MS deterioration 'slowed by new therapy'

The addition of a humanised monoclonal antibody called daclizumab to standard treatment reduces the number of enlarged or new brain lesions in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to an international team of researchers.

It is hoped that the discovery will help stop the problem which affects around 85 per cent of MS patients, with relapsing MS being responsible for clearly-defined attacks of deteriorating neurological functions with intermittent spells of no problems from the disease.

John W Rose, the professor of neurology at the University of Utah School of Medicine and a number of other leading institutions in the state, said: "Previous research has shown that treatment with daclizumab reduced multiple sclerosis disease activity.

"Our work in the Choice trial shows that daclizumab significantly reduces MS lesion formation in people with active relapsing disease."

On February 15th, the MS Society announced its 2010 manifesto in an effort to encourage the next government to ensure inequalities faced by those with MS are addressed and dealt with.

Read about Barchester expertise in offering multiple sclerosis support.