Future Research and Hope

MS research is ongoing in a wide variety of areas such as nutrition, nerve transmission, re-mylenation and immune system function.

Because MS is more likely to develop in people who live in higher latitudes, where Vitamin D3 levels may be lower due to reduced levels of ultraviolet radiation, research into the effects of oral Vitamin D3 on MS is ongoing.

A number of new oral medications have shown promise in reducing new lesion formation and reducing relapse rates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The phase 3 trial of an investigational drug, Fingolimod (FTY720) should be complete by 2009 with results available by 2010. If safety and efficacy standards are met in this final phase, MS patients may have an oral medication available as early as 2010.

Other encouraging medication trials include the investigational drugs laquinmod, teriflunomide, fumarate and cladribine, some of which may be available as early as 2011-2012 if they meet efficacy and safety requirements.

Research has also revealed that new neurons can grow in MS lesions. This discovery opens the door for research into new forms of treatments for MS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

References

MS Society of Canada www.mssociety.ca/en/information/default.htm

NIH Publication No. 83-2621 novantrone (Mitoxantrone hydrochloride) injection, solution [Serono, Inc.] www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?id=1089&type=display

Oral fingolimod (FTY720) for relapsing multiple sclerosis. PubMed www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16971719