Multiple sclerosis treatments are 'varied and promising'

A leading publication in America has addressed the various ways which multiple sclerosis (MS) is being treated in light of a number of major breakthroughs in the last few months.

It explained that MS is able to damage the central nervous system faster than the body can repair it, so many doctors are attempting to address early stages with more vigour.

Howard Weiner, the director of the Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital, told the publication that prevention is better than the cure for MS, adding that his own personal view is "attacking the pathologic processes that are causing it as opposed to rebuilding after it's happened".

However, Robin Franklin, who heads a neural stem cell program at the University of Cambridge, said that all is not lost if the later stages are already present.

The expert argued: "Stem-cell transplant in MS has been historically attractive, but has been overtaken by our understanding of how remyelination works and the potential of the brain's own stem cells."

It follows the announcement that the MS Society and the UK Stem Cell Foundation are collaborating to broadcast a call for research grant applications, with joint funding of up to £1 million available for worthy projects.

Read about Barchester expertise in offering multiple sclerosis support.