News Center
FDA Committee Recommends the Approval of FTY720
The oral medication FTY720 (fingolimod) has moved another step closer to approval as a new disease-modifying therapy for MS. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee reviewed the clinical trial data submitted by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (makers of FTY720), and reported its findings at a meeting held on June 10, 2010.
Phase 2 CHOICE Study Reports Positive Effects with Daclizumab
Biogen Idec and Facet Biotech Corporation, developers of daclizumab, report that when added to an interferon regimen, this drug reduces the number of new or enlarged MS lesions in patients with active, relapsing forms of MS. Additionally, daclizumab showed an increase in the number of a certain type of cell that helps to regulate the immune system. These results were published in the online edition of The Lancet Neurology and in the April 2010 issue of The Lancet Neurology.
Continued Efficacy and Safety Seen with 15-Year Evaluation of Copaxone
In February 2010, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced the publication of their data from 15 years of prospective and continuous evaluation of Copaxone®. The 15-year study findings appeared in the February 2010 issue of the journal, Multiple Sclerosis. Given the positive results, this study has been extended to 20 years, and is presently in its 19th year. Copaxone is given via daily subcutaneous injections and is approved for individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
Positive Study Results with Oral FTY720 Leads to Granting of Priority Review Status by FDA
In January 2010, the results from two large Phase III trials with oral FTY720 (fingolimod) were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. According to a press release from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (makers of FTY720), the TRANSFORMS and FREEDOMS studies showed positive results in reducing relapses, disability progression, and MRI lesions when MS patients were given FTY720.
FDA Approves Botox® for the Treatment of Upper Extremity Spasticity
The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox® (onabotulinumtoxin A) for the treatment of spasticity in the flexor muscles of the elbow, wrist, and fingers in adults. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., this drug is administered via injection by a medical professional and is available through prescription only.
March is MS Awareness Month
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) encourages everyone to take time this March to learn about multiple sclerosis (MS) and discover all of the programs and services MSAA offers to everyone affected by MS.
In Memory of Jimmie Heuga (1943-2010)
Jimmie Heuga, founder of The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis in Colorado , passed away on February 8, 2010. Renamed "Can Do Multiple Sclerosis," this center continues to carry on Heuga's philosophy and passion for teaching individuals with MS to live life to the fullest.
Ampyra™ Approved to Improve Walking for Individuals with MS
The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ampyra™ (dalfampridine), an oral, timed-release medication developed to improve the conduction of impulses between damaged nerves of the central nervous system (CNS).
Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency and Multiple Sclerosis
A comprehensive update on chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) featuring MSAA's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jack Burks.
Research News Fall 2009
In addition to the recent approval of Extavia, other drug updates include Fampridine-SR, oral cladribine, Copaxone, Tysabri, and fingolimod.
Flu Vaccines for the 2009/2010 Flu Season
Two flu vaccines, the seasonal flu and the H1N1 ("swine flu") vaccines, will be available for the 2009/2010 flu season. The seasonal flu vaccine protects individuals from three types of flu and is currently available. The H1N1 flu vaccine protects individuals from the newest type of flu, which was first detected in people living in the United States in April 2009. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in early to mid-October 2009.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Honored for Excellence in Communication
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) received four communications awards, which included two APEX Awards and two National Health Information Awards for several pieces of work.
Extavia Receives FDA Approval for Treatment of MS
On August 14, 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Extavia® (interferon beta-1b) for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
2009 MS Research Update
Based on the positive response to the "MS Research Updates" appearing in the Summer 2007 and 2008 issues of The Motivator, this article incorporates new information about the six approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), as well as experimental drugs currently being studied for the treatment of MS
Dirucotide (MBP8298) Update
On July 27, 2009, Eli Lilly and BioMS Medical Corporation announced that dirucotide did not meet the primary endpoint of the MAESTRO-01 study, which was the delay of disease progression in secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) as measured by EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale).
MSAA Wins STEVIE Award
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 's (MSAA) educational web video series, A Closer Look , recently won the highly acclaimed Stevie Award in the category of Interactive Multimedia/Public Information.
Spring 2009 Research Update
Featuring information on oral cladribine,oral BG-12, and dirucotide
March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
During the month of March, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is asking everyone to become more involved with the MS community. Please join us and find out how you can help.
Results Announced from the Phase II Study of Dirucotide (MBP8298) in RRMS Patients
On January 30, 2009, dirucotide’s developer (BioMS Medical Corp.), announced the results of MINDSET-01, an exploratory phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dirucotide in patients with RRMS.
Fall 2008 Research Update
Featuring highlights from the 2008 World Congress on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis.
Resource DetectiveSM Program Marks One Year Anniversary
During its first year the Resource Detectives program energized a group of 4,000 “detectives” to locate and report over 60,000 resources for the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. Areas of focus include: disability programs, employment, financial assistance, health and wellness, housing information, legal assistance, social security, and many more. The information gathered is used by MSAA’s Helpline staff in assisting individuals affected by MS throughout the country..
New Thinner Needle and New Autoinjector for Betaseron
A thinner needle will soon be available for individuals taking Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) for the long-term treatment of MS. The thinner needle is being offered as a way to potentially help reduce the pain and anxiety often associated with injections.
Changes to Tysabri's Labeling
Two changes have recently been made to the labeling and prescribing information for Tysabri® (natalizumab). Manufactured and marketed by Biogen Idec and Elan, Tysabri is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as Crohn's disease.
Summer Research Update 2008
Numerous trials are currently being conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Trials include FDA-approved drugs, experimental drugs (such as oral medications, monoclonal antibodies, and other treatments), as well as various combinations of drugs and doses
Tysabri Update
Two new cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is an often-fatal viral infection of the brain, have been reported in patients taking Tysabri® (natalizumab) for the long-term treatment of MS. These two cases were reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 31, 2008. These are the first cases to be reported since the drug's re-release in June 2006.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Awarded a Grant to Develop a Life Coaching Program
Through a charitable gift from the Bayer USA Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) will develop a Life Coaching program for individuals in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. This program will provide an innovative way for individuals with MS to interact with each other while developing critical problem-solving strategies. To help teach these skills, life coaches will use real life events to help find practical solutions to daily challenges individuals with MS might face. Life coaches will meet with clients through group sessions over the phone or online.
A Closer Look at MRIs
A Closer Look at The Value of MRIs is now available through the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s (MSAA) website. This three part video features: a person with multiple sclerosis (MS) offering a first-hand account on the experience of undergoing an MRI; a neurologist explaining how MRIs work as well as the importance of MRIs to monitor disease progression; and an MSAA representative discussing the financial resources available through MSAA for those seeking their first or follow-up MRI.
Spring Research Update
This research update focuses on trials currently being conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Trials include FDA-approved drugs, experimental drugs (such as oral medications, monoclonal antibodies, and other treatments), as well as various combinations of drugs and doses.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Observes March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Join the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) in raising awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) during the month of March. MSAA will be hosting various events designed to expand knowledge, understanding, and support of individuals whose lives are affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA will also join other MS organizations to call on Congress for increased federal funding for MS research.
MSAA's Public Service Announcement Offers Information on the Importance of Disease Modifying Therapies for MS
On November 25, 2007 MSAA began airing two public service announcements nationwide that encourage individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) to adhere to an MS treatment plan, including one of the FDA-approved disease modifying therapies. MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jack Burks recommends that individuals with MS consult their physician, and if appropriate, begin treatment as soon as possible. Below are some helpful links on MS medications, MS, and MSAA.
