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Latest News
Professor William Carroll wins the 2011 John Studdy Award
13 December 2011Multiple Sclerosis Australia (MSA) and Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MSRA) would like to congratulate Prof William Carroll on being awarded the prestigious John Studdy Award.
Click here to view the statement 
Statement Re: Vitamin D and MS
25 October 2011An article published in the journal Neurology today claims there is little difference between high dose and low dose Vitamin D supplementation for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Disability Reform Must Occur: MS Australia, Media Release
13 October 2011MS Australia has used today’s actions at Parliament House to renew a call to the Federal Government to ensure the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) becomes a reality for the 21,000 Australians living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Fatigue and MS international study
05 September 2011Up to 90 percent of people with MS report having fatigue (defined as an overwhelming feeling of weakness).
Do you suffer from fatigue as part of your MS?
Help the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) in their latest fatigue study by completing this anonymous 5 minute survey. You have until 1 November to complete the survey.
Statement Re: CCSVI
02 September 2011The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom has recently announced it is encouraging further research into the procedure known as percutaneous venoplasty, to determine if it is effective and safe for use. The procedure is used to open up narrowed veins in the neck that carry oxygen depleted blood, in a condition known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), and is of great interest to many people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Statement Re: GILENYA
31 August 2011The first medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) that can be taken orally will be subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from tomorrow – welcome news for many Australians living with MS..
Breakthrough Research Holds Clue About MS Cause
11 August 2011In one of the largest human genetic studies ever undertaken, scientists have identified the major common genetic variants that contribute to the cause of the devastating neurologic disease, multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
The Biggest Reform In Generations For People With Disability
10 August 2011The lives of Australians living with disabilities will be turned around thanks to the announcement of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by the Federal Government today – the most significant reform to the disability sector in generations.
MS Australia Argues For Transparent PBS System At Senate Inquiry
21 July 2011MS Australia will argue for a fair and transparent system for listing medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on behalf of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) at a hearing of the Senate Inquiry into the Federal Government's policy in Melbourne today.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Figures Show More Must Be Done To Help Young People In Nursing Homes
21 July 2011Figures released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare this morning confirm that a joint Federal and State program to keep young people out of nursing homes has worked and must continue.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Statement Regarding Movectro - Update
12 July 2011Last month, Merck Serono announced that they were voluntarily withdrawing Movectro, an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) from the Australian market.
Click here to view STATEMENT
Read more about Movectro (cladribine tablets)
Pregnancy and MS Statement
07 July 2011ABC Television news last night reported on current research into the affect of pregnancy on multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here to read MS Australia's STATEMENT
Statement Regarding Canadian CCSVI Trials
01 July 2011The Canadian Government yesterday announced they will be funding future Phase I and II clinical trials into chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Click here to read MS Australia's STATEMENT
Government Urged To Renew Funding For Young People in Nursing Homes
27 June 2011A vital program funded by the Federal and State Governments to keep young people out of nursing homes runs out of money this Thursday, prompting peak bodies to appeal for it's urgent renewal.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Statement Regarding Movectro
23 June 2011Merck Serono has today announced that they will be voluntarily withdrawing Movectro, an oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS), from the Australian market.
Click here to view STATEMENT
Read more about Movectro (cladribine tablets)
MS Australia Welcomes Subsidy of First Oral MS Medication
21 June 2011The first medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) that can be taken orally will be subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - welcome news for many Australians living with MS.
Click here to view MEDIA RELEASE
Read more about Gilenya (fingolimod)
Approval for Gilenya: A new oral treatment for MS
15 February 2011Australian neurologists and people living with MS will now have access to another option for MS medication, with the recent Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval and release of the oral treatment Gilenya (also known as fingolimod) by Novartis. The approval for the use of Gilenya follows that of Movectro in late 2010.
Robert Hubbard, President of MS Australia states “We are very pleased that there is now another oral medication available to people with MS. This new medication provides neurologists with another option for the treatment of MS to add to the growing range of oral and injectable MS treatments.”
In this case, the oral treatment will also provide another option that has considerably more flexibility in its use for people with MS and the potential to enhance the lifestyles of people who inherently have a range of difficulties from the disease already.
Whilst we are happy that this new medication has been approved by the TGA, we look forward to a time when it might be listed on the Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), making it accessible to the whole MS community, most of whom depend on the PBS for inexpensive access to their treatments.
Any step forward in safe treatment options for MS, is fully supported by MS Australia and MS Research Australia (MSRA). Our objective remains to pursue research through MSRA that will lead to the prevention of MS before it starts, to further slow disease progression and ultimately to finding a cure.
Please note that whilst the new oral medications may assist in improving the lives of many, they may not suit all people with the disease. Also, given the risk profile of any new treatment, including the profile of these oral medications, consultation with a neurologist is essential.
Note: MSRA and MS Australia do not recommend any specific disease treatments for people living with MS. The choice of therapy to treat the disease is a matter to be discussed with a neurologist or other specialist healthcare professional.
Read more about Gilenya (fingolimod)
MSRA Director receives Australian of the Year Award
25th January, 2011
MS Australia, MS Research Australia (MSRA) and the MS community congratulate Simon McKeon, on being awarded the prestigious Australian of the Year Award 2011.
Multiple Sclerosis Director Receives Queens Birthday Award
David Barnes President of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia and Director Multiple Sclerosis Australia was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the community, and to the disability sector, particularly through executive roles with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia.
This appointment follows David being awarded Life Membership to Multiple Sclerosis Australia and the John Studdy Award in 2009 in recognition of his distinguished service to Australians with multiple sclerosis and to multiple sclerosis research.
The Vice President of Multiple Sclerosis Australia Ian Pennell AM, said “David is a worthy recipient of the award as he has worked tirelessly to advance the support of people affected by MS in WA. His counsel and support of national programs and MS research throughout Australia has added to our ability to support all Australian affected by MS”.
David Barnes AM was first appointed to the Board of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA in 1994.
His successful track record in commerce led to an early appointment as Chair of Fundraising. Under David’s stewardship, the Society expanded its revenue base significantly resulting in an increase in Member (client) services. David’s contribution has ranged from medium sized fundraising initiatives to major commercial projects.
In 1996 David was appointed as Vice President and asked to take the President’s role in 2000, the position he currently holds.
In addition to his direct contribution to assist people with MS, David sat on the (WA Government) Disability Services Commission’s Strategic Planning Committee. As recognition of this and other work conducted for people with multiple sclerosis, David received an award from the WA Minister for Disabilities in 2007.
Under David’s term as President, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia has gone from strength to strength with their contribution to research and Member (client) services growing substantially under David’s leadership.
Introducing the Betty Cuthbert rose
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Betty Cuthbert has been honoured for dedicating nearly forty years to championing the needs of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) through the naming of a rose by famed rose grower, Treloar Roses. Labelled the ‘golden girl’ of Australian athletics after setting two world records at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Cuthbert now aged 70 was diagnosed with MS in her late thirties and since her diagnosis has devoted a vast amount of her time and energy to raising awareness about the disease.
Treloar Roses will donate a $1.00 from the sale of each rose to MS Australia. The rose will retail for $18.00 each.
Click here for more information
MSA Pharmaceutical Policy
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.
For more information on Stacks of Snacks please visit: www.stacksofsnacks.com
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
January 2009Another Tysabri patient has contracted progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML, a recognised rare complication of Tysabri treatment.
Click here for more information.
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.
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