Category: Latest News

The American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN’s) 66th Annual Meeting took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania April 26th-May 3rd. The AAN is an association of more than 27,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals dedicated to advancing the care of individuals with neurologic disease. Every year, these professionals gather to hear the latest findings in research and treatments for neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). To follow are some important highlights.

Genzyme, a Sanofi company, announced today that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab), a proposed treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This application was recently resubmitted after the FDA did not approve Lemtrada in late December 2013, when Genzyme stated that they had received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA. This letter informed them that the application for their drug was “not ready for approval.”

In the Winter/Spring 2014 issue of MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator, MSAA introduced the concept of biosimilar drugs, defining what they are and how they may impact future treatment options for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The feature article titled “Biosimilars: Approval on the Horizon” described biosimilars as drugs that are “highly similar” to the approved biologic medications.

Genzyme, a Sanofi company announced today that they will resubmit its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for approval of Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, according to a press release issued by Genzyme. Following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Genzyme intends to submit the application, addressing issues previously noted by the FDA in its Complete Response Letter.

In honor of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), through a collaborative partnership with Genzyme, a Sanofi company, is proud to announce the stories from three individuals in the MS community who describe how swimming has helped manage their MS symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Today, MSAA is unveiling their compelling stories captured on video at www.SwimForMS.org, along with new how-to resources about water-based exercise to help improve the lives of individuals living with MS.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) has been chosen as Wearable Hope’s partner organization of the week! Starting March 4, 2014, you can shop for MSAA t-shirts at www.wearablehope.com and choose from one of two custom designed shirts.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) recognizes March as MS Awareness Month. MSAA urges everyone to help raise awareness of multiple sclerosis throughout your community and help improve the lives today for people with MS and their families.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is pleased to offer the latest MS Research Update, available as both a printed and online publication. This vital resource provides a comprehensive overview of research findings on the ten FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as the latest study results on many experimental treatments currently under investigation. Directions for future research are also presented.

The Multiple Sclerosis Coalition (MSC) is a collaborative network of independent MS organizations whose mission is to increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for the benefit of the MS community. Members of this organization have collectively sent a letter to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), asking for clarification and reconsideration of various issues involved in the FDA’s recent denial of Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab, formerly Campath).

On January 28, 2014, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced that the new, three-times-per-week dosing of Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate), at the more concentrated dose of 40 mg, has been approved by the FDA. This new formulation enables individuals who take Copaxone to reduce their number of subcutaneous injections by 60 percent – from seven times per week to three times – once they are prescribed the new dosing regimen by their doctor. Teva states that in addition to the newly approved dose, daily Copaxone at the traditional 20-mg dose will continue to be available.