Research News
In depth information on current research news
FTY720 trial continues despite death
05 June 2008Two people with MS taking the oral drug fingolimod (FTY720) in clinical trials had problems with infections and one died. Novartis, who run the trials, say the role of the medicine in the cases was unclear and the trial will continue.
Late stage study shows improved walking disability in people with MS
03 June 2008Positive results following a second phase III clinical trial of the experimental drug Fampridine which could improve mobility and quality of life in people with MS.
Monkey brain controls prosthetic limb
28 May 2008Research published in Nature has shown that monkeys have been able to control robotic limbs using only their thoughts.
Plant compound in celery and green peppers found to reduce inflammation
23 May 2008A plant compound found in abundance in celery and green peppers may be able to disrupt a key component of the inflammatory response in the brain.
Protein screen offers clues to future treatment options
18 February 2008A study published in Nature this month shows how proteins might be important in the underlying processes occurring in MS.
Tysabri and skin cancer
07 February 2008A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has reported two cases of melanoma (a form of skin cancer) in people who were treated with Tysabri.
New vaccine for secondary progressive MS shows positive early results.
30 January 2008A small early stage trial showed that the new vaccine, called ATX-MS-1467 was safe and well tolerated.
Genetic differences may predict response to beta interferon treatment for people with MS
14 January 2008Researchers have found genetic differences between people who respond to treatment with beta interferon and those who don’t.
Small study investigating combination therapy including antibiotics for multiple sclerosis
11 Dec 2007A preliminary study suggests that combining beta interferon with an antibiotic may slow the progress of MS
Genes play a protective role in MS
10 December 2007New research announced this week has found an association between certain genes and the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Early research holds promise for stem cell therapies with fewer side effects
23 Nov 2007Early stage studies using mice at the Stanford University School of Medicine have taken a small but significant step toward the goal of transplanting adult stem cells to create a new immune system which may help people with autoimmune conditions such as MS.
Further evidence to link EBV virus infection with MS
16 Nov 2007New research published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine has provided more evidence that a common human virus called Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) plays an important role in the development of MS.
Early research shows antibody stimulates remyelination
10 October 2007Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. have found that a human antibody administered in a single low dose in mouse models of MS can repair myelin, the protective coating surrounding nerve fibres which is damaged in people with MS.
'DNA vaccine' for MS
13 Aug 2007Scientists have reported that a newly developed DNA vaccine appears safe and may produce beneficial changes in the brains and immune systems of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Risk genes for multiple sclerosis uncovered
30 July 2007A large-scale study into the human genome – our DNA code - has uncovered new genetic variations associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), findings that suggest a possible link between MS and other autoimmune diseases. The study, led by an international consortium of clinical scientists and genomics experts, is the first comprehensive study investigating the genetic basis of MS.
