Research and treatment timeline: 30+ years of ms milestones | 4

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ms canada Fall/Winter 2012 4 Research and treatment timeline: 30+ years of MS milestones While there is still a long way to go in understanding multiple sclerosis and finding a cure, we are pleased to look back on the important advancements that have been made to broaden our understanding of this complex disease and improve quality of life. For complete information on MS Society funded research, visit mssociety.ca/researchsummaries For a more detailed version of the MS research timeline, please visit mssociety.ca/researchtimeline Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) first used to examine a person with MS Canadian researchers find gene linkage to MS susceptibility Rebif ® and Avonex ® (interferon beta-1a) approved in Canada for relapsing-remitting MS to reduce the number of attacks, slow the progression of physical disability and to reduce the number of brain lesions seen on MRI MSSRF funds study of $4 million over six years that aims to determine whether transplanting bone marrow stem cells in people with MS can stop the disease Link between vitamin D and the reduced risk of MS identified Dr. Paolo Zamboni identifies a possible association between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS MS Society and the National MS Society (USA) commit over $2.4 million to support seven new research projects focusing on CCSVI and its relationship to MS MSSRF funds a $3.8 million study on progressive forms of MS 1981 1996 1998 2000 2004 2008 2010 2011 1995 1997 1999 2004 2006 2009 2011 2011 Betaseron ® (interferon beta-1b) approved by Health Canada for treatment of people with relapsing-remitting MS Copaxone ® (glatiramer acetate) approved in Canada for people with RRMS who are able to walk to reduce frequency of attacks Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation (MSSRF) funds Canadian Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility in MS, in the amount of $4.7 million over three years Betaseron ® (interferon beta-1b) approved by Health Canada as a treatment for secondary-progressive MS, to slow the progression of disability and to reduce the frequency of MS attacks MSSRF funds a five-year, $4.3 million study on children who experience an initial attack of MS and who go on to experience a second, in hope of identifying key triggers which cause MS Tysabri ® (natalizumab) approved for treatment of RRMS to reduce the frequency of relapses, delay the progression of disability and reduce the number and volume of brain lesions seen on MRI Extavia ® (interferon beta-1b) approved in Canada for reduction of relapses in RRMS and slowing of disability in secondaryprogressive MS Gilenya ® (fingolimod), first oral diseasemodifying therapy for MS, approved in Canada MS Society funded study at the University of Alberta discovers new MRI method that measures iron levels in brain tissue to track disease progression
special feature: Spotlight on research Whether discovering new ways to treat symptoms or trying to find a cure, researchers are working hard to make advances that will benefit the lives of people with MS. Through research in the areas of myelin repair, symptom management, environment as a possible cause and the development of treatments for MS, the research of today looks to form a path to a brighter future for those who live with MS. In this special feature, we are pleased to highlight some of the important research happening right now in the MS community. myelin repair Myelin is the fatty coating that protects and surrounds nerve fibres within the central nervous system. Often compared to the insulating material around electrical wiring, myelin aids the conduction of electrical signals between neurons within the spinal cord and brain. Multiple sclerosis involves the body’s immune system attacking and destroying myelin. Such demyelination can cause interference in transmitting nerve signals, which can cause blurred vision, slurred speech, trembling and cognitive difficulties. Some approved therapies for MS involve slowing down the body’s immune system to prevent it from attacking the myelin. Such treatment can prevent the disease from progressing and can minimize attacks. Research is currently ongoing with regard to developing techniques to induce myelin repair with antibodies; however, studies are still exploring if this method can be effective in restoring the loss of myelin in humans. What’s happening now Michael Keough university of Calgary PhD studentship Michael Keough is the recipient of a 2012 MS Society of Canada Doctoral Award for his project, “Altering the Inhibitory Microenvironment to Promote Oligodendrocyte Maturation and Remyelination.” Remyelination is characteristic in acute multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions yet often fails in chronic stages of disease. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) reside in chronic MS lesions in immature states, suggesting that inhibitory molecules in the lesion environment cause remyelination failure. Extracellular matrix molecules called “chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans” are abnormally elevated in chronic MS lesions, and data indicates that they are responsible for remyelination failure. Mr. Keough’s goal is to further analyze these molecules and seek therapeutics to overcome their inhibition of OPCs, such that remyelination can be possible in chronic stages of MS. “There are currently no MS medications targeted to directly impact regeneration of lost myelin,” Keough says. “A new angle of treatment, in combination with current and advancing immunomodulatory therapies, may be beneficial to people living with MS.” ms canada Fall/Winter 2012 5
Page 1 and 2: Volume 39 • Issue 2 Research and
Page 3: Friendly Visiting Volunteer Program
Page 7 and 8: environment as a possible cause of
Page 9 and 10: canadian Physical Activity Guidelin
Page 11 and 12: Lacey Andreas inspires the movement

Research and treatment timeline: 30+ years of ms milestones | 4

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