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.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

MSConnection Spring 2011

MSConnection

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A publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,
Greater New England Chapter,
101A First Avenue, Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451-1115
1-800-344-4867
www.msnewengland.org/

Chairman
Robert E. Shapiro

President & CEO
Arlyn A. White

MSConnection Editor
Steven R. Sookikian

Publications Specialist
Wendy Golden

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned.

Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

©2011 National MS Society Greater New England Chapter
Table of Contents — Spring 2011 Issue
Susan Cohn-Child
Susan Cohn-Child was one of several local chapter members photographed to help promote MS Awareness Week

Features

* Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week 2011
* Peer Support Volunteer Training
* Northeast Chapters Collaborate on Growing the MS Challenge Walk Cape Cod

News

* From the President
* May 25 Is World MS Day
* Society’s Chief Research Officer Named
* Visions of Technological Equality
* The North American Education Program
* New MS Learn Onlines

Newly Diagnosed

* Connect With an MSFriend

Programs

* The First Steps to Smart Money Management
* Free Tax Preparation Services
* Coffee and Conversation
* Home LINKS
* Training the Trainers

Living with MS

* The Cane Mutiny
* How to Get Started With SSDI
* Living with MS

Research

* Research Next Steps
* The World of MS Research
* Research Updates
* Resources to Find Clinical Trials

Advocacy

* Federal Updates
* State Updates
o Maine
o Massachusetts
o New Hampshire
o Vermont

Volunteers

* Passionate People = Productivity

Fundraising

* Shining Stars Awards
* Create a Fundraiser to Remember
* Walk with Us This Spring 2011
* Ride with Us in 2011
* MS Journey of Hope
* Accept the Challenge
* Marathon Strides Against MS
* MS Plane Pull
* MilesStones 2011
* Women on the Move Luncheon

Calendar of Events - see current calendar

Classified Ads - see current listings

Programs Catalog - see upcoming programs list
Posted by Steve at Wednesday, March 09, 2011

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About Me

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North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
Well-educated, disabled at this point with Multiple Sclerosis. I am very glad that I was able to do the things that I have been able to do over the years. had to change the picture, this one's more realistic.