Multiple Sclerosis: Act Now to Ensure $15 Million in MS Research in the CDMRP

Current Treatments
BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis

AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of AVONEX® is identical to that of natural human interferon beta.

COPAXONE is the brand name for glatiramer acetate (formerly known as copolymer-1). Glatiramer acetate, the active ingredient of COPAXONE, consists of the acetate salts of synthetic polypeptides, containing four naturally occurring amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine with an average molar fraction of 0.141, 0.427, 0.095, and 0.338, respectively. The average molecular weight of glatiramer acetate is 5,000 – 9,000 daltons. Glatiramer acetate is identified by specific antibodies.

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a purified 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of Rebif® is identical to that of natural fibroblast derived human interferon beta. Natural interferon beta and interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) are glycosylated with each containing a single N-linked complex carbohydrate moiety.

Tysabri is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage. Tysabri is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Gilenya™ is a new class of medication called a phingosine 1-phosphate receptormodulator, which is thought to act by retaining certain white blood cells (lympohcytes) in the lymph nodes, thereby preventing those cells from crossing the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system (CNS). Preventing the entry of these cells into the CNS reduces inflammatory damage to nerve cells.

Early Symptoms
The most common early symptoms of MS include:
* Tingling * Numbness
* Loss of balance
* Weakness in one or more limbs
* Blurred or double vision

Less common symptoms of MS may include
* Slurred speech
* Sudden onset of paralysis
* Lack of coordination
* Cognitive difficulties

Listed above, the early symptoms. I tend to be a poster child for these. The symptoms that occur later on are too numerous just to list. There will be a link included that will get you to a site where these symptoms are listed and explained. Keep in mind that someone may have some of these or many of these, there is no way to tell.

Multiple sclerosis statistics show that approximately 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with this disease. The life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis is nearly the same as for those without MS. Because of this, multiple sclerosis statistics place the annual cost of MS in the United States in the billions of dollars. MS is five times more prevalent in temperate climates -- such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe -- than in tropical regions. Furthermore, the age of 15 seems to be significant in terms of risk for developing the disease. Some studies indicate that a person moving from a high-risk (temperate) to a low-risk (tropical) area before the age of 15 tends to adopt the risk (in this case, low) of the new area and vice versa. Other studies suggest that people moving after age 15 maintain the risk of the area where they grew up.

The National MS Society

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Act Now to Ensure $15 Million in MS Research in the CDMRP

Act Now to Ensure $15 Million for MS Research in the CDMRP

Take Action!

It is MS Awareness Week (March 8-14) and a particularly important time for you to Move It! to help secure $15 million for MS research.

The deadline for members of Congress to signal support for MS research funding in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) is fast approaching. Take action today and urge your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative to support a $15 million appropriation under the CDMRP that will help scientists to better understand the causes of MS and help find a cure.

Preliminary evidence suggests that Gulf War veterans are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with MS because of exposure to neurotoxins such as gases and other combat related pollutants. Currently, more than 20,000 veterans being treated in the VHA are living with a diagnosis of MS. Many U.S. veterans have relevant stories and symptoms of MS.

To help learn more about environmental factors and move us closer to a world free of MS, MS activists have helped secure nearly $10 million for MS research through the CDMRP over the past two years. The CDMRP is a DoD program that is funded annually via the Defense Appropriations Act. Just a couple of years ago, there was no MS program in the CDMRP. As a direct result of your activism not only does MS now have a specific research program but people living with MS sit on the award panels to help determine how this important research money is being spent. More information about MS research funding in the CDMRP may be read on the Society's website.

The deadline is fast approaching. Take action today and ask your members of Congress to support a $15 million appropriation for MS research under the CDMRP.

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