Category: Latest News

On June 28, 2012 a historic decision was made by the United States Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA was originally approved by Congress and was then signed into law on March 23, 2010. The law was designed to make many changes to the way the healthcare and insurance systems work in the United States, with most of the scheduled changes requested to be implemented within a four-year period, or by the end of 2014.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is proud to mark the 10-year anniversary of one of its most sought after programs – the MRI Institute. This program is designed to help people who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and lack health insurance coverage, acquire an MRI scan. The Institute has been supported by the pharmaceutical companies EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc since 2002. During that time, the Institute has helped over 7,500 individuals who have MS and could not otherwise afford an MRI to monitor their multiple sclerosis.

This year’s American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting was especially exciting for multiple sclerosis (MS) clinicians and researchers. Results were presented from clinical trials that have been ongoing for the past three-to-four years, many of which focus on the "new generation" of oral drugs for managing MS progression. Studies have looked at the effectiveness and safety of the new agents, particularly as compared to the standard injectible drugs that became available starting in the early 1990’s. Data on these new agents have been released gradually as the studies progressed through the clinical trials process, and anticipation of the details from completed studies has been building.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is proud to offer volunteers the opportunity to dive into action through the Swim for MS Pool Party. An offshoot of MSAA’s popular Swim for MS program, the Pool Party is a one-day event volunteers host in their own backyard or community pool. To begin to plan their Swim for MS Pool Party, volunteers first select a date, then select an activity – such as cannonballs, swimming laps or even a game of Marco Polo – and finally collect pledges from friends and family for the activity chosen. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

On May 10, 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about experimental therapies aimed at treating chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). This is a complex condition involving changes in blood flow from the brain back to the heart, caused by the twisting or collapse of certain veins located on the outside of the brain.

On April 20, 2012, Novartis announced changes to the prescribing information for Gilenya® (fingolimod) in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This new prescribing information is applicable only to individuals who have not been given a first dose of Gilenya or for those who have stopped and will be restarting the drug. These changes do not affect any guidelines for individuals who are currently taking Gilenya.

Novartis released a safety information update on April 13, 2012 stating that an individual with MS who was taking Gilenya® (fingolimod) was diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This infection of the brain has been associated with another treatment for MS, Tysabri® (natalizumab). Depending on the risk factors discussed below, a small number of MS patients may develop PML either while taking Tysabri or up to three months after discontinuing this drug.

Biogen Idec announced last week that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both a new device (the Avonex Pen) as well as a new dosing regimen for Avonex (interferon beta-1a). These two approvals are aimed at assisting patients who are either taking Avonex presently, or who are just starting Avonex, for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Biogen Idec announced last week that they have submitted an application to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate), an experimental oral drug for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The company plans to also submit an application for the same drug to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) shortly. Biogen Idec expects to hear back from these two agencies within a few months regarding the status and potential approval of BG-12.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is pleased to recognize March as MS Awareness Month. During the month of March, MSAA will be highlighting various programs designed to expand knowledge, understanding, and support of individuals whose lives are affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).