pipeline

This is the archive for pipeline.

• Stem cell funding ban overturned in the US

  In a 2-1 decision, a panel of the court of appeals in Washington overturned a judge’s order that would have blocked federal financing of stem cell research. [...]

  • Caroline says: This is good news for a variety of chronic diseases, not just MS. The potential for stem cells to be highly beneficial or even curative in the treatment of many disabling diseases is staggering -- of course, this outcome is still years away. But we've taken the first step towards a result.
     
  • Related Links:
  • http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42821180/ns/health-cloning_and_stem_cells/…
  
  

  • Scientists Have (Potentially) Discovered the Chemical that Triggers MS

    Scientists are said to have made a major breakthrough as they have found the chemical that enhances the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The chemical known as granulocyte-macrophage [...]

    • Caroline says: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (try saying that three times in a row) is an immune system chemical which is part of the body's defense against MS. However, scientists found that eliminating excess GM-CSF could help alleviate and counter MS symptoms (in mice). Human trials will begin at the end of 2011 according to the article, which means potential drug interventions to reduce GM-CSF are seven years away.
       
    • Related Links:
    • http://topnews.us/content/239041-scientists-discover-chemical-triggers-multiple-…
    
    

    • HOT off the AAN 2011 Press: Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) shines over Rebif in clinical trials

      Five years’ worth of mid-stage data for Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) showed that 65% of patients were free of clinically-active disease, compared to 27% on Merck’s interferon treatment Rebif. [...]

      • Caroline says: Genzyme's drug Lematrada (currently branded as Campath in the US) showed very positive results when compared with Rebif. According to data presented at AAN this year, 72% of patients treated with Lemtrada were relapse-free compared with 41% of patients taking Rebif. Lemtrada has been fast-tracked by the FDA, and should be approved in early 2012.
         
      • Related Links:
      • http://www.inpharm.com/news/154390/genzyme-multiple-sclerosis-lemtrada-alemtuzum…
      
      

      • HOT off the AAN 2011 Press: 23% Lower Relapse Rate For MS Patients On Laquinimod

        Multiple sclerosis patients on laquinimod experienced a 23% reduction in annual relapse rate compared to those on a placebo during a two year Phase III clinical trial [...]

        • Caroline says: Another oral on the horizon...Teva's laquinimod showed statistically significant Phase III results. According to lead authors in the study, laquinimod is shown to be well tolerated and safe -- elevated liver enzymes are "transient and reversible". Teva anticipates US and EU regulatory filing after the second Phase III trial results are available in Q3 2011.
           
        • Related Links:
        • http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/222016.php…
        
        

        • HOT off the AAN 2011 Press: Biogen MS drug meets main goal in late-stage study

          Biogen Idec Inc’s experimental multiple sclerosis drug met the main goal in the first of two important late-stage studies, the U.S. biotechnology company said on Monday. The [...]

          • Caroline says: More good news for you oral fans...Biogen is presenting top line data at this year's American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting in Honolulu. The meeting is happening this week.
             
          • Related Links:
          • http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/11/us-biogen-idUSTRE73A2G420110411…
          
          

          • EU Rejects Merck’s Multiple-Sclerosis Pill, Cladribine

            Merck KGaA’s hopes of gaining European marketing approval for its multiple-sclerosis pill Cladribine were quashed Friday, after a European Union panel confirmed its negative opinion on the [...]

            • Caroline says: The FDA is currently reviewing cladribine (in the US it will be marketed by Serono/Pfizer), and a decision will be made about whether the drug will be approved in the US Feb 28, 2011. Apologies for the Wall Street Journal re-post, I think to view the link a log in is required but I didn't see this anywhere else. It will no doubt hit the blogs later today, when more information is available.
               
            • Related Links:
            • http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704754304576095441776135786.html…
            
            

            • Small, early study suggests skin patch can suppress MS immune activity

              In this placebo-controlled study, the team enrolled 30 people with relapsing-remitting MS. Treatments were administered via an adhesive patch placed on the right upper arm. Participants were [...]

              • Caroline says: This link was sent by an MS News Today reader, and I had to read it more than once to understand it. Basically, a skin patch containing components of myelin or placebo was given to 30 people and the results showed that in the people who received the myelin patch, immune activity was suppressed. These results are obviously very positive, especially since the article mentions that previous similar studies have not had such promising results. Further tests and study are essential.
                 
              • Related Links:
              • http://www.mstrust.org.uk/research/news/article.jsp?id=4384…
              
              

              • Stem cells have been stimulated to regenerate the myelin sheath that is damaged in MS

                MS could be reversed by activating stem cells in brain, new study suggests Scientists have shown that the damage caused to nerve cells in multiple sclerosis could [...]

                • Caroline says: All of today's MS treatments address symptoms -- that is, they don't repair any damage. A new study in the UK has found the cell development route that turns brain and spinal cord stem cells into myelin-making cells (in rats and mice). If this same pathway could be switched on by drugs in humans, the cells could potentially regenerate the damaged myelin sheaths around the nerve fibers of MS patients.
                   
                • Related Links:
                • http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/dec/05/ms-activating-stem-cells-brain…
                
                

                • FDA Delays Approval of Oral Cladribine for 3 Months

                  The Food and Drug Administration extended the pill’s priority review period by three months to Feb. 28, 2011, to examine additional information on the product, Darmstadt, Germany-based [...]

                  • Caroline says: This is big news! Oral cladribine was slated for US FDA approval in 2010, meaning it should have been approved any day. The FDA has extended the review time for oral cladribine for 3 months, which means the decision to approve it will now be in February 2011.
                     
                  • Related Links:
                  • http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-11-26/merck-kgaa-says-fda-extends-review-f…
                  
                  

                  • Hype around MS ‘cure’ proves deadly

                    The recent death of Ontario resident Mahir Mostic, who died from complications after undergoing the procedure in Costa Rica, has revealed a sobering truth: that liberation therapy’s [...]

                    • Caroline says: An Ontario man has died after inadequate follow up after undergoing CCSVI in Costa Rica. This is very sad and will hopefully deter some of the patients traveling overseas to receive this treatment. Our deepest sympathy for his wife and young son.
                       
                    • Related Links:
                    • http://www.thestar.com/news/article/894625--hype-around-ms-cure-proves-deadly?bn…
                    
                    
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