Friday, November 2, 2012

Blog 10 Multiple Sclerosis


        Apparently there is a new drug that is the “most effective” treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, say UK researchers.  During Multiple Sclerosis the body’s immune system turns on its own nerves causing debilitating muscle problems. Researchers at the University of Cambridge say a cancer drug, which wipes outs resets than other options. However, there is a concern that a drugs company is about to increase the cost of the drug as a result. Around 100,000 people in the UK multiple sclerosis.  When the condition is diagnosed most will have a form of the disease known as relapsing-remitting MS, in which the symptoms can almost disappear for a time, before suddenly returning.  The researchers tested a leukemia drug, alemtuzumab, which had shown benefits for MS in small studies.  One compared the effectiveness in patients given the drug and after being diagnosed, the other looked at patients given the drug after other treatments had failed.  Both showed the drug was around 50% more effective at preventing relapses and patients had less disability at the end of the study than when they started.  Dr. Alasdair Coles from the University of Cambridge said it is certainly the most effective MS drug, based on these clinical trials, but this is definitely not a cure.”

                With this breakthrough it opens the doors for a cure for multiple sclerosis which is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).  MS is caused by damaged is caused by inflammation, inflammation occurs when the body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur along any area of the brain optic nerve, and spinal cord. With this new drug, it could help so many cases of multiple sclerosis so people could rehabilitate themselves and possibly progress from MS. Breakthroughs such as these are the ones that truly start a domino effect in the medical world and lead to change.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20151891

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