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Latest News
Statement re: CCSVI research
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a condition in which the cervical and thorac veins are not able to remove the blood from the central nervous system. In 2009, Dr Paolo Zamboni reported that this condition may have an association to Multiple Sclerosis.
MS Australia welcomes any research into the cause and cure of MS, and awaits more research findings into this condition to determine its link to Multiple Sclerosis.
For more detailed information, visit the MS Research Australia's website at www.msra.org.au.
People with MS with any questions should contact MS Connect on 1800 042 138 or their treating neurologist.
Media enquiries should be directed to Prue Guillaume on 0437 139 078.
Thank you to Stacks of Snacks
MS Australia would like to thank Stacks of Snacks for supporting us through financial contributions on every piece of chocolate confectionery sold in snack boxes for 13 years up to December 31st, 2009.
We have recently concluded our ten year agreement with Stacks of Snacks by amicable and mutual agreement.
We are grateful to Stacks of Snacks for their generous support and invaluable role in raising awareness of Multiple Sclerosis in the community for the past thirteen years.
Click here to read the formal letter of thanks to Stacks of Snacks..
Media Release: Multiple Sclerosis Advocate Receives Australia Day Honour
Leaders from the multiple sclerosis movement have today congratulated Graham Tribe for being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his tireless commitment to Australians living with
multiple sclerosis (MS).
Read the full media release here.
Media Statement Re: Fingolimod and Cladribine 21 January 2010
Reports in the New England Journal of Medicine today (21 January 2010) indicate that clinical trials of the drugs Fingolimod and Cladribine show favourable results for treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod and Cladribine are pharmaceutical medications for relapsing-remitting MS and would be taken as capsules, as opposed to most currently available treatments, which are administered by injection.
MS Australia welcomes research into any new therapies which may give people living with MS more options for the reduction in disease activity and the strong possibility of less long term disability.
However, despite the exciting phase III trial data reported today these drugs are still at clinical trial stage and are yet to go through the required Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) assessment and other approval processes for use in Australia.
We are looking forward to the results of these assessments by the regulatory authorities in Australia to determine when these drugs will be available to help people with MS in Australia.
People living with MS who require further information about this subject should contact
MS Connect on 1800 042 138 for more information.
For all media enquiries please contact Prue Guillaume on 0437 139 078 or Kate McEvoy on 0424 649 148.
Media Statement Re: Sativex - Friday 15 January 2010
Several media reports today (Friday 15 January 2010) indicate that doctors at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are aiming to test the drug Sativex for treatment of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Sativex is a pharmaceutical medication derived from cannabis.
MS Australia welcomes research into any new therapies which may help people living with MS manage the symptoms of the disease.
However while the drug has been approved in other countries it is yet to go through the essential Therapeutic Goods Administration approval process in Australia.
We are looking forward to the results of this rigorous testing to determine whether this drug will be effective in helping people living with this disease.
It must be noted that this form of treatment is only symptomatic and will not slow or affect the course of MS. At best it will improve the quality of life for those with appropriate symptoms such as painful stiffness of muscles etc and will not replace but only supplement physical and other existing therapies.
People living with MS who require further information about this subject should contact
MS Connect on 1800 042 138 for more information.
For all media enquiries please contact Prue Guillaume on 0437 139 078 or Kate McEvoy on 0424 649 148.
Companion Card Scheme
A new National Website has recently been launched detailing the operation of the Companion Card scheme. A companion card allows 2 people to attend an participating event or use a service where one person is a cardholder, has a disability and requires a companion to access the community. The website details eligibility, participating businesses and application requirements.
Read more.
Aussie and Kiwi researchers make double MS genetic discovery (15 June 2009)
Australian and New Zealand researchers have accelerated research into Multiple Sclerosis by discovering two new locations of genes which will help to unravel the causes of MS and other autoimmune disease. Their findings will be published today in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics.
MS Australia's response to the federal budget announcement
Australian first – University of Sydney Professor wins prestigious MS Award
The winner of MSIF’s biennial Charcot Award is Prof John Prineas, from the University of Sydney, Australia.
Prof Prineas was selected from an outstanding field of candidates by an international panel of experts from MSIF’s International Medical and Scientific Board, chaired by Professor Alan Thompson.
"The Charcot award recognises a life-time contribution to the world of MS and there could be no more deserving recipient. John Prineas has made a unique contribution to our understanding of the pathology of multiple sclerosis - over a number of decades, collaborating with colleagues on a truly global scale." Prof Alan Thompson, Chairman, MSIF International Medical and Scientific Board.
To read more about Prof Prineas and the Charcot award click here
New Case of Brain Illness in Tysabri Patient
Another Tysabri patient has contracted progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML, a recognised rare complication of Tysabri treatment.
Click here to read the full article.
Alemtuzumab (Campath) in the news
Recently, news of a new drug being trialled, known as Alemtuzumab or Campath, featured on various TV and Radio programs.
MS Australia welcomes any potential new drug that could give hope to people with MS. Different people respond to drugs in different ways, and this drug is still being trialled, so we have limited information on it at this stage. We look forward to the results of the trial to determine whether it can be used safely and effectively for people with MS.
For more background information on the drug and the results of overseas trials, please click on the link below:
Better Support for Carers - Federal Parliamentary Inquiry
MS Australia has made a submission to the House of Representatives inquiry into Better Support for Carers, and gave evidence at the Melbourne Hearing of the Inquiry. We highlighted the need for increased workplace flexibility for carers, improved superannuation provisions and a disability insurance scheme to fully fund disability services. Read the submission here.
Predictors of subjective fatigue in 3 samples: chronic fatigue & MS patients and university student controls
Investigators: Rhonda Brown, PhD.; Einar B. Thorsteinsson, PhD. University of New England NSW Australia
MS Australia- ACT/NSW/VIC would like to invite you to participate in an on line research project being conducted by the University of New England, NSW, Australia which aims to better understand fatigue. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, viral infection symptoms, sleep disturbance, and a number of specific stressors, unhealthy behaviours, psychosocial factors, and cognitions. Fatigue often has a physiological basis (e.g. viral infection), but previous research has shown that fatigue also has psychological aspects. This research is intended to help us better understand the way in which psychological factors impact on fatigue over a period of time. If you decide you would like to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete set of on line questionnaires three times (i.e., now, 6 months from now, and then 12 months from now).
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=sAu4Ep2exYGsdAW_2bc6UQMg_3d_3d
TV Advertisement Shows the Social Impact of Multiple Sclerosis
TYSABRI ALERT - from the MS Australia medical spokesperson, Dr. W. M. Carroll [1 August 2008]
This morning MSA was advised that two patients with MS, overseas, have been diagnosed with PML (progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy) while on Tysabri (Natalizumab).
Details are not complete but one patient with aggressive MS developed the condition after 17 infusions having had no other treatment. The second had previously received Azathioprine and an immunomodulatory therapy.
Both were detected by the post marketing surveillance system set up for Europe and similar to the TAPP programme in Australia. With the cessation of Tysabri treatment and the use of plasma exchange the condition has been halted and the patients are now stable.
Biogen-Idec have advised the TGA of the development and said that it highlights the need for continuing vigilance by MS practitioners and immunotherapy nurses. Further information will be posted as it becomes available.
W M CARROLL
Chair MSRA Research Management Council
If you have any concerns please contact your Neurologist.
Federal Parliamentary inquiry - Better Support for Carers. Submissions due 4th July
A new Inquiry has been announced by the House of Representatives Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth looking at the system of carer support in Australia. The inquiry is focusing on social and economic participation and the practical measures need to better support carers in their role. The MS Society will make a submission, however this is a great opportunity for carers and families to tell the inquiry their own ideas for improvements that come from direct experience of caring for a person with MS. Read the Inquiry Media release:
We have prepared a brief guide for families wanting to make a submitting to the inquiry. Read more.
MS Australia Welcomes Assistance For Carers and Listing of New Drug in Budget
MS Australia (MSA) today said it was encouraged by the Rudd Government's first Budget last night.
The Budget included the re-announcement of the listing of the drug Tysabri on the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which will take effect from July 1. Read more.
MS Australia Thanks Federal Government For PBS Listing
MS Australia is pleased to learn that the Federal Government has committed to subsidise the MS treatment, Tysabri, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as of 1 July, 2008. Read more.
State News
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