, Roche and now GSK. GSK is developing ofatumumab for MS; the stunning phase 2 results are presented below."
Read more »
Labels: Avonex
THE AMAZING DOCTOR WHO WAS PART OF A TEAM WHO HELPED INVENT COPAXONE & REBIF & IS NOW FOCUSING ON STEM CELLS AT 75
FREE MS RESEARCH UPDATE: a comprehensive overview of research findings on all of the FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies, as well as many experimental treatments
This year's expanded MS Research Update incorporates new information about the approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), as well as numerous experimental drugs currently under investigation for the long-term treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Highlights and recent research results are provided for each drug. Please note that symptom-management drugs are not included in this report.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF OR ORDER A FREE COPY
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Lemtrada, Rebif, Rituxan-Rituximab, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN FRIDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1590 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Thursday 2/12 Start at the Bottom!
The NBSS, developed specifically to assess the symptoms and consequences associated with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, has appropriate psychometric properties. Depending on the measurement need, individual domains may be selected, or it can be used as a comprehensive score.
The fraction of intrathecally-produced VZV-specific IgG of the total intrathecally produced IgG discriminates between patients with VZV reactivation and MS. Our results provide further evidence that intrathecally-produced VZV antibodies are part of the polyspecific immune response in patients with MS.
In addition to autoantigens implicated in thyroid autoimmunity, fibrocytes and derivative fibroblasts express multiple autoantigens associated with T1DM. This expression results from active gene promoters and abundant steady-state mRNA encoding ICA69 and IA-2. These latest findings demonstrate that fibrocytes express antigens relevant to multiple forms of endocrine autoimmunity. They suggest the potential for these cells playing a direct role in immune reactivity directed at the thyroid and pancreatic islets.
MMPs can also enhance the cleavage of myelin basic protein (MBP) and the demyelination process. Regarding the growing data on the roles of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the pathogenesis of MS, this review discusses the role of different types of MMPs, including MMP-2, -3, -7, -9, -12 and -25, in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of MS.
In a real-world setting, patients with MS who switched from IFNs to fingolimod were significantly less likely to experience relapses than those who switched to GA.
Read Study Pubmed.gov
Labels: 500 BEST PML STORIES & STUDIES, Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN MONDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1530 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Sunday 2/9 Start at the Bottom!
Farming and exposure to livestock may be important factors in the development of FCD among women, with this finding further revealed after the confounding effect of parity or number of children is considered.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Results suggest that demyelinated lesions in MS mainly have a remote effect on the thalamus and that the measurement of CBF using ASL could be an objective marker for monitoring disease activity in MS.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Here, we summarize currently accepted therapeutic principles and the drugs in late stages of development, as well as spotlighting potential novel openings for future research.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Collaboration between neurologists and psychiatrists whilst caring for patients displaying neuropsychiatric manifestations of MS is crucial to enable more accurate diagnoses and try to improve treatment and overall prognosis.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
In summary, in this retrospective analysis, daclizumab therapy substantially decreased the rate of brain atrophy in relapsing-remitting MS in comparison to other disease-modifying therapies, predominantly interferon β.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Read more »
Farming and exposure to livestock may be important factors in the development of FCD among women, with this finding further revealed after the confounding effect of parity or number of children is considered.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Results suggest that demyelinated lesions in MS mainly have a remote effect on the thalamus and that the measurement of CBF using ASL could be an objective marker for monitoring disease activity in MS.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Here, we summarize currently accepted therapeutic principles and the drugs in late stages of development, as well as spotlighting potential novel openings for future research.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Collaboration between neurologists and psychiatrists whilst caring for patients displaying neuropsychiatric manifestations of MS is crucial to enable more accurate diagnoses and try to improve treatment and overall prognosis.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
In summary, in this retrospective analysis, daclizumab therapy substantially decreased the rate of brain atrophy in relapsing-remitting MS in comparison to other disease-modifying therapies, predominantly interferon β.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Read more »
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN SUNDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1515 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Saturday 2/8 Start at the Bottom!In this paper we present a new unsupervised approach addressing this problem with dictionary learning and sparse coding methods. We show its general applicability to the problem of lesion segmentation by evaluating our approach on synthetic and clinical image data and comparing it to state-of-the-art methods.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
In this paper we will review the substantial literature regarding experimental and clinical use of these stem cells and possible mechanisms in the treatment of MS. These results may pave the road for the utilization of stem cells for the treatment of MS.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Long walking tests and patient-reported MSWS-12 were more appropriate than short walking tests in detecting clinically meaningful improvement after physical rehabilitation, particularly the MSWS-12 for moderate to severely disabled pwMS.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
The use of patient self-assessed outcome measures that appraise the quality of diagnosis communication is also important to allow health services to understand and meet the needs and preferences of PwMS.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Quantitative gait assessment reveals subtle gait disorders in patients with low disability of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The impact of different cognitive domains on gait induces specific gait disturbances that highlight the strong interaction between gait and cognition.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Read more »
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN SATURDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1500 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Friday 2/7 Start at the Bottom!Studies are needed to further clarify why suicide ideation and suicidal behavior are associated with neurological diseases, in order to improve quality of life, alleviate patient distress, and prevent nonfatal and fatal suicide attempts in veteran and non-veteran populations.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Obesity in childhood or adolescence is associated with an increased risk of pediatric-onset and adult-onset multiple sclerosis
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Autoimmune disorders are rare, but some of them tend to occur together with MS at a higher rate than in controls. Although women are generally more prone to ADs than men, significantly increased occurrence of other ADs were only found in male MS patients.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
Paternal MS and MS-related clinical factors were not significantly associated with birth outcomes (p>0.05). This study provides assurance to expecting fathers with MS and their families.
Read Study at Pubmed.gov
This study showed that PET imaging of demyelination and remyelination processes in focal lesions is feasible.
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Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN FRIDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1485 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Thursday 2/6 Start at the Bottom!A study was done to assess the cost-effectiveness of the Disease Modifying Treatments (DMT), Glatiramer Acetate (GA) and Interferon beta-1a (IFN) in monotherapy alone and in combination for the prevention of relapses among Spanish patients aged between 18 and 60 years old with established Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Scerosis (RRMS).
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Article reviews the current understanding of the interactions between multiple sclerosis (MS) and pregnancy, and implications for reproductive counseling. This is a key topic in MS because the typical patient is a young woman of childbearing age.Pregnancy has a profound effect on MS disease activity. Identification of the responsible mechanisms for this effect should lead to new disease insights and therapeutic strategies.
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Pain-related mood influences pain perception differently in fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis.
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Gait disorders need to be identified and managed early in the course of MS, using a multimodal approach that needs to be adjusted over time based on the results of periodic assessments.
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Fatigue needs to be recognized as an important condition that is not only a symptom but may also be quantified and can be modified by various measures depending on the underlying cause.
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Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN THURSDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1470 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Wendnesday 2/5 Start at the Bottom! Current guidelines have recognized the benefits of early treatment of MS with DMTs. However, there are a number of barriers to implementing early MS treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of MS can be hindered because patients may delay consulting a physician about their neurological symptoms or may be reluctant to start DMT. Read study at National Institute of Health
Due to the current lack of appropriate clinical guidance and insufficient head-to-head data on disease-modifying drugs, strategies for health plans and clinical management have been designed using the best available evidence. Undoubtedly, management of this class will continue to evolve with the launch of newer agents.
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A period of diagnostic uncertainty regarding the transition from RRMS to SPMS existed in many of our patients. Potential reasons included the subtle nature of early progressive disease and caution in applying a progressive label, in light of the lack of evidence-based treatments as well as third-party payer concerns. Delay in definitive identification of an SPMS phenotype has a variety of implications related to patient care and research.
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This study supports the concept that modifications of the tear proteome can reflect biological abnormalities associated with multiple sclerosis and perhaps other inflammatory conditions affecting the CNS. In addition, alpha-1-antichymotrypsin elevation in tear fluid emerges as a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
The present study examined the functioning of explicit and implicit memory in MS. Results showed that implicit memory was not significantly impaired in the MS subjects, and that they were impaired on recall but not recognition. A correlation was found between implicit memory performance and disability status in MS patients.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN WEDNESDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1455 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Tuesday 2/3 Start at the Bottom! Predictors of effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment on motor dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Duloxetine for the Treatment of Pain in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
Fatty fish intake is associated with decreased occurrence of multiple sclerosis
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN TUESDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1440 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Monday 2/2 Start at the Bottom! Magnetic susceptibility of MS lesions increased rapidly as it changed from enhanced to nonenhanced, it attained a high susceptibility value relative to NAWM during its initial few years (approximately 4 years), and it gradually dissipated back to susceptibility similar to that of NAWM as it aged, which may provide new insight into pathophysiologic features of MS lesions.
In a cohort with different stages of MS, higher EA attenuated the negative effects of white matter lesion burden and third ventricle width (suggestive of thalamic atrophy) on cognitive performance. Actively enhancing cognitive reserve might thus be a means to reduce or prevent cognitive problems in MS in parallel to disease modifying drugs.
These data suggest that retrograde (trans-synaptic) axonal degeneration stops at the inner nuclear layer, a neuronal network capable of plasticity. In contrast, there seems to be no neuroplasticity of the primary visual cortex, rendering the structure vulnerable to anterograde (trans-synaptic) degeneration.
Simultaneous characterizations of changes in tonic and phasic reflexes and nonreflex changes in joint elastic stiffness and viscosity in neurological disorders may help us gain insight into mechanisms underlying spasticity and develop impairment-specific treatment.
Very rapid functional changes in the excitability of cortical circuits involved in motor control can be induced by steroids, before any process of remyelination or axonal regeneration has time to occur. The net effect of steroids on the balance between intracortical GABAergic inhibition and glutamatergic facilitation was in favour of weaker inhibition or stronger facilitation, which could lead to improving the motor performance in MS patients.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN MONDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1425 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Sunday 2/2 Start at the Bottom! The majority of Italian neurologists participating in our study have a good perception of their ability to manage this difficult communicating process and believe in the great effect this moment may have on a life-long disease experience. Improving communication skills may help the therapeutic alliance, enhancing patients' acceptance of the disease, as well as motivation and adherence to treatment.
It is possible that, with further such supportive data, international guidelines on MS treatment in young women who intend to get pregnant may need to be revised.
A significant interaction between Alerting and Executive Control was also found in the MS patients (p = .007). Early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis particularly affects the Alerting domain of attention, whereas the Orienting and Executive Control domains are not affected.
The GM is atrophic in MS. Although lower WM volume is associated with greater disability, as might be expected, WM volume was on average in the normal range. This paradoxical result might be explained by the presence of coexisting pathological processes, such as tissue damage and repair, that cause both atrophy and hypertrophy and that underlie the observed disability.
ApEn results revealed that the natural fluctuations present during gait in the stride length and step width time series are more regular and repeatable in patients with MS. These changes implied that patients with MS may exhibit reduced capacity to adapt and respond to perturbations during gait.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN SUNDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1410 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Saturday 2/1 Start at the Bottom! In this small, uncontrolled pilot study, there was a significant improvement in fatigue in those who completed the study. Given the small sample size and completer rate, further evaluation of this multimodal therapy is warranted.
These data suggest that retrograde (trans-synaptic) axonal degeneration stops at the inner nuclear layer, a neuronal network capable of plasticity. In contrast, there seems to be no neuroplasticity of the primary visual cortex, rendering the structure vulnerable to anterograde (trans-synaptic) degeneration.
The number of patients becoming pregnant during fingolimod therapy remains small and does not permit firm conclusions to be drawn about fetal safety of fingolimod in humans. Given the known risks of teratogenicity in animals and the present data, women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during fingolimod therapy and for 2 months after discontinuation.
The relapse rate in children with multiple sclerosis is higher than in adult-onset disease. Following acute treatment, recovery after the first attacks is usually excellent, but patients with childhood-onset multiple sclerosis reach permanent disability or enter the secondary progressive disease course 10 years younger than patients with adult-onset multiple sclerosis.
Currently, various pharmacological agents such as antiepielptics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and even corticosteroids are used to suppress various painful conditions associated with MS. Non-pharmacological procedures such as massage therapy have also been used in the treatment of MS patients. The authors present a review of recent findings in pathophysiology and management of pain in MS patients.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN SATURDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1395 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Friday 1/31 Start at the Bottom! The results obtained in the current study demonstrate that absolute myelin water content can reliably be determined in a multicentre environment using standard MR sequences. The optimised protocol allows for a measurement of four quantitative parameters with full brain coverage in only 10 min. This might expedite a more widespread future use of quantitative MRI methods for clinical research and diagnosis.
The results demonstrate that paired analysis can strongly improve longitudinal correlation (from -0.148 to -0.303 in this sample) and may produce segmentations that are more sensitive to clinically relevant changes.
peptide-based immunotherapy could provide improved clinical status or life-long remission to MS patients. Substantiation of this premise requires a follow-up examination by other investigators and institutions with larger and more extensive clinical trials.
The changing landscape of voltage-gated calcium channels in neurovascular disorders and in neurodegenerative diseases.
Although cognitive performance as measured on the PASAT-3s does not correlate with a patient's perceived quality of life in a multivariate model, it remains an important predictor for the patient's usual activities.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN FRIDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1380 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Thursday 1/30 Start at the Bottom! Magnetic susceptibility of MS lesions increased rapidly as it changed from enhanced to nonenhanced, it attained a high susceptibility value relative to NAWM during its initial few years (approximately 4 years), and it gradually dissipated back to susceptibility similar to that of NAWM as it aged, which may provide new insight into pathophysiologic features of MS lesions.
In a cohort with different stages of MS, higher EA attenuated the negative effects of white matter lesion burden and third ventricle width (suggestive of thalamic atrophy) on cognitive performance. Actively enhancing cognitive reserve might thus be a means to reduce or prevent cognitive problems in MS in parallel to disease modifying drugs.
Grey matter damage - global and regional - has the potential to become a marker of disease activity, complementary to the currently used magnetic resonance markers (global brain atrophy and T2 hyperintense lesions). Furthermore, it may improve the prediction of the future disease course and response to therapy in individual patients and may also become a reliable additional surrogate marker of treatment effect.
results confirm the important role of the immune system and specifically B cells in MS and suggest that MS risk variants exert a gene regulatory role. Previous studies assessing MS risk variants in T cells may be missing important effects in B cells. Similar analyses in other immunological cell types relevant to MS and functional studies are necessary to fully elucidate how genes contribute to MS pathogenesis.
Fatigue management program outcomes for people with MS are moderated by age, gender, and impairment.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN THURSDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1365 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Wednesday 1/29 Start at the Bottom! Employment status was an explanatory variable for physical health and mental health in the younger patients. EDSS played a significant role in physical health for all patients. A vocational rehabilitation program could prevent eventual nonemployment and improve health outcomes in older MS people.
Simultaneous characterizations of changes in tonic and, phasic reflexes and nonreflex changes in joint elastic stiffness and, viscosity in neurological disorders may help us gain insight into, mechanisms underlying spasticity and develop impairment-specific, treatment.
Using an active prospective surveillance system and the McDonald criteria for first MS diagnosis the age-related incidence of pediatric MS in Germany was uncovered and is more common than in previous estimates. Thorough application of McDonald criteria and inclusion of spinal MRI data allowed for early diagnosis in almost 90% of cases.
A high prevalence of urinary symptoms and urodynamic dysfunctions in patients with CISs and an association of urinary symptoms with quality of life measures were found. These results highlight the importance of identifying and optimally treating urinary symptoms also at the very early stages of MS.
The inflammatory mechanisms associated with lesion formation in MS are to a large extent reflected in experimental models of inflammatory demyelination, such as autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This is not the case for the amplification mechanisms of oxidative injury, which mainly operate in the progressive stage of the disease. GLIA 2014.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN WEDNESDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1350 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Tuesday 1/28 Start at the Bottom! These data support the view that cerebellar abnormalities contribute to disability, including cognitive impairment in MS.
primary position upbeat nystagmus, PPUN, is an infrequent, ocular manifestation noted during an acute attack of MS, and was observed in 5% of the present cases. Brainstem lesions in these cases primarily involved the pontine tegmentum and the caudal medulla.
Until fingolimod came along, the first Food and Drug Administration-approved pill for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), teratogenicity of multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs had not been a big issue
Future studies should explore the association between the local availability and affordability of home-based services and physician attitude about community-based care management of disabled patients.
These results suggest that, although attributional style appears to be an important construct in MS, it does not seem to be related directly to depressive symptoms; rather, it is related to more perceived stress, which in turn is related to increased depressive symptoms.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN TUESDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1335 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Monday 1/27 Start at the Bottom! Subjects with MS are more likely to develop spasticity especially if the lesions are numerous and affect the corticospinal tracts, callosal radiations extensively or brainstem.
This report presents the case of a patient with MS and clinical features mimicking frontotemporal dementia due to clear-cut cortical gray matter involvement in the left frontal lobe.
The identification of those patients with MS with poor HRQOL may be important in assessing the risk of future disability progression. Clearly, impaired HRQOL should be one of the primary concerns amongst clinicians who provide treatment to patients affected by MS.
This review examines the evidence that circulating vitamin D levels provide a surrogate measure of sun exposure and that it is the other molecules and pathways induced by sun exposure, rather than vitamin D-driven processes, that explain many of the benefits often attributed to vitamin D.
Walking assessments had high reliability and were correlated with related measures, including the 12-item multiple sclerosis walking scale (MSWS-12)
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN MONDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 3034 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Sunday 1/26 Start at the Bottom! Health professionals treating people with MS and their caregivers should be sensitive to the impact caregiving has on the emotional needs of caregivers and to the unique support needs of spousal caregivers.
Walking difficulties are common in neurological and other disorders, as well as among the elderly. There is a need for reliable and valid instruments for measuring walking difficulties in everyday life since existing gait tests are clinician rated and focus on situation specific capacity.
Conventional visual evoked potentials must be reappraised in light of their diagnostic value in multiple sclerosis given their high diagnostic efficiency, relatively easy, short, and cheap implementation, and easy availability in everyday clinical practice.
The results of this study can inform the design and implementation of self-management interventions. Experiences described by participants are consistent with other qualitative reports suggesting the active role people with MS play in managing their condition.
The association of higher sun exposure with a better outcome in relapsing-onset MS may be explained by either a protective effect or reverse causality. Mechanisms underlying sun sensitivity might influence progression in progressive-onset MS.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri
15 STUDIES IN SUNDAY'S NEWS
PLUS: 1320 new Studies we posted from 11/1 to Saturday 1/25 Start at the Bottom!MS incidence rose markedly over 3 decades in a genetically stable population in tandem with a transition from rural to urban living, thus possibly implicating environmental factors introduced by urbanization.
This study demonstrates that depression is not the only cause of fatigue in patients with MS and it is also associated with sleep disorders, so this complaint should be carefully evaluated and managed in these patients.
Increased awareness of the risk of hip fracture is warranted in patients with MS, especially in those who have recently been prescribed antidepressants or hypnotics/anxiolytics.
Mental health care should be provided promptly after diagnosis, with regular screening and interventions that include family members as indicated thereafter. Mental health providers should be familiar with MS, collaborate with neurologic care providers and provide services on-site at MS centers.
Labels: Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Sativex, TECFIDERA, Tysabri