The promise of minocycline as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis dimmed a bit on the news that an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) trial using the drug  saw patients progression accelerate.

The US researchers who conducted the study warned the Canadian team preparing a trial of the commonly prescribed acne drug for multiple sclerosis. ( Trial reported on in earlier post. ) The Canadian scientists plan to proceed with the trial.

You are welcome to sign the petition for ratification of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The potential is for a great improvement in the quality of life for those with MS and other disabilties. Visit petition here.

Earlier this year MS patients participated in a survey to determine the role technology plays in their daily lives. Results here.

Canadian researchers are looking at minocycline, an antibiotic pill commonly used for severe acne treatment, as a possible agent to protect the myelin and inhibit progression of multiple sclerosis in newly diagnosed patients.

Fluoxetine (Prozac) has emerged from a small trial as a  medicine warranting futher study as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis. The drug has been used extensively to treat depression associated with the disease and this study indicates some anti-inflammatory mechanisms that may be of benefit to patients as well.

General practitioners will be able to refer patients for MRI scans of their knees and suspected multiple sclerosis from the first day of next year.

John Hopkins researchers are encouraged by results of a study using a process called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to scan the layers of nerve fibers of the retina. The 5 minute procedure could provide a more cost effective way of tracking progression in multiple sclerosis patients.

You knew it was coming didn’t you? Two days ago we had a story that gave smoking a pass when it came to MS progression.  Seems another study finds a definite correlation.

A two year study involving a new formulation of Rebif reported a marked increase in injection tolerability. The new formulation was approved by the European Commision in August and will be available to patients in the UK by early 2008.

An earlier study implicated smoking in the devolopment and progression of multiple sclerosis, but a new analysis finds no evidence to support the previous conclusion.