Research News
28 June 2010Church supports stem cell project
26 July 2010
Research being carried out in Bristol into the medical use of adult stem cells to help multiple sclerosis sufferers is being funded by the Catholic Church. More...
University conference to study brain cells
22 July 2010
Neuro-scientists from around the world are gathering at the University of Portsmouth this week. More...
Specialists explore options for treating natalizumab-associated PML
20 July 2010
A new case report suggests that natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) may be successfully treated in a patient with multiple sclerosis, if caught early. More...
Of bugs and brains: Researchers discover that gut bacteria affect multiple sclerosis
19 July 2010
Biologists at the California Institute of Technology have demonstrated a connection between multiple sclerosis (MS) - an autoimmune disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord - and gut bacteria. More...
British researchers create world's first robotic legs
16 July 2010
Two Britons living in New Zealand have built a pair of bionic legs that allow paraplegics to walk again. More...
Cannabinoids for the management of neuropathic pain: review of clinical effectiveness
14 July 2010
The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has published a review of clinical and cost effectiveness on the use of cannabinoids for the management of neuropathic pain. More...
Clinical trials of parasitic worms to treat MS, related to the "hygiene hypothesis"
13 July 2010
At least two small clinical trials are currently underway - one supported with funding from the National MS Society - to test the idea that infection with intestinal parasites may reduce immune attacks in MS. More...
Sleep disorders common in multiple sclerosis
09 July 2010
Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may exacerbate fatigue associated with the condition, according to a study presented here at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 24th Annual Conference and the Third Joint Meeting of Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. More...
Hippocampal atrophy, high cortisol found in depressed MS patients
09 July 2010
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have a lifetime depression risk as high as 50%, and new imaging studies suggest that the cause may be both physical and psychological. More...
USF receives patent for technology to improve treatment for neurodegenerative diseases
08 July 2010
Umbilical cord blood cells and mannitol pass the blood-brain barrier. More...
Natalizumab improves language processing in patients with multiple sclerosis
07 July 2010
Treatment with natalizumab (Tysabri) leads to improved language processing and retrieval of newly learned verbal material in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to research presented here at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 24th Annual Conference and the Third Joint Meeting of Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. More...
Interim results of ofatumumab phase II study in multiple sclerosis
06 July 2010
Genmab announces interim results from a Phase II study of ofatumumab in RRMS. More...
UB neurosurgeons experimenting with MS procedures
06 July 2010
Researchers at the University at Buffalo Neurosurgery Department began testing a new procedure last week for treating multiple sclerosis. More...
Pregnant women 'must take vitamin D supplements'
03 July 2010
Pregnant women in the UK should be told to routinely take vitamin D supplements, researchers say.
More...Simple eye test measures damage from multiple sclerosis
01 July 2010
A quick, painless eye measurement shows promise as a way to diagnose multiple sclerosis in its very early stages, and to track the effectiveness of treatments, researchers from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have found in a multicentre study. More...
Cancer drug to treat arthritis, multiple sclerosis
01 July 2010
A drug already available for treating cancer could also help in the treatment of a range of inflammatory diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus, say scientists. More...
Brain atrophy responsible for depression in people battling multiple sclerosis
01 July 2010
Study finds hippocampus is affected by imbalance in neuroendocrine system. More...
Clinical trial testing new multiple sclerosis treatment to launch in Buffalo
29 June 2010
Researchers at the University at Buffalo, led by the Department of Neurosurgery, will embark on a landmark prospective randomized double-blinded study to test the safety and efficacy of interventional endovascular therapy - dubbed "liberation treatment" - on MS symptoms and progression. More...
MS patients create own informal experiment, going in droves for unproven therapy
28 June 2010
Scores, even hundreds of people with multiple sclerosis have in the last half-year or so undergone a procedure many hope will cure or at least improve their disease symptoms. More...
Sixty-two year old chemotherapy treatment shows promising results on progressive multiple sclerosis patients
28 June 2010
Study shows ITMTX may have beneficial role in progressive forms of MS. More...
Margarine, processed meats and other foods can increase the risk of multiple sclerosis
27 June 2010
Increased production of certain types of industrially produced foods - specifically of margarine, processed meat and sausage, jam and marmalade, chocolate and chocolate confectionary, sugar confectionary and beer - correlates statistically with an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS). More...
MS treatment in final clinical trial stage
23 June 2010
Abbott Laboratories and its Massachusetts biotech partner have launched a final-stage clinical trial of their experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis. More...
MS drug's epic journey from folklore to lab
22 June 2010
Research into ancient Chinese fungus that propagates inside insects yields potential relief for multiple sclerosis. More...
Direct coping and planning results in less multiple sclerosis flare-ups than dealing with stress on an emotional level
22 June 2010
Multiple sclerosis patients who directly confronted the stress of the Second Lebanon War suffered fewer attacks than those who chose to cope with the situation by focusing on feelings. More...
ENS 2010: Multiple sclerosis, migraine and dementia: new insights from neuroimaging
22 June 2010
Innovative imaging techniques such as functional MRI or diffusion tensor imaging occupy an important place in modern neurology today. More...
Why certain diseases go into remission during pregnancy
18 June 2010
During pregnancy, many women experience remission of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and uveitis. Now, scientists have described a biological mechanism responsible for changes in the immune system that helps to explain the remission. More...
Recommendations for clinical use of data on neutralising antibodies to interferon-beta therapy in MS
18 June 2010
A panel of experts met in June 2009 to review and discuss available data on neutralising antibodies to interferon-beta therapy (NAbs) and their practical consequences for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). More...
New theory on CCSVI and MS needs further study, experts say
17 June 2010
A controversial new theory suggests reduced blood flow in the azygous and internal jugular veins may be associated with MS, possibly by causing an iron overload in the brain and spinal cord. More...
Test could detect MS nine years in advance
16 June 2010
A simple blood test that can predict multiple sclerosis up to nine years before symptoms appear is being developed by scientists. More...
Enrollment of first patient in phase II BG-12 combination trial in multiple sclerosis
15 June 2010
EXPLORE trial to evaluate oral BG-12 as combination therapy for patients who continue to experience disease progression despite ongoing treatment More...
Start opening veins for MS patients, MDs say
15 June 2010
People with multiple sclerosis should be able to have surgery on blocked neck veins as part of a clinical trial, says the Italian doctor who pioneered what has become known as the liberation therapy. More...
Doubts over vein blockages in people with MS
14 June 2010
Serious doubts have been cast over whether a vein disorder, purported to cause MS and which was uncovered last year, actually exists. More...
Study adds fuel to debate over MS and blocked veins
14 June 2010
A study published online will add to the debate raging among the MS patient and research community. The paper, published in the Annals of Neurology, says researchers found no evidence that blockages in veins play a significant role in MS. More...
Active mind may protect MS patients
14 June 2010
Intellectual enrichment helped preserve memory and learning in multiple sclerosis patients, study says. More...
Pre-empting multiple sclerosis
13 June 2010
A breakthrough finding from Israel may lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective intervention, and perhaps even a cure for the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. More...
Virus infection may trigger unusual immune cells to attack nerves in multiple sclerosis
11 June 2010
A virus infection can incite the body to attack its own nerve tissue by activating unusual, disease-fighting cells with receptors for both viral and nerve proteins. More...
Zivadinov's update on chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in multiple sclerosis
11 June 2010
Robert Zivadinov, MD, PhD provides a thoughtful update on the current status of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) research in multiple sclerosis. More...
Natalizumab an alternative for those in whom other MS treatments have failed
11 June 2010
A new study suggests that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in whom previous treatment regimens have failed remain stable or show improvement when switched to treatment with natalizumab (Tysabri). More...
Over $2.4 million committed to support seven initial CCSVI grants to determine the role of CCSVI (venous insufficiency) in MS disease process
11 June 2010
Over $2.4 million has been committed by the National MS Society (USA) and the MS Society of Canada to support seven new research projects focusing on the role of CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) in MS. More...
Vitamin D exposure in childhood linked to age at onset of MS
10 June 2010
Levels of childhood sun exposure and the presence or absence of cod liver oil supplements predict age at onset of multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study suggests. More...
Vitamin D linked to poor learning performance in patients with MS
09 June 2010
A new study shows that serum vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor learning performance among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). More...
Cancer drug shuts down MS activity
08 June 2010
Cladribine, an oral drug already marketed for hematologic cancers under the trade name Leustatin, was superior to placebo in reducing progression and other signs of MS disease activity, researchers here reported [CMSC-ACTRIMS]. More...
Physical therapy improves urinary symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis
08 June 2010
A physical therapy regimen improves both urinary incontinence and urinary retention in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study presented here at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 24th Annual Conference and the Third Joint Meeting of Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. More...
Cyclic methylprednisolone doesn't add to interferon-beta treatment in relapsing-remitting MS
08 June 2010
Pulsed monthly methylprednisolone has no effect on disability progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) who are being treated with interferon beta-1a, according to a double-blind controlled trial. More...
Study supports long-term safety profile of Betaferon for multiple sclerosis over 16 years
08 June 2010
Results from the 16-year follow-up to the pivotal Betaferon (interferon-beta-1b) trial, published today in the journal Neurology, provide the longest and most complete patient follow-up data and support the long-term safety profile of Betaferon in multiple sclerosis (MS). More...
Simple eye test measures damage from multiple sclerosis
07 June 2010
A quick, painless eye measurement shows promise as a way to diagnose multiple sclerosis in its very early stages, and to track the effectiveness of treatments, researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have found in a multicenter study. More...
Protein lets brain repair damage from multiple sclerosis, other disorders
07 June 2010
A protein that helps build the brain in infants and children may aid efforts to restore damage from multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found. More...
Intermittent exercise helps multiple sclerosis patients
07 June 2010
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are able to exercise longer when they take intermittent rest breaks, according to a new study presented here at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 24th Annual Conference and the Third Joint Meeting of Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. More...
Postpartum steroid reduces relapses
07 June 2010
A single dose of methylprednisolone given to new mothers with multiple sclerosis immediately after delivery reduced the risk of relapse for up to three months, researchers found. More...
Fingolimod supports ADLs in MS
07 June 2010
Multiple sclerosis patients who took the oral investigational agent fingolimod were better able to maintain activities of daily living (ADLs) over a year than those treated with injected interferon beta-1A, according to a study presented here. More...
Interferon adjunct reduces MS lesions
06 June 2010
The oral drug teriflunomide demonstrates short-term safety and reduces lesions in multiple sclerosis for up to one year when used in combination with interferon beta, according to a study presented here [CMSC-ACTRIMS meeting]. More...
Urinary rehab effective in MS
05 June 2010
Individualized rehabilitation can improve urinary dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients independent of disease duration or disability, according to a study presented here [CMSC-ACTRIMS meeting]. More...
Low sunlight linked to MS onset age
04 June 2010
Age of onset of multiple sclerosis was more than two years earlier in patients who lived in northern latitudes - with reduced exposure to the sun in fall and winter - during childhood, researchers found. More...
Out of the shadows: our unknown immune system
02 June 2010
Deliberate infection with a blood-sucking worm seems an odd way to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). More...
Stem cell therapies for inflammatory brain diseases now possible
02 June 2010
A team of investigators from the University of California in Irvine (UCI) Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center have recently made important strides in the field of using stem cells as therapies for mitigating the effects of injuries on the central nervous systems. More...
Study explains why healthy individuals don't get tremors
01 June 2010
Nerve signals in the spinal cord work to counteract signals from the brain that would otherwise lead to tremors in our movement, according to new research funded by the Wellcome Trust. More...
Immune system helps transplanted stem cells navigate in central nervous system
01 June 2010
By discovering how adult neural stem cells navigate to injury sites in the central nervous system, UC Irvine researchers have helped solve a puzzle in the creation of stem cell-based treatments: How do these cells know where to go? More...
Acupuncture's molecular effects pinned down: new insights spur effort to boost treatment's impact significantly
31 May 2010
Scientists have taken another important step toward understanding just how sticking needles into the body can ease pain. More...
Breakthrough in 'shakes' treatment could counteract disabling tremors
31 May 2010
Patients whose lives are made a misery by constant shakes and tremors, could soon be relieved of their symptoms. More...
Escitalopram provides symptom relief for patients with MS and MDD
28 May 2010
Treatment with escitalopram appears to be an effective therapy for patients who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD), researchers suggested at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). More...
MS fears at work incorrect, study finds
27 May 2010
After a decade with multiple sclerosis, Fiona Hall is all too familiar with the uncomfortable walk to the boss's office to talk about her disease. More...
Phase III Trial of MS antibody daclizumab starts
25 May 2010
Biogen Idec Inc and Abbott kicked off a Phase III trial comparing their anti-IL-2 antibody daclizumab to Biogen's Avonex (interferon beta-1a) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. More...
Extension of US regulatory priority review period for FTY720
25 May 2010
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extends priority review period by three months to September 2010, in line with previously announced expectations More...
Slow multiple sclerosis progression with cannabinoids
24 May 2010
A $1.5 million National Institutes of Health grant will help Temple University [in Philadelphia] researchers study more effective ways to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). More...
Regenerative medicine: the body is expert at repairing itself
24 May 2010
James Le Fanu's Doctor's Diary: The bone marrow is a particularly versatile source of stem cells, which could help patients with multiple sclerosis. More...
When helper cells aren't helpful
24 May 2010
Current research suggests that T helper-type 1 (Th1) cells, previously thought to mediate autoimmunity, may actual inhibit the development of experimental immune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), by suppressing Th17 cells. More...
A new prescription: parasite eggs
24 May 2010
Scientists test whether whipworms can fight autoimmune disorders. More...
Safety concerns bring an end to Biogen, Roche RA program
20 May 2010
A Phase II study of ocrelizumab is ongoing in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. More...
Cholesterol drug side effects need watching: study
20 May 2010
People using cholesterol-lowering statins have a higher risks of liver dysfunction, kidney failure, muscle weakness and cataracts and such side effects of the drug should be closely tracked, doctors said on Friday. More...
New clinical trial of investigational multiple sclerosis treatment
18 May 2010
Apitope, the European biotech company developing therapeutic peptides to treat autoimmune and allergic diseases, today announced the start of its second Phase I clinical trial of ATX-MS-1467, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). More...
Drug-resistant urinary infections
18 May 2010
Urinary tract infections may become resistant to antibiotics through the "overuse of antibiotics in the farming industry", BBC News has said. More...
Urinary tract infections 'resistant to antibiotics'
17 May 2010
Urinary tract infections are becoming increasingly hard to treat because of emerging resistance to current antibiotic drugs, experts warn. More...
MS cases on the rise in Hispanic community [in the USA]
13 May 2010
About 400,000 Americans suffer from the vision and mobility robbing condition multiple sclerosis. While the disease is more likely to afflict Caucasians, it's showing up more and more in minorities. More...
Meta-analysis: Intravesical botulinum toxin for idiopathic overactive bladder
13 May 2010
According to the results of a meta-analysis reported in the Journal of Urology, intravesical botulinum toxin improves the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), but is associated with a significant risk of urinary retention. More...
Many pregnant women not getting enough vitamin D
11 May 2010
Prenatal vitamins help, but are not enough for everyone. More...
Stem cells use GPS to generate proper nerve cells
11 May 2010
An unknown function that regulates how stem cells produce different types of cells in different parts of the nervous system has been discovered by Stefan Thor, professor of Developmental Biology, and graduate students Daniel Karlsson and Magnus Baumgardt, at Linköping University in Sweden. More...
Researchers explore new ways to potentially reverse the damage caused by multiple sclerosis
10 May 2010
A National Institutes of Health grant will help University of Central Florida researchers explore new ways to potentially reverse the damage caused by multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. More...
Genetic variants tied to MS, study finds
09 May 2010
Variants of a gene called CBLB are associated with multiple sclerosis in humans, a new study finds. More...
Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis: trials and tribulations
08 May 2010
The first, small-scale clinical trials of stem cells as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) have reportedly shown promising results. More...
Study of bone marrow stem cells in MS shows promise
06 May 2010
One of the first stem cell trials in people with MS in the UK has shown possible benefits for the treatment of the condition. More...
MS stem cell therapy trialled
06 May 2010
Behind the Headlines
"A controversial trial using bone marrow stem cell therapy for MS patients has helped stabilise the disease," reported the Daily Mail.
More...
Overactive bladder drugs differ on side effect severity
05 May 2010
The antimuscarinic drug solifenacin is associated with significantly fewer side effects than another drug in the same class, oxybutynin, according to Canadian researchers. More...
Study of bone marrow stem cells in MS shows promise
05 May 2010
A groundbreaking trial to test bone marrow stem cell therapy with a small group of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been shown to have possible benefits for the treatment of the disease. More...
Stem cells raise hope for treatment for multiple sclerosis patients
05 May 2010
Thousands of MS sufferers could benefit from a revolutionary treatment that injects them with stem cells taken from their own bone marrow. More...
Important control mechanism behind autoimmune diseases discovered
05 May 2010
Researchers at the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new control mechanism in our immune system. More...
Innate Therapeutics receives funding for clinical trial of progressive multiple sclerosis therapeutic
05 May 2010
Innate Therapeutics today announced funding support from Fast Forward, LLC, a not-for-profit organization established by the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society and EMD Serono, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. More...
Canadian trials to examine 'liberation procedure' for multiple sclerosis
03 May 2010
Duncan Thornton is still getting used to enjoying the small things that most Canadians take for granted. More...
New treatment helps MS patients achieve 'long-lasting remission'
03 May 2010
Ottawa doctors, who claim a new medical technique can cause a "very long-lasting remission," are giving hope to multiple sclerosis patients. More...