A NEW STUDY ON INITIAL EBV INFECTION AND MS Ascherio et al. Primary EBV infection and MS. Ann Neurol 2010; in press. “In this study all EBV-negative subjects (10 out of 10) who developed MS became EBV positive before MS onset. In contrast, only 36% (10 of the 28) controls subjects who were EBV-negative became EBV-positive with follow-up. Ascherio and colleagues conclude that MS risk is...
Which oral?
I am often asked which oral would you prescribe? There is no simple answer to this question. The answer will depend on several factors some of which are still to emerge; to mention a few: 1. If and when these agents get licensed and the conditions of licensing; i.e. a first- or second-line indication. 2. The price and more importantly the cost-effectiveness of the agents; NICE will dictate the...
Oral Fingolimod or Intramuscular Interferon for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
In patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, oral fingolimod was more effective than intramuscular interferon beta-1a in reducing relapse rates. Adverse events associated with fingolimod included herpes virus infections, atrioventricular block, macular edema, skin cancer, and liver-enzyme elevation.
A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Fingolimod in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
In patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, oral fingolimod reduced the rates of relapse and disability progression, as compared with placebo. Adverse events included bradycardia, atrioventricular conduction block, macular edema, elevations in liver-enzyme levels, and mild hypertension.
A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Cladribine for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Oral cladribine reduced relapse rates and lowered the risk of sustained disability in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Patients who were treated with cladribine had large reductions in lymphocyte counts and more infections, including one death from reactivation of tuberculosis.
SAFETY WARNING FOR NATALIZUMAB
EU RECOMMENDS MORE SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELAN, BIOGEN’S TYSABRI 2010-01-21 18:28:09.776 GMT 21 January 2010; EMA/37607/2010: Press Office European Medicines Agency recommends additional measures to better manage risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with Tysabri. The risk of PML increases after two years, but benefits of Tysabri continue to outweigh risks for patients with...
1st Barts and The London MS Research Day – 30th Jan 2010
We are holding an MS Research Day for people with MS and their families on the 30th January 2010. If you want to attend please RSVP to Maria Espasandin (M.Espasandin@qmul.ac.uk).
You can download an invitation and preliminary programme from the following link:
We look forward to seeing you on the 30th.
Prof G