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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

Weblink: Click here

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

Weblink: Click here

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

Weblink: Click here

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

Weblink: Click here

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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