In January 2010, the results from two large Phase III trials with oral FTY720 (fingolimod) were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. According to a press release from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (makers of FTY720), the TRANSFORMS and FREEDOMS studies showed positive results in reducing relapses, disability progression, and MRI lesions when MS patients were given FTY720.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox® (onabotulinumtoxin A) for the treatment of spasticity in the flexor muscles of the elbow, wrist, and fingers in adults. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., this drug is administered via injection by a medical professional and is available through prescription only.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) encourages everyone to take time this March to learn about multiple sclerosis (MS) and discover all of the programs and services MSAA offers to everyone affected by MS.

Jimmie Heuga, founder of The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis in Colorado, passed away on February 8, 2010. Renamed "Can Do Multiple Sclerosis," this center continues to carry on Heuga’s philosophy and passion for teaching individuals with MS to live life to the fullest.

The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ampyra™ (dalfampridine), an oral, timed-release medication developed to improve the conduction of impulses between damaged nerves of the central nervous system (CNS).

A great deal of media attention has been given recently to the possible connection between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis (MS). CCSVI is a complex condition involving changes in blood flow from the brain back to the heart, which some researchers theorize could possibly lead to activation of the immune system, excess iron deposits, loss of myelin, and other nervous system damage.

In addition to the recent approval of Extavia, other drug updates include Fampridine-SR, oral cladribine, Copaxone, Tysabri, and fingolimod.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) received four communications awards, which included two APEX Awards and two National Health Information Awards for the following.

Two flu vaccines, the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (“swine flu”) vaccines, will be available for the 2009/2010 flu season. The seasonal flu vaccine protects individuals from three types of flu and is currently available. The H1N1 flu vaccine protects individuals from the newest type of flu, which was first detected in people living in the United States in April 2009. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in early to mid-October 2009.

On August 14, 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Extavia® (interferon beta-1b) for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).