It is now known that mitoxantrone can harm your heart’s pumping action. This harm can show up while you are being treated with the medicine or many years later. To be sure it is working well, your heart needs to be tested before you are treated with mitoxantrone and every year thereafter, even after you stop using mitoxantrone. If the testing shows your heart needs some help, the sooner you get treatment, the better for your health.
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Multiple Sclerosis Coalition debuts on Facebook and Twitter
Today the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition (MSC) debuts new accounts on Facebook and Twitter that will serve as a “one-stop” source for information on available MS programs and services. Representing the leading organizations in MS research, advocacy, education, and treatment, the MSC will provide information on the individual offerings of member organizations as well as collaborative efforts orchestrated through the Coalition itself. The MSC can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MSCoalition and on Twitter at @MSCoalition.
Read News ArticleNew Dosing Regimen for Copaxone Submitted to FDA
Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd., the makers of Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate), announced on May 30, 2013 that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had accepted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Copaxone at a higher dose and reduced frequency. The present FDA-approved dose of Copaxone is 20 mg given daily via subcutaneous injection. The new dosing under review is double the concentration (40 mg) and is given three days per week (also via subcutaneous injection) versus every day. If FDA approved, a less-frequent treatment option for Copaxone may become available.
Read News ArticleBiogen Idec Submits a New MS Treatment to FDA for Approval
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™ 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™,” if approved, this new product would require fewer injections than the other presently approved self-injectable DMTs for MS.
Read News ArticleHighlights from the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting
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.
Read News ArticlePML Reported in Psoriasis Patients Taking Fumaric Acid Medications in Europe
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]).
Read News ArticleTecfidera Approved for the Long-Term Treatment of MS
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.)
Read News ArticleMarch is MS Awareness Month
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).
Read News ArticleThe Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Launches New Website
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is pleased to introduce its new website, mymsaa.org.
Read News ArticleMultiple Sclerosis Association of America Teams Up With SwimOutlet.com To Promote Swim For 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.
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