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Saturday
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
Thursday
Natalizumab an Alternative for Those in Whom Other MS Treatments Have Failed
(Posted By: Josi Creek)
A new study suggests that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in whom previous treatment regimens have failed remain stable or show improvement when switched to treatment with natalizumab (Tysabri, Novartis).
Read more »
A new study suggests that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in whom previous treatment regimens have failed remain stable or show improvement when switched to treatment with natalizumab (Tysabri, Novartis).
Read more »
Labels: 500 BEST PML STORIES & STUDIES, Betaseron, Copaxone, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), Rebif, Tysabri
Biogen Idec shares rise on drug sales outlook
NEW YORK - Biogen Idec Inc. shares rose Monday, bucking a declining market as analysts continued to maintain a positive outlook for sales of the biotechnology company's multiple sclerosis drugs.
Shares rose $1.27, or 2.6 percent, to $51.04 in afternoon trading. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial average and other indexes plummeted as the House failed to pass a $700 billion financial bailout package for the financial sector.
Wall Street has remained positive on the outlook for Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, despite potential safety issues. Tysabri was pulled from the market in 2005 after being linked to a rare brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. The drug was reintroduced in mid-2006 under restricted sales conditions. About 32,000 patients are on Tysabri worldwide, with 17,800 in the U.S., and the company hopes to eventually get 100,000 patients worldwide.
In July, the company reported two new cases of PML. Still, analysts have been pointing to sales estimates from pharmaceutical data company IMS Health (nyse: RX - news - people ) showing gains for both Tysabri and the multiple sclerosis drug Avonex.
"We do concede that IMS sales tracking for Tysabri is highly variable, but are encouraged by the August trends," Citi analyst Dr. Yaron Werber said in a note to investors.
He said a projected sales of about $115 million for the quarter for Tysabri are consistent with his $114 million estimate. Based on discussions with physicians, he said, the vast majority are not planning on changing usage of Tysabri.
Meanwhile, sales of Avonex seem to tracking at about $316 million, compared with his estimate of $332 million, but an average estimate of $308 million.
Werber reaffirmed a "Hold" rating on the Cambridge, Mass.-based company.
Associated Press
Forbes.com
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY & RELATED ARTICLES
Shares rose $1.27, or 2.6 percent, to $51.04 in afternoon trading. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial average and other indexes plummeted as the House failed to pass a $700 billion financial bailout package for the financial sector.
Wall Street has remained positive on the outlook for Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, despite potential safety issues. Tysabri was pulled from the market in 2005 after being linked to a rare brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. The drug was reintroduced in mid-2006 under restricted sales conditions. About 32,000 patients are on Tysabri worldwide, with 17,800 in the U.S., and the company hopes to eventually get 100,000 patients worldwide.
In July, the company reported two new cases of PML. Still, analysts have been pointing to sales estimates from pharmaceutical data company IMS Health (nyse: RX - news - people ) showing gains for both Tysabri and the multiple sclerosis drug Avonex.
"We do concede that IMS sales tracking for Tysabri is highly variable, but are encouraged by the August trends," Citi analyst Dr. Yaron Werber said in a note to investors.
He said a projected sales of about $115 million for the quarter for Tysabri are consistent with his $114 million estimate. Based on discussions with physicians, he said, the vast majority are not planning on changing usage of Tysabri.
Meanwhile, sales of Avonex seem to tracking at about $316 million, compared with his estimate of $332 million, but an average estimate of $308 million.
Werber reaffirmed a "Hold" rating on the Cambridge, Mass.-based company.
Associated Press
Forbes.com
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY & RELATED ARTICLES
Labels: 500 BEST PML STORIES & STUDIES, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), Tysabri
"At least one analyst questioned the significance of the finding".....TYSABRI BREAKING NEWS:
The following story was posted today on our MS News Channel MySpace Blog</ span>.
It is one of 4,613 stories on our MySpace Blog</ span>! Our 3,300 MySpace Friends have made 29,896 Comments & 42,234 Kudos on the 4,613 stories!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MS NEWS CHANNEL MYSPACE BLOG & LEAVE A COMMENT
Biogen shares rise following MS drug reports
Biogen Idec shares gain ground following positive studies on MS drugs Avonex, Tysabri
NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Shares of Biogen Idec Inc. gained ground Friday after separate studies showed the positive long-term effects of the multiple sclerosis drug Avonex and allayed some side-effect fears over the MS treatment Tysabri.
Shares rose $1.01, or 2.1 percent, to $48.15 in afternoon trading. The stock has traded between $45.37 and $84.75 over the last 52 weeks.
On Thursday, the company said a study of Tysabri showed the drug did not increase the risk of a virus called JCV, which is the underlying cause of a rare viral infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. Tysabri was pulled from the market in 2005 after being linked to the rare brain disease but was reintroduced under restricted sales conditions in mid-2006.
Recently, the company and its partner Elan Corp. reported two new cases of the condition in European patients, sending shares into a tailspin. Shares are down about 30 percent since the announcement was made July 31.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that results in physical and neurological damage. There are about 32,000 patients on Tysabri worldwide, with 17,800 in the U.S. The company hopes to eventually get 100,000 patients on Tysabri worldwide.
Sales of the drug nearly tripled to $200 million during the second quarter and Wall Street has been concerned that the new PML cases could impact future sales.
In the recent study results, there was no difference between the prevalence of JCV in patients' urine before or after treatment with Tysabri.
At least one analyst questioned the significance of the finding.
"Even though the concern continues to be that pre-existing, dormant JC virus can spread to the brain in patients taking Tysabri, detection of JC virus in serum or urine are not diagnostic or predictive of PML," Citi analyst Dr. Yaron Werber said in a note to investors.
He reaffirmed a "Hold" rating with a $59 price target.
Meanwhile, the company also said patients taking Avonex over a 15-year period had significantly lower disability progression compared with patients who aren't taking the therapy.
This story originally appeared on CNN Money.com
It is one of 4,613 stories on our MySpace Blog</ span>! Our 3,300 MySpace Friends have made 29,896 Comments & 42,234 Kudos on the 4,613 stories!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MS NEWS CHANNEL MYSPACE BLOG & LEAVE A COMMENT
Biogen shares rise following MS drug reports
Biogen Idec shares gain ground following positive studies on MS drugs Avonex, Tysabri
NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Shares of Biogen Idec Inc. gained ground Friday after separate studies showed the positive long-term effects of the multiple sclerosis drug Avonex and allayed some side-effect fears over the MS treatment Tysabri.
Shares rose $1.01, or 2.1 percent, to $48.15 in afternoon trading. The stock has traded between $45.37 and $84.75 over the last 52 weeks.
On Thursday, the company said a study of Tysabri showed the drug did not increase the risk of a virus called JCV, which is the underlying cause of a rare viral infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. Tysabri was pulled from the market in 2005 after being linked to the rare brain disease but was reintroduced under restricted sales conditions in mid-2006.
Recently, the company and its partner Elan Corp. reported two new cases of the condition in European patients, sending shares into a tailspin. Shares are down about 30 percent since the announcement was made July 31.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that results in physical and neurological damage. There are about 32,000 patients on Tysabri worldwide, with 17,800 in the U.S. The company hopes to eventually get 100,000 patients on Tysabri worldwide.
Sales of the drug nearly tripled to $200 million during the second quarter and Wall Street has been concerned that the new PML cases could impact future sales.
In the recent study results, there was no difference between the prevalence of JCV in patients' urine before or after treatment with Tysabri.
At least one analyst questioned the significance of the finding.
"Even though the concern continues to be that pre-existing, dormant JC virus can spread to the brain in patients taking Tysabri, detection of JC virus in serum or urine are not diagnostic or predictive of PML," Citi analyst Dr. Yaron Werber said in a note to investors.
He reaffirmed a "Hold" rating with a $59 price target.
Meanwhile, the company also said patients taking Avonex over a 15-year period had significantly lower disability progression compared with patients who aren't taking the therapy.
This story originally appeared on CNN Money.com
Labels: 500 BEST PML STORIES & STUDIES, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), Tysabri
TYSABRI: "Biologic treatment for MS offers hope". Daytona Beach News-Journal
TYSABRI: "Biologic treatment for MS offers hope": Daytona Beach News-Journal
December 18, 2006
Biologic treatment for MS offers hope
By DR. YONG H. TSAI
Susan awoke one day with blurred, obstructed vision along with dizziness and numbness in her legs. A trip to her doctor's office triggered an order for blood tests and an MRI. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease involving the central nervous system.
Our brain and spinal cord, that house the main pathway of our body's nerve signals, offer a layer of insulation, called myelin, that surrounds and protects these nerve cells.
Like a plastic cover that surrounds the many wires of an electric cable, myelin covers nerve fibers to ensure that the nerve signals have safe, uninterrupted passage.
With MS, myelin sheaths break down (demyelination), due to inflammation caused by the autoimmune process. Damaged tissue eventually turns into scar tissue (sclerosis), meaning "multiple sclerosis."
Classic symptoms of MS include numbness, visual disturbance, abnormal gait, imbalance, muscle weakness or spasm, urinary incontinence, vertigo, slurred speech and even pain.
There are several forms of MS. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) occurs about 25 percent of the time with intermittent relapses, including worsening of existing symptoms or the development of new ones.
Over the course of 10 to 15 years, more than 50 percent of RRMS will evolve into progressive MS, known for more frequent relapses, incomplete remission bouts and general overall deterioration.
During the past few years, beta interferons such as Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron and Copaxone, by modifying the inflammatory process, have been used to treat MS.
However, all still have side effects and some have poor results. In November 2005, Natalizumab (Tysabri), a biologic agent, was proven to block the function of key molecules. The process could transport immune cells crossing the brain and blood barrier (BBB), and prevent against an attack on one's central nervous system.
Clinical trials have shown Tysabri, administered by monthly intravenous infusion, is a very effective therapy in reducing relapses and decreasing new brain lesions.
However, the shocking news surfaced Feb. 28 that Tysabri was suspended temporarily from commercial distribution due to three serious, adverse events. Multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) occurred in clinical trial patients treated with Tysabri plus Avonex.
However, there have been no reports of PML in patients treated with either Tysabri or Avonex alone.
More recently, Tysabri has been permitted for MS treatment. Tysabri is only indicated as a single-agent treatment instead of in combined therapy with Avonex or other agents. It's for patients with the relapsing form of MS and poor response to traditional treatments.
Though there is some concern with rare side effects of Tysabri, this new biologic agent offers new hope.
December 18, 2006
Biologic treatment for MS offers hope
By DR. YONG H. TSAI
Susan awoke one day with blurred, obstructed vision along with dizziness and numbness in her legs. A trip to her doctor's office triggered an order for blood tests and an MRI. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease involving the central nervous system.
Our brain and spinal cord, that house the main pathway of our body's nerve signals, offer a layer of insulation, called myelin, that surrounds and protects these nerve cells.
Like a plastic cover that surrounds the many wires of an electric cable, myelin covers nerve fibers to ensure that the nerve signals have safe, uninterrupted passage.
With MS, myelin sheaths break down (demyelination), due to inflammation caused by the autoimmune process. Damaged tissue eventually turns into scar tissue (sclerosis), meaning "multiple sclerosis."
Classic symptoms of MS include numbness, visual disturbance, abnormal gait, imbalance, muscle weakness or spasm, urinary incontinence, vertigo, slurred speech and even pain.
There are several forms of MS. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) occurs about 25 percent of the time with intermittent relapses, including worsening of existing symptoms or the development of new ones.
Over the course of 10 to 15 years, more than 50 percent of RRMS will evolve into progressive MS, known for more frequent relapses, incomplete remission bouts and general overall deterioration.
During the past few years, beta interferons such as Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron and Copaxone, by modifying the inflammatory process, have been used to treat MS.
However, all still have side effects and some have poor results. In November 2005, Natalizumab (Tysabri), a biologic agent, was proven to block the function of key molecules. The process could transport immune cells crossing the brain and blood barrier (BBB), and prevent against an attack on one's central nervous system.
Clinical trials have shown Tysabri, administered by monthly intravenous infusion, is a very effective therapy in reducing relapses and decreasing new brain lesions.
However, the shocking news surfaced Feb. 28 that Tysabri was suspended temporarily from commercial distribution due to three serious, adverse events. Multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) occurred in clinical trial patients treated with Tysabri plus Avonex.
However, there have been no reports of PML in patients treated with either Tysabri or Avonex alone.
More recently, Tysabri has been permitted for MS treatment. Tysabri is only indicated as a single-agent treatment instead of in combined therapy with Avonex or other agents. It's for patients with the relapsing form of MS and poor response to traditional treatments.
Though there is some concern with rare side effects of Tysabri, this new biologic agent offers new hope.
Labels: 500 BEST PML STORIES & STUDIES, Betaseron, Copaxone, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), Rebif, Tysabri
Sunday
TYSABRI: "Biologic treatment for MS offers hope": Daytona Beach News-Journal
December 18, 2006
Biologic treatment for MS offers hope
By DR. YONG H. TSAI
Susan awoke one day with blurred, obstructed vision along with dizziness and numbness in her legs. A trip to her doctor's office triggered an order for blood tests and an MRI. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease involving the central nervous system.
Our brain and spinal cord, that house the main pathway of our body's nerve signals, offer a layer of insulation, called myelin, that surrounds and protects these nerve cells.
Like a plastic cover that surrounds the many wires of an electric cable, myelin covers nerve fibers to ensure that the nerve signals have safe, uninterrupted passage.
With MS, myelin sheaths break down (demyelination), due to inflammation caused by the autoimmune process. Damaged tissue eventually turns into scar tissue (sclerosis), meaning "multiple sclerosis."
Classic symptoms of MS include numbness, visual disturbance, abnormal gait, imbalance, muscle weakness or spasm, urinary incontinence, vertigo, slurred speech and even pain.
There are several forms of MS. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) occurs about 25 percent of the time with intermittent relapses, including worsening of existing symptoms or the development of new ones.
Over the course of 10 to 15 years, more than 50 percent of RRMS will evolve into progressive MS, known for more frequent relapses, incomplete remission bouts and general overall deterioration.
During the past few years, beta interferons such as Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron and Copaxone, by modifying the inflammatory process, have been used to treat MS.
However, all still have side effects and some have poor results. In November 2005, Natalizumab (Tysabri), a biologic agent, was proven to block the function of key molecules. The process could transport immune cells crossing the brain and blood barrier (BBB), and prevent against an attack on one's central nervous system.
Clinical trials have shown Tysabri, administered by monthly intravenous infusion, is a very effective therapy in reducing relapses and decreasing new brain lesions.
However, the shocking news surfaced Feb. 28 that Tysabri was suspended temporarily from commercial distribution due to three serious, adverse events. Multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) occurred in clinical trial patients treated with Tysabri plus Avonex.
However, there have been no reports of PML in patients treated with either Tysabri or Avonex alone.
More recently, Tysabri has been permitted for MS treatment. Tysabri is only indicated as a single-agent treatment instead of in combined therapy with Avonex or other agents. It's for patients with the relapsing form of MS and poor response to traditional treatments.
Though there is some concern with rare side effects of Tysabri, this new biologic agent offers new hope.
December 18, 2006
Biologic treatment for MS offers hope
By DR. YONG H. TSAI
Susan awoke one day with blurred, obstructed vision along with dizziness and numbness in her legs. A trip to her doctor's office triggered an order for blood tests and an MRI. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease involving the central nervous system.
Our brain and spinal cord, that house the main pathway of our body's nerve signals, offer a layer of insulation, called myelin, that surrounds and protects these nerve cells.
Like a plastic cover that surrounds the many wires of an electric cable, myelin covers nerve fibers to ensure that the nerve signals have safe, uninterrupted passage.
With MS, myelin sheaths break down (demyelination), due to inflammation caused by the autoimmune process. Damaged tissue eventually turns into scar tissue (sclerosis), meaning "multiple sclerosis."
Classic symptoms of MS include numbness, visual disturbance, abnormal gait, imbalance, muscle weakness or spasm, urinary incontinence, vertigo, slurred speech and even pain.
There are several forms of MS. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) occurs about 25 percent of the time with intermittent relapses, including worsening of existing symptoms or the development of new ones.
Over the course of 10 to 15 years, more than 50 percent of RRMS will evolve into progressive MS, known for more frequent relapses, incomplete remission bouts and general overall deterioration.
During the past few years, beta interferons such as Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron and Copaxone, by modifying the inflammatory process, have been used to treat MS.
However, all still have side effects and some have poor results. In November 2005, Natalizumab (Tysabri), a biologic agent, was proven to block the function of key molecules. The process could transport immune cells crossing the brain and blood barrier (BBB), and prevent against an attack on one's central nervous system.
Clinical trials have shown Tysabri, administered by monthly intravenous infusion, is a very effective therapy in reducing relapses and decreasing new brain lesions.
However, the shocking news surfaced Feb. 28 that Tysabri was suspended temporarily from commercial distribution due to three serious, adverse events. Multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) occurred in clinical trial patients treated with Tysabri plus Avonex.
However, there have been no reports of PML in patients treated with either Tysabri or Avonex alone.
More recently, Tysabri has been permitted for MS treatment. Tysabri is only indicated as a single-agent treatment instead of in combined therapy with Avonex or other agents. It's for patients with the relapsing form of MS and poor response to traditional treatments.
Though there is some concern with rare side effects of Tysabri, this new biologic agent offers new hope.
Labels: 500 BEST PML STORIES & STUDIES, Betaseron, Copaxone, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), Rebif, Tysabri