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.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Federal Focus - June 2012

House Approves $5 Million for MS Research in the CDMRP In mid-May, the U.S. House of Representatives approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Defense Appropriations bill that included $5 million for MS research in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). If this level is maintained as the process moves forward, it would be an increase of $1.2 million in comparison to FY 2012’s funding level ($3.8 million). Each year, MS activists ask Congress to provide MS research funding in the CDMRP. Over the past five funding cycles, more than $20 million in total has been dedicated to MS research. At the Society’s 2012 Public Policy Conference in March, MS activists made the initial request, urging their federal lawmakers to support $10 million for MS research in FY 2013. Following the conference, Representatives Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) and Russ Carnahan (MO-3) authored a letter that was supported by 66 of their House colleagues. The request, $10 million for MS research in the CDMRP, was sent to the House Appropriations Committee. As a result of persistent activism, it’s clear that the House members understood the value of continuing MS research funding even in a time of austerity. We could not have done this without all of YOUR help—thank you! The annual federal budget process still has many steps before it’s finalized. The Senate has not yet acted on its Defense bill that could contain CDMRP funding. In that chamber, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and Mike Johanns (NE) along with 10 other Senators went on record supporting MS research in the CDMRP. As the Senate deliberates over its bill, the Society will continue to educate Capitol Hill about the importance of maintaining MS research initiatives and to advocate for the maximum funding for MS! International Treaty to Recognize Rights of People with Disabilities Before the U.S. Senate The Obama Administration recently transmitted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to the United States Senate. The United States signed the treaty in 2009, but in order for it to have the force of law, the Senate must ratify it by a two thirds majority. The CRPD essentially makes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) an international standard, ensuring that Americans with disabilities who work and travel abroad, including disabled American veterans, are protected from discrimination. The treaty also helps ensure that all Americans enjoy the same rights outside the U.S. as they are afforded at home. Last week, seven bipartisan Senators indicated their support to ratify the CRPD—providing critical progress that will help advance the treaty. We are grateful to Senators McCain (AZ), Durbin (IL), Moran (KS), Harkin (IA), Barrasso (WY), Coons (DE), and Udall (NM) for this support. Now that the CRPD has been transmitted to the Senate and is receiving bipartisan support, the Society and coalition partners are urging the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold a hearing soon on this important treaty. This would keep up the momentum and hopefully lead to quick passage.
Posted by Steve at Saturday, June 02, 2012

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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.