Research News
Smoking May Increase Risk of Developing MS
As reported by Reuters, a two-year survey (1997 to 1999) of 22,000 people between
the ages of 40 to 47 found that individuals who smoke may have a much greater
risk of developing MS. The risk for male smokers appears to be three times
the normal incidence, and women may be twice as likely to have MS if they smoke
versus those who did not. The survey was conducted by researchers at the University
of Bergen in Norway and Harvard University in Massachusetts.
Interferon Reminder
Reports of interferon use and potential liver damage have been in the news
recently. While serious liver injury is rare, individuals taking any of the
interferons (Betaseron®, Avonex®, and Rebif®) are reminded to
ask their physicians about having liver function checked regularly.
Signs of liver injury include: yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), nausea and vomiting, easy bruising of the skin, diffuse itching, and abdominal pain. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should contact his or her physician immediately. Information was provided by Health Canada.
Anti-Epileptic Drug May
Help Treat Spasms
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas recently reported
that the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetan was effective in reducing spasms
and painful muscle cramps for individuals with MS. According to an assistant
professor of neurology and lead author of the study, all 11 people with MS
who took part in the study experienced a decrease in spasticity when either
taking the drug alone or in combination with other spasticity therapies over
a period of one to four months. Tonic spasticity, which is characterized by
continuous tension, did not improve.
This drug also helped decrease pain, and this can improve a patient’s mood. The clinical investigators found the side effects overall to be generally mild. The conclusions of this study are preliminary, and larger, placebo-controlled studies are needed to determine the drug’s effectiveness.
Oral Drug for MS
Business Wire reported that the primary endpoint was reached in a Phase II
clinical trial with an oral treatment for MS called laquinimod. Developed
by Active Biotech, laquinimod showed a 30 percent reduction in MRI activity
over a six-month period in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study that
took place in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Russia. Other
endpoints, such as EDSS and exacerbation rate, were not statistically different,
which was expected due to the short treatment period. More than 200 people
with MS participated. This drug is taken in tablet form and according to
the report, has a “highly advantageous” safety profile.
