Latest News
World MS Day 2019
World MS Day 2019 on Thursday 30 May is an annual global day to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) and the needs of people living with the condition.
This year’s theme,...
TGA approval of Gilenya® (fingolimod) as first licensed oral treatment for paediatric MS
On Wednesday 1 May 2019, Novartis announced that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Gilenya® (fingolimod) for the treatment of children and adolescents 10-17 years old with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
The registration makes Gilenya the first licenced...
Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®) under safety review by European Medicines Agency
Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®), one of the approved treatments for relapsing MS in Australia, is being reviewed as a first line therapy by regulatory bodies overseas. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has started a safety review of alemtuzumab based on new reports overseas of rare but...
BUDGET 2019 – Both parties set the scene for the Federal Election
As many commentators have already said, this year’s Federal Budget is unusual. More than a month early, it marks the beginning of an election campaign, rather than setting out a national economic plan, with the Federal Election 2019 date to be announced shortly.
For people living with MS...
MS Australia - Media Statement: PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON ANNOUNCES ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DISABILITY
MS Australia (MSA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Prime Minister, of the Royal Commission into Disability and his commitment, dedication and recognition of the challenges faced by people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
It’s important that this inquiry develops a fuller picture...
Have your say! - Nationwide research project launched
Rediscovering hope and optimism aboard the Oceans of Hope
A research study titled, “”I can do more than I thought I could”: exploring the online blogs from the Sailing Sclerosis Oceans of Hope journey”, by researchers in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, Australia, was recently published in the international journal,...
MS Xplained
Around 80 per cent of medical information provided by doctors is forgotten straight away! Can you believe that? When you’re newly diagnosed with MS, it’s a difficult time and there is so much to learn and understand about your diagnosis, treatment options and the impact MS will have on your...
Deletion of Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) 20 mg/mL dose from PBS from 1 July 2019.
The 20 mg/mL dose of MS treatment Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) will be deleted from listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 July 2019.
The request for this deletion was made by the sponsor, Teva Pharma Australia Pty Ltd. Teva have stated that, “since the launch of...
Sex life and MS animation launches globally
Contributing to the health and wellbeing of people with MS is a key part of our role and we are keen to provide practical resources that can assist.
The newly launched ‘Sex Life and MS’ animation looks at some of the ways that MS can affect intimacy and sexuality and...
MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) for RRMS Australian Government approves PBS listing
As widely reported in the media, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, today announced approval for the listing of MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets) for relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 January 2019.
Previously, MAVENCLAD® was...
A Christmas Message from Deidre Mackechnie, Chief Executive Officer, MS Australia
As we enter the festive season, I offer my warmest wishes to all Australians living with MS and to the supportive families and friends on the journey with you.
I also report on what has been in 2018 and what must be in 2019.
In 2018 we achieved a lot and yet not enough. It is our...