Source Multiple Sclerosis News Today:

Inhibition of the neuroactive opioid growth factor (OGF) alters the blood levels of important pro- and anti-inflammatory proteins in mice with multiple sclerosis (MS)-like disease. The recognition of this regulatory response may represent a new way to monitor disease progression and treatment response in MS.

These findings were reported in a study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine, titled “Modulation of the OGF–OGFr pathway alters cytokine profiles in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis.” The study was led by researchers at Penn State University.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in MS and finding ways to tackle them is crucial for improving early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and patient care.  Read on.

Source EurekAlert:

Guardian molecule induced by testosterone reverses harmful immune response, eliminates disease symptoms in female mice.

Discovery in males leads to new target for MS therapy for womenWomen have three-to-four times the incidence of MS than menTestosterone-induced molecule appears to explain why men are protected’This is why it’s vital to study sex differences in research’

CHICAGO — Men are much less likely to get multiple sclerosis (MS) than women and one reason is that they are protected by high levels of testosterone.

Scientists have now discovered how it works. Using a mouse model of MS, they have identified a guardian molecule — triggered by testosterone — that appears to protect males from disease. When female mice with disease are treated with this protective molecule, their symptoms were eliminated, reports a new study from Northwestern Medicine.  Read on. 

Source BBC:

BMSTC Member Sue Doughty is mentioned in the article – “Sue Doughty lives in Twyford, Berkshire. She has multiple sclerosis. She faced homelessness and had to rely on help from her daughter.

Following a year spent in appeal, the Court of Tribunal awarded Sue PIP ongoing for life.”

“Every person receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is to have their claim reviewed.

This follows a decision by the Department for Work and Pensions not to challenge a court ruling saying changes to PIP – which limited the support received by people with mental health conditions – were unfair.

Three people tell us their feelings about the review and what impact a change to their claims could have on their lives.”  Read on. 

Source MS Trust:

NICE has recommended Extavia, but rejected Copaxone, Avonex, Betaferon, Plegridy and Rebif in its preliminary appraisal of MS drugs. The MS Trust has responded to NICE’s consultation in the strongest possible terms.

On 20 December 2017 NICE published(link is external) its preliminary decision on the use of Copaxone and the five beta interferon drugs (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy and Rebif) by the NHS in England. It is not yet clear what implications this will have in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

NICE has recommended the following:

Extavia is recommended as a treatment for people with relapsing remitting MS or secondary progressive MS with continued relapses
Copaxone, Avonex, Betaferon, Plegridy and Rebif are not recommended
Anyone already taking one of the drugs will not be affected by this guidance and can continue without change until they and their neurologist consider it appropriate to stop.

NICE has acknowledged that all six drugs are equally effective at reducing the number of relapses and slowing down disability progression. The decision to approve Extavia and not the other five drugs is based on the cost of the drugs; Copaxone and the other beta interferons are more expensive than Extavia.

If you are already taking one of these drugs, you will not be affected and can continue without change.