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.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Coupon Bill language victory and final call to action!

A key grass-roots victory to report! Thanks to your calls and emails to the legislature Governor Patrick signed the state budget which included the “coupon bill language” which now allows all Massachusetts consumers to utilize all pharmaceutical discounts, coupons and assistance programs such as co-pay programs. This will help ensure individuals with MS can afford their treatments! The state budget also preserved language and funding for the chapter’s Home LINKS care management program! Although the formal legislative session is almost over there is one more bill that will impact people with MS we need people to take action on today! Background Two differing bills (House Bill 4155 and Senate Bill 2270) currently sit before a six person conference committee charged with negotiating the differences between the bills to come up with a single, compromise piece of legislation to send to Governor Patrick. Both bills propose to establish a Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, which would provide grants to support community-based prevention and wellness programs. On the Senate version of the bill, we were able to secure with your advocacy an amendment that added “chronic disease management” as one of the purposes to be accomplished by programs funded through the Trust. The House version of the bill does not include that language. This difference is important because if the Trust purpose includes “chronic disease management”, this creates a great opportunity for programs such as the MS Home LINKS program to apply for access to these grant funds. If “chronic disease management” is not included, the availability of such funds for programs like Home LINKS is uncertain. Talking Points for MS Action Alert Members ACTION #1. Contact the Health Care Conferees (listed below) and ask them to include “chronic disease management” as one of the purposes of the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund and adopt the language in Senate Bill 2270. - Representative Steven Walsh (617) 722-2430 - Senator Richard Moore (617) 722-4120 - Representative Ronald Mariano (617) 722-2300 - Senator Bruce Tarr (617) 722-1600 - Representative Jay Barrows (617) 722-2488 - Senator Anthony Petruccelli (617) 722-1634 Sample Dialogue My name is: ______________________. I am calling about the payment reform legislation currently being negotiated by the conference committee. In particular, I am calling to ask that language, adding “chronic disease management”, be included within the purposes of the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund as it appears in Senate Bill 2270. The creation of a Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund is more than just advising healthy individuals to avoid unhealthy behaviors - Healthy individuals are not the only groups of individuals who need preventive and wellness programs. Individuals living with a chronic disease need assistance with daily management of conditions. This fund should also be used to prevent and manage conditions that worsen the quality of life. Studies have shown that the few dollars spent on prevention save thousands of dollars in treatment and inpatient care later. We cannot ignore the need to manage chronic diseases today and every day. I ask that the Representative/Senator support this language. Will she/he do so? Again, my name is ____________________. I can be reached at _________________ (provide telephone #) if the legislator has any questions. Thank you and please support our efforts to promote chronic disease management. National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter 101A First Avenue, Suite 6 | Waltham, Mass. 02451-1115 tel: 1 800-344-4867 | fax: 1 781-890-2089 | MSnewengland.org Advocacy Icon Jpg Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or 1-800-344-4867. Our postal address is: National Multiple Sclerosis Society 733 Third Avenue New York, New York 10017 Unsubscribe Email Preferences Forward to a Friend Privacy Policy
Posted by Steve at Friday, July 27, 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.