MS in the media - 8 September 2017

A review of research into complementary and alternative therapies for MS that found that most of the published research isn't very good and make it difficult to make conclusions about effectiveness

Source: MSIF

MS Trust link: Complementary and alternative medicine

An extension study followed people who had taken cladribine for two years as part of the CLARITY trial for a further two years. One group continues to take cladribine, the other was moved onto a placebo. Whilst demonstrating the sustainable effects of the treatment, the results suggest that people don't need to take the drug after the initial two year period.

Source: Merck press release

MS Trust link: Cladribine (Mavenclad)

Initial results from a phase III study that found Gilenya (fingolimod) was better than Avonex (beta interferon 1a) at reducing relapses in people with MS aged between 10 and 17. Full results will be presented at the joint ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS meeting in October

Source: Pharma Times
Source: Medpage Today

MS Trust link: Childhood MS

A Canadian study of people with an average age of 65 found that perceptions of fatigue, disability or social support were similar between men and women with MS.  Men had a worse opinion of their overall health, were less resilient and participated less in life roles. Men were also more likely to be depressed. Women were more likely to be anxious.

Source: MS News Today

MS Trust link: MS research updates