Dirucotide, previously known as MBP8298, has been in clinical trials primarily for the treatment of secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), but also for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). On January 30, 2009, dirucotide’s developer (BioMS Medical Corp.), announced the results of MINDSET-01, an exploratory phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dirucotide in patients with RRMS.

More than 5,000 medical professionals attended this year’s first World Congress on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, held in Montreal, Canada this past September. MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer Jack Burks, MD, not only attended the meeting, but also reviewed approximately 1,000 poster presentations – specifically about the latest in MS news and research.

The Resource Detectives program, developed by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), provides a virtual volunteer opportunity for anyone interested in giving back to the community but unable to do so in the traditional sense of working on-site.

A thinner needle will soon be available for individuals taking Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) for the long-term treatment of MS. The thinner needle is being offered as a way to potentially help reduce the pain and anxiety often associated with injections.

Two changes have recently been made to the labeling and prescribing information for Tysabri® (natalizumab). Manufactured and marketed by Biogen Idec and Elan, Tysabri is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as Crohn’s disease.