Blog entry 4

MS Drug shows Promise

Summary:

                A drug called Dimethyl fumarate provides a new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). More than 2 million people are affected by this disease around the world. Multiple Sclerosis is caused by the wearing away, or break-down of the myelin sheath which is the protective coating that covers the nerve cells. MS is a chronic disease that affects a “wide variety of symptoms and can affect vision, balance, strength, sensation, coordination, and bodily functions.” There is no cure for MS only treatments; the new treatment that neurologist can use to slow the progression of this disease is BG-12. Dr. Robert Fox, a neurologist at the Mellen center for MS, says "This new treatment offers the opportunity for sort of the best of both worlds, in that it has very good efficacy, but it's in the form of a pill and appears to have much reduced risk than other therapies." This drug reduces the frequency of relapses of MS, and also reduces the number of scars or lesions left on the brain from MS while also being a safer alternative to injection therapy. BG-12 or Dimethyl fumarate has not been approved for treatment yet, however based off significant studies it is a strong possibility it will soon.

Analysis:

                I’m a little concerned that this drug has really only been tested in two major in depth studies. However, MS is a huge social issue because it’s a debilitating disease that once in its advanced stages, requires 24 hour care. I understand how this drug can be exciting because it’s a much more efficient and safer method of treatment, but I really believe a medicine needs to be tested extensively before it is approved as a safe form of treatment. If it is safe this is great news to all of those who suffer with Multiple Sclerosis because this may be one step closer to a cure.

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/19/ms-drug-with-unusual-history-shows-promise/?iref=allsearch

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/multiple+sclerosis