ECTRIMS is the European Committe for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. Every year they hold the world’s largest conference on MS research and this year’s event is taking place this week in Barcelona. Amy Bowen, our Director of Service Development, reports on what is widely expected to be the most significant event for many years.  Read on. 

A new international report on early treatment has been launched today. Brain health: time matters in multiple sclerosis, was written by a global expert group led by UK neurologist Professor Gavin Giovannoni.

This follows the MS Society’s consensus paper on early treatment released on Wednesday 30 September.  Read on. 

Source MS Trust:

As well as the symptoms caused by ‘flu’, the fever associated with the infection can lead to a worsening of multiple sclerosis symptoms for those people with MS who are adversely affected by heat.

NICE guidelines state that people with MS should be offered immunisation against influenza as infections may be associated with worsening of symptoms or could trigger relapse.

A study of 49 people with MS reported that five experienced fever or flu-like symptoms after vaccination. No-one reported any new neurological symptoms or had complications or needed hospitalisation.  Read on. 

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today announced positive results from a pivotal Phase III study that evaluated the investigational medicine ocrelizumab in people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).  Read on. 

Source MS Society:

People with the most common form of multiple sclerosis should be offered drug treatment earlier, a charity says.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s report suggests there is a “wait-and-see” approach by doctors which needs to end.

But drug watchdog NICE says while this “disease-modifying therapy” can help in some cases, the benefits need to be weighed carefully against side-effects. Read on.