Multiple Sclerosis: MSConnection Winter 2011

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

Thursday, December 22, 2011

MSConnection Winter 2011

Table of Contents — Winter 2011 Issue

Picturing Disability 9
Picturing Disability

Top Stories

The National MS Society Welcomes a New President & CEO
The Promise of NOW: Annual Meeting of Members Conference & EXPO with Stanley F. Waterman Research Series

News

Picturing Disability
Madeline Russell of Medford receives Mass. Family Caregiver Honor
Pediatric MS Studies Receive Federal Support

Newly Diagnosed

Taking the Next Step After Diagnosis
Can We Talk? Newly Diagnosed Conference Calls

Programs

MS Scholarships
Get the latest!
Live Fully, Live Well — The Holistic Approach to MS
Help is a Phone Call Away
Do you have SSDI Questions???
Educational Teleconference Series 2012
MS Encompass - Get Fit!
Mapping Your Way to Wellness, Discover the Route to Living Your Best Life!
MS and Wellness
Wellness Scholarship Program
Ask the Experts
In Touch Phone Groups
Self-Help Groups
Relationship Matters
Keep S’myelin
MS Learn Online
Living with MS Support Group
Caregiver Support Group

Research

Stress and MS
Vitamin D in African Americans with MS
A Link to Herpes?
Flu Shot, or Not?
Research Advocate
Clinical Trials Update

Advocacy

Up-To-Date FAQs on the Affordable Care Act
New ADA Rules
Wanted: MS “Grasstops”!
Federal Update
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Vermont
We Did It!
MS Activist Blog
Action Alert
Government Relations Committee

Living with MS

Walk This Way: Using Walking Poles
OK to Mix Pregnancy and MS

Volunteers

Giving Thanks

Fundraising

Want to Give at the Office?
Recent Event Re-caps
Join Us on a Journey of Hope
BC Field Hockey
Dennison Family Honors Memory of Sister with Multiple Sclerosis
Ride With Us In 2012
From Broken Back to Cycling Across America for MS Cure
Joey’s Story
Accept the Challenge

Calendar of Events - see current calendar

Classified Ads - see current listings

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