Research News Highlights - From Our Research Roundup Sent 10/31/08

1.Take part in the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation’s survey on tremor and ataxia

Help to contribute to knowledge and research by completing the MSIF’s survey online.

Source: MSIF Mailer

Weblink: Click here

2.Alemtuzumab vs. interferon beta-1a in early multiple sclerosis

The drug revealed in last week’s news is trialled against long standing MS drug, interferon beta-1a…

Authors: CAMMS223 Trial Investigators, Coles AJ, Compston DA, Selmaj KW, Lake SL, Moran S, Margolin DH, Norris K, Tandon PK

Source: N Engl J Med. 2008 Oct 23; 359(17):1786-80

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3.Chromosome 13 – a link to a higher risk of developing MS?

It is known that genes play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. In this study the authors found another region in the DNA, on chromosome 13, that may be linked to a higher risk of developing MS.

Authors: Comabella M, Craig DW, Camiña-Tato M, Morcillo C, Lopez C, Navarro A, Rio J; BiomarkerMS Study Group, Montalban X, Martin R

Source: PLoS ONE 2008;3(10):e3490. 2008 Oct 22

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4.Natalizumab disproportionately increases circulating pre-B and B cells in multiple sclerosis

In this study the authors investigated the effect of natalizumab (Tysabri), a new treatment for severe MS, on immune cells. They found some changes in the B cells which might help explain some of the side effects that are seen.

Authors: Krumbholz M, Meinl I, Kümpfel T, Hohlfeld R, Meinl E

Source: Neurology 2008 Oct 21; 71(17):1350-4

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5.Biogen shares fall on illness report for MS drug

Two new cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in Tysabri patients in August have led to a new investment distrust in this MS drug…

Source: Forbes

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6.Presence of other health conditions delays diagnosis of MS, study suggests

A new study suggests there might be delays in diagnosing multiple sclerosis after the onset of the first symptoms if the patient has an existing health condition.

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A weekly Research News update is prepared by the MS International Federation and is available on their website at: wwwwww.msif.org/en/research/ms_research_news/index.html. 

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NOTE: If you require the full text of any research article referred to on this site, you may be required to pay for it online. If you do not wish to do so, you can always take the reference to your nearest public library. They should be able to access it for you. There might be a slight charge for this service.