UPDATE: On July 19, 2013, Biogen Idec announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had accepted their application for the marketing approval of Plegridy&#0153 in the United States. The FDA will review the drug under its standard review timeline. The European Medicines Agency (an agency in Europe similar to the FDA in the United States) is also reviewing an application for the approval of Plegridy in the European Union.

On May 21, 2013, Biogen Idec submitted a new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval. This potential new disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for the long-term treatment of MS is a pegylated version of interferon beta-1a. Using the brand name of “Plegridy&#0153,” if approved, this new product would require fewer injections than the other presently approved self-injectable DMTs for MS.

The American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) 65th Annual Meeting took place in San Diego, California in March. This large medical conference presents the latest findings in research and treatments for neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). To follow are some important highlights.

Two cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in individuals taking either fumaric acid or a compound of fumaric acid esters were reported in The New England Journal of Medicine (N Engl J Med 2013;368;17:1657-1660) on April 25, 2013. PML is a potentially fatal brain infection with the JC virus (JCV), in people with weakened immune systems. Both of these reports were from Europe in individuals receiving long-term treatment for psoriasis (a chronic skin problem that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin [WebMD]).

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on March 27, 2013 that it has approved Tecfidera™ (dimethyl fumarate or DMF, formerly known as BG-12) as a first-line therapy for the long-term treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Tecfidera’s parent company, Biogen Idec, submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for the approval of this drug in February 2012. (Read the FDA’s press release on the approval of Tecfidera.)

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) recognizes March as MS Awareness Month. Throughout March, MSAA encourages individuals to expand their knowledge, understanding, and support of individuals whose lives are affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is pleased to announce its new partnership with SwimOutlet.com to help promote the charity’s national fundraiser, Swim for MS. Serving as the distribution sponsor for Swim for MS, SwimOutlet.com will feature promotional information and ongoing updates on swim events through newsletter articles, targeted email campaigns, and posts on social media including Facebook and Twitter.

Recent news reports and statistical information indicate that this year the incidence rate for seasonal influenza (flu) is already high and is widely impacting communities across the nation. The good news is that the flu immunization prepared for the 2012-2013 flu season appears to be very well matched to those flu strains occurring across the country; therefore, preventative measures such as obtaining a flu vaccine may be helpful in preventing the contraction of the flu.

The impact of Hurricane Sandy to the residents of the mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, and Midwestern United States has been devastating. MSAA’s staff is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life as well as the destruction of personal possessions, homes, and businesses, caused by this storm.